Book of Kells

The Book of Kells

The Mythological Cycle (or Book of Invasions or Aliens) deals with the battles for Ireland by six different races, and includes the retreat of the Danaans (gods) to Tir Na Nog beneath the hollow hills, the victory of the Milesians (mortals) and the death of Conary Mor, High King of all Ireland at Tara. This cycle is the nearest thing to a Celtic creation myth.

The Ulster Cycle (or Ultonian or Connorian) deals with The Curse of Ulster, the reign of Conchobor Mac Nesa, King of Ulster at Emain Macha, his battles with the other three Irish provinces (Connacht, Leinster and Munster), his champion Cuchulainn and his fellow warriors of the Red Branch warband, and The Tain (The Cattle Raid of Cooley). It probably originated in the late La Tene period, 3-1 BC.

The Fenian Cycle (or Ossianic) deals with Finn mac Cumhal, leader of the Fianna warband which roamed Ireland during the reign of Cormac mac Art, the High King of all Ireland who ruled from Tara. Generally accepted to have originated in around the 3rd century AD.

The Historical Cycle (or Cycle of the Kings) is a mishmash of heavily Christianised stories, including adventures, voyages and visions. It stretches from Labraid Loingsech, King of Leinster in the 3rd century BC, up to Brian Boramha, High King of all Ireland from 1001 to 1014 AD.

In Irish-Celtic mythology, the Tuatha Dé Danann are the Irish race of gods, founded by the goddess Danu. These gods, who originally lived on the islands in the west, had perfected the use of magic. They traveled on a big cloud to the land that later would be called Ireland and settled there. Shortly after their arrival they defeated the Firbolg at the first battle of Mag Tuireadh. In the second battle of Mag Tuireadh they fought and conquered the Fomorians, a race of giants who were the primordial inhabitants of Ireland. The Tuatha Dé dealt more subtly with the Fomorians than with the Firbolg, and gave them the province of Connacht. There was also some marrying between the two races.

The Tuatha Dé themselves were later driven to the underworld by the Milesians, the people of the fabulous spanish king Milesius. There they still live as invisible beings and are known as the Aes sidhe. In a just battle, they will fight beside mortals. When they fight, they go armed with lances of blue flame and shields of pure white. The Epic of the Tuatha Dé Danann is the first Cycle of Irish storytelling.