An Irish Myth Concordance

by Mike Nichols


'Myth is what we call other people's religion.'
--Joseph Campbell

The following concordance is based on 'Gods and Fighting Men' by Lady Augusta Gregory, first published in 1904. Page number references are to the 1976 trade paperback edition published by the MacMillan Company of Canada Limited. Breif supplimentary material is taken from 'Dictionary of Irish Myth and Legend' by Ronan Coghlan, published in 1979 by Donard Publishing Comapany, and referenced as 'DIM' in the following text.

As this is intended to be a concordance of the Irish mythological cycle only (as opposed to heroic, legendary, or historical material), references are limited to Part I, Books I - V, of Lady Gregory's volume. 'Gods and Fighting Men' was selected as the primary text for this concordance because it represents the most comprehensive synthesis of variant sources (both published and oral) ever attempted as a continuous narrative of Irish mythology. Lady Gregory lists her published sources as follows:


O'Curry, 'Manners and Customs of the Ancient Irish'

         'MSS. Materials'

         'Atlantis'

De Jubainville, 'Cycle Mythologique'

                'Epope'e Celtique'

Hennessy, 'Chronicum Scotorum'

Atkinson, 'Book of Leinster'

          'Annals of the Four Masters'

Nennius, 'Hist. Brit.' (Irish Version)

Zimmer, 'Glossae Hibernacae'

Whitley Stokes, 'Three Irish Glossaries'

                'Revue Celtique'

                'Irische Texte'

                'Gaedelica'

                'Dinnsenchus'

Nutt, 'Voyage of Bran'

      'Proceedings Ossianic Society'

O'Beirne Crowe, 'Arma Columcille'

                Dean of Lismore's Book

Windisch, 'Irische Texte'

Hennessy et. al., 'Revue Celtique'

                  'Kilkenny Archaeological Journal'

Keatinge's 'History'

           'Oyia'

Curtin's 'Folk Tales'

         'Proceedings Royal Irish Academy'

         'MSS. Series'

Dr. Sigerson, 'Bards of Gael and Gall'

              Miscellanies, 'Celtic Society'

Muller, 'Revue Celtique'

Standish Hayes O'Grady, 'Silva Gaedelica'


Abhean - son of Bicelmos, he was the harper of the Tuatha de Danaan, brought from the hills by the Men of the Three Gods (37).

Aedh (1) - killed by Brian, he was one of the three sons of Miochaoin (q.v.), the others being Corc and Conn (59)

Aedh (2) - along with Angus and Artrach, one of the three sons of Bodb Dearg, he was the comeliest of them. Troops of poets from Ireland and Alban used to be with him, so that his place was called 'The Rath of Aedh of the Poets' (78).

Aedh (3) - a son of the Dagda, he was killed by Corrgenn, who suspected Aedh was involved with his wife (82)

Aer - one of two Druids of the Sons of the Gael (the other was Eithis) who was killed in the first battle against the Tuatha De Danaan, and was given a great burial (75)

Ai - the plain where Niall pursued Cailcheir, before it went through a lake (81)

Aife - along with two other daughters of Midhir of the Yellow Hair, Doirenn and Aillbhe, she was given as wife to one of the three sons of Lugaidh Menn (79).

Ailbhe - (Ai-noo-al) one of the three daughters of Oilell and a foster-child of Bodb Dearg (124)

Ailell Anglonach - of the One Fault, brother of Eochaid Feidlech, he fell in love with his brother's wife, Etain, and pined for her until she agreed to heal him (95)

Aillbhe - along with two other daughters of Midhir of the Yellow Hair, Doirenn and Aife, she was given as wife to one of the three sons of Lugaidh Menn (79).

Aille - the daughter of Cormac (q.v.) (107)

Aine (1) - the daughter of Modharn, who gave a cook to the sons of Lugaidh Menn (79)

Aine (2) - some said she was the daughter of Manannan, but some said she was the Morrigu, she owned the Cathair Aine. But she often gave her love to men, and she was called Leanan Sidhe, the Sweetheart of the Sidhe (86). Wisps of straw are burned in her honor on St. John's Eve. She is associated with meadow-sweet, and invoked against sickness. According to legend, she was raped by the king of Munster (DIM).

Ainge - she was a daughter of the Dagda, who made her a great vat (81)

Airmed - sister of Miach, she spread her cloak on which to arrange the herbs which sprang from the grave of her murdered brother. But Diancecht, still jealous of Miach, mixed up the herbs, so that no one knows all their right powers to this day (35). She was the daughter of Diancecht and sister of Octruil, and helped them in their healing work at the well of Slaine (64)

Airnelach - brother of Tadg and Eoghan, he was captured by Cathmann and made to cut firing (115), but was later rescued by Tadg (120)

Amergin - one of the sons of Miled (q.v.), he spoke with Banba upon Slieve Mis (71) and was sent as messenger to the Tuatha De Danaan (72) and quieted the storm sent against his people by them and was the first to set foot in Ireland after that (74). Heber gave him a share of the two provinces of Munster after the Battle of Tailltin (75).

Angus - along with Artrach and Aedh, one of the three sons of Bodb Dearg (78)

Angus Og - son of the Dagda, he advised his father how to kill Cridenbel and what reward to ask of Bres (33). After the second battle of Magh Tuireadh, only four men of the Fomor were left in Ireland, and they were driven out one Samhain night by Morrigu and Angus Og (67). He was considered for kingship of the Tuatha de Danaan after their defeat (77). Also called the Frightener or Disturber, for the unrest he occasioned in horses and cattle (83). His loves included Enghi, Derbrenn, and Caer Ormaith (84). He was the Irish love-god (DIM).

Anvil of the Dese - see Indeoin na Dese (81)

Aobh - (Aev, or Eev) the eldest of the three daughters of Oilell, foster-daughter of Bodb Dearg and wife of Lir and, by him, mother of Fionnuala, Aodh, Fiachra, and Conn, though she died bringing the latter two to birth (125)

Aodh - (Ae, rhyming to 'day') one of the four children of Lir and Aobh, he was turned into a swan by Aoife, Lir's jealous second wife (126)

Aodh Aithfhiosach - of the quick wits, a son of Bodb Dearg, he was sent in search of the children of Lir (132)

Aoibhell - (Evill) a woman of the Sidhe who dwelt at Craig Liath, she tried to prevent her lover from joining a battle (87). Her harp fortells death for any who hear it (88).

Aoife - (Eefa) one of the three daughters of Oilell and a foster-child of Bodb Dearg (124), she became the wife of Lir after her sister Aobh had died in childbirth (125). Through jealousy, she changed Aobh's four children into swans at Loch Dairbhreach (126)

Aonbharr - styled 'of the One Mane', he is Manannan's horse, as swift as the naked cold wind of spring. She can gallop across the sea, and no rider was ever killed off her back (41). She was often ridden by Lugh (43).

Arias - styled the 'fair-haired poet', one of the four wise men and teachers of the Tuatha de Danaan before they came to Ireland. His home was Finias (27).

Arranan - one of the sons of Miled (q.v.), he died by falling from the mast to the deck of his ship as the Sons of the Gael attempted their second landing in Ireland (73)

Artrach - along with Angus and Aedh, one of the three sons of Bodb Dearg, he had a house with seven doors and taught the king's son of Ireland and of Alban how to throw spears and darts (78)

Athluain - a ford of the Shannon that Lugh passed on his way to do battle with Bres (45)


Badb - (Bibe) one of the greatest of the women of the Tuatha de Danaan, she was a battle goddess (27). She, along with Macha and Morrigu , used powers of enchantment to bring mists , clouds of darkness, and showers of fire and blood over the Firbolgs at Teamhair for three days (29). Sometimes regarded as the same as Nemain, her name means 'crow' and she could appear in that guise. She was the wife of Net (DIM).

Balor - styled 'of the Evil Eye' or 'of the Strong Blows' (38), he is chief king of the Fomor (36), husband of Ceithlenn and, by her, the father of Ethlinn (42). One of his eyes had the power of death in it, so that none could look at it and live (38), and he also had the power of putting on a different shape (39). He was also the father of 12 'white-mouthed' sons, all among the chief men of the Fomor (42). At the second battle of Magh Tuireadh, Lugh made a spear cast that brought Balor's evil eye out through the back of his head, instantly killing him and 27 of his own army, thus fulfilling the prophecy that he would be killed by his grandson (66).

Banba - the wife of MacCuill and a queen of the Tuatha De Danaan, one of three daughters of the Dagda whose name was given to Ireland afterwards (27), she met the Sons of the Gael on Slieve Mis and spoke with Amergin (71), and was later killed in the Battle of Tailltin (75).

Banna - one of the twelve chief rivers of Ireland (q.v.) (62)

Battle of Taillten - the great battle between the Sons of the Gael and the Tuatha De Danaan, after which the Sons of the Gael had the rulership of Ireland (75)

Bearna nah-Eadargana - the Gap of Separation, it is a place that Lugh passed on his way to do battle with Bres (45)

Bechulle - one of two witches of the Tuatha De Danaan (the other was Dianan) who had the power to turn trees and stones and sods of earth into an armed host (62)

Bed of the Dagda - in the house of the Dagda at the Brugh na Boinne (80)

Beinn Edair - the dwelling place of Tuireann (60), mentioned briefly in Ethne's complaint (58)

Belgata - the great mountain to the rear of Magh Nia in Connacht (29)

Beltaine - May Day (28)

Bennai Boirche - one of the twelve chief mountains of Ireland (q.v.) (62)

Berbhe - see Green of Berbhe (42)

Betach - see Fiachna (121)

Bicelmos - see Abhean (37)

Birog - styled 'of the Mountain', a woman-Druid who helped Cian win the love of Ethlinn who had been imprisoned in a tower. When Ethlinn bore a child (Lugh), Balor would have had it killed, but Birog rescued it (40).

Birthplace of Cermait Honey-Mouth - in the house of the Dagda at the Brugh na Boinne (80)

Blai-Slieve - one of the twelve chief mountains of Ireland (q.v.) (62)

Boann - a water goddess, wife of Nechtan and mother, by the Dagda, of Angus, she is associated with the River Boyne (DIM). Also see Dabilla (80)

Bodb - (Bove) see Rudrach and Dergcroche (117)

Bodb Dearg - (Bove Darrig) son of the Dagda, he was king of Connacht when Bres and his army landed in Ireland to battle Lugh (43). He lived at Sidhe Femen, was eldest among the children of the Dagda, and was given the kingship of the Tuatha de Danaan after their defeat (77). His three sons were Angus, Artrach, and Aedh (78), his daughter was Scathniamh (80) and his musician was Fertuinne (79). Two other sons were Aodh Aithfhiosach and Fergus Fithchiollach (132)

Boinn - variant of Boinne, one of the twelve chief rivers of Ireland (q.v.) (62)

Boinne - the salmon of the dumb Boinne are mentioned briefly in Ethne's complaint (58)

Bran (1) - the son of Tuiren (68)

Bran (2) - son of Febal, he was called by the silver branch to board a boat and journey to the Land of Women, Tir na mBan (105)

Brath - see Mide (68)

Breagan - see Cuailgne (75)

Bres - son of Eri and Elathan (35), a champion of the Tuatha de Danaan, he was sent to meet Sreng of the Firbolgs (28). He was the most beautiful of all the young men, and he was chosen king after Nuada (31). 'As beautiful as Bres' was a common saying. However, he was known for his lack of hospitality (32), and was deposed when Nuada was reinstated as king (35). By Brigit, he was father of Ruadan (64).

Bresal Etarlaim - the Druid who helped Fuamach to destroy Etain (88)

Bri - the daughter of Midhir, she died of a broken heart because she could not be with her love, Leith, and the hill of Bri Leith, the spot where she died, was named for them (88)

Bri Leith - home of Midhir the Proud (77), named after his daughter Bri, and her love Leith (88)

Bri Ruri - one of the twelve chief mountains of Ireland (q.v.) (62)

Brian - styled 'Flame of Valour' (60), along with Iuchar and Iucharba, he is one of the three sons of Tuireann (47) and his sister, the daughter of Tuireann, was Ethne (50). He had the power to change his own shape and that of his two brothers (51). He caused the death of Cian (44), Tuis (53), Pisear (54), Dobar (55), Miochaoin and his three sons (59).

Brigit - one of the greatest of the women of the Tuatha de Danaan, she was a woman of poetry, healing, and smith's work. Her name came from Breo-saighit, meaning a fiery arrow (27). She was daughter of the Dagda and, by Bres, mother of Ruadan (64)

Brugh na Boinn - (or Brugh na Boinne - 57) the place where Lugh kept the Scuabtuinne (50) and the place where the Dagda had his house which Angus took from him by trickery (81)

Buan - the nine lasting hazels of Buan dropped their nuts into the Well of Knowledge where the salmon would eat them, sending their husks floating out on the five streams that flowed from the well (108 & 110)

Buas - one of the twelve chief rivers of Ireland (q.v.) (62)


Caer of the Fair Hair - see Inis Cenn-fhinne (49)

Cailcheir - one of the swine of Debrann, it was called by Corann's harping (81)

Cainte - Cian, Cu, and Ceithen were the three sons of Cainte, and they had a long-standing feud with the three sons of Tuireann (43)

Cairbre - see Erc (31)

Camel - son of Riagall, he was one of the two door-keepers at Teamhair when Lugh first arrived (37)

Caoilte - (Cweeltia) one of the last of the Fianna, he was loved by Scathniamh (80)

Carn Corrslebe - a place near Loch Ce' (67)

Carpre - (variant of Corpre) he had the power to compose a satire that would shame men so they could not stand against fighting men (62)

Carpre Lifecar - the son of Cormac (q.v.) (107)

Cassmail - one of the Tuatha De Danaan, he was killed by Octriallach at the second battle of Magh Tuireadh (65)

Cathair Aine - a stone belonging to Aine that would cause madness in someone who sat on it (86)

Cathbad - the Druid, he aided Conchubar in treacherously slaying the sons of Usnach (97)

Cathmann - son of Tabarn and king of Fresen, he captured Tadg, his wife (whom he took as his own wife), and two brothers (115), but was later killed by him (120)

Cauldron - one of the four great treasures the Tuatha de Danaan brought to Ireland from the north. It came from the city of Murias, and no one ever went from it unsatisfied (27).

Ce' - the Druid of Nuada, he was wounded in the second battle of Magh Tuireadh, and when he died and was buried near Carn Corrslebe, a lake burst out over his grave and it was called Loch Ce'. (67)

Cecht - the plough (28)

Ceis Corain - the place where the champions of Connacht (all except Niall) gave up their pursuit of Cailcheir (81)

Ceithen - along with Cian (q.v.) and Cu, he was one of the three sons of Cainte. Cu and Ceithen went towards the south, while Cian went north, to gather the Riders of the Sidh to help Lugh in his battle with Bres (43).

Ceithlenn - styled 'of the Crooked Teeth, she was queen of the Fomor, the wife of Balor and, by him, the mother of Ethlinn (42) She gave the Dagda a dreadful wound at the second battle of Magh Tuireadh (65)

Celtchar of Cualu - see Leith (88)

Cermait - styled 'Honey-Mouth', son of the Dagda, his three sons shared the kingship of Ireland at the time of the invasion of the Sons of the Gael (72), and were killed in the Battle of Tailltin (75). His birthplace was the house of the Dagda at Brugh na Boinne (80).

Cesair - the first that ever reached Ireland, she later dwelt on Inislocha where Tadg met her (118)

Cesarn - one of the three Druids of the Firbolgs who broke the enchantment laid upon them by Badb, Macha, and Morrigu (30)

Children of Rudraighe - see Eimher (75)

Ciabhan - (Kee-a-van) of the Curling Hair, the King of Ulster's son, he went to Manannan's country (111), won the love of Cliodna, but lost her due to the treachery of Iuchnu (112)

Cian (1) - a man of the Tuatha de Danaan (27), brother of Goibniu and Samthainn (39), and father of Lugh by Ethlinn (37), he was present when Nechtan deceived King Bres (32). He lived at Druim na Teine (39), and his famous cow was the Glas Gaibhnenn (39). Along with two other brothers, Cu and Ceithen, he was one of the three sons of Cainte (43). He had the power of shape-shifting and was killed (by Brian) while in the form of a pig (44).

Cian (2) - son of Olioll and father of Tadg (114)

Cliach - the Harper of the King of the Three Rosses in Connacht, he vainly sought one of Bodb Dearg's daughters in marriage. Loch Bel Sead sprang up under his feet (77).

Cliodna - (Cleevna) of the Fair Hair, daughter of Gebann, she gave her love to Ciabhan but, through the treachery of Iuchnu, she was drowned (112) She had three colorful birds, whose sweet singing could lull the sick to sleep (DIM).

Codal - of the Withered Breast, he threw yew rods for Eochaid to discover the hiding place of Midhir and Etain (96)

Coir-cethar-chuin - 'the Four-Angled Music', it was another name for Uaitne (q.v.) (67)

Coll - the hazel-tree (28)

Collbrain - see Nechtan (106)

Colpa - one of the sons of Miled (q.v.), his ship was wrecked as the Sons of the Gael attempted their second landing in Ireland, and he drowned while trying to reach land at Inver Colpa (73)

Colum Cuaillemech - styled 'of the Three New Ways', he was a smith of the Tuatha de Danaan (37)

Comb and the Casket of the Dagda's wife - a hill near the house of the Dagda at Brugh na Boinne (80)

Compar - a messenger and tax-gatherer of the Fomor, he was one of the four hardest and most cruel, the other three being Eine, Eathfaigh, and Coron (41)

Conaire - High King of Ireland, grandson of Etain and Eochaid, who got his death by Midhir and his people (96)

Conall Cearnach - of the Red Branch of Ulster, he was descended from the line of the sons of Eimher (75) The slayer of Anluan, he originally may have been a horned god (DIM).

Conan Maol - it was his gold, hidden in a cairn, that Caoilte gave to Scathniamh as a bride-price (80) One of the Fianna, he was regarded as something of a buffoon (DIM).

Conchubar Abratrudh - of the Red Brows, the father of Liban (115)

Conn (1) - killed by Brian, he was one of the three sons of Miochaoin (q.v.), the others being Corc and Aedh (59)

Conn (2) - of the Hundred Battles, King of Teamhair, grandfather of Cormac (106), he tried to stop his son Connla from going to Manannan's country (113)

Conn (3) - one of the four children of Lir and Aobh, he was turned into a swan by Aoife, Lir's jealous second wife (126)

Connacht - one of the five provinces of Ireland (31), it is where the Tuatha de Danaan first landed (27). Both Magh Rein (28) and Magh Nia (with the mountain Belgata) were there (29), as well as the river Unius (61). It was the province chosen by Sreng for the Firbolgs after they were defeated by the Tuatha de Danaan (31).

Connla - of the Red Hair, son of Conn, he went to Manannnan's country despite his father's efforts to prevent it (113)

Coran - the Druid of Conn, he tried to keep Connla from being taken to Manannan's country (113)

Corann (1) - Lugh passed through the 'place of the bright-faced Corann' on his way to do battle with Bres (45)

Corann (2) - Diancecht's harper, and the best harper of the Dagda's household, he called Cailcheir with his harp (81)

Corc - killed by Brian, he was one of the three sons of Miochaoin (q.v.), the others being Conn and Aedh (59)

Cormac - grandson of Conn, King of Teamhair, he journeyed to Manannan's country to bring back his wife, Ethne; his daughter, Aille; and his son, Carpre Lifecar (106)

Coron - a messenger and tax-gatherer of the Fomor, he was one of the four hardest and most cruel, the other three being Eine, Eathfaigh, and Compar (41)

Corpre - son of Etain, he was a poet of the Tuatha de Danaan who cursed Bres for his lack of hospitality with the first satire ever made in Ireland (34)

Corr Slieve na Seaghsa - the Round Mountain of the Poet's Spring, it is a place that Lugh passed on his way to do battle with Bres (45)

Corrgenn - a great man of Connacht who, while visiting the Dagda, killed Aedh because he suspected him to be involved with his wife (82)

Craisech - thick-handled spears belonging to Sreng, they were sharp at the sides though they had no points (29)

Credenus - styled 'the Craftsman', he was a chief among the Tuatha de Danaan (27)

Credne Cerd - styled 'the Brazier' (64), a worker in brass for the Tuatha de Danaan (37)

Cridenbel - an idle blind man with a sharp tongue who always demanded the Dagda's three best bits of food. Starving, the Dagda hid three pieces of gold in the three bits and this killed Cridenbel (33).

Crimthan Cass - the King of Connacht and father of Laegaire (121)

Cron - mother of Fianlug, she was at the forge of Goibniu grinding spears when Ruadan was killed (64)

Crow of Battle - see Morrigu (27)

Cruacha - the maidservant of Etain who accompanied her when she departed with Midhir. Cruachan in Connacht was named after her (96)

Cruachan Aigle - one of the twelve chief mountains of Ireland (q.v.) (62)

Cu - along with Cian (q.v.) and Ceithen, he was one of the three sons of Cainte. Cu and Ceithen went towards the south, while Cian went north, to gather the Riders of the Sidh to help Lugh in his battle with Bres (43).

Cuailgne - the son of Breagan, he and his brother Fuad, two of the best leaders of the Sons of the Gael, were both killed in the rout of the Tuatha De Danaan (he at Slieve Cuailgne), following the Battle of Tailltin (75)

Cualu - the home of Celtchar (88)

Cuan - the wood of Cuan was cleared away by Duach and the men of Ireland so there could be a gathering around Taillte's grave (68)

Culain - although he may have been Manannan in another guise, he was the great smith, originally living on the Island of Falga, who was invited by Conchubar to live on the plains of Muirthemne, where Cuchulain killed his great dog and thereafter took the name Cuchulain, meaning 'the hound of Culain' (98)


Dabilla - a little hound belonging to Boann (80)

Dagda, the - father of Eire, Fodla, Banba (27), Angus Og (33), Bodb Dearg (43), Brigit (64), Cermait (72), Ainge and Diancecht (81).. Known as a good builder, he was ordered by Bres to build raths (33). Styled 'the good god' (63) and 'the Red Man of all Knowledge' (80), he got a dreadful wound from a spear thrown by Ceithlenn in the second battle of Magh Tuireadh (65) and he owned a magic harp called Uaitne (67). His house was at the Brugh na Boinne, where Dichu was his steward and Len Linfiaclach was the smith (81). His personal name was Eochaid O Uathair, and he had a magical club which could slay or heal (DIM).

Dalbaech - see Elathan (1) (35)

Dalbh - see Goll (121)

Dana - greatest of the women of the Tuatha de Danaan (from whom they take their name), she was called the Mother of the Gods (28)

De Domnann - see Indech (61)

Debrann - owned Cailcheir, the swine that was called by Corann's harping (81)

Delbaeth (1) - see Elathan (3) (61)

Delbaith (2) - see Eri (35)

Denda Ulad - one of the twelve chief mountains of Ireland (q.v.) (62)

Deorgreine - a Tear of the Sun, daughter of Fiachna, she was given to Laegaire as his wife in Magh Mell (123)

Derc-Loch - one of the twelve chief lochs of Ireland (q.v.) (62)

Dergcroche - son of Bodb, he and his brother Rudrach were the two kings of Inislocha (117)

Dianan - one of two witches of the Tuatha De Danaan (the other was Bechulle) who had the power to turn trees and stones and sods of earth into an armed host (62)

Diancecht - father of Miach (34), he was a chief among the Tuatha de Danaan, and understood healing (27). He fashioned an arm of silver for Nuada, who had lost his own in battle (34). Also father of Octruil and Airmed, he restored slain warriors in the healing well of Slaine (64). His father was the Dagda and his harper was Corann (81).

Dichu - steward first to the Dagda (81) and then to Angus (82)

Dobar - the King of Siogair killed by Brian (55), he was the owner of two horses and a chariot that were among the payments that Lugh demanded from the sons of Tuireann for the death of Cian (49)

Doirenn - along with two other daughters of Midhir of the Yellow Hair, Aife and Aillbhe, she was given as wife to one of the three sons of Lugaidh Menn (79).

Dolb - the smith of the Fomor (63)

Donall Donn-Ruadh - styled 'of the Red-brown Hair', he was one of the sons of Manannan. His brothers included Sgoith Gleigeil, Goitne Gorm-Shuileach, and Sine Sindearg. His foster brother was Lugh (41).

Donn - one of the sons of Miled (q.v.), he and twenty-four others died when the ship he commanded was wrecked as the Sons of the Gael attempted their second landing in Ireland (73)

Druim Cain - Teamhair (q.v.) (31)

Druim na Descan - Teamhair (q.v.) (31)

Druim na Teine - the Ridge of Fire, the dwelling place of the three brothers, Goibniu, Samthainn, and Cian

Druimne - son of Luchair, he made a cooking oven for the Dagda at Teamhair (80)

Duach (1) - see Echaid (37)

Duach (2) - styled 'the Dark', husband of Taillte, he built the Fort of the Hostages in Teamhair, and organized the men of Ireland to cut down the wood of Cuan (68)

Dur-da-Bla - 'the Oak of Two Blossoms', it was another name for Uaitne (q.v.) (67)


Eab - son of Neid, he was one of the chief men of the Fomor (42)

Eadon - one of the greatest of the women of the Tuatha de Danaan, she was called the nurse of poets (27)

Eas Dara - in west Connacht, it is the harbour where Bres and his army landed in Ireland to battle Lugh (43)

Easal - the King of the Golden Pillars, he was the owner of seven self-regenerating pigs that were among the payments that Lugh demanded from the sons of Tuireann for the death of Cian (49). A daughter of Easal's was the wife of the King of Ioruaidh (56).

Eathfaigh - a messenger and tax-gatherer of the Fomor, he was one of the four hardest and most cruel, the other three being Eine, Coron, and Compar (41)

Echaid - styled 'the Rough', son of Duach, he was foster-father of Lugh (37)

Eimher - (Aevir) the son of Ir, he divided Ulster between himself and some other chiefs of the Sons of the Gael following the Battle of Tailltin. It was of his sons, that were called the Children of Rudraighe, and that lived in Emain Macha for 900 years, that both Fergus and Conall Cearnach were descended. (75)

Eine - a messenger and tax-gatherer of the Fomor, he was one of the four hardest and most cruel, the other three being Eathfaigh, Coron, and Compar (41)

Eire - variant of Eriu, one of the greatest of the women of the Tuatha de Danaan, she was one of three daughters of the Dagda who gave her name to Ireland (27)

Eithis - one of two Druids of the Sons of the Gael (the other was Aer) who was killed in the first battle against the Tuatha De Danaan, and was given a great burial (75)

Elathan (1) - the son of Dalbaech and a king of the Fomor, he was father of Bres by Eri, a woman of the Tuatha de Danaan (35). He came to her over the sea in a vessel of silver, himself having the appearance of a young man with yellow hair, wearing clothes of gold and five gold torcs (35).

Elathan (2) - son of Lobos, he was one of the Fomor who took part in the Second Battle of Magh Tuireadh (61)

Elathan (3) - son of Delbaeth, he was one of the Fomor who took part in the Second Battle of Magh Tuireadh (61)

Emhain Abhlach - (Avvin -------) an island paradise, the place to which Bran journeyed (105)

Emain Macha - the capitol of Ulster, named after the twins of Macha (DIM), the place where the Children of Rudraighe lived for 900 years (75)

Emmass - see Macha (65)

Eochaid (1) - (Eohee) son of Erc, he was king of the Firbolgs when the Tuatha de Danaan first came to Ireland (28)

Eochaid (2) - along with Fiacha and Ruide, one of the sons of Lugaidh Menn, King of Ireland (78)

Eochaid (3) - son of Sal, he was killed by Fiachna after capturing his wife (121)

Eochaid Feidlech - also called Airem, of the Plough, High King of Ireland, he wedded the reborn Etain (by whom he had a daughter, Esa), but lost her to Midhir in a chess game, but got her back by beseiging Bri Leith (96)

Eoghan - (Owen) brother of Tadg and Airnelach, he was captured by Cathmann and made to run a ferry (115), but was later rescued by Tadg (120)

Erc (1) - see Eochaid (1) (28)

Erc (2) - descended from the children of Sreng in Connacht, the son of Cairbre, he gave Cuchulain his death (31)

Erc (3) - son of Ethaman, he was a teller of tales for the Tuatha de Danaan (37)

Eremon - one of the sons of Miled (q.v.), he spoke with Eriu upon the hill of Uisnech (72)

Eri - a woman of the Tuatha de Danaan (32), the daughter of Delbaith, she was mother of Bres by Elathan, a king of the Fomor (35). She was the wife of Cethor (DIM).

Eriu - variant of Eire, the wife of MacGreine and a queen of the Tuatha De Danaan whose name was given to Ireland afterwards, she met the Sons of the Gael on the hill of Uisnech, and talked with Eremon. One moment she would be a wide-eyed beautiful queen, and the next she would be a sharp-beaked, grey-white crow (72). She led the Tuatha De Danaan in the first battle fought against the Sons of the Gael, but was beaten back to Tailltin where she was killed in the Battle of Tailltin (75).

Esa - daughter of Etain and Eochaid Feidlech (96)

Ess Dara - near Magh Tuireadh-2 (q.v.) (63)

Ess Ruadh - home of Ilbrech (77)

Etain - see Corpre (34)

Etain Echraide - the second wife of Midhir, she was driven out by Fuamach, taken in by Angus, turned into a fly by Fuamach, swallowed by Etar's wife, and reborn as Etain, later the wife of Eochaid Feidlech (by whom she had a daughter, Esa), who lost her to Midhir in a chess game, but got her back by attacking Midhir's stronghold at Bri Leith (95)

Etar - of Inver Cechmaine, King of the Riders of the Sidhe, his wife swallowed Etain in the form of a fly who fell into her drinking cup, and nine months later gave birth to her again (89)

Ethaman - see Erc (3) (37)

Ethlinn - daughter of Balor and Ceithlenn (42), she was mother of Lugh by Cian (37). Because a Druid foretold that Balor would get his death from his own grandson, Balor locked Ethlinn in a tower (attended by 12 women) to keep her away from men. Described as 'tall and beautiful', she came to Teamhair after the second battle of Magh Tuireadh, and married Tadg. By him, she was mother of Muirne and Tuiren. (68)

Ethne (1) - daughter of Tuireann and sister of Brian, Iuchar, and Iucharba (50)

Ethne (2) - the wife of Cormac (q.v.) (107)


Fachtna - physician to Eochaid Feidlech (91)

Fail-Inis - a beautiful whelp belonging to the King of Ioruaidh, the Cold Country, that was among the payments that Lugh demanded from the sons of Tuireann for the death of Cian (49). This king's wife was a daughter of Easal's (56).

Fais - the wife of Un, she was killed in the first battle fought between the Tuatha De Danaan and the Sons of the Gael, in the place later called the Valley of Fais (75)

Falias - styled 'great', one of the four cities of the Tuatha de Danaan before they came to Ireland. Its teacher was Morias, and its treasure was the Lia Fal, the Stone of Virtue (27)

Falga - see Island of Falga

Fand - daughter of Flidhais, her bright vessels were made by Len Linfiaclach (81). Manannan's wife, and Cuchulain's mistress (DIM). Fathadh Canaan - descended from the line of Ith, he held sway over the whole world, taking hostages of the streams, the birds and the languages (76)

Feast of the Age - Manannan made this feast for the Tuatha de Danaan (after they were defeated) where they ate his magic swine and drank Goibniu's ale (77).

Febal - see Bran (103)

Fer Ferdiad - of the Tuatha De Danaan, he was a Druid and pupil of Manannan who was killed by him for causing the death of Tuag (97)

Ferdiad - descended from the children of Sreng in Connacht, he made a good fight against Cuchulain (31). He was one of the race called Gaileoin (76)

Fergus - the son of Rogh, he was descended from the line of the sons of Eimher (75)

Fergus Fithchiollach - of the chess, a son of Bodb Dearg, he was sent in search of the children of Lir (132)

Fertuinne - son of Trogain, he was a magician given by Bodb Dearg to the sons of Lugaidh Menn (79)

Fiacha - along with Eochaid and Ruide, one of the sons of Lugaidh Menn, King of Ireland (78)

Fiachna - son of Betach and father of Deorgreine (123), of the men of the Sidhe, his wife was captured by Eochaid, whom he killed, but she was then given to a nephew, Goll (121), but Goll was killed by Laegaire and Fiachna's wife was restored to him (122)

Fiachra - one of the four children of Lir and Aobh, he was turned into a swan by Aoife, Lir's jealous second wife (126)

Fianlug - see Cron (64)

Fianna of Ireland - a band of legendary soldiers and Finn was the head of them (68)

Figal - see Gamal (37)

Figol - son of Mamos, he was a Druid of the Tuatha de Danaan who had the power to cause showers of fire to fall on his enemies (62)

Findemas - see Findgoll (32)

Findgoll - son of Findemas, a Druid who advised Nechtan in the deceiving of King Bres (32)

Finias - one of the four cities of the Tuatha de Danaan before they came to Ireland. Its teacher was Arias, and its treasure was the Spear of Victory (27)

Finn - son of Muirne, he was Head of the Fianna of Ireland (68)

Fionn - one of the twelve chief rivers of Ireland (q.v.) (62)

Fionnuala - one of the four children of Lir and Aobh, she was turned into a swan by Aoife, Lir's jealous second wife (126)

Firbolg - styled 'the Men of the Bag', they were the people who lived in Ireland before the Tuatha de Danaan but after the people of Nemed, and they had come from the South (28)

First Battle of Magh Tuireadh - the first battle fought in Ireland by the Tuatha de Danaan (31). Begun at Midsummer, the Firbolgs were defeated after four days (30).

Flidais - Lugh wore the cloak of the daughters of Flidais when the sons of Tuireann returned to Ireland to pay him their fine (57)

Flidhais - see Fand (81)

Fodla - (Fola) daughter of the Dagda, wife of MacCecht, and a queen of the Tuatha De Danaan whose name was given to Ireland afterwards, she met the Sons of the Gael on Sliive, and whoever it was bared against would lose their strength (41)

Fresen - a beautiful country, of which Cathmann was king, that lay to the south-east of the Great Plain (114)

Fuad - he and his brother Cuailgne, two of the best leaders of the Sons of the Gael, were both killed in the rout of the Tuatha De Danaan (he at Slieve Fuad), following the Battle of Tailltin (75)

Fuamach - the very jealous first wife of Midhir, she attempted to destroy Etain with magic, and was herself killed by Angus for it (89)


Gae Bulg - the spear of Cuchulain (DIM)

Gaedhal - styled 'of the Shining Armour' and 'the Very Gentle'. The sons of Gaedhal were also called the Sons of the Gael (q.v.) (71)

Gael - see Sons of the Gael (71)

Gaible - son of Nuada of the Silver Hand, he stole a vat from Ainge and hurled it away (81)

Gaible's Wood - the beautiful wood that sprang up on the spot where Ainge's vat was hurled by Gaible (81)

Gaileoin - a race of Ireland that had a reputation for lies, big talk, injustice, and good fighters (Ferdiad was one of them), but the Druids drove them out of Ireland (76)

Gairech - one of two hills (the other being Ilgairech) that Lugh passed on his way to do battle with Bres (45)

Gamal - son of Figal, he was one of the two door-keepers at Teamhair when Lugh first arrived (37)

Garbhan - he and Imheall were the Dagda's two builders, and they built the rath around the grave of Aedh, called the Hill of Aileac (82)

Garden in the East of the World - three golden apples from this garden were among the payments that Lugh demanded from the sons of Tuireann for the death of Cian (48)

Gebann - the son of Treon (119) and a chief Druid in Manannan's country, his daughter was Cliodna (112)

Glas Gaibhnenn - (Glos Gov-nan) belonging to Cian, she was a wonderful cow whose milk never failed (39)

Goll - son of Dalbh and a brother's son of Eochaid, he got Fiachna's captured wife after Eochaid died (121) but was killed in battle by Laegaire (122)

Gnathach - one of the three Druids of the Firbolgs who broke the enchantment laid upon them by Badb, Macha, and Morrigu (30)

Goibniu - styled 'the Smith' (27), the son of Tuirbe (81),and brother of Cian and Samthainn (39), he was a chief among the Tuatha de Danaan (27), and lived at Druim na Teine (39). His ale kept whoever tasted it from age and from sickness and from death (77).

Goitne Gorm-Shuileach - styled 'the Blue-eyed Spear', he was one of the sons of Manannan. His brothers included Sgoith Gleigeil, Sine Sindearg, and Donall Donn-Ruadh. His foster brother was Lugh (41).

Goll - one of the Fomor who took part in the Second Battle of Magh Tuireadh (61)

Gorias - styled 'shining', one of the four cities of the Tuatha de Danaan before they came to Ireland. Its teacher was Urias, and its treasure was the Sword (27)

Grave End - place at Indeoin na Dese where Len Linfiaclach would cast his anvil (81)

Great House of a Thousand Soldiers - in Teamhair, north of the little Hill of the Women Soldiers (31)

Great Strand - see Traig Mor (114)

Green of Berbhe - a plain in Lochlann (42)

Green of Teamhair - in Teamhair, it lay to the west of the Hill of Hostages (31)

Grellach Dollaid - also called 'the Whisper of the Men of Dea', it is the place where Lugh, Nuada, the Dagda, Ogma, and Diancecht made their secret plans to rise against the Fomor (40)

Grian - the sun (28), and a fairy queen in County Tipperary (DIM)


Hall of the Morrigu - in the house of the Dagda at the Brugh na Boinne (80)

Happy Plain - see Magh Mell

hazels of wisdom, nine - hazel-trees of inspiration and the knowledge of poetry of the Tuatha de Danaan. They grew by a well below the sea, out of which the seven streams of wisdom spring and return. In the well are the five salmon of knowledge who eat the nuts that fall from the hazel trees. If anyone eats one of the salmon, all wisdom and all poetry would be theirs (28).

Heber - one of the sons of Miled (q.v.), he was one of only three who survived when the Sons of the Gael attempted their second landing in Ireland (73). He was awarded the two provinces of Munster (less the share he gave to Amergin) after the Battle of Tailltin (75).

Heremon - one of the sons of Miled (q.v.), his ship was wrecked as the Sons of the Gael attempted their second landing in Ireland, but he got safely to land at Inver Colpa (73) He was awarded Leinster and Connacht after the Battle of Tailltin (75).

High Seat - of Teamhair, it lay to the south-west of the Hill of Hostages (31)

Hill of Aileac - 'the Hill of Sighs and of a Stone', it was the rath built over the burial site of Aedh (82)

Hill of Dabilla - a hill near the house of the Dagda at Brugh na Boinne (80)

Hill of Hostages - a hill in Teamhair, north-east of the High Seat (31)

Hill of Miochaoin - in the north of Lochlann, three shouts given on this hill were among the payments that Lugh demanded from the sons of Tuireann for the death of Cian (49)

Hill of Sighs and of a Stone - see Hill of Aileac (82)

Hill of the Axe - see Tulach na Bela (81)

Hill of the Sidhe - a hill in the north-east of Teamhair, where the well Nemnach was located (31)

Hill of the White Field - see Sidhe Fionnachaidh

Hill of the Women Soldiers - styled 'little', it lay to the south of the Great House of a Thousand Soldiers, in Teamhair (31)

Hill of Uisnech - on the west side of Teamhair, where Nuada held an assembly of his people (40)

House of the Women - in Teamhair, it is where the great feasts were held. It had seven doors to the east and seven doors to the west (31).


Ilbrech - of Ess Ruadh, he was considered for kingship of the Tuatha de Danaan after their defeat (77)

Ilgairech - one of two hills (the other being Gairech) that Lugh passed on his way to do battle with Bres (45)

Imheall - he and Garbhan were the Dagda's two builders, and they built the rath around the grave of Aedh, called the Hill of Aileac (82)

Indech - son of De Domnann and father of Octriallach, he was a king of the Fomor who fell and was crushed in the Second Battle of Magh Tuireadh (61)

Indeoin na Dese - 'the Anvil of the Dese', where Len Linfiaclach would cast his anvil every night after work (81)

Ingnathach - one of the three Druids of the Firbolgs who broke the enchantment laid upon them by Badb, Macha, and Morrigu (30)

Ingol - one of the Fomor who took part in the Second Battle of Magh Tuireadh (61)

Inis Cenn-fhinne - called the Island of the Fair-Haired Women (59) and the Island of Caer of the Fair Hair, the women of this island had a cooking-spit that was among the payments that Lugh demanded from the sons of Tuireann for the death of Cian (49)

Inis Daleb - one of the four paradises of the world, the others being Inislocha to the west, Inis Ercandra to the north and Adam's Paradise to the east (118)

Inis Ercandra - one of the four paradises of the world, the others being Inislocha to the west, Inis Daleb to the south and Adam's Paradise to the east (118)

Inislocha - Lake Island, seen by Tadg on his voyages, and ruled by two kings, Rudrach and Dergcroche, sons of Bodb (117). It is the fourth paradise of the world, the others being Inis Daleb to the South, Inis Ercandra to the north, and Adam's Paradise to the East (118)

Inver Cechmaine - home of Etar, where the reborn Etain first met Midhir while she was bathing (89)

Inver Colpa - in Leinster (75), the place got its name because Colpa, one of the sons of Miled, was drowned there, although his brother Heremon came safely to shore there (73)

Inver Sceine - in the west of Munster, it is where the race of the Sons of the Gael first landed in Ireland (71)

Inver Slane - to the north of Leinster, it is where the race of the Sons of the Gael made their first attempt to land in Ireland (71)

Ioruaidh - see Fail-Inis (49)

Ir - father of Eimher (75) and one of the sons of Miled (q.v.), he was known for his bravery in battle but he died when his ship was wrecked as the Sons of the Gael attempted their second landing in Ireland, and he was buried on Sceilg Michill (73)

Irish - the language of both the Firbolgs and the Tuatha de Danaan (29)

Island of Falga - original dwelling place of Culain, the Smith (97)

Island of Joy - Bran left some of his men ashore there on his way to Emhain (105)

Island of the Fair-Haired Women - see Inis Cenn-fhinne (59)

Island of the Tower of Glass - Balor lived there in the days the Fomor visited Ireland often. From this island, the Fomor would capture ships that passed near. They thus defeated the ships of the sons of Nemed in a time before the Firbolgs were in Ireland. (38)

Islands of Mod - islands from which Ogma was ordered by Bres to bring firing every day (32)

Ith - one of the race of the Sons of the Gael, he was killed by treachery while in Ireland, and it was to avenge his death that the race of the Sons of the Gael invaded Ireland (72). From his line was descended Fathadh Canaan (76).

Iuchar - along with Iucharba and Brian, he is one of the three sons of Tuireann (47) and his sister, the daughter of Tuireann, was Ethne (50)

Iucharba - along with Iuchar and Brian, he is one of the three sons of Tuireann (47) and his sister, the daughter of Tuireann, was Ethne (50)

Iuchnu - he played music to Cliodna in the curragh until she fell asleep and was drowned (112)


Kath Brese - the Dagda made a trench around it (33).

King of the Great Plain - father of Taillte (37)


Laegaire - son of Crimthan Cass, he killed Goll in battle in order to restore Fiachna's captured wife to him (122), after which he took Fiachna's daughter as his own wife and ruled as a king in Magh Mell (123)

Lake Island - see Inislocha (117)

Lake of Birds - see Loch na-n Ean (121)

Lake of the Dwarfs - see Loch Luchra (112)

Lake of the Oaks - see Loch Dairbhreach (126)

Land of Promise - dwelling place of the Riders of the Sidh (41). See Tir Tairngaire (111)

Land of the Ever-Living Ones - see Tir-nam-Beo (113)

Land of the Ever-Living Women - the place to which Fer Ferdiad was trying to take Tuag when she drowned (98)

Land of Women - see Tir na mBan (105)

Laoi - one of the twelve chief rivers of Ireland (q.v.) (62)

Leanan Sidhe - Sweetheart of the Sidhe, a title given to Aine (86)

Leat Glas - Indech's poet, he was present at Indech's death at the second battle of Magh Tuireadh (66)

Leith - (Leh) the son of Celtchar, he loved Bri, but she died before they could be together and the hill of Bri Leith was named after them (88)

Len Linfiaclach - smith to the Dagda, he made the bright vessels of Fand (81)

Lia Fail - one of the four great treasures the Tuatha de Danaan brought to Ireland from the north. It came from the city of Falias (27). It was kept to the north of the Hill of Hostages, and it used to roar under the feet of every true king of Ireland (31).

Liath - son of Lobais, he was one of the chief men of the Fomor (42)

Liath-Druim - Teamhair (q.v.) (31)

Liban - daughter of Conchubar Abratrudh and wife of Tadg, she was captured and taken to wife by Cathmann, but was later rescued by Tadg (115)

Life River - the salmon of the Life River are mentioned briefly in Ethne's complaint (58)

Lir - father of Manannan (27), of Sidhe Fionnachaidh, he was considered for kingship of the Tuatha de Danaan after their defeat (77). He married Aobh (by whom he had four children), and then her sister Aoife (125).

Lobais - styled 'the Druid', he was father of Liath and one of the chief men of the Fomor (42)

Lobos - see Elathan (2) (61)

Loch Arboch - see Slaine (64)

Loch Bel Sead - the lake that is on top of a mountain, it sprang up under the feet of Cliach (78)

Loch Ce' - see Ce' (67)

Loch Cuan - one of the twelve chief lochs of Ireland (q.v.) (62)

Loch Dairbhreach - (Loch Darvragh) Lake of the Oaks, where Aoife changed Aobh's four children into swans (126)

Loch Dearg - the dwelling-place of Bodb Dearg (124)

Loch Decket - one of the twelve chief lochs of Ireland (q.v.) (62)

Loch Echach - one of the twelve chief lochs of Ireland (q.v.) (62)

Loch Feabhail - the burial place of Aedh, son of the Dagda (82)

Loch Febail - one of the twelve chief lochs of Ireland (q.v.) (62)

Loch Laeig - one of the twelve chief lochs of Ireland (q.v.) (62)

Loch Luchra - the Lake of the Dwarfs, near Manannan's city, in Tir Tairngaire (112)

Loch Luimnech - one of the twelve chief lochs of Ireland (q.v.) (62)

Loch Mescdhae - one of the twelve chief lochs of Ireland (q.v.) (62)

Loch na-n Ean - the Lake of Birds, where Laegaire met Fiachna (121)

Loch Orbsen - one of the twelve chief lochs of Ireland (q.v.) (62)

Loch Riach - one of the twelve chief lochs of Ireland (q.v.) (62)

Loch Righ - one of the twelve chief lochs of Ireland (q.v.) (62)

Lochlann - the dwelling place of the men of the Fomor (42)

Loscuinn - it lay to the north of the river Unius (61)

Luachaid - see Luchtar (37)

Luan - see Pisear (49)

Luath - two swift men of the Fomor were named Luath, and they gathered an army for Bres when he went to do battle with Lugh (42)

Luchair - see Druimne (80)

Luchta - variant of Luchtar (q.v.), styled 'the Carpenter' (64)

Luchtar - son of Luachaid, he was the carpenter of the Tuatha de Danaan (37)

Lugaidh Menn - King of Ireland. Eochaid, Fiacha, and Ruide were three of his sons (78).

Lugh - (Loo) styled 'Lamh-Fada', of the Long Hand (41), son of Cian and Ethlinn, and foster-son of Taillte and Echaid, he was also styled 'Ildanach', the Master of all Arts (37). Nuada abdicated the throne to him for 13 days in order to enlist his help against the Fomor (38). His foster-brothers were the sons of Manannan (41). At the second battle of Magh Tuireadh, he made a spear cast that brought Balor's evil eye out through the back of his head, instantly killing him and 27 of the army of the Fomor (66). Father of Cuchulain (DIM).


MacCecht - styled 'Son of the Plough', he was the husband of Fodhla (71)

MacCuill - styled 'Son of the Hazel', he was the husband of Banba (71)

MacGreine - styled 'Son of the Sun', he was the husband of Eriu (72)

Macha - one of the greatest of the women of the Tuatha de Danaan, she fed on the heads of men slain in battle (27). She, along with Badb and Morrigu , used powers of enchantment to bring mists , clouds of darkness, and showers of fire and blood over the Firbolgs at Teamhair for three days (29). The daughter of Emmass, she was killed by Balor in the second battle of Magh Tuireadh (65).

Maeltine Mor-Brethach - styled 'of the Great Judgments', he was a wise man of the Tuatha De Danaan who advised Lugh not to spare the life of Bres after the second battle of Magh Tuireadh (66)

Magh Cuilenn - (Moy Cullin) the place where some say Uillenn Faebarderg killed Manannan in battle (96)

Magh Luirg - the Plain of Following, it is a place that Lugh passed on his way to do battle with Bres (45)

Magh Mell - (Moy Mal) the Pleasant Plain, in Manannan's country (113)

Magh Mell - the Happy Plain, where Laegaire ruled as king, along with Fiachna (121)

Magh Mor - 'the Great Plain'. See Taillte (68)

Magh Mor an Aonaigh - the Great Plain of the Fair, the place where Lugh and the Riders of the Sidh met Bres and his army of the Fomor in battle (45)

Magh Nia - the second settlement of the Tuatha de Danaan in Ireland, better fortified and farther west in Connacht than Magh Rein (29)

Magh Rein - (Moy Raen) the first settlement of the Tuatha de Danaan in Ireland (28)

Magh Tuireadh (1) - (Moytirra) see First Battle of Magh Tuireadh (31)

Magh Tuireadh (2) - not the same as the place where the battle between the Tuatha De Danaan and the Firbolgs was fought, but to the north, near Ess Dara. It is where the great battle between the Tuatha De Danaan and the Fomor was fought, that was later called the Second Battle of Magh Tuireadh (63)

Mamos - see Figol (62)

Manannan - (Mananuan) son of Lir, a chief of the Tuatha de Danaan who was greater even than their king, Nuada (27). His sons are Donall Donn-Ruadh, Sgoith Gleigeil, Goitne Gorm-Shuileach, and Sine Sindearg (41). Manannan understtod all enchantments, so the Tuatha de Danaan left it to him to find places for them where they would be safe from their enemies. He chose the most beautiful hills and valleys of Ireland and put hidden walls about them (77). He helped Angus to get the Brugh na Boinne away from the Dagda by trickery (81). Aine may have been his daughter (86). Some say he was killed by Uillenn Faebarderg in battle at Magh Cuilenn (96). He raised Deirdre's children, taught Diarmuid the use of weapons, taught Cuchulain the use of the Gae Bulg. Some say he was Deirdre's father and a shape-changer, and was Culain, the Smith (97). He was the major sea god, ruling Tir Tairngiri. His wife was Fand (DIM).

Mata - the Sea-Turtle that could suck down a man in armour (80)

Mathgen - the great magician of the Tuatha de Danaan who had the power to topple mountains onto his enemies (61)

Mechi - the son of the Morrigu, he was killed by MacCecht (85)

Miach - son of Diancecht and brother of Airmed, he was better at healing than his father. He replaced the silver hand that Diancecht had fashioned for Nuada with Nuada's original hand and healed it. Diancecht, jealous of his son's healing powers, killed him. But 365 healing herbs sprang up from his grave (34).

Mide - the son of Brath, he kindled the first fire that was ever kindled in Ireland, at Uisnech, for the sons of Nemed (68)

Midhe - (Mee) the plain of Midhe was the place Taillte was buried with a mound raised over her grave (68). Also see Uisnech of Midhe (58)

Midhir (1) - of Bri Leith, styled 'the Proud', he was considered for kingship of the Tuatha de Danaan after their defeat (77). His first wife was Fuamach, his daughter was Bri, and his second wife was Etain (88).

Midhir (2) - styled 'of the Yellow Hair', he was chief of the Men of Dea. His three daughters, Doirenn, Aife, and Aillbhe, were given as wives to the three sons of Lugaidh Menn (79).

Midsummer Day - when the first battle between the Firbolgs and the Tuatha de Danaan began, which lasted for four days (30)

Miled - the sons of Miled, including Amergin (71), Eremon (72), Arranan, Donn, Ir, Heremon, Colpa, and Heber (73), led the invasion of the race of the Sons of the Gael into Ireland (71). His wife was Scota (75).

Miochaoin - killed by Brian, he was guardian of the Hill of Miochaoin (q.v.) and, along with his sons (Corc, Conn, and Aedh), he was under bonds not to allow any shouts to be given from that hill. Cian got his learning with them (49)

Men of Dea - see Tuatha de Danaan (27)

Men of the Bag - see Firbolgs (28)

Modharn - see Aine (79)

Morias - one of the four wise men and teachers of the Tuatha de Danaan before they came to Ireland. His home was Falias (27).

Mor-Loch - one of the twelve chief lochs of Ireland (q.v.) (62)

Morrigu - one of the greatest of the women of the Tuatha de Danaan, she was styled 'the Crow of Battle' (27) or 'the Battle-Crow (61). She, along with Badb and Macha , used powers of enchantment to bring mists , clouds of darkness, and showers of fire and blood over the Firbolgs at Teamhair for three days (29). After the second battle of Magh Tuireadh, only four men of the Fomor were left in Ireland, and they were driven out one Samhain night by Morrigu and Angus Og. She also proclaimed the news of the victory to the hosts and the royal heights of Ireland and to its chief rivers and invers (67). Mechi was her son (85). Aine may have been her daughter (86).

Mother of the Gods - see Dana (28)

Muaid - one of the twelve chief rivers of Ireland (q.v.) (62)

Muirne - daughter of Ethlinn and Tadg and sister of Tuiren and mother of Finn (68)

Muirthemne - see Plain of Muirthemne (43)

Murias - styled 'rich', the southern-most of the four cities of the Tuatha de Danaan before they came to Ireland. Its teacher was Senias, and its treasure was the Cauldron (27)


Nas - the place where Lugh held his court following the second battle of Magh Tuireadh (68)

Nechtan (1) - on the advice of the Druid Findgol l, to deceive King Bres, who taxed his people of the milk of all dun cows, he singed all the cows of Ireland in a fire of fern, making them dark brown. (32). He was the husband of Boann (DIM).

Nechtan (2) - the son of Collbrain, he begged Bran to leave Emhain and return to Ireland but, upon reaching shore, he crumbled to ashes (106)

Neid - see Eab and Seanchab (42)

Neit - he was a chief among the Tuatha de Danaan, and a god of battle (27)

Nem - one of the twelve chief rivers of Ireland (q.v.) (62)

Nemed - see Island of the Tower of Glass (38). The first fire ever kindled in Ireland (at Uisnech, by Mide) was for the sons of Nemed (68).

Nemnach - a well on the Hill of the Sidhe, out of which flowed the stream called Nith (31)

Nemthann - one of the twelve chief mountains of Ireland (q.v.) (62)

Nes - a magical spear made by Goibniu that would burn up like fire anyone whom it struck (65)

Net - husband of Badb, an early Irish god of war (DIM)

Niall - a champion of Connacht, he was drowned while attempting to pursue Cailcheir through a lake (81)

Nine Poets of the Fomor - among the chief men of the Fomor, they had learning and the gift of foreknowledge (42)

Nith - flowing from the well of Nemnach, it was the stream on which the first mill in Ireland was built (31)

Nuada - king of the Tuatha de Danaan when they first came to Ireland (27). He lost his arm in the first battle of Magh Tuireadh and hence, he lost the kingship (31). Diancecht fashioned an articulated arm of silver for him and he was called Nuada Argat-lamh, of the Silver Hand, for ever after (34), even though Miach later restored his original hand (34). After that, he was restored to the kingship (35). The father of Tadg (68) and Gaible (81), he was killed by Balor in the second battle of Magh Tuireadh (65)


Octriallach - son of Indech, he was one of the Fomor who took part in the Second Battle of Magh Tuireadh (61) On his advice, the Fomor threw stones into the well of Slane until it was dried up and a cairn raised over it, that was called Octriallach's Cairn (64). He killed Cassmail in the second battle of Magh Tuireadh (65).

Octriallach's Cairn - see Octriallach (64)

Octruil - the son of Diancecht and brother of Airmed, he helped them in their healing work at the well of Slaine (64)

Ogham - the stone raised over Cian's grave had his name written on it in Ogham (47), the script of pre-Christian Ireland which was invented by Ogma (DIM)

Ogma - styled 'the shining poet' (32), father of Tuireann (43) and brother of Nuada, he was a champion among the Tuatha de Danaan (37), and taught them writing (27) He found the sword Orna at the second battle of Magh Tuireadh (66)

Oilell - of Aran, his three daughters were Aobh, Aoife, and Ailbhe (124)

Olioll - see Cian (114)

Orna - the sword of Tethra found by Ogma at the second battle of Magh Tuireadh, it had the power to tell of all the deeds that had been done by it (66)


Pisear - the King of Persia killed by Brian (54), he was the owner of the Luan, a deadly spear that was among the payments that Lugh demanded from the sons of Tuireann for the death of Cian (49)

Plain of Muirthemne - the place where Cian was killed by the sons of Tuireann (43)

Plain of the Two Mists - a beautiful plain where Goll fell in battle against Laegaire (122)

Plain of Victory - in Manannan's country (114)

Pleasant Plain - see Magh Mell (113)

Prison of the Grey of Macha - in the house of the Dagda at the Brugh na Boinne (80)


Rachlainn - in the sea, from which a young man of the Tuatha gave the sons of Lugaidh Menn magical wedding gifts (79)

Rath Chobtaige - between this rath and Teamhair was the rath given by Angus Og to the sons of Lugaidh Menn (79)

Rath of Aedh of the Poets - see Aedh (78)

Red Branch of Ulster - Conall Cearnach was of that line (75)

Riagall - see Camel (37)

Rider of the Wave of Tuaidh - mentioned briefly in Ethne's complaint (58)

Riders of the Fomor - from Lochlann, seven battalions of them accompanied Bres to do battle against Lugh (42)

Riders of the Sidh - from the Land of Promise, they accompanied Lugh on his return to Teamhair (41), and again in his battle with Bres and his army of the Fomor at Magh Mor an Aonaigh (45)

Rogh - see Fergus (75)

Ruadan - son of Bres and of Brigit, he was sent to spy on the Tuatha De Danaan during the second battle of Magh Tuireadh, but was killed by Goibniu after he tried to kill him (64)

Rudrach - he and his brother Dergcroche were the two kings of Inislocha (117)

Ruide - along with Eochaid and Fiacha, one of the sons of Lugaidh Menn, King of Ireland (78)

Ruirtech - one of the twelve chief rivers of Ireland (q.v.) (62)


Sal - see Eochaid (121)

salmon of knowledge, five - see hazels of wisdom (28)

Samair - one of the twelve chief rivers of Ireland (q.v.) (62)

Samhain - (Sow-in) after the Second Battle of Magh Tuireadh, only four men of the Fomor were left in Ireland, and they were driven out one Samhain night by Morrigu and Angus Og (67)

Samthainn - brother of Cian and Goibniu, he lived with them at Druim na Teine (39)

Scathniamh - (Scau-nee-av) styled 'the Flower of Brightness', she was a daughter of Bodb Dearg who gave her love to Caoilte (80)

Sceilg Michill - the small island where Ir was buried (73)

Scetne - the place where the host of the Fomor landed in Ireland just before the Second Battle of Magh Tuireadh (60)

Scota - the wife of Miled, she was killed in the first battle fought between the Tuatha De Danaan and the Sons of the Gael (75)

Scuabtuine - styled 'the Sweeper of the Waves', it was Manannan's curragh, which was often used by Lugh and kept at Brugh na Boinn (50)

Seanchab - grandson of Neid, he was one of the chief men of the Fomor (42)

Sean-Slieve - Lugh passed the head of it on his way to do battle with Bres (45)

Second Battle of Magh Tuireadh - at Magh Tuireadh (2), it is where the great battle between the Tuatha De Danaan and the Fomor took place (63), after which there were only four men of the Fomor left in Ireland, till they were driven out one Samhain night by Morrigu and Angus Og (67)

Segois - one of the twelve chief mountains of Ireland (q.v.) (62)

Senias - one of the four wise men and teachers of the Tuatha De Danaan before they came to Ireland. His home was Murias (27).

Sgoith Gleigeil - styled 'the White Flower', he was one of the sons of Manannan. His brothers included Goitne Gorm-Shuileach, Sine Sindearg, and Donall Donn-Ruadh. His foster brother was Lugh (41).

Shannon - a river containing the ford of Athluain (45), it was named after Sionan, one of the only women (probably a goddess) to eat of the salmon of knowledge (DIM)

Sidhe Femen - (Shee -----) home of Bodb Dearg, and he put great enchantments about it (77)

Sidhe Fionnachaidh - the Hill of the White Field, on Slieve Fuad; the home of Lir (77)

Sine Sindearg - styled 'of the Red Ring', he was one of the sons of Manannan. His brothers included Sgoith Gleigeil, Goitne Gorm-Shuileach, and Donall Donn-Ruadh. His foster brother was Lugh (41).

Siogair - see Dobar (49)

Sionnan - one of the twelve chief rivers of Ireland (q.v.) (62), a variant of Shannon (q.v.)

Sital Salmhor - one of the chief men of the Fomor (42)

Siuir - one of the twelve chief rivers of Ireland (q.v.) (62)

Slaine - lying to the west of Magh Tuireadh (2) to the east of Loch Arboch, the well of Slaine was used by Diancecht, Octruil, and Airmed to restore to lifethe slain warriors of the Tuatha De Danaan in the second battle of Magh Tuireadh (64)

Slane - vaiant of Slaine (q.v.) (64)

Slieve Bladma - (Sleev ------) one of the twelve chief mountains of Ireland (q.v.) (62)

Slieve Cuailgne - the place where Cuailgne was killed (75)

Slieve Eibhline - the place where the Sons of the Gael met Fodhla (71)

Slieve Fuad - the place where Fuad was killed (75), and the location of Sidhe Fionnachaidh (77)

Slieve Leag - one of the twelve chief mountains of Ireland (q.v.) (62)

Slieve Macca Belgodon - one of the twelve chief mountains of Ireland (q.v.) (62)

Slieve Mis - one of the twelve chief mountains of Ireland (q.v.) (62), it is where the Sons of the Gael met Banba, and Amergin talked with her (71)

Slieve Snechtae - one of the twelve chief mountains of Ireland (q.v.) (62)

Sligech - one of the twelve chief rivers of Ireland (q.v.) (62)

Sons of the Gael - also called the sons of Gaedhal, they came from the south to invade Ireland and avenge the death of Ith, one of their race who had come to Ireland before and met his death there (71)

Spear of Victory - one of the four great treasures the Tuatha De Danaan brought to Ireland from the north. It came from the city of Finias (27).

Sreng - a great fighting man of the Firbolgs, he was sent to meet the Tuatha De Danaan when they first came to Ireland (28). He led the forces of the Firbolgs after King Eochaid fell (31), and it was he that struck off Nuada's arm (31).

Stone of Virtue - the Lia Fail (q.v.) (27)

streams of wisdom, seven - see hazels of wisdom (28)

Sweetheart of the Sidhe - see Leanan Sidhe (86)

Sword - one of the four great treasures the Tuatha De Danaan brought to Ireland from the north. It came from the city of Gorias (27).


Tabarn - see Cathmann (114)

Tadg (1) - (Teig) son of Nuada and husband of Ethlinn and, by her, father of Muirne and Tuiren (68)

Tadg (2) - the son of Cianand and brother of Airnelach and Eoghan, he went to the Land of the Ever-Living Ones (114) on his journey to rescue his wife, Liban, and his two brothers (120)

Taillte - daughter of the king of Magh Mor and wife of Duach and foster-mother of Lugh, she died during Lugh's kingship and was buried on the plain of Midhe and is honored each summer by fires and keening and games and sports at the place called Taillten (68)

Taillten - named after Taillte, it is the place where fires, keening, games and sports are held each summer in her honor (68)

Tailltin - (probably a variant of Taillten) it is the place Eriu's forces were driven back to during the first battle between the Sons of the Gael and the Tuatha De Danaan, and where the Battle of Tailltin (q.v.) was subsequently fought (75)

Tarba - the oak-wood where Niall caught up with Cailcheir (81)

Teamhair - (T'yower, or Tavvir) residence of Eochaid when the Tuatha de Danaan first came to Ireland (28). The Tuatha de Danaan took possession of it after the first battle of Magh Tuireadh, and from that time it was the chief place of Ireland, for its king was the High King. It was sometimes called Druim Cain, the Beautiful Ridge, and Liath-druim, the Grey Ridge, and Druim na Descan, the Ridge of the Outlook. The king's rath lay to the north (31). The Dagda made his home here after losing the Brugh na Boinne to Angus (82)

Tethra - a king of the Fomor, he owned the sword called Orna that was later found by Ogma (66)

Three Gods of Craftsmanship - Credne, Luchtar, and Goibniu (DIM)

Tiabhal - one of the Queens of the sea, her image was placed by Culain on Conchubar's magical shield (98)

Tir Tairngaire - the Land of Promise, Manannan's country (111)

Tir-nam-Beo - the Land of the Ever-Living Ones, Manannan's country (113)

Tower of Glass - on the Island of the Tower of Glass (q.v.), it was the home of Balor (38)

Traig Mor - the Great Strand, in Manannan's country (114)

Traigh Eothaile - the strand where King Eochaid fell in the battle against the Tuatha de Danaan. He was buried there with a great heap of stones raised over his grave (30).

Treon - of the Tuatha De Danaan; see Gebann (119)

Trogain - see Fertuinne (79)

Tuag - fosterling of Conaire the High King, she was loved by Manannan, but his pupil Fer Ferdiad failed in his attempt to bring her to Manannan, and the girl drowned (98)

Tuaidh - see Rider of the Wave of Tuaidh (58)

Tuatha de Danaan - (Too-a-ha-dae Donnan) styled 'the Men of Dea', the people of the gods of Dana who came from the North through the air in a mist to Ireland (27). They landed in north-west Connacht on Beltaine (28).

Tuirbe - father of Goibniu the Smith, he was famous for the cast of his axe (81)

Tuireann - son of Ogma, his own three sons were Brian, Iuchar, and Iucharba (47) and his daughter was Ethne. His sons had a long-standing feud with the three sons of Cainte and they killed Cian on the Plain of Muirthemne (43)

Tuiren - daughter of Ethlinn and Tadg, sister of Muirne, and mother of Bran (68)

Tuis - the King of Greece, killed by Brian (53), he was owner of a healing pig-skin that was among the payments that Lugh demanded from the sons of Tuireann for the death of Cian (48)

Tulach na Bela - 'the Hill of the Axe', place from which Tuirbe would cast his axe (81)

twelve chief lochs of Ireland - they are Derc-Loch, Loch Luimnech, Loch Orbsen, Loch Righ, Loch Mescdhae, Loch Cuan, Loch Laeig, Loch Echach, Loch Febail, Loch Decket, Loch Riach, and Mor-Loch (62)

twelve chief mountains of Ireland - they are Slieve Leag, Denda Ulad, Bennai Boirche, Bri Ruri, Slieve Bladma, Slieve Snechtae, Slieve Mis, Blai-Slieve, Nemthann, Slieve Macca Belgodon, Segois, and Cruachan Aigle (62)

twelve chief rivers of Ireland - they are the Buas, the Boinn, the Banna, the Nem, the Laoi, the Sionnan, the Muaid, the Sligech, the Samair, the Fionn, the Ruirtech and the Siuir (62)


Uaitne - also called Dur-da-Bla and Coir-cethar-chuin, it was the Dagda's magic harp which was taken by the Fomor during the second battle of Magh Tuireadh. Lugh and the Dagda and Ogma went to retrieve it. When the Dagda called to it, it sprang toward him, killing nine men of the Fomor on its way. The Dagda then played the sleeping strain and as the Fomor slept, he restored to Ireland all the cattle that the Fomor had taken in tribute. (67)

Uillenn Faebarderg - of the Red Edge, some say he killed Manannan in battle at Magh Cuilenn (96).

Uisnech - mentioned briefly in Ethne's complaint (58), the place where the five provinces meet, and the first place there was ever a fire kindled in Ireland (by Mide). Some say that Lugh died there (68). The hill of Uisnech is where the Sons of the Gael met Eriu, and Eremon spoke with her (72).

Ullad Echne - it lay to the south of the river Unius (61)

Un - the husband of Fais (75)

Unius - a river of Connacht where the Morrigu was washing herself when the Dagda returned from the camp of the Fomor (61). The foot of the Unius was called the Ford of Destruction since the second battle of Magh Tuireadh (66)

Urias - styled 'of the noble nature', one of the four wise men and teachers of the Tuatha de Danaan before they came to Ireland. His home was Gorias (27).


Valley of Fais - a valley at the foot of a mountain, it is were Fais was killed (75)

Valley of the Mata - near the house of the Dagda at Brugh na Boinne (80)


Wall of the Three Whispers - in Teamhair, it was near the House of the Women (31)

Wave of Tuaidh - see Rider of the Wave of Tuaidh (58)

Whisper of the Men of Dea - see Grellach Dollaid (40)


Document Copyright © 1988, 1997 by Mike Nichols
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Revised: Wednesday, April 30, 1997