The Tuatha Dé Danann

The Tuatha Dé Danann is one of the greatest ancient tribes in Ireland. They were considered the people of the Goddess Danu and ruled Ireland from 1897 B.C. to 1700 B.C. The tribe's arrival in Ireland is shrouded in legend, with stories of them emerging from a great mist and burning their boats to ensure they settled in their new land. Their arrival led to a battle with the ruling Fir Bolg, which they won with respect for the defeated's fighting skills. As the new rulers, the Tuatha Dé Danann introduced new skills and traditions that were highly regarded by the people they conquered.

The tribe had four great treasures that demonstrated their skills. The Stone of Fal, which would scream when a true King of Ireland stood on it, was placed on the Hill of Tara, the seat of the High-Kings of Ireland. The Magic Sword of Nuadha was capable of inflicting only mortal blows when used, while the Sling-shot of the Sun God Lugh was renowned for its accuracy. The Cauldron of Daghda was the final treasure, from which an endless supply of food issued.

The Tuatha Dé Danann had a complex history of leadership changes and battles. The original leader, Nuada, lost an arm in battle and was replaced by Breas, a tribesman of Fomorian descent, who was later ousted. Nuada was reinstated but died in battle against the Fomorians. Lugh became the new King of Ireland, only to be defeated by the Melesians, who consigned the Tuatha Dé Danann to mythology. The tribe became known as the bearers of the fairies of Ireland, consigned to the underworld where they became the 'Aes sidhe' (the people of the mound - fairy mounds). The name of one of their gods, Eriu, was used by the Melesians as the name of their new kingdom, which is still used in modern times as the name of Ireland.

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