Elatha facts for kids

In Irish mythology, Elatha (also called Elotha, Elier, or Elada) was a king of the Fomorians. The Fomorians were a group of powerful, ancient beings. Elatha was the father of several important gods. His son Bres was born to Ériu, a woman from the Tuatha Dé Danann. Elatha was also the father of the Dagda, Delbaeth, and Ogma. Some stories suggest he might have been a god of the sun or moon.

Who Was Elatha?

Elatha was known for his handsome looks. He is often described as a "beautiful prince" with golden hair. He was the son of Delbaeth and a king among the Fomorians.

Elatha's Visit to Ériu

Elatha met Ériu, a woman from the Tuatha Dé Danann. He came to her over the sea in a silver boat. He looked like a young man with yellow hair. He wore golden clothes and five gold torcs (necklaces). Elatha and Ériu had a son named Bres.

Elatha in Battle

Elatha was one of the Fomorians who fought in the Second Battle of Magh Tuireadh. This was a very important battle in Irish mythology.

During this battle, Elatha also watched over his son the Dagda's magic harp. The harp was called Uaithne. It was also known as Dur-da-Bla, meaning "the Oak of Two Blossoms." Sometimes it was called Coir-cethar-chuin, "the Four-Angled Music." Elatha is said to have had a good sense of humor and a noble spirit.

Elatha's Children

Elatha is known as the father of Bres. But he was also the father of other important figures. These include the Dagda and Ogma. He also had a son named Delbaeth and another named Elloth. Elloth is sometimes known as Lir, who was the father of Manannán mac Lir.

The mother of the Dagda, Ogma, and Delbaeth might have been Ethniu. Ethniu was also the mother of Lugh. Since Ethniu was a Fomorian, this means these gods were also part Fomorians. This can be a bit confusing! It might show that the battles between the Fomorians and the Tuatha Dé Danann were also about new gods taking over from older ones.

Elatha and His Son Bres

Elatha had a special connection with his son, Bres.

Ériu Tells Bres About His Father

Ériu told her son Bres about his father, Elatha. She said Elatha was a king of the Fomorians. He had come to her over a calm sea in a large silver ship. Elatha looked like a young man with yellow hair. His clothes were decorated with gold, and he wore five gold rings around his neck. Ériu told Bres that she loved Elatha and cried when he left.

Before Elatha left, he gave Ériu a ring. He told her to give it only to the man whose finger it fit. Ériu kept the ring.

Bres Meets Elatha

Later, Ériu gave the ring to Bres. It fit his finger perfectly. So, Ériu, Bres, and some of their followers traveled to the land of the Fomorians.

When they arrived, Elatha saw the ring on Bres's hand. He asked Bres to tell him his whole story. Elatha then knew that Bres was his own son. Elatha asked Bres why he had left his own country and his kingship. Bres answered honestly. He said he was driven out because he was unfair and harsh. He had taken treasures, jewels, and even food from his people. He had also put taxes on them, which had never happened before he was king. Bres admitted he had come to find fighters to take Ireland by force. Elatha listened and then told Bres to go to the chief king of the Fomorians, Balar of the Evil Eye.

Other Names for Elatha

Elatha has been known by a few different names in old stories:

• Elatha - Used by T. W. Rolleston in Myths and Legends of Celtic Race.
• Elathan - Used by Charles Squire in Mythology of the Celtic People.
• Elathan - Used by Lady Gregory in Gods and Fighting Men.

The name Elathan is actually the genitive case of Elatha. This means it translates to "of Elatha." So, it's like saying "Elatha's" or "belonging to Elatha."

Lady Gregory suggested that the name Elatha means "art" or "knowledge." This could explain why Ogma, who invented the Ogham script, was his son. Elatha is also called "glory of weapons" in the Lebor Gabála Érenn.

See also

In Spanish: Elatha para niños