List of Irish mythological figures facts for kids
Welcome to the amazing world of Irish mythology! These are ancient stories from Ireland, full of brave heroes, powerful gods, and magical creatures. These tales have been passed down through generations, telling us about the early history and beliefs of the Irish people. They are often grouped into different "cycles" or collections of stories. Let's meet some of the most famous figures from these exciting legends!
The Mythological Cycle
This cycle tells us about the earliest times in Ireland, focusing on god-like beings and their battles.
The Tuatha Dé Danann
The Tuatha Dé Danann were a special group of beings, often seen as gods and goddesses. They were known for their magic, wisdom, and incredible skills. They ruled Ireland before humans arrived.
Famous Gods and Goddesses
- Aengus: A god linked to love, youth, and inspiring poetry. He was known for his charm.
- Áine: A goddess of love, summer, wealth, and power. She was very important to the land.
- Banba, Ériu, and Fódla: These three goddesses are like the protectors of Ireland. The name "Éire" (Ireland) comes from Ériu!
- Brigid: Daughter of the Dagda, she was connected to healing, new life, crafting, and poetry.
- The Dagda: The supreme god and king of the Tuatha Dé Danann. He was very powerful and wise.
- Danu: The mother goddess of the Tuatha Dé Danann. She was like the great ancestor of this divine family.
- Dian Cecht: The god of healing. He was a skilled doctor among the gods.
- Lir: The god of the sea. His name means "the sea."
- Lugh: A legendary hero and a very important king of Ireland. He was skilled in many arts and crafts.
- Manannán mac Lir: Another god of the sea, just like his father Lir. He had many magical items.
- Nuada Airgetlám: The first king of the Tuatha Dé Danann. His name means "Nuada of the Silver Arm."
- Ogma: A warrior and poet. People say he invented the Ogham alphabet, an ancient Irish writing system.
- The Triple Goddess: Three goddesses often linked together:
* Badb: A war goddess who could cause fear in soldiers. She often appeared as a crow. * Macha: A goddess connected to war, battles, horses, and power. * The Morrígan: A powerful goddess of battle, conflict, and new life.
Other Figures of the Tuatha Dé Danann
- Airmed: Daughter of Dian Cecht, she also helped with healing.
- Boann: The goddess of the River Boyne.
- Bres: A king of the Tuatha Dé Danann who was not very popular.
- Cían: The father of Lugh. He could change his shape whenever he wanted.
- Miach: A healer and son of Dian Cecht. He was very skilled in medicine.
- Midir: A son of the Dagda.
- Niamh: The queen of Tír na nÓg, a magical land of youth.
The Fir Bolg
The Fir Bolg were another group of people who lived in Ireland before the Tuatha Dé Danann. They were known for their strong warriors and kings.
- Eochaid mac Eirc: A king of Ireland who was the last Fir Bolg ruler. He was known for bringing justice to the land.
- Sláine mac Dela: The very first king of Ireland from the Fir Bolg.
- Sreng: A strong warrior of the Fir Bolg. He was famous for cutting off Nuada's arm in battle.
- Tailtiu: The wife of Eochaid mac Eirc. A famous festival was named after her.
The Fomorians
The Fomorians were a group of giant, often monstrous beings. They were like the enemies of the Tuatha Dé Danann and often fought against them.
- Balor: The last king of the Fomorians. He had a deadly eye that could kill anyone he looked at.
- Elatha: A prince of the Fomorians.
- Ethniu: The daughter of Balor and the mother of the great hero Lugh.
The Milesians
The Milesians were the last group to arrive in Ireland in the ancient stories. They are said to be the ancestors of the Irish people today.
- Amergin Glúingel: A wise druid, poet, and judge of the Milesians.
- Eber Finn: A king of Ireland from the Milesians.
- Érimón: Another king of Ireland from the Milesians.
The Ulster Cycle
This cycle is full of exciting stories about heroes and warriors from the ancient kingdom of Ulster. It often features the famous hero Cú Chulainn.
Main Characters
- Ailill mac Máta: The king of Connacht and husband of Queen Medb.
- Conchobar mac Nessa: The king of Ulster. He was a powerful and respected ruler.
- Cú Chulainn: The most famous hero of the Ulster Cycle. He was known for his incredible strength and his "battle frenzy."
- Deirdre: A beautiful and tragic heroine. It was said that kings would fight over her beauty.
- Donn Cuailnge: The famous Brown Bull of Cooley. A huge war was fought over this special bull.
- Fergus mac Róich: A former king of Ulster who later went into exile.
- Medb: The powerful queen of Connacht. She is best known for starting the war over the Brown Bull.
Ulster Characters
- Conall Cernach: Another brave hero of Ulster.
- Deichtine: The mother of Cú Chulainn.
- Láeg: The loyal charioteer of Cú Chulainn.
- Ness: The mother of King Conchobar mac Nessa.
Connacht Characters
- Ferdiad: A strong warrior of Connacht and a close friend of Cú Chulainn.
- Findabair: The daughter of King Ailill and Queen Medb.
Other Important Characters
- Emer: The wise and beautiful wife of Cú Chulainn.
- Scáthach: A legendary warrior woman who trained Cú Chulainn in combat skills.
The Fenian Cycle
This cycle tells the adventures of Fionn mac Cumhaill and his band of elite warriors, the Fianna. They were known for their bravery, hunting skills, and wisdom.
The Fianna
- Fionn mac Cumhaill: The legendary leader of the Fianna. He was a great hunter, warrior, and a very wise man.
- Caílte mac Rónáin: A warrior of the Fianna who could run incredibly fast and even talk to animals. He was also a great storyteller.
- Conán mac Morna: A warrior of the Fianna, often shown as a bit of a troublemaker but also funny.
- Cumhall: The leader of the Fianna before Fionn, and Fionn's father.
- Diarmuid Ua Duibhne: A handsome warrior of the Fianna. He was known for his bravery and his love story with Gráinne.
- Goll mac Morna: A strong warrior of the Fianna, sometimes an ally, sometimes a rival to Fionn.
- Oisín: The son of Fionn mac Cumhaill. He was a warrior of the Fianna and a very talented poet.
- Oscar: The brave warrior son of Oisín.
Other Characters
- Bodhmall: A druidess and warrior woman who was Fionn mac Cumhaill's aunt and helped raise him.
- Gráinne: The woman who was supposed to marry Fionn, but instead fell in love with Diarmuid.
- Sadhbh: The mother of Oisín and a magical deer.
Other Figures
These are other interesting figures from Irish mythology that don't fit neatly into the main cycles.
