The Tuatha Dé Danann: Masters of Magic and the Irish Mythological Cycles
Plus updates and announcements
💫🌟 Greetings Friends! 🌟💫
Been a minute since I said hi and let you know how things are coming along with Fae Planes Drifter. In short—outstanding! I’m aiming to release it into the wild for August 19, my birthday. More to come soon.
Announcements
Come see me at Comic-Con!
Exciting news! I’ll be a guest on a Weird West panel at Comic-Con 2023 in San Diego, July 21 (time tbd). Other guests include: K.C. Grifant (Melinda West: Monster Gunslinger), Jonathan Maberry (Deadlands: Ghostwalker, The Good, The Bad & The Uncanny: Tales of the Weird West), Jonathan Fesmire (Bodacious Creed trilogy), John Palisano (Try Not to Die: In The Wild West), Richard Carter (lead designer for Doomtown: Reloaded), and Ross Fisher-Davis (writer for Doomtown: Reloaded). If you’re coming to Comic-Con, I’d love to see you!
Want an Advanced Review Copy of Fae Planes Drifter?
If you’ve enjoyed and reviewed any of the other books in the Otherworld Outlaws series and would like an advanced copy of Fae Planes Drifter, send me your name and email address and I’ll make sure you get one.
The Good Stuff
Since I’m now four books deep in a series that dives deep into Celtic mythology, you can probably guess that I’ve been doing a fair bit of research into it. It occurred to me that although I know a lot about the Tuatha Dé Danann and Irish folklore, not everyone does. So I thought I’d start a series of posts to give my wonderful readers a bit more insight into marvelous and fascinating stuff, starting with what in the world Tuatha Dé Danann even means. (I’m sorry, I still don’t know how to pronounce it properly.) And so…
The Tuatha Dé Danann: Masters of Magic and the Irish Mythological Cycles
Once upon a time in the mystical land of Ireland, a group of supernatural beings called the Tuatha Dé Danann reigned supreme. Their story is deeply intertwined with the Irish mythological cycles and their ancient enemies, the Fomorians. So, buckle up and get ready for a magical journey through Irish mythology, as we dive into the captivating tale of the Tuatha Dé Danann.
Who Were the Tuatha Dé Danann?
The Tuatha Dé Danann, meaning "the People of Danu,” were a race of godlike beings in Irish mythology. They were highly skilled in magic, arts, and crafts, making them some of the most revered and powerful figures in Celtic lore. These enchanting beings descended from the goddess Danu, and they were known for their beauty, wisdom, and supernatural abilities.
The Irish Mythological Cycles
The stories of the Tuatha Dé Danann are primarily found in the Irish mythological cycles, a collection of tales that recount the history, legends, and genealogies of ancient Ireland. These cycles consist of four main groups: the Mythological Cycle, the Ulster Cycle, the Fenian Cycle, and the Historical or King Cycle.
The Tuatha Dé Danann feature most prominently in the Mythological Cycle, which focuses on the various invasions of Ireland by different races and beings. These tales serve as a foundation for understanding the relationships among the Tuatha Dé Danann, the Fomorians, and other mythical beings in Irish folklore.
The Tuatha Dé Danann and the Mythological Cycle
The arrival of the Tuatha Dé Danann in Ireland is the most prominent moment in the Mythological Cycle. According to the legends, they arrived on the island on a mysterious, cloud-covered day, bringing with them four magical treasures: the Lia Fáil (Stone of Destiny), the Spear of Lugh, the Sword of Nuada, and the Cauldron of Dagda. Each of these treasures held immense power and played a crucial role in shaping the fate of the Tuatha Dé Danann. (I’ll definitely talk more about these in a future post!)
Upon their arrival, the Tuatha Dé Danann encountered the Fir Bolg, the human inhabitants of Ireland at the time. This led to the First Battle of Magh Tuiredh, where the Tuatha Dé Danann emerged victorious. Later, another race arrive, the Fomorians, who were a race of monstrous, supernatural beings. Often associated with chaos, darkness, and the destructive forces of nature, they were considered the antithesis of the Tuatha Dé Danann. Despite their opposing characteristics, the Fomorians were also sometimes depicted as the ancestors or relatives of the Tuatha Dé Danann, making their relationship all the more complex. After a great deal of conflict came the Second Battle of Magh Tuiredh, a monumental clash between the Tuatha Dé Danann and the Fomorians.
The Second Battle of Magh Tuiredh and the Rise of Lugh
Lugh Lamhfada, a skilled warrior of the Tuatha Dé Danann, played a central role in the Second Battle. He was a master of all arts and crafts and wielded—big surprise—the powerful Spear of Lugh, aka the Sleg of Assal. It was a fiery weapon that, when cast, would kill its target, then return to its owner's hand. It was a fierce and bloody conflict, but ultimately, the Tuatha Dé Danann emerged victorious under Lugh's leadership. Balor, the fearsome king of the Fomorians, was slain by Lugh, marking a significant turning point in the battle.
With the Fomorians defeated, the Tuatha Dé Danann established a golden age in Ireland, where they ruled as divine beings, imparting their wisdom, magic, and skills to the mortal inhabitants of the island.
The intertwined destinies of the Tuatha Dé Danann and the Fomorians in the Irish mythological cycles have left an indelible mark on Irish folklore, inspiring countless stories, poems, and works of art. Their legacy continues to resonate in the hearts and minds of those who delve into the magical world of Celtic mythology, offering a glimpse into the delicious and exciting tapestry of Ireland's ancient past. And as you can see, there is certainly no shortage of reasons why I couldn’t resist penning a fantasy Western series starring a fiery heroine and characters from this endlessly rich trove of Celtic myth. It’s a gold mine, and one that I hope you’re having as much fun reading as I am having writing!
Are there other things regarding Celtic lore or the Old West you want to hear more about? Let me know in the comments below or take this poll.
Need something to read to tide you over until Fae Planes Drifter? Check out…
Bodacious Creed: a Steampunk Zombie Western
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