Also called Tuath Dé, the People of the Goddess Danu, the Gods of Ireland.
Their story
The Tuatha Dé Danann came to Ireland in dark clouds, bringing four treasures from the northern cities of Falias, Gorias, Findias and Murias: the Stone of Fál, which cried out under the rightful king, the spear of Lugh, the sword of Nuada and the cauldron of the Dagda. They defeated the Fir Bolg and then the Fomorians. When the sons of Míl came, the Tuatha Dé were given the land beneath, and they withdrew into the síde, the hills and mounds, where folklore says they still live as the aos sí.
Best times to give to them
- Samhain
- Bealtaine
- Lughnasadh
- Imbolc
What they like being given
- milk and butter
- bread or oatcakes
- whiskey or a non-alcoholic drink
- poetry and music
How to honour them
- Leave a small offering outside at the quarter days for the people of the mounds.
- Visit ancient sites such as Brú na Bóinne respectfully, leaving nothing behind.
- Learn their stories from the old sagas rather than modern retellings alone.
How they can help you
- connecting with Irish tradition
- craft and learning
- relationship with the land spirits
Symbols
- the Lia Fáil
- the spear of Lugh
- the sword of Nuada
- the cauldron of the Dagda
The goddess Danu as their mother is largely reconstructed by modern scholars from their name.
Sources
- Lebor Gabála Érenn
- Cath Maige Tuired
- De Gabáil in t-Sída
More Celtic spirits
- The Matres and Matronae The divine mothers, usually three