THE TUATHA DÉ DANANN.

While all the texts describe the other invaders as coming by sea the Tuatha Dé Danann are described as coming in dark clouds "sailing the high air and the low air" landing on the mountains of Conmaicne Rein in Connemara and casting darkness for three days over the face of the sun.

They are described in Cath Maige Tuired as "the most handsome and delightful company, the fairest of form, the most distinguished in weaponry and apparel, skilled in music and sports, the most gifted in intellect and temperament that ever came to Ireland".

"That tribe was bravest of all and inspired fear and dread in their enemies for the Tuatha Dé excelled all the races of the world in their proficiency in every art."

In the Book of the Dun Cow it is said that the learned did not know where the Tuatha Dé were from but it seems likely they came from the heavens on account of their intelligence and the excellence of their knowledge of the otherworld.

Another early manuscript states that they were worshipped as Gods, while a Christian poet writing about A.D. 1000 finds it necessary to comment that "through he enumerates them, he does not worship them." Other texts refer to them as "the men of art" and " the tribe of all the arts."

On a Monday on the first of May (Beltene), they landed in Ireland, immediately set fire to their magical ships, and demanded battle or the kingship of their kinsmen, the numerically superior Fir Bolg.