Fir Bolg

The Fir Bolg (or Fîr Bholg), in the Irish Celtic Mythology, are people of warriors and craftsmen, whose name means “man-bags” or, more probably, “the man-lightning”. They are above all gifted for the forging mill and ceramicses.

According to the Lebor Gabála Érenn ( Book of the Conquests of Ireland ), they are the third invaders of Ireland, after the people of Partholon and the Nemediens, which had been driven out by the Fomoires. They arrived in three groups: that of Fir Bolgs which would come from the Belgium, that of Fir Domnain which would be originating in insular Domnonée, and that of Galiain, founder of the kingdom of Leinster. They are the first to use points of iron lance.

According to the old tradition, it is with them that one would owe the division of Ireland in five kingdoms: the Ulster, Leinster, Munster, Connaught (those corresponding to the cardinal points) and Meath.

The introduction in Ireland of the royalty and its rules of government would be also the fruit of their arrival. Indeed, the reign of the king Eochaid Mac Eirc is famous to be the first to have applied justice, and makes disappear the lie. There is no more rain in Ireland, only of the dew. His wife is Tailtiu (ground), girl of Mag Mor, and adoptive mother of Lug, it is the personification of the island.

New invaders unload in Ireland, they are the Tuatha Dé Danann, people of the goddess Dana, a race of gods. A war without mercy will oppose them, the king Nuada of Tuatha will lose an arm what will disqualify it for the exercise of sovereignty. Fir Bolg refuse a truce, then the Druide S of the enemy camp will use of their magic and will dissimulate the sources and rivers. King Eochaid loses the life during this “First Battle of Mag Tuireadh” like 100.000 of his subjects. Fir Bolg are overcome and must flee while Tuatha Dé Danann take possession of Ireland.

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