indech king of the fomorians
The medieval myth of Partholn says that his followers were the first to invade Ireland after the flood, but the Fomorians were already there: Geoffrey Keating reports a tradition that the Fomorians, led by Cichol Gricenchos, had arrived two hundred years earlier and lived on fish and fowl until Partholon came, bringing the plough and oxen. The Fomorians or Fomori (Old Irish: Fomire, Modern Irish: Fomhraigh / Fomraigh ) are a supernatural race in Irish mythology, who are often portrayed as hostile and monstrous beings. It was for kings to be liberal to all-comers, but at the court of Bress no one ever greased his knife with fat, or made his breath smell of ale. The origins of the Fomorians are also uncertain, though many sources mention that they arrived in Ireland on ships. 'Give me my three wishes', says Lugh. Outside the Battlefield, What Was Daily Life Like for Medieval Knights? Dian Cecht was a healing god. The ancient civilization of Greece is a historical period that has long been a subject of fascination and intrigue. Morris stated he had collected "remnants" in Farney, Monaghan c. 1900, and that these versions connected Balor and the cow Glasgaivlen with places as far afield as "south Monaghan to Rockabill Island off the coast of Dublin". In the online game Warframe, the antagonist faction known as the Grineer have powerful space-faring destroyers known as Fomorians. Thegoal of Ancient Origins is to highlight recent archaeological discoveries, peer-reviewed academic research and evidence, as well as offering alternative viewpoints and explanations of science, archaeology, mythology, religion and history around the globe. In other sources, the Fomorians are painted as grotesque abominations. [7] In English, they are called the Fomorians, Fomori or Fomors. Or alternatively, a "tear" from the object he dropped. By bringing together top experts and authors, this archaeology website explores lost civilizations, examines sacred writings, tours ancient places, investigates ancient discoveries and questions mysterious happenings. While not being a demon himself, Balor in "The Seven Deadly Sins" is a part of an elite force of the Demon Clan. [] Indech El emporio del metal Note that there were also two Fir Bolg kings called, Learn how and when to remove this template message, The Irish Version of the Historia Britonum Nennius, "The Pursuit of the Gilla Decair and His Horse, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Fomorians&oldid=1150494350, Wikipedia articles needing factual verification from June 2022, Articles containing Old Irish (to 900)-language text, Articles needing additional references from September 2009, All articles needing additional references, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0. Andrew Carnegie came to the United States as a teenager from Scotland and . By Imperial Year 1185, Indech had taken on the form of a magic beast. At the same time, Cian, the son of Diancecht, the physician of the Tuatha D Danann, married Ethniu, the daughter of the Fomor, Balor. But, meanwhile, Balor of the Mighty Blows raged among the gods, slaying their king, Nuada of the Silver Hand, as well as Macha, one of his warlike wives. March 2 We aim to popularize and explain mythological and cultural concepts using only trustworthy sources. This Fomorian, who came to the aid of Bres in his battle against the Tuatha D Danann, was a giant with one eye. The Tuatha D Danann also prepared for war, under another half-Fomorian leader, Lug. At the behest of Bres, the Fomorians go to war against the Tuath D. This version, based on earlier Old Irish versions, dates from a vellum manuscript that seems to have been written (or copied . He suggests that the myth and others like it could be metaphors for yearly cycles of growth, death, and re-growth. The Fomorians are a race of supernatural giants in Irish mythology. He 'lies on an iron couch.. and sends for 'twelve mighty heroes', and order them to take iron forks and lift up the hair about his eyes". A figure called Tethra is named as presiding over both races. Written, presented and produced by Marcas hUiscn and Stephanie N Thiarnaigh. He went back to the country of the Fomors, underneath the sea, and complained to his father Elatha, its king, asking him to gather an army to reconquer his throne. about Huge New Bronze Age Fortress Discovered in Irish Nature Preserve! )", "Remarkable Correspondence of Irish, Greek, and Oriental Legends", "The Earthworks, Traditions, and the Gods of South-Eastern Co. [19] This second eye in the back does not preclude comparison with the one-eyed Cyclops of Greek myth. The only source for Cichol comes from a single reference in the Lebor Gabla. Relatives Music - Celtic Warrior by Damiano Baldoni (licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 public licence. Saint Indech is a character from Fire Emblem: Three Houses. Two accounts exist on the origins of the Fomorians: According to ancient myths, the warrior king Conand coupled with the primordial Earth Mother Gaea / Domnu and produced the first generation of Fomorians, in the subterranean Dark Realm within Otherworld . While carrying out routine field work in the Burren lowlands of County Galway in Ireland, field archaeologist Michael Gibbons discovered a Bronze Age fortress that may be almost 3,200 years old. Balor was the son of Dot son of Nit according to the Cath Maige Tuired (CMT),[4] but called Balor son of Buarainech in the list of renowned rath- and castle-builders of the world, preserved in the Book of Leinster. He's also described as being good friends with Saint Cichol, with the two working together to achieve great things. In the meantime, the Dagda is obliged to build a fortress for Bres, who has become the ruler of both groups. The sea rose over them and drowned most of the survivors: only thirty of Nemed's people escaped in a single ship, scattering to the other parts of the world. . Your email address will not be published. [3][13] Lugh shot a sling-stone (Old Irish: cloch as a tbaill, "stone from the sling")[d] at the eye, which came out the other side and harmed the Fomorian army. When all was done, the Morrigan herself proclaimed our victory, sounding through every "[1], According to a lay in Duanaire Finn, after he was slain, Balor's severed head was set in the fork of an oak, and the tree which absorbed the venom became the timber-wood made into the shield of Fionn mac Cumhaill. [53][54], Krappe lists six elements that are found in other myths: the prophecy of being slain by his own descendant; the precaution of locking the daughter in a tower; the seduction of the daughter by a stranger, who needs to use magic to gain access; the birth of a boy and the attempt to drown him; the fostering of the boy, and the fulfillment of the prophecy by the boy killing his grandparent.[51]. Later she gave two handfuls of that blood to the crowd waiting at the Ford of the . [40], Although the Tory Island version of the folktale printed by O'Donovan was influential, this may have misled the public with the impression that "Tory has almost a monopoly of Balor traditions", so argues Henry Morris. Residence It was fought between the divine race of supernatural beings known as the Tuatha D Danann, and their oppressors who were known as the Fomorians. Balor is explicitly three-eyed in a version published by William Hamilton Maxwell. [16] The CMT says that Balor's eye gained its baleful power from exposure to the fumes from the magic potion[17] his father's druids were brewing. When she gives birth to three sons, Balor orders the three to be drowned, but one survives without Balor's knowledge. Before Indech and I met, Lugh had already slain king Balor. Geoffrey Keating in his 17th-century History of Ireland claimed that the Fomorians had been a seafaring people descended from Noah's son, Ham. Huge New Bronze Age Fortress Discovered in Irish Nature Preserve! At the behest of Bres, the Fomorians go to war against the Tuath D. [12], Originally the Fomorians seem to have been regarded as malevolent spirits dwelling underwater and in the nether regions of the earth. Originally they were said to come from under the sea or the earth. Balor appears as champion of the Fomorians and king of the Isles (the Hebrides), while Indech mac De was the Fomorian king; the two of them leading the Fomorian army. Professor Rhys speaks of the Tuatha as Tribes of the goddess Danu; though the term, he says, "is somewhat vague, as are also others of the same import, such as Tuath Dea, the Tribes of the goddessand Fir Dea, the men of the goddess." He further remarks"The Tuatha de Danann contain . [36], But another version of the folktale (from County Mayo) says that Balor was one-eyed, yet it was usually covered: "He had a single eye in his forehead, a venomous fiery eye. In the 2015 game Underrail, Balor appears as a boss leading a group of bandits in Lower Underrail. It is said that he was known for his wisdom and dexterity. Irelands First Mythical Inhabitants: The Fomorians. The following section contains spoilers. She has kept her powers hidden at all costs, for there are other immortals in this . One of these, for example, is Elatha, a king of the Fomorians, who was described as handsome and golden-haired. While Bres and the Fomorians ruled over the Tuatha De Dannan, the Dagda worked hard every day. The Fomorians are often described as monstrous, hideous-looking creatures. The Mythological Cycle tells of a struggle between the divine Tuatha D Danann and the demonic Fomorians. Lugh was forty years in the kingship of Ireland after the last battle of Mag Tuired, and there were twenty-seven years between the battles. Indech was one of the kings working under Balor during the war and also the father of the fomorian Octriallach. [34], In "Balor on Tory Island", Balor covers the eye in the middle of his forehead with nine leather shields, but Lugh (Lui Lavada "the Longhand") sends a red spear crafted by Gavidin Gow through all the layers. 1894. Birthday He was one of the Four Saints who fought alongside Seiros during the War of Heroes. And while some people may seem content with the story as it stands, our view is that there existcountless mysteries, scientific anomalies and surprising artifacts thathave yet to be discovered and explained. The Fomorians are under attack! After Balor's death the Fomorians were defeated and driven into the sea. The second owned allegiance to a female divinity called Domnu; their king, Indech, is described as her son, and they are all called Domnus gods. [8] This was the interpretation offered by some medieval Irish writers. Loscenn-lomm son of Lommglnech, Indech son of D Domnann, the king of the Fomorians, Octriallach son of Indech, Omna and Bagna, Elathu son of . [19], Another description of Balor's death, dating from at least the 12th century, says he survived the loss of his eye and was chased by Lugh to Mizen Head. It may be mentioned, however, that good-looking Fomorians may also be found in the ancient sources. Hometown [51], O'Laverty also ventured that the name "Balor" may be linked to the name of the Greek hero Bellerophon. [15] In one account of the battle, Lugh also killed a Fomorian leader named Goll (meaning "one-eyed"), who may be a duplication of Balor. By a crafty trick, too, he obtained the milk of all their cattle. She would destroy Indech, king of the Fomorians, and take from him the blood of his heart and his testicles. Lugh always puts the evil eye out", as summarized by Mark Scowcroft. Balor's falling body crushed 27 Fomorian soldiers, and his head struck their king Indech. ", "The Fate of the Children of Tuireann ([A]oidhe Chloinne Tuireann)", "Stray Donegal Folk-Lore: Ballor of the Evil Eye", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Balor&oldid=1144808525. The name 'Fomor' literally means 'beneath the sea' from the Gaelic faoi-mhuir. To be more precise, Ogma, Dagda, and Lugh were the pursuers. Ogma, through feebleness, could only carry one-third of the wood needed for fuel; so that they suffered from cold as well as from hunger. Three sons of Alatrom of the Fomorians, she answers, and Dub, Mell and Dubros are their names. Not long had they been at those talks when they saw the well-manned, full-great vessel approaching them over the furious waves of the sea. [10][11] The name would thus mean something like "underworld demons/phantoms"[1] or "nether demons/phantoms". Even in this, though, we get very little information about him. And when the damsel's people saw the ship coming, they all fled from her, and not a single person remained in her company save only Cchulainn. Interesting Let's test your mettle!. Though unskilled in the art of human interaction, he used his skills to help those in need. He became The Immovable, the guardian of the ancient temple at Lake Teutates. A group of unnamed Fomors allied with Morgan Le Fay during her efforts to secure the powerful weapon the "Twilight Sword." They fought a group of Avengers in equatorial Africa. [8][9][a][b] Cethlenn was Balor's wife according to O'Flaherty's Ogygia (1685). . The Dagda, sent as a spy among the Fomorians, manages to sway one of their own to his side, while the Morrigan seems to have had duplicitous intentions towards Cu Chulainn from the start and even with that aside they are more clearly on opposing sides both at the start and at the end of their encounter than the Dagda and Indech's daughter (who . From: Domnu in A Dictionary of Celtic Mythology . [5], Later forms are Balor Bimeann[6] or Balar Bemen (Ogygia, 1685),[7] and Balr na Sile Nimhe (Balor of the Evil Eye).[1]. ( CC BY SA ). . Nuada was restored to the kingship after his arm was replaced with a working one of silver, but the Tuatha D's oppression by the Fomorians continued. The king of the Fomorians was Balor, a giant with an eye in the middle of his forehead. However, those Fomorians who have relationships with the Tuath D, such as Elatha and his son Bres, were portrayed as darkly beautiful. And the Goddess Tribes were again elected King of Nouadh with the Silver Hand. The laser weapon resembles that of the eye of Balor, and its destructive power is capable of destroying player hub worlds. . First Fought He has been interpreted as a personification of the scorching sun, and has also been likened to figures from other mythologies, such as the Welsh Ysbaddaden and the Greek Cyclops. Folklorist Alexander Haggerty Krappe subscribed to this notion. [27] In the very similar Irish text "Balor agus Mac Cionnfhaolaidh",[h][28] the child is Lugh Fadlmhach, i.e., "Lugh the long-armed". Both Elatha and Bres are described as very beautiful. Affiliations As with many of the Tuatha D Dannan, there is little in the way of physical description when it comes to Oghma. Los fomorianos o fomori (irlands antiguo: Fomire, irlands moderno: i lang="ga">Fomhraigh / Fomraigh) son una raza sobrenatural en la mitologa irlandesa, que a menudo son retratados como seres hostiles y monstruosos.Originalmente se deca que venan de debajo del mar o de la tierra. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. If they do not pay their tribute, we will pound their bones for them. replied Indech. "The Training of Cchulainn". [2] However, in some sources there is an overlap between the Fomorians and Tuath D. Then came Nemed and his followers. It campaigned for the national sovereignty of Egypt and the creation of a constitutional monarchy; in that regard, it was a liberal party. Blaek, Vclav. The Fomorians (Old Irish: Fomire, Modern Irish: Fomhraigh or Fomhire ) are a supernatural race in Irish mythology. They discuss the six invasions of Ireland, and they talk about the six peoples ranging from the supposed Grand-daughter of Noah, Cessair, the Tuatha De Dannon, and the ever present giants, The Fomorians. Lugh, the Dagda, and Ogma still pursued the Fomors, who had carried off in their fight the Dagdas harp. [27], "Balor himself may have one, two or three eyes, one of which is poisonous, incendiary, or otherwise malignant; he may have two eyes in front, one each in front and back, an extra eye in the middle of his forehead. To avoid his fate, he locks his only daughter, Ethnea (Eithne), in a tower to keep her from becoming pregnant. (Video), When Faith and Power Clash: How Christianity Divided the Roman Empire (Video), Medieval Maverick: Roger Bacon's Quest for Knowledge and Truth, The Life and Times of Mansa Musa: The Richest Man in History, Fathoming the Ruins of Yanmen Shan Mountain and the Biggest Cut Rocks in the World, Sacred Treasure Hunt: In Pursuit of the Elusive Ark of the Covenant (Video), UFO Author Will Lead Exploration of Rendlesham Forest Encounters Site, Debunking the Aryan Race Myth and Separating Fact from Fiction, Mysterious Lake Monster Causes Underwater Eruption (Video), The Kings Champion: Medieval Coronation Roles, With a Twist, Digging the Deep Blue: Challenges and Triumphs in Underwater Archaeology, The Roman Empire: A Story of Power, Glory, and Tragedy, The Mongol Onslaught: When Ukraine Fell to the Horde (Video), From Horror to Hope: Surviving the Black Plague (Video), Gold, Salt, and Islam: The Story of Koumbi Saleh. Race Elata sent Bres to Balor and Indej, who led the army. Quick Reference. Krappe hypothesized that the myth is of ancient origin, with Balor representing winter and the old year, confining the woman who represents the fertile earth. What is the origin of the legend of the Christed Son who was born of a virgin on December 25th? In the medieval Irish tale entitled The Training of C Chulainn, preserved as a copy by Richard Tipper in British Library, Egerton MS 106, it gives the following mention: Then they parted from each other, and Cchulainn went and looked forth on the great sea. [37], In "Balor on Tory Island" and the Irish text close to it, Lui Lavada (or Lugh) sets Balor's head on a rock, and a lake forms from the dripping pool of liquid. During their invasion of Ireland, for instance, the Fomorians encountered the Partholons, the first invaders of the island, and they are said to have fought many battles with them. Among the foes to fall to this champion was non other than Indech, king and warlord among the Fomorians. The invaders' plan to conquer Ireland has been severely disrupted by none other than the daughter of their king, Indech Mac D Domhnainn. Many of the Tuatha de Danaan departed the Autumn World, leaving the fae without their guidance; the Morrigan was among the first to go. Bress, Indech and Elatha prepare Fomorians for war According to his own promise and Tuatha D Danann custom, Bress was now obliged to abdicate as king. The Fomors were described as being hideous and malformed, but there were exceptions to this. Morrigan told the Dagda that the Fomorians would land at Magh Scene, and that he should summon the Irish champions to meet her at the Ford of the Unshin. For example, when his son, Bres, wanted to go to war with the Tuatha D Danann, another supernatural race, Elatha refused to join him, as he reckoned that the cause for war was unjust. With renewed hearts, and at the war cry of Morrigu, the Tuatha fought more fiercely than ever, pushing the Fomorians back to the sea in their underwater realm, never to return. (Indehha, ) This happened, for instance, to the Nemeds, who attempted to invade Ireland after the Fomorians. Name (JP) Four SaintsChildren of the Goddess Nemed defeated them in several battles, killing their kings Gann and Sengann,[13] but two new Fomorian leaders arose: Conand son of Faebar, who lived in Conand's Tower on Tory Island, County Donegal, and Morc son of Dela (note that the first generation of the Fir Bolg were also said to be sons of Dela). ( CC BY SA ). The battle was long and fierce, and so many dead that the feet of those on one side were touching the heads, hands, and feet of those on the other side. Dith hgin writes that the Tuath D gaining agricultural knowledge from the Fomorians is similar to the Norse and Vedic versions, where the defeated races represent the fertility of the soil.[3]. Despite this, Indech possessed an incredible talent with his hands and was beloved by the people because he only used his skills to help others. Originally they were said to come from under the sea or the earth. [21][k], Some have interpreted Balor as symbolizing a solar deity of the old year, struggling with the solar god of the new year,[43] namely Lugh. According to the tradition, they conquered the first invaders of Ireland - the Partholn (or "Parthaln") people who invaded Ireland and settled there, introducing cattle, the building of houses, and made all four plains cleared and habitable. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Then mother and son went to the Fomorians. Unlike the more vengeful Macuil, Indech does not appear to bear ill will towards the descendants of the Ten Elites, implying he does not hold them accountable for the sins of their ancestors. 1000+ Indech In one tale the Morrigan captures one of the Fomorians (the enemies of the Tuatha), in legend his name is Indech (a Fomorian king, who fought at the Second Battle of Magh Tuiredh). Later, they were portrayed as sea raiders and giants. They are enemies of Ireland's first settlers and opponents of the Tuatha D Danann, the other supernatural race in Irish mythology. [50] Arbois de Jubainville argued that the name "Bellerophon" means "slayer of Belleros" and that this is another name for the Chimera. ( The Commons ). This is presented as a dynastic marriage in early texts, but folklore preserves a more elaborate story, reminiscent of the story of Perseus from Greek mythology. Later, they were portrayed as sea raiders and giants. Ms tarde, fueron retratados como asaltantes del mar y gigantes. Bres fled to his father, Elatha, and asked for his help to restore him to the kingship. Originally they were said to come from under the sea or the earth. Before the second war the god Dagda ( Dagda, a fierce military power across the sea from Fodlan ) is forced by three of the Fomorian kings, one of whom is Indech ( Indech, one of the Four Saints ) to build forts for . But, good as it was of its sort, the silver hand was a blemish; and, according to Celtic custom, no maimed person could sit upon the throne. The Fomorians or Fomori ( Old Irish: Fomire, Modern Irish: Fomhraigh / Fomraigh) [1] are a supernatural race in Irish mythology, who are often portrayed as hostile and monstrous beings. of the underworld and probably also of fertility, who may hold a position among the Fomorians similar to that of Danu among the Tuatha D Danann. [1] On Tory Island there are geological features called Dn Bhalair ("Balor's fortress") and Tr Bhalair ("Balor's tower"),[1] and a tall rock formation called Tr Mr ("great tower"). Also referred to as the " Elder Darks ", they appear as colossi constructed from man's primal fears. Despite being described as a fierce warrior, Indech appears to be a humble and wise figure when encountered by Byleth's army. [3], Though not stated outright, the supposition is that Balor here is a "one-eyed giant". In "Balor on Tory Island" and its variant, the child is called Lui Lavada (Lui Longhand),[25][26] and is recognized as an equivalent of Lugh. [58][59] In actuality, the heavy eyelid/eyebrow motif occurs in Ivan Bykovich,[57][56] but not specifically ascribed to the vy by Ralston. She is one of the Fomorians, an immortal race who can do fire-magic. A string of ships stretched from the Alien Islands to Ireland itself - it was a formidable and terrible army. So they sent a message to Bress, the son of the Fomorian king, Elatha, asking him to come and rule over them. At the end of the DLC the main character, Eivor travels to meet a druid and inhales a hallucinogenic substance that transports Eivor to a mythical realm of fire, in which Balor exists. Aliases (JP) [25][28], According to folklore from County Sligo, Balor was said to have a glass through which he would look to destroy a person with his eye. One interpretation, for example, is that mor means sea, and therefore these were a race of beings that came from under the sea. Each is a giant whose eyelid takes several men to lift (using a ring handle vs. lifting with forks);[47] each has a spear cast at him and loses an eye;[48] and each is unwilling to give away his daughter to the bridal-quester. Buar-ainech means "cow-faced" according to Arbois de Jubainville, who encourages comparison with the Celtic deity, A later version of this list, in verse and prose, was made by. (1911) ( Public Domain ). Indech was slain by Ogma, who himself died of wounds received from his adversary. The grandson is fostered by the smith who is his uncle[g] Balor eventually encounters his grandson by chance and is killed by him. Lug faced his grandfather, but as he was opening his eye Lug shot a sling-stone that drove his eye out the back of his head, wreaking havoc on the Fomorian army behind. They are enemies of Ireland's first settlers and opponents of the Tuatha D Danann . This was influenced by the Viking raids on Ireland that were taking place around that time. Fomorians. "The Coming of the Sons of Miled", illustration by J. C. Leyendecker in T. W. Rolleston's Myths & Legends of the Celtic Race, 1911. Thereafter the battle became a rout, and the Fomorians were beaten to the sea. Thoths Storm: New Evidence for Ancient Egyptians in Ireland? [14] Balor killed Nuada with his terrible, poisonous eye that killed all it looked upon. [62], Balor was depicted in the downloadable content of the video game, Assassin's Creed Valhalla, wherein the DLC content was known as the Wrath of the Druids and was set in Medieval Ireland. [11], The Mythological Cycle tells of a struggle between the divine Tuatha D Danann and the demonic Fomorians. Lake Teutates Also know as Fomor or Fomorians. In Middle Irish, they are also called the Fomrai (plural) and a Fomrach (singular). Do you think they will really dare to give us battle? said Bress to Indech, the son of Domnu. Nuada was deposed; and the Tuatha D Danann went into council to appoint a new king. Following their defeat by the Tuatha D Danann during the Second Battle of Mag Tuired, the Fomorians lost their rule over Ireland, as well as their central role in Irish mythology. Though some accounts say that this feat cost Oghma his life, others say that he survived the battle. [1][45] Both hgin and Mire MacNeill believe that Lugh's slaying of Balor was originally a harvest myth associated with the festival of Lughnasa and the later tale of Saint Patrick overcoming Crom Dubh. [6] John T. Koch suggests a relationship with Tartessian omuik. Indo-European Dragon-Slayers and Healers, and the Irish Account of Dian Ccht and Miche John Shaw Variants of the dragon-slayer myth in Indo-European traditions have been studied extensively by comparatists, among them Dumzil (1939), who pointed out in passing an Irish parallel in the Dindshenchus (lore of place-names), examined here in detail. about Why Fostering Kids Was So Popular in Ancient Ireland, Egyptian Authorities Push Back on Cleopatra Portrayal. Balor appears as champion of the Fomorians and king of the Isles (the Hebrides ), while Indech mac De was the Fomorian king; the two of them leading the Fomorian army. breast of Indech mac D Domnann [King of the Fomorians] so that a gush of blood spouted over his lips [and he died]. Cichol Conand Neit De Domnann Indech Ochtriallach Delbaeth Elatha (Elada) Bres, see Bres in Tuatha De Danann page Balor Eithne Related pages: Tuatha D Danann Cichol A leader of the Fomorians, during the invasion of Ireland by the Partholanians. [1], In the early literature he is also referred to as Balor Bimnech (Balor the smiter),[1] Balor Balcbimnech (Balor the strong smiter),[2] Balor Birugderc (Balor of the piercing-eye),[3] Balor mac Doit meic Nid (Balor, son of Dot son of Nt)[4] or Balor ua Nit (Balor, grandson of Nt). The first part is generally agreed to be the Old Irish fo, meaning under, below, lower, beneath, nether, etc. But he erroneously made this an attestation of Serbian lore, when in fact Ralston was paraphrasing from the Russian. The champion Ogma son of Elathu, and Indech son of D Domnann, the king of the Fomorians, fell in single combat. [52], However, de Jubainville (and others) also seized on another comparison: between Balor and Argos the many-eyed watchman of the white cow Io. The gods are described as a divine family round a goddess called Danu, from whom they took their well-known name of Tuatha D Danann , meaning Tribe or Folk of the Goddess Danu. [25][i], It may be that this forehead eye should be interpreted as an "extra eye in the middle of his forehead" (one of three) as Scowcroft puts it, otherwise Balor would be rendered blind most of the time. [20][e] Balor hears a prophecy that he would be killed by his grandson. An amorphous creature made of a thick, viscous material, which . After several years of fighting, the Fomorians succeeded in defeating the Partholons when they unleashed a plague upon them. Their name is Latinized as Muiridi in the Lebor Bretnach. Because their king, Nuada Airgetlm, had lost an arm in the battle and was no longer physically whole, their first king in Ireland was the half-Fomorian Bres. Lord of the Lake Name (Localized) They are believed to be the beings who preceded the gods, similar to the Greek Titans though they are not divine themselves.