Firbolg

Firbolg also Fir Bolg [ fir volg ] is the name of a mythical people, who in the Lebor Gabála Érenn ( "The Book of acquisitions of land in Ireland " ) is mentioned in the Irish mythology. They are also called Érainn ( " Irish" ), and in the sub- tribes of the Fir Domnann (also Domnand of Domnu ) divided and Galioin.

Mythology and Etymology

The Firbolg are the third ( or fourth) group of immigrants or conquerors of the island of Ireland. Before them came Cessair (sometimes not counted), Partholon and the Nemesier, according to them, the Tuatha De Danann and the Milesians. The Firbolg should have arrived here after the flood. The division of the country into five provinces ( cóiced ) is attributed to them, as well the creation of a kingdom. Traditionally, the Firbolg be regarded as descendants of those Nemesier who had temporarily left the island because of the suppression by the resident Fomori. After returning to their control of the country they are eventually defeated in the First Battle of Mag Tuired of the Tuatha Dé Danann ( also Nemesier descendants ) by Fith -Fath magic. Supposedly, the first hurling match Ireland took place before the battle. They should then partly to Scotland (see island Dùn at St. Kilda ) have emigrated mainly to the west of the island.

Many of the duns ( " fortresses " ) in the western part of Ireland, especially on the Aran Islands, be attributed to them, such as Dun Dun Eochla and Aonghasa on Inishmore. There the soil was made ​​fertile by alternately mustered layers of seaweed and sand between stone walls. This suggests an explanation for the name Firbolg: he is with "men of bags " ( builg ) explains, because they had to carry in leather sacks fertile soil on stony soils during their exile in Greece. Other scholars of the view that this was a popular etymological interpretation only and bolg rather than " tower " should be understood.

Important Firbolgs are the fertility goddess Tailtiu, the foster mother of the Irish god Lugh, her royal husband Eochaid mac Eirc, the warrior Sreng that Nuada 's arm chopping off, Cian is counted in the Holy Vita of St. Grellan to them later in mythology even the alleged Fir Domnann Fer diad, a friend and comrade Cú Chulainn.