{"product_id":"the-tuatha-de-danann-gods-ancestors-or-something-else-entirely","title":"The Tuatha Dé Danann: Gods, Ancestors, or Something Else Entirely?","description":"\u003ch1\u003eThe Tuatha Dé Danann\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eGods, Ancestors, or Something Else Entirely?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eA four-week live online course with Anthony Murphy of Mythical Ireland\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFour Wednesday evenings, beginning 26 August 2026\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e8pm–10pm Irish time | Live on Zoom\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAttend live – or watch every session afterwards at a time that suits you.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIncludes illustrated course notes and \u003cstrong\u003e12 months’ access to all four class recordings\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEarly-booking price: €199 until midnight on Sunday, 9 August\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFull price: €229\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eWho were the Tuatha Dé Danann?\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey are the great supernatural race of Irish mythology: warriors, healers, poets, craftspeople, kings, goddesses and shape-shifters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey possess magical treasures. They fight extraordinary battles. They are associated with some of Ireland’s most ancient monuments and sacred landscapes. After their defeat by the Milesians, they retreat into the síd-mounds and become the mysterious people of the Otherworld.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut who – or what – were they?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWere the Tuatha Dé Danann the gods of pre-Christian Ireland? Were they memories of ancestral peoples? Were they fallen angels, supernatural beings or literary creations?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOr might they be several of these things at once?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeginning on Wednesday, 26 August, I invite you to join me for a four-week live exploration of one of the greatest and most enduring mysteries in Irish mythology.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOver four substantial two-hour sessions, we will examine the principal stories, personalities, sources and landscapes associated with the Tuatha Dé Danann.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe will encounter the Dagda, Lug, Brigid, the Morrígan, Boann, Nuadu, Manannán, Óengus and many others. We will explore the Battles of Mag Tuired, the four great treasures, the coming of the Milesians, the division of Ireland and the movement of the Tuatha Dé Danann into the hidden world of the sídhe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost importantly, we will ask what these stories might have meant, and what may lie beneath the versions preserved by medieval Irish scribes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis will not be a simple catalogue of “Celtic gods.” Nor will it present modern fantasy or speculation as ancient Irish tradition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInstead, we will return to the surviving sources, examine their contradictions and complexities, and explore the profound relationship between mythology, sovereignty, sacred landscape and the Otherworld.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou can attend each class live, watch the recordings afterwards or combine both approaches according to your own schedule.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[BOOK YOUR PLACE]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eCourse at a glance\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWednesday, 26 August 2026\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWednesday, 2 September 2026\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWednesday, 9 September 2026\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWednesday, 16 September 2026\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTime\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e8pm–10pm Irish time\u003c\/strong\u003e each Wednesday\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLocation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLive online through Zoom.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou can participate from anywhere in the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat is included\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFour live online classes\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEight hours of teaching\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLive questions and discussion\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRecordings of all four sessions\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwelve months’ access to the complete collection of recordings\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIllustrated PDF course notes\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSelected source passages and translations\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReading and research recommendations\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo assignments or examinations\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eVideo access\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach class will be recorded and added to a private course area.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eParticipants will have access to all four recordings until \u003cstrong\u003e16 September 2027\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis means you can attend live, catch up on a missed session or watch the entire course afterwards at your own pace.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePlaces\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe live course is limited to \u003cstrong\u003e40 participants\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePrice\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEarly-booking price: €199 until midnight on Sunday, 9 August\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFull price after 9 August: €229\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCurrent Mythical Ireland patrons and former participants in my online mythology courses will receive a private discount code by email or through Patreon.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eWhat you will discover\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy the end of the four weeks, you will have a much deeper understanding of:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ewho the Tuatha Dé Danann are in the surviving Irish texts;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ewhy describing them simply as “Irish gods” does not tell the whole story;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ethe principal personalities and relationships within the Tuatha Dé Danann;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ethe meaning and possible origins of their name;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ethe medieval manuscripts through which their stories have survived;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ethe First and Second Battles of Mag Tuired;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ethe Fomorians and their complicated relationship with the Tuatha Dé Danann;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ethe four great treasures brought from the mysterious northern cities;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003edivine kingship, sovereignty, generosity, prophecy and sacred knowledge;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ethe connection between the Tuatha Dé Danann and Ireland’s ancient monuments;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ethe meaning of the síd and the Irish Otherworld;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ehow powerful supernatural beings became the people of the fairy mounds;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ethe difference between early Irish tradition and much later interpretation;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ewhy the Tuatha Dé Danann continue to fascinate readers, writers and artists today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eThe four-week programme\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWeek One\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eWho Were the Tuatha Dé Danann?\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe begin with the central mystery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat does the name Tuatha Dé Danann actually mean? Who was Danu, or was there ever a goddess called Danu in the surviving Irish tradition?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe will examine the principal medieval sources, including \u003cem\u003eLebor Gabála Érenn\u003c\/em\u003e, and consider how Christian scholars attempted to incorporate Ireland’s pre-Christian traditions into a biblical history of the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe will explore the arrival of the Tuatha Dé Danann in Ireland, the mysterious northern cities from which they supposedly came and the four great treasures they carried with them:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ethe Stone of Fál;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ethe spear of Lug;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ethe sword of Nuadu;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ethe cauldron of the Dagda.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe will also examine the First Battle of Mag Tuired and the loss of Nuadu’s arm – a wound that raises important questions about kingship, bodily perfection and sovereignty.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAmong the questions considered in Week One:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWere the Tuatha Dé Danann understood as gods?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhy did medieval writers portray supernatural beings as ancient kings and warriors?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHow old might some elements of these stories be?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat can – and cannot – be recovered from beneath the medieval texts?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDid the Tuatha Dé Danann arrive through the air, in ships or in clouds of darkness?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat do the four treasures tell us about power, authority and society?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy the end of the first evening, you will understand why there is no simple answer to the question: “Who were the Tuatha Dé Danann?”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWeek Two\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eThe Great Figures of the Tuatha Dé Danann\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe second session introduces the most important figures associated with the Tuatha Dé Danann.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe will meet the Dagda, the immensely powerful figure of the sun, abundance, fertility and kingship; Lug, the master of every art; Nuadu of the Silver Hand; Brigid, associated with poetry, healing and craft; and the Morrígan, the formidable figure of prophecy, battle, sovereignty and transformation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe will also explore:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBoann and the creation of the River Boyne;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eÓengus and his connection with Newgrange;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eManannán mac Lir and the sea-bound Otherworld;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOgma and the power of eloquence;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDian Cécht, Miach and Airmed;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGoibniu, Luchta and Credne, the great craftspeople of the Tuatha Dé Danann;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eÉriu, Banba and Fódla, the sovereignty figures associated with Ireland itself.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRather than reducing each figure to a single function – “god of war,” “goddess of love” or “god of the sun” – we will examine how complex and contradictory these personalities can be.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAmong the stories explored will be:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLug’s arrival at the court of Tara;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNuadu’s silver arm;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ethe healing of Nuadu by Miach;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ethe jealous rage of Dian Cécht;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ethe Dagda’s extraordinary cauldron and club;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBrigid’s lament for her son;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBoann’s encounter with the Well of Segais;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eÓengus and the winning of the great síd-mound at Newgrange;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ethe Dagda’s meeting with the Morrígan before battle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis session will demonstrate why the figures of the Tuatha Dé Danann do not fit neatly into modern categories.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWeek Three\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eThe Battle for Ireland\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the centre of the course is one of the greatest surviving narratives in Irish mythology: the Second Battle of Mag Tuired.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Tuatha Dé Danann have gained Ireland, but their society has fallen under the oppressive rule of Bres.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough beautiful in appearance, Bres proves to be a defective king. He lacks generosity, fails to uphold the obligations of sovereignty and allows the Tuatha Dé Danann to be subjected to humiliating tribute.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAgainst this background, Lug arrives at Tara.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe is challenged at the gate and asked what skill he possesses. Warrior, poet, harpist, healer, smith, craftsman and champion – Lug can fulfil every role.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe is Samildánach: the master of many arts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe will follow the preparations for battle and explore the contributions of the warriors, healers, smiths, poets, magicians and craftspeople.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe will meet Balor of the Evil Eye and examine Lug’s confrontation with his formidable grandfather. We will consider the role of the Morrígan, the death of Nuadu and the restoration of rightful order.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut the Second Battle of Mag Tuired is much more than a fantasy story about two supernatural armies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is also a profound meditation on:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003egood and bad kingship;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003egenerosity and social obligation;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ethe proper functioning of a community;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003efertility and the survival of the land;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003econflict between generations;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ethe relationship between order and chaos;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ethe contribution of every craft and ability;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ethe dangers of withholding knowledge and resources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe will also ask who the Fomorians really are, and whether they are truly the simple enemies or opposites of the Tuatha Dé Danann.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWeek Four\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eInto the Sídhe\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the final session, another people come to Ireland: the sons of Míl, or Milesians.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe will explore their arrival, the role of the poet Amergin and their encounters with the three sovereignty figures Ériu, Banba and Fódla.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Milesians ultimately take possession of the visible surface of Ireland. The Tuatha Dé Danann enter another realm: the hills, mounds, lakes and hidden places of the landscape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is the world of the síd.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe will examine the meaning of the word \u003cem\u003esíd\u003c\/em\u003e, the division of the great mounds and the close connections between the Tuatha Dé Danann and some of Ireland’s most important ancient monuments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eParticular attention will be given to Newgrange – known in medieval tradition as Síd in Broga – and the stories of the Dagda, Boann, Elcmar and Óengus.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe will also consider:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ethe division of Ireland between the Tuatha Dé Danann and the Milesians;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ethe difference between the Otherworld and an afterlife;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOtherworld time;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ethe Feast of Goibniu;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ethe transformation of the Tuatha Dé Danann into the people of the fairy mounds;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eencounters between mortals and inhabitants of the síd;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ethe survival of these traditions in folklore;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003emodern literature, art and spirituality;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ethe difference between historical tradition and modern reconstruction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the conclusion of the course, we will return to our opening question.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWere the Tuatha Dé Danann gods? Ancestors? Fallen divinities? Literary creations? Memories of an older pantheon? Supernatural inhabitants of the Irish landscape?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePerhaps their enduring power lies in the fact that they cannot be confined to any one of these categories.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eAttend live – or learn at your own pace\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a live, interactive course, but you do not have to attend every session in real time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll four classes will be recorded and made available to enrolled participants through a private course area.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou may:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eattend all four sessions live;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eattend some sessions and watch others afterwards;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003erevisit sections that you found particularly interesting;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003epause and replay detailed explanations;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ewatch the entire course afterwards at times that suit your schedule.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAccess to the complete collection of recordings will remain available until \u003cstrong\u003e16 September 2027\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLive attendance gives you the additional opportunity to ask questions and participate in the discussion, but missing a class will not mean missing the material.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eThis course is for you if…\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou are fascinated by Irish mythology but sometimes find its many names, versions and relationships difficult to navigate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou have read stories about the Tuatha Dé Danann and would like to understand the original sources behind them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou want to move beyond simplistic lists of “Celtic gods” and discover the richness and complexity of the Irish material.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou are interested in archaeology, ancient monuments and the relationship between story and landscape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou are a writer, artist, musician, storyteller, guide or educator seeking reliable inspiration and context.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou are part of the Irish diaspora and would like to deepen your connection with Ireland’s mythological traditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou previously attended my Introduction to Ireland’s Myths and Legends course and would now like to explore one of its most important subjects in much greater depth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou are completely new to Irish mythology and want a clear, welcoming and engaging introduction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo previous academic knowledge is required.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eMore than a series of lectures\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis course will be carefully researched and clearly structured, but I do not want it to feel like a stiff academic lecture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMy approach is conversational and exploratory.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI will explain the sources, tell the stories, draw attention to important details and share my own observations from more than 25 years spent studying Irish mythology, archaeology and sacred landscape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere will be room for questions, discussion and the unexpected connections that often arise during a live class.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI will distinguish clearly between:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ewhat the early texts actually say;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ehow scholars have interpreted them;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ewhat can reasonably be inferred;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ewhat remains mysterious or uncertain;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eand what belongs to much later modern interpretation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou will not be expected to memorise complicated genealogies or sit an examination.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe purpose is to help you see the Tuatha Dé Danann with greater clarity, depth and wonder.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eIllustrated course notes\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eParticipants will receive specially prepared illustrated PDF notes to accompany the course.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese notes will contain:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003esummaries of the principal stories;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eprofiles of major figures;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003enames and terminology;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eimportant quotations and source passages;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003emaps, images and landscape connections;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ethe main themes from each week;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003erecommended books, translations and further reading.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe notes will allow you to concentrate on listening and participating during the live sessions without feeling that you must write down every detail.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe PDF notes will remain yours permanently.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eAbout your host\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAnthony Murphy\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI am an author, photographer, broadcaster, tour guide and the founder of Mythical Ireland.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor the past 27 years, I have been exploring Ireland’s ancient monuments, myths and sacred landscapes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI have written ten books and presented hundreds of episodes of \u003cem\u003eLive Irish Myths\u003c\/em\u003e, discussing Irish mythology, archaeology, folklore, astronomy and the enduring relationship between story and place. My eleventh book, \u003cem\u003eIreland: Land of Legend,\u003c\/em\u003e is being published by Red Stripe Press in October 2026.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMy work has focused particularly on Brú na Bóinne, Newgrange and the Boyne Valley – a landscape deeply connected with figures such as the Dagda, Boann and Óengus.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI believe Ireland’s myths deserve to be treated seriously, but never lifelessly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey are not merely relics from old manuscripts. They remain powerful ways of thinking about landscape, memory, identity, time, creativity and the unseen world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this course, I hope to bring together careful research, compelling storytelling and the sense of wonder that first drew me towards the Tuatha Dé Danann many years ago.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eWhat previous Mythical Ireland course participants have said\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e“His expert knowledge and natural charisma shone through all day.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e— Arnold Hensman\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e“Scholarly but not stuffy.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e— Paul Hurley\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e“Anthony’s level of knowledge combined with his passion is astounding.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e— Rucksack Foodie\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExcerpts from verified Google reviews of previous Mythical Ireland courses.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDo I need any previous knowledge of Irish mythology?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe course is suitable for complete newcomers as well as participants who already have a good knowledge of Irish mythology.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eImportant names, sources and concepts will be introduced and explained clearly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat happens if I cannot attend every live session?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll four classes will be recorded and added to a private course area.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou will have access to the complete collection of recordings until 16 September 2027.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou can therefore attend every session live, watch the entire course afterwards or combine live participation and replay viewing according to your own schedule.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhen will each recording become available?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI will aim to make each class recording available within 24 to 48 hours of the live session.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eParticipants will receive an email when the recording has been added to the private course area.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow long will I have access to the recordings?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAccess will remain available for 12 months after the final live class, until \u003cstrong\u003e16 September 2027\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe recordings are streamed through a private course area and are not supplied as downloadable video files.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCan I watch the recordings more than once?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou can revisit the classes as often as you wish during the 12-month access period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis may be particularly useful when returning to detailed stories, names, source passages or relationships between different figures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWill I receive course notes?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIllustrated PDF notes will be supplied to registered participants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe PDF notes will remain yours permanently.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCan I join from outside Ireland?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe course is completely online and participants can join from anywhere with a suitable internet connection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe live sessions begin at 8pm in Ireland.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring the course dates, this corresponds to:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e8pm in the United Kingdom;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e9pm in Central Europe;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3pm US Eastern time;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e12 noon US Pacific time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlease check the equivalent time in your own location before booking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe recordings also make the course accessible to participants for whom the live session time is inconvenient.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDo I need a Zoom account?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou can normally join a Zoom meeting through the supplied link.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInstalling the Zoom application beforehand is recommended for the best experience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDo I have to appear on camera?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou may leave your camera switched off.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eParticipants can submit questions through the Zoom chat. There may also be opportunities to ask questions directly, but nobody will be required to speak.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWill participants appear in the recordings?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe recordings will concentrate on the presentation, the shared slides and the principal teaching content.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eParticipants will be informed that each session is being recorded.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrivate or personal discussion may be removed from the published recording where appropriate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCan two people attend using one booking?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach booking is for one participant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwo members of the same household may watch together on one screen. Separate bookings are required for participants joining from different households or devices.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCan I share my video access with someone else?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCourse access is for the registered participant or household only and should not be shared with other people.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnauthorised copying, downloading, recording or redistribution of the videos and course materials is not permitted.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWill there be assignments?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are no assignments, assessments or examinations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuggested readings may be provided for anyone who would like to explore the subject in greater depth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eIs the course suitable for academic researchers?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe course is designed for a broad general audience rather than as an accredited academic programme.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, it will engage seriously with early Irish texts, translations, scholarship and questions of interpretation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eResearchers, writers, guides and educators should find substantial material of interest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow will I receive the Zoom links?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBooking confirmation and initial course information will be sent to the email address used during checkout.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eZoom links and reminders will also be sent by email before each session.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlease check your spam, junk or promotions folders if you do not see them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eReserve your place\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Tuatha Dé Danann have survived centuries of retelling, reinterpretation and transformation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey have been remembered as gods, kings, warriors, magicians, fairies and ancient inhabitants of Ireland.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTheir names remain attached to rivers, hills, monuments and some of the most powerful stories in the Irish tradition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOver four Wednesday evenings, we will journey from their mysterious arrival in Ireland to the Battles of Mag Tuired, the court of Tara, the great monuments of the Boyne Valley and the hidden world of the sídhe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAttend live, take part in the discussion and ask questions, or watch the complete course afterwards at your own pace.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI hope you will join me.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eThe Tuatha Dé Danann\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGods, Ancestors, or Something Else Entirely?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWednesdays, 26 August–16 September 2026\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e8pm–10pm Irish time\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLive on Zoom\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIncludes:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003efour live classes;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eeight hours of teaching;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eillustrated PDF course notes;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003erecordings of all four sessions;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e12 months’ video access;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003elive questions and discussion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEarly-booking price: €199 until midnight on Sunday, 9 August\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFull price: €229\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLimited to 40 live participants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCancellations and refunds\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA 14-day cancellation period applies where provided by law. Mythical Ireland also normally offers a full refund for cancellations received at least seven days before the first live class. Different terms apply once the course or digital access has begun. Please read our full \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/mythicalireland.com\/policies\/refund-policy\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Mythical Ireland refund policy\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCancellation and Refund Policy\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e before booking. Nothing in the policy affects your statutory consumer rights.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mythical Ireland","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56630432629076,"sku":null,"price":199.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0603\/7087\/8620\/files\/TuathaDeDananncourseMythicalIrelandAugust2026.jpg?v=1785420288","url":"https:\/\/mythicalireland.com\/products\/the-tuatha-de-danann-gods-ancestors-or-something-else-entirely","provider":"Mythical Ireland","version":"1.0","type":"link"}