LEBHOR GEBALA ERENN (Lecture 19)

Lebhor Gabala Erenn • 12th century compilation • aims: (a) preserve traditional Irish foundation myths (b) synchronize Irish and Christian myths (c) provide Irish myths with Biblical authority • narrative of invader; encounter with indigenous Other

Lebhor Gabala Erenn 1 Cesair •150 women + 3 men •all die in Flood except Fintan, who survives for the next 5500 years in a variety of shapes 2 Partholón (Bartholomew) •battle against Fomoire •clear plains, divide Ireland into 4 parts, establish agriculture, law, cauldron-making, ale-brewing, hospitality, fosterage •all die of plague 3 Nemed •arrival on Samhain •clear plains and form lakes •defeated by Fomoire and subjected to tribute of corn, milk, and children •remnant of Nemedians go into exile (British Isles, Greece) 4 Fir Bholg (=Belgae?) •arrival on Lughnasad •sacral kingship: reign of Eochaid mac Eirc = "golden age”

Lebhor Gabala Erenn 5 Tuatha Dé Danann •arrival on Beltaine •four talismans: Lia Fáil (Stone of Destiny), Sword of Nuadu, Gáe Assail (Spear of Assal), Cauldron of Dagda •defeat of Fir Bholg in First Battle of Mag Tuired •maiming of King Nuadu forces abdication; succeeded by bad half-Fomorian King Bres ••revolt of Tuatha; Bres cursed; Lugh defeats Balor in Second Battle of Mag Tuired •Bres spared death after guaranteeing abundance of crops and milk, and teaching times for plowing 6 Milesians •defeat of Tuatha at Battle of Sliab Mis •poet Amairgin receives authority from goddesses of Ireland (Ériu, Banba, Fodla) •Tuatha attempt to trick Milesians, but are defeated at Battles of Tailtiu and Druim Ligen •division of Ireland into upper and lower: Milesians rule upper world; Tuatha rule Otherworld, below ground in side

Fomorians/Fomoire • < fo [under] + mor [phantom] / muir [sea]? • malevolent • misshapen: goat- and horse-headed • one eye, one hand, one foot/leg • gigantic / elvish • plague and famine

glám dícenn • < glám [satire] + díchen [destroy] • uttered while standing on one leg, one arm behind back, one eye shut • blisters face of victim, causes withering • cf. power of poets (fili) in Old Irish society