According to the legend, Danu was a goddess associated with rivers, water, and fertility. She was the mother of many gods and goddesses, including Lugh.
Balor was a powerful and evil giant who had only one eye, which he kept closed most of the time because it had the power to destroy anything it looked upon. Balor had a daughter named Ethlinn who had been prophesied to bear a son who would one day kill him.
To prevent this prophecy from coming true, Balor locked Ethlinn away in a tower on an island, so she could not have any contact with men. However, Lugh, who was a skilled warrior and craftsman, was able to reach Ethlinn by building a boat and sailing to the island.
When Lugh arrived, he disguised himself as a woman to get past the guards and then revealed himself to Ethlinn. They fell in love and conceived a child together, whom they named Setanta. Balor eventually discovered their secret and tried to kill Setanta, but Lugh intervened and killed Balor by using a sling and a stone, which hit Balor's eye, and he died.
Setanta, later known as Cú Chulainn, grew up to become a great hero of Irish mythology. The story of Danu, Lugh, and Balor is often interpreted as an allegory for the triumph of good over evil, and the power of love and cunning over brute force.
The Battle of Mag Tuireadh, also known as the Second Battle of Mag Tuireadh, is a mythical battle that features prominently in Irish mythology. It was fought between the Tuatha Dé Danann, a group of supernatural beings, and the Fomorians, a race of giants.
The battle was fought on the plains of Mag Tuireadh, which is believed to be located in County Sligo, Ireland. The Tuatha Dé Danann were led by their king, Nuada, and their champion, Lugh, while the Fomorians were led by their king, Balor.
The battle was fierce and lasted for several days. The Tuatha Dé Danann used their magical powers to summon storms, create illusions, and transform themselves into different animals to gain an advantage in battle. The Fomorians, on the other hand, relied on their brute strength and advanced weaponry, including swords, spears, and chariots.
Despite their initial success, the Tuatha Dé Danann suffered heavy losses, including their king Nuada, who lost his arm in battle. However, Lugh was able to use his magical powers to defeat Balor, the leader of the Fomorians. He then led the Tuatha Dé Danann to victory and claimed Mag Tuireadh as their own.
The Battle of Mag Tuireadh is often interpreted as a metaphor for the struggle between the forces of light and darkness, good and evil, and the triumph of the gods over the giants. It remains one of the most famous and celebrated battles in Irish mythology.