Moytura Battle Site
Location: Moytirra, Co. Sligo
Classification: Ancient Complex
Rating:
The name Mag Tuired (modern spelling: Magh Tuireadh) means "plain of pillars" or "plain of towers", and is anglicised as Moytura or Moytirra. It is the site of the mythological 2nd Battle of Moytura (The 1st was near Cong in County Mayo). A number of megalithic sites are located in the area, just northeast of Lough Arrow, though the pillars in the name refers to a number of huge glacially deposited rocks or erratics, found on the plain.
The Battle of Moytura is the central story, the jewel in the Crown of Irish mythology. It is a great epic tale of combat between the forces of Light and Darkness, good and evil, order and chaos. The story was recorded in two versions in the sixteenth century; both of these, though they differ in some respects, follow the same thread which is thought to be based on a twelfth century manuscript. This in turn is known to be based on an ancient oral tradition which may well stretch back over 2000 years.
The 1st mythological Battle of Moytura was fought between the Tuatha dé Danann and the Fir Bolg, near Cong in Mayo. The battle was a victory for the Tuatha dé Danann but resulted in the loss of their king, Nuada's arm, and his replacement as king by Bres 'the beautiful'. Bres was conceived from a union between Ériu of the Tuatha dé Danann and Elatha of the Fomorians. It was though that, because of his ancestry, Bres might help unite the peoples of Ireland. However, he oppresses the Tuatha dé Danann, making the noblest of them do menial work and failing to show the level of hospitality expected of a king. Worse still he connives with the Formorians, imposing heavy tribute on his people. He is eventually deposed as king, and Nuada, who has had his arm replaced with one made of silver, is restored. Bres appeals for assistance from the Fomorians to take back the kingship. The Fomorian leader, Balor of the Evil Eye, agrees to help him and raises a huge army. Meanwhile, the god Lugh, another product of a Tuatha dé Danann and Fomorian union, arrives at Nuada's palace: impressing the king with his many talents, is given command of the Tuatha dé Danann. When the 2nd Battle of Moytura commences, King Nuada is killed by Balor. On seeing this, Lugh, who is also Balor's grandson, kills the Fomorian leader with his spear, sending the evil eye through the back of Balor's head where it wreaks havoc on the Fomorian ranks. Bres is found alive in the aftermath of the battle, and is spared on the condition that he teach the Tuatha dé Danann how to plough, sow and reap.
Description
The name Mag Tuired (modern spelling: Magh Tuireadh) means "plain of pillars" or "plain of towers", and is anglicised as Moytura or Moytirra. It is the site of the mythological 2nd Battle of Moytura (The 1st was near Cong in County Mayo). A number of megalithic sites are located in the area, just northeast of Lough Arrow, though the pillars in the name refers to a number of huge glacially deposited rocks or erratics, found on the plain.
History
The Battle of Moytura is the central story, the jewel in the Crown of Irish mythology. It is a great epic tale of combat between the forces of Light and Darkness, good and evil, order and chaos. The story was recorded in two versions in the sixteenth century; both of these, though they differ in some respects, follow the same thread which is thought to be based on a twelfth century manuscript. This in turn is known to be based on an ancient oral tradition which may well stretch back over 2000 years.
Folklore
The 1st mythological Battle of Moytura was fought between the Tuatha dé Danann and the Fir Bolg, near Cong in Mayo. The battle was a victory for the Tuatha dé Danann but resulted in the loss of their king, Nuada's arm, and his replacement as king by Bres 'the beautiful'. Bres was conceived from a union between Ériu of the Tuatha dé Danann and Elatha of the Fomorians. It was though that, because of his ancestry, Bres might help unite the peoples of Ireland. However, he oppresses the Tuatha dé Danann, making the noblest of them do menial work and failing to show the level of hospitality expected of a king. Worse still he connives with the Formorians, imposing heavy tribute on his people. He is eventually deposed as king, and Nuada, who has had his arm replaced with one made of silver, is restored. Bres appeals for assistance from the Fomorians to take back the kingship. The Fomorian leader, Balor of the Evil Eye, agrees to help him and raises a huge army. Meanwhile, the god Lugh, another product of a Tuatha dé Danann and Fomorian union, arrives at Nuada's palace: impressing the king with his many talents, is given command of the Tuatha dé Danann. When the 2nd Battle of Moytura commences, King Nuada is killed by Balor. On seeing this, Lugh, who is also Balor's grandson, kills the Fomorian leader with his spear, sending the evil eye through the back of Balor's head where it wreaks havoc on the Fomorian ranks. Bres is found alive in the aftermath of the battle, and is spared on the condition that he teach the Tuatha dé Danann how to plough, sow and reap.
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Gallery
Accessibility Rating: Easy - Moderate
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Accessibility
Accessibility Class: Easy - Moderate
Facilities
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Sunrise/Sunset
Sunrise: 06:21
Sunset: 20:45
Directions
Weather
Sunrise/Sunset
Sunrise: 06:21
Sunset: 20:45
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