The Battles of Mag Tuired
Irish mythological literature preserves traditions of two battles associated with Mag Tuired.
The tradition
The two battles are distinct traditions, fought against different peoples, and they shape much of the Mythological Cycle.
First battle — Tuatha Dé Danann and Fir Bolg
Tradition tells of conflict between the newly arrived Tuatha Dé Danann and the Fir Bolg.
Nuada loses his hand or arm in the battle tradition, affecting his kingship and leading to the famous tradition of his silver replacement.
Second battle — Tuatha Dé Danann and Fomorians
The later conflict places the Tuatha Dé Danann against the Fomorians.
Lugh becomes a central champion of the Tuatha Dé Danann.
Balor is the terrifying Fomorian figure associated with the destructive eye and is opposed by Lugh.
The world behind the cards
These battle traditions explain why Balor, the Fomorian Raider and the Fir Bolg Warrior appear as Creatures opposite Lugh, and why the Sword of Nuada belongs in the same story.
Versions differ
Not every detail exists identically in every manuscript or later retelling.
