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the Tuatha De Danann are descendants of another group of the scattered seed of
Nemed.
They return to Ireland from the far north, where they have learned
the dark arts of pagan magic and druidry, on or about May 1. They contest the
ownership of Ireland with the Fir Bolg and their allies in the
First Battle of Moytura (or Mag Tuired).
The De Danann are victorious
and drive the Fir Bolg into exile to the neighbouring islands. But Nuada, the
king of the DeDanann, loses his right arm in the battle and is forced to renounce
his crown. The De Danann people arrived
after the Firbolgs, and were to force the Firbolgs into partial serfdom. For
seven unhappy years the kingship is held by the
Bres before Nuada's leech Dian Cacht fashions for him a silver arm, and he
is restored. War with the Fomorians breaks out and a decisive battle is fought:
the Second Battle of Moytura. King Nuada
falls to Balor of the Evil Eye, but Balor's grandson, Lugh of the Long Arm, kills
him and becomes king. The Tuatha De Danann enjoy one hundred and fifty years of
unbroken rule. The Tuatha De Danann established Tara
on the Boyne Valley, the ritual inaugaration and burial place for the ancient
Kings