Overview: Tales of the Tuatha De Danann, Volume 1: New Translations of Irish Myths is a collection of modern translations of older Irish material focusing on the Tuatha Dé Danann and Aos Sidhe and gathers these stories together into a single place and gives readers a more literal translation to work from.

Verdict: Growing up in a family that had roots in Ireland and even went as far as being (so I was always told) very knowledgeable, and protective of all-things Celtic Folklore, I soon came to understand that Tuatha Dé Danann, (Gaelic: “People of the Goddess Danu”), were always languishing within Celtic mythology; a race inhabiting Ireland before the arrival of the Milesians (the ancestors of the modern Irish).

They were said to have been skilled in magic, and the earliest reference to them relates that, after they were banished from heaven because of their knowledge, they descended on Ireland in a cloud of mist. They were thought to have disappeared into the hills when overcome by the Milesians.

Furthermore, the Leabhar Gabhála (Book of Invasions), a fictitious history of Ireland from the earliest times, treats them as actual people, and they were so regarded by native historians up to the 17th century. In popular legend they have become associated with the numerous fairies still supposed to inhabit the Irish landscape.

Here in this enthralling new book from prolific author Morgan Daimler, she sets her focus on shorter tales and excerpts from larger texts and offers a range of material that gives insight into just who the Irish Gods are and how they have been perceived down the years.

The stories include How the Dagda Got His Magic Staff, The Treasures of the Tuatha Dé Danann, Oengus’s Dream, and others. Also interesting to know is that the text is presented in the source languages of Old and Middle Irish with new English translations by the author.

A book (a thick book) chock full of sumptuous Celtic mythology and earnestly impassioned translations, Tales of the Tuatha Dé Danann, Volume 1 is especially bound for those interested in Irish paganism or spirituality, as a whole. As close prose wise to a genuinely authentic heart of ancient pagan Ireland, anyone familiar with the language of Sean-agus Meán-Ghaeilge and Old and Medieval Irish is going to have a field day here!

Indeed, many existing translations are around a hundred years old and often either exclude material or skew the translation to fit the mores of a more Victorian audience - while this one stays as true as possible to the source material.

About the Author - Morgan Daimler teaches classes and writes about Irish myth and magical practices, fairies, and related subjects. Morgan’s writing has appeared in a variety of magazines including Pagan Dawn and Witches & Pagans, and anthologies including Naming the Goddess and Harp, Club, & Cauldron.

Morgan is also the author of a variety of fiction books such as the urban fantasy/paranormal romance series Between the Worlds, and non-fiction through Moon Books including bestsellers Fairy Witchcraft, Pagan Portals: The Morrigan, Pagan Portals: Brigid, and Fairies: A Guide to the Celtic Fair Folk.

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