sdhe

In Irish mythology, the sdhe (IPA ) are a supernatural race, quite distinct from humankind. There are a number of different types of sdhe: aes sdhe, banshee, warrior or daoine sdhe, leanan sdhe, sluagh, the fairy host or Wild Hunt, sdhe who can fly through the air and shift shape at will, sdhe who walk the earth at dusk, the guardian sdhe of the lakes of both Ireland and Scotland and many more. They are the remnants of the underground kingdom given to the Tuatha D Danann after they were defeated by the Milesians. According to The Book of Invasions or Lebor Gabla renn, the Tuatha D Danann, the “People of the Goddess Danu” were defeated in battle by the mortal Sons of Mil. As part of the surrender terms the Tatha D Danann agreed to dwell underground in the sde (singular sd), the hills or mounds that dot the Irish landscape. Each member of the Tuatha De Danaan was given one mound. Later, due to a corruption of the meaning, both the mounds and the supernatural entities (i.e. sprites) became known as the sd, modern Irish sdhe.

Sdhe

See also