Fomorians

In Celtic mythology, the Fomorians, or Fomors were a race of giants who were the occupants of Ireland before the Celts. They were said to be the offspring of Noah's son, Ham. They are said to have the body of a man and the head of a goat, according to an 11th century text called The Book of the Dun Cow[?].

The Partholons were the first to invade Ireland, but the Fomorians killed them with a plague. Then, the Nemeds came but were enslaved. The third invasion was the Firbolgs; who subdued the Fomorians and the two races lived peacefully together.

This continued until the Irish gods, the Tuatha de Danaan, arrived. They conquered the Firbolgs but in the Second Battle of Magh Tuiredh[?], the Fomorians lost. Attempting to guarantee peace, the Tuatha de promised to give the throne to one of the Fomorians, Bres, but he was deposed for his tyranny and replaced by Nuada, a Tuatha de.

The Fomorians were given Connacht and there was some intermarriage with the Tuatha de.

Fomorians:

1. Balor - the King
2. Banba
3. Bres
4. Buarainech
5. Eriu
6. Fodla
7. Cethlenn
8. Cethlion - the prophetess
9. Corb
10. Elatha
11. Ethlinn
12. Tethra

The name comes from formo meaning "giant" or "pirate." It could be translated as "dark of the sea" as well.