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Ériu

For the character Eri in the anime and manga series InuYasha, see Yuka, Eri, Ayumi.

In Irish mythology, Ériu, daughter of Ernmas of the Tuatha Dé Danann, was one of the patron goddesses of Ireland. Her husband was Mac Gréine. She was the mother of Bres by Prince Elatha of the Fomorians.

With her sisters, Banba and Fodla, she was part of an important triumvirate of goddesses. When the Milesians arrived from Spain each of the three sisters asked that her name be given to the country. Ériu (Éire) won the argument, but Banba and Fodla are still sometimes used as poetic names for Ireland, much as Albion is for Great Britain.

According to Seathrún Céitinn she worshipped the Badb, who is also sometimes named as a daughter of Ernmas. The two goddesses may therefore be seen as equivalent.



07-14-2008 23:18:10
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