The Monsters Who Ruled Ancient Ireland: The Formorians

Long before medieval kingdoms, Viking raids, or even the coming of the Celts, Ireland's oldest legends spoke of terrifying supernatural beings known as the Fomorians.

Were they sea gods? Giants? Demons? Ancient deities remembered through myth? Or echoes of real prehistoric peoples?

In this video, we explore one of the most fascinating groups in Irish mythology. Discover their strange origins, their fearsome kings—including Balor of the Evil Eye—their wars against the Tuatha Dé Danann, and how these mysterious beings helped shape Ireland's legendary past.

Drawing on medieval Irish sources and modern scholarship, we'll uncover what the Fomorians may have represented and why they continue to capture the imagination today.

Sources & Further Reading Lebor Gabála Érenn (The Book of the Taking of Ireland) Cath Maige Tuired (The Second Battle of Mag Tuired) Proinsias Mac Cana Dáithí Ó hÓgáin Mark Williams John Carey

Watch on YouTube (18 min)