| Ériu | |
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Real Name |
Ériu |
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First Appearance |
Unknown |
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Created by |
Unknown |
Origin[]
In Irish mythology, Ériu, daughter of Ernmas of the Tuatha Dé Danann, was the eponymous matron goddess of Ireland.
The English name for Ireland comes from the name Ériu and the Germanic (Old Norse or Old English) word land.
The fact that Ériu is represented as goddess of Ireland, she is often interpreted as a modern day personification of Ireland, although since the name "Ériu" is the older Irish form of the word Ireland, her modern name is often modified to "Éire" or "Erin" to suit a modern form.
According to myth, with her sisters, Banba and Fódla, Ériu was part of an important triumvirate of goddesses of sovereignty. She was one of the Queens of Ireland when the Milesians from Galicia invaded. All three sisters made deals with the Milesians that their names would be given to the defeated country. This was granted to them, although Ériu/Éire became the chief name in use.
Public Domain Appearances[]
- Santa Claus’ Daughter: A Musical Christmas Burlesque in Two Acts by Everett Elliott and F. W. Hardcastle (1892)