In Irish mythology, Magh Tuiredh (Mag Tuired, Magh Tuireadh, anglicised as Moytura) is the name of the locations of two battles said to have been waged by the Tuatha Dé Danann. The name means "plain of pillars". Tradition has actually placed the two fields of Magh Tuiredh in two separate locations in Connacht, the western province of Ireland. The first is in Cong, in the County Galway on the border with Mayo; and the second by Lough Arrow in County Sligo.
The First Battle of Magh Tuiredh
On their arrival in Ireland, Nuada led the Tuatha Dé against the Fir Bolg, the inhabitants of Ireland at that time, and their king Eochaid mac Eirc. The Tuatha Dé were victorious but Nuada lost his arm in the battle.
The Second Battle of Magh Tuiredh
Sometimes known as the 'Great' Battle of Magh Tuiredh. Lug the Samildánach ("versatile in every art") led the Tuatha Dé, having armed himself with an array of wonderful weapons. (These had been arduously gathered from around the known world by the sons of Tuireann in recompense for having murdered Lug's father Cian.) The Tuatha Dé Danann defeated the Fomorians who were led by Balor of the Evil Eye.
The story of both battles of Magh Tuiredh is given in the Lebor Gabála Érenn, or Book of the Takings of Ireland, the great mythical history of Ireland. Additional material on the second battle is recounted in Cath Maige Tuired.
External Links
Cath Maige Tuired (http://www.sacred-texts.com/neu/cmt/cmteng.htm) The Second Battle of Mag Tuired
The narrative of the battle of Moytura (q.v.) in THE BOOK OF LEINSTER gives one of the most vivid descriptions of the activities of Badb and her attendant spirits.
The date of composition is at least as early as the eleventh century, and may be considerably earlier, for the short, dry succession of factual statements is a trait which is distintcly reminiscent of the earlier style.
The author's examination of THE BATTLE OF MOYTURA begins with the first nine sections of the legend, which are probably the most important and contain within them the essence of the Celtic philosophical, religious and magical beliefs.
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