The Mythology of the Gaiscíoch
By: Benjamin "Foghladha" Foley | : 883
What is a Gaiscíoch? The Gaiscíoch takes it’s name from an Irish legend found within the “Lebor Gabála Érenn” and “Cath Maige Tuired” which chronicles the arrival of the Tuatha de Danann to the shores of Connaught, Ireland.
They came from four islands in the north west known as Findias, Falias, Gorias, and Murias. From these islands came four mystical relics, the Spear of Lugh, the Sword of Nuada, the Cauldron of Dagda, and the Lia Fáil. In addition, there were four great druid poets by names of Morfessa, Esras, Uiscias, and Semias. A great prophecy of impending doom was foretold by one of their seers and the Tuatha de Danann took to the ocean and sailed east to the shores of Connaught, Ireland, where upon their arrival they burned their ships so that they could never return. This created a black mist that swept the western half of Ireland and shrouded their arrival in mystery and legend.
The native Fir Bolg, whom were slaves that mutinied their ship and crashed it into the shores of Ireland saw this black mist and prophesied of great peril and destruction that should befall upon them. It was here that we first saw the appearance of the Gaiscíoch. They were a hand chosen band of warriors, diplomats, poets, craftsmen, and sages that the Tuatha de Danann chose to fight along their side and represent them to foreign realms.
It was in the First Battle of Moyturna where the Tuatha de Danann encountered the Fir Bolg for the first time. They sent Bres, one of the finest warriors of the Tuatha to meet with the Fir Bolg’s finest warrior Sreng. The two met and exchanged spears and Bres offered the Fir Bolg half of Ireland to do with as they please.
Sreng returned to his king with the spear which was far superior to their own and the offer to own half of Ireland. The Fir Bolg king felt that if they gave the Tuatha half it would not be long before they were strong enough to take it all. He ordered the Fir Bolg to war.
When the Tuatha de Danann learned of this, they refused battle until the fight was fair. They sent their finest craftsmen and warriors to the Fir Bolg to teach them how to craft weaponry that was equal to their own and train their warriors to use them. After 6 months the two sides chose their best warriors. Bres met Sreng in the middle of the battlefield and told him that they didn’t need to continue this senseless war. But the Fir Bolg could not stand down.
The first battle was with hurlers, in which they slung stones at each other until one side could not stand. The Tuatha were victorious. Again Bres met Sreng in the middle. He asked that they end this senseless bloodshed. Again the Fir Bolg declined. The next day the Gaiscíoch and the Tuatha headed into battle and by nightfall every last Fir Bolg warrior had fallen and the Fir Bolg king lay mortally wounded. But the Fir Bolg were not all that suffered losses. During the battle the Tuatha King Nuada lost his right hand to the blade of Sreng. He was replaced by Dagda, as the King could not show weakness or be disfigured in any way.
After the battle was over, The Tuatha returned to the Fir Bolg. They offered them any one of the 5 provinces of Ireland for them to settle and do with as they please. They then threw a feast and invited their brothers from the south to join them. The Fir Bolg and the Tuatha joined forces as one united Irish nation and later fought together to defeat the Formorians.
It was this story that compelled me to create a family in its image, A community that looks out for everyone, even when it is not requested. A gathering of people from all walks of life, with all professions and trades represented. A legend of honor, respect, integrity and fellowship. This is what we attempt to recreate in today’s modern era.
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About the Author
Benjamin "Foghladha" Foley
Managing Editor & Designer
Benjamin founded the Gaiscioch Social Gaming Community in 2001 and has since been the founder & activities director for this well known community. His role has gone beyond just running the Gaming Community and now includes running the Athletics Program in Portland, Oregon, as well as acting as the Managing Editor of the Gaiscioch Magazine, and is the Lead Producer on the Gaiscioch Livestream Productions. Additionally he networks with game developers to form relationships between Gaiscioch and development studios.
His experience in publishing dates back to helping his Grandparents who operated a printing press for over 40 years. In high school and college Benjamin excelled in journalism and played an active part in the school newspaper. Benjamin currently works full time as the director of technology for a franchise trade publication & education company.