"Irish mythology is the body of myths native to the island of Ireland."
The rich tradition of Irish folklore and mythology, including tales of mythical creatures, heroes, and legends.
Celtic mythology: This is the collection of myths and legends from the Celtic speaking people of Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and Brittany.
The Tuatha Dé Danann: This refers to the supernatural beings who were said to have ruled Ireland before the arrival of the Gaels and are a central topic in Irish mythology.
Fionn mac Cumhaill: This is an important figure in Irish mythology, also known as Finn MacCool, who was a warrior and leader of the Fianna.
The Irish Heroic Cycle: This is a series of stories that tell of the adventures of Irish heroes and their battles against enemies such as monsters, giants, and other supernatural forces.
The Ulster Cycle: This is a group of tales that center around the hero Cú Chulainn, who defends Ulster from invaders.
The Fenian Cycle: This cycle tells the tales of Fionn mac Cumhaill and his band of warriors, the Fianna.
The Morrigan: This is the goddess of death and destruction who often appears as a crow or raven in Irish mythology.
Irish mythology and Christianity: The integration of Christianity into Irish culture led to important changes in Irish folklore and mythology, including the adoption of Christian concepts and the re-telling of old legends to reflect Christian values.
Banshees: These are female spirits who are said to wail or shriek as a warning of impending death.
Fairy faith: The belief in fairies, also known as the "Good People," has been part of Irish folklore for centuries, with many different beliefs, customs, and superstitions associated with them.
Leprechauns: These are small, mischievous creatures in Irish folklore who are known for their love of gold and mischief.
Irish Folk Music: Music has played a big role in Irish folklore, with many traditional songs passed down through generations.
Irish mythology in modern culture: Irish mythology has influenced modern culture in numerous ways, from literature and film to popular music and sports.
Irish Folklore in the diaspora: The Irish diaspora has maintained a strong connection to their homeland through traditions such as music, dance, and literature, all of which have been heavily influenced by Irish folklore and mythology.
Mythology: Stories of gods, goddesses, and mythical creatures that explain the origins and behaviors of the natural world and supernatural beings.
Fiannaíocht: Stories of heroism and adventure involving the warrior band called the Fianna, led by Fionn MacCumhaill.
Fenian cycle: A collection of heroic tales about Finn McCool and the Fianna, warriors who served the High King of Ireland.
Mythological cycle: Stories of the Tuatha Dé Danann, a mythological race of beings who were believed to have lived in Ireland before the arrival of humans.
Ulster Cycle: Tales of heroes and warriors from the historical region of Ulster, including the famous warrior Cú Chulainn.
Cycles of Kings: Stories that retell the lives and reigns of legendary Irish kings, including their battles, successes, and failures.
Animal tales: Stories featuring animals as characters, often with magical or supernatural powers.
Legend: Stories of actual people or events that have been exaggerated or altered over time through storytelling.
Folktales: Stories of everyday life and events, often involving moral lessons and humorous or whimsical elements.
Wonders and Miracle Tales: Tales of miraculous events including supernatural cures, healings, visions, and apparitions.
Migration legends: Stories of Irish people migrating to other lands, often as a result of famine, war, or political unrest.
Fairy tales: Stories featuring fairies and other supernatural entities that illustrate the importance of kindness, generosity, and respect for nature.
Ghost stories: Tales of supernatural events involving ghosts, spirits, and other paranormal phenomena.
Epic poems: Verses that retell the life and legacy of legendary heroes, such as Beowulf or Gilgamesh.
Historical tales: Factually based stories of significant events in Irish history.
"It was originally passed down orally in the prehistoric era."
"It was part of ancient Celtic religion."
"Many myths were later written down in the early medieval era by Christian scribes."
"Christian scribes [...] modified and Christianized them to some extent."
"This body of myths is the largest and best-preserved of all the branches of Celtic mythology."
"The tales and themes continued to be developed over time."
"The oral tradition continued in Irish folklore alongside the written tradition."
"But the main themes and characters remained largely consistent."
"Tales and poems about the god-like Túatha Dé Danann, who are based on Ireland's pagan deities, and other mythical races like the Fomorians."
"Important works in the cycle are the Lebor Gabála Érenn ('Book of Invasions'), a legendary history of Ireland, the Cath Maige Tuired ('Battle of Moytura'), and the Aided Chlainne Lir ('Children of Lir')."
"The Ulster Cycle consists of heroic legends relating to the Ulaid."
"The most important of which is the epic Táin Bó Cúailnge ('Cattle Raid of Cooley')."
"The Fianna Cycle focuses on the exploits of the mythical hero Finn and his warrior band the Fianna."
"Including the lengthy Acallam na Senórach ('Tales of the Elders')."
"The Kings' Cycle comprises legends about historical and semi-historical kings of Ireland."
"Such as Buile Shuibhne ('The Madness of King Sweeny')."
"There are also mythical texts that do not fit into any of the cycles."
"The echtrai tales of journeys to the Otherworld (such as The Voyage of Bran)."
"The Dindsenchas ('lore of places')." Please note that while the provided quotes answer the questions in a general sense, there may be additional information within the paragraph that could inform a more comprehensive answer.