Fomor

Fomor, also known as Fomori or Fomoir, are a supernatural race in Irish mythology. They are often depicted as monstrous beings, sometimes described as giants or with features like single eyes, limbs, or heads. Their origins are varied and often contradictory, with some tales suggesting they are descendants of the biblical Ham, while others link them to primeval beings or a race that preceded the Tuatha Dé Danann, the principal gods of Ireland.

The Fomor are frequently portrayed as antagonists to the Tuatha Dé Danann. Their relationship is often one of conflict and oppression, with the Fomor demanding tribute and imposing their rule. A significant conflict involves their defeat by the Tuatha Dé Danann at the Second Battle of Magh Tuired, a pivotal event in Irish mythology. Despite their defeat, they are not entirely vanquished and continue to appear in various legends.

Notable Fomor figures include Balor, who possesses a destructive eye, and Nuada Airgetlám, a king of the Tuatha Dé Danann who lost his hand in battle against them. The Fomor are generally associated with the sea, the underworld, and chaos, contrasting with the more celestial and ordered nature often attributed to the Tuatha Dé Danann. Their complex and often malevolent nature makes them significant figures in the mythological landscape of Ireland.