Éire / Éireann/ Éirenn / Éirinn / Erin, Ériu was regarded as a queen and the goddess of guardianship for Ireland during the period of the Milesian incursion. She was recognized as the deity of Irish authority alongside her sisters, Banba and Fódla. The significance of Ériu’s name is believed to relate to meanings such as ‘earth,’ ‘soil,’ or ‘abundance,’ as well as ‘fertile land’ or ‘land filled with plenty.’
Ériu was the offspring of Fiachna mac Delbaeth and Ernmas from the Tuatha Dé Danann, a legendary group of beings that populated Ireland prior to the arrival of the Celts. Her consort was thought to be Mac Gréine, which translates to ‘Son of the Sun,’ who was the child of Oghma and the grandson of the Dagda. Ériu’s son, Bres, was also known as Bres Mac Elatha, suggesting her connection to Elatha, a Fomorian prince. Bres subsequently became the High King of Ireland after Nuada, but he was soon deemed unsuitable for leadership and succeeded by Lugh. Additionally, Ériu was believed to have had a romantic relationship with the hero Lugh.
The Book of Invasions, otherwise known as Lebor Gabála Érenn, narrates how Ériu, Banba, and Fódla each encountered the Milesian bard Amergin. They all negotiated with Amergin regarding the looming invasion, requesting that their names be bestowed upon the new territory. This wish was fulfilled, leading to Ériu or Éire being the most frequently used name, while Banba and Fódla are occasionally utilized as lyrical alternatives for Ireland.
Currently, the Irish name for the country is Éire, and the official designation of the Republic of Ireland is Poblacht na hÉireann. Consequently, Ériu is perceived as the contemporary embodiment of the island of Ireland and a symbol of pride for the Irish nation.
