egends, that is stories either wholly or partly
fabulous. Of the five early races, the two last, who were called
Dedannans and Milesians, were the most remarkable; and they are mixed up
with most of the old Irish tales.

[1-1] It is necessary to know the substance of this first sketch in
order to understand the rest of the book.

The Dedannans, coming from Greece, landed in Ireland; and having
overcome the people they found there, became masters of the country.
They had the name of being great magicians; and ancient Irish writings
are full of tales of the marvellous spells of their skilled wizards.
They remained in possession for about two hundred years, till the
Milesians came, as will now be related.

For many generations the Milesians, before their arrival in Ireland,
journeyed from one part of Europe to another, seeking for some place of
settlement. And becoming at length weary of this state of unrest, they
consulted their chief druid, who was a skilful seer, and bade him find
out for them when they were to end their wanderings, and where they were
to settle down. The druid, having thought the matter over for a while,
told them that far out on the verge of the western sea was a lovely
green island called Inisfail,[2-1] or the Island of Destiny, which was
to be their final home and resting-place. So they set out once more, and
fared on from land to land, keeping the Isle of Destiny ever in mind,
thinking of it by day and dreaming of it by night. At last they arrived
in Spain, where they lived for a time. Here they were under the command
of the renowned hero "Miled of Spain,"[2-2] or Milesius, from whom they
came to be called Milesians.

[2-1] Inisfail, one of the old names of Ireland.

[2-2] Miled, pronounced _Mee-lAe