Conversions

Although all of the Irish myths were written down at a time when the whole of Ireland had long converted to Christianity, pagan themes and motifs still resonate from old, orally transmitted tales.

Though Rome had never conquered Ireland by the might of their steel during the height of their empire, the Irish people succumbed to Christian missionaries from Rome, most notably led by St Patrick. St Patrick even appeared in several pieces of Irish literature. The two Fenian heroes, Cailte and Oisín, were baptised. See Colloquy of the Ancients.

Some of the myths make references to biblical events, such as the Flood in the Book of Invasions or Jesus's Crucifixion at the time of King Conchobar's death.

Even a few people of the Sidh - the Tuatha De Danann - accepted Christianity. Perhaps the most famous of this genre are the Children of Lir.

Here are a few stories of the Danann people who accepted and converted to the Christian faith, and died Christian deaths.