Míl Espáine

Leader and eponym of the Milesians. Míl was also known as Míl Espáine or Míl of Spain. Míl was the son of Bile and grandson of Breogan.

Míl was something of an adventurer and war leader serving the king of Scythia. He married the king's daughter, Seang. Seang became the mother of Eber Donn and Erech Febria. When Seang died, Míl discovered that Seang's father was plotting against him. Míl struck first, killing his father-in-law before he fled to Egypt.

Míl then married Scota, daughter of the pharaoh Nectanebus. There are actually two pharaohs with this name, Nectanebo I and Nectanebo II, belonging the 30th dynasty, in the 4th century BC. This dynasty was just before Alexander III (the Great) of Macedon invaded the Persian Empire.

Míl had another two sons, Eber Finn and Amairgin, by his new wife, during his stay in Egypt. Listening to the advice of his druid Caicer, Míl decided to head back to Ireland, his ancestral home (because he was descendant of Nemed). Míl had another son named Ir in Thrace, and another on an island named Colptha. There were also a number of other sons, including Eremon.

Míl only managed to reach Spain, where he won many battles. It is uncertain what caused his death. It was left to his sons to invade and settle in Ireland.