Stories from this cycle tell of a land inhabited by ancient spirits and fairies. The Tuatha de Danann are said to be Irish equivalent of the Greek and Roman Gods. According to legend, they arrived in Ireland about 350 BC from the north islands of Greece where they learned their prophecy and magic. The Dagda was the leader of the Gods. He is said to have carried a harp, a club and a cauldron.

The harp represents the music and poetry of Ireland, the club stands for war and the cauldron represents the Celtic spirit.
The Tuatha de Danann were driven underground by invaders and lived in the dark underworld of the hills and mountains, which were already full of fairies. Halloween was the night when the hills opened up and the spirits and the Gods came forth.

Nowadays in Ireland, Halloween is still associated with Ghouls and spirits. Bonfires are lit and children dress up in colourful costumes. ‘Spirits who call at the doors of homes are offered fruit and nuts. For many Halloween is still a night full of superstition and supernatural fears.