Irish mythology doesn't include a creation myth. Instead, the land was always there but was invaded by different peoples over time. These invasions often led to battles between the invaders and the residents. One such battle was between the Firbolg and the Tuatha De Danu (people of the goddess Danu). The Tuatha De Danu won the battle and ruled over Ireland for many years until the next invaders arrived. This time the Tuatha De Danu lost the battle, but rather than retreating, they used their magic to open the doors to the other world. They passed through the doors into a parallel existence, becoming the sidhe (fairy folk).

For the most part, Ireland's modern inhabitants live their lives completely ignorant of the sidhe's existence. But a few places remain where the veil between our world and the other world is thin. Hawthorn trees can be one such place.

To learn more about this story and see me drawing click on the YouTube video below.