Gods and Fighting Men

Gods and Fighting Men is a book by Lady Gregory, first published in 1904. It retells the mythic cycles of early Ireland, bringing together the legendary figures of the Tuatha Dé Danann, the Fianna, and other heroic traditions. Drawing on ancient manuscripts and oral lore, Lady Gregory wove these tales into accessible prose, presenting a sweeping vision of Celtic mythology that includes battles of gods and warriors, enchanted landscapes, and larger-than-life heroes whose deeds shaped Ireland’s legendary past.

The book is not only a treasury of myth but also a cornerstone of the Irish Literary Revival, reflecting Lady Gregory’s collaboration with contemporaries such as W. B. Yeats. Its influence can be felt in later retellings of Celtic legend, in modern fantasy literature, and in ongoing interest in Irish folklore, fairy tales, and heroic sagas. Readers seeking Celtic mythology, Irish legends, or mythic storytelling rooted in cultural history will find this work an enduring and richly evocative introduction to Ireland’s mythic heritage.