Note 104 — PART II (continued 2)

Most of the principal Irish deities include among their functions that of ruler of the dead. One of the most pronounced examples of the Yama type is Tethra, who is described in the legends as Chief of the Fomorians, whereby his distinctly Chthonian character is asserted; and, after the defeat of his people at the battle of Mag Tured, as ruler of a land beyond the ocean, like Varuna, when overcome by Indra (and cp. Hesiod, Works and Days, 168-9, and Pindar, Olymp. ii.). Thence, from time to time, he would send beautiful maidens to summon to him the chiefs and heroes of Éire.