[Servant of the 9]

The older inhabitants of the British Isles, like the Picts were referred to as 'black' but in usage that merely meant swarthy. Anyone who was not very fair of skin was called a 'Black Man'.

The reward posters for Charles II during the English Revolution refer to him as a 'Black Man' but we know from history and many paintings that he was half Italian and not especially dark. The Irish sometimes refered to the Italians as 'Black' in the NorthEastern United States as late as WWII.

There is genetic evidence slowly accumulating that supports the Irish legends that the Tuatha di Dannan came from Western Spain. That would make tem 'Black Men' according o the usage in the area.

SO9

[HipShot]

Bullseye.

"The Fomorians were an ancient sea-faring race it is thought that they originally came from Northern Africa or Asia as they are described as having dark hair and dark skin in the original accounts. The name 'Fomor' literally means 'beneath the sea' from the Gaelic faoi-mhuir. Today scholars believe that 'Mor' means 'phantom' or 'spirit' and therefore proves that the Fomorians were considered to be Gods with magical powers."

...

"Most Fomorians are described as dark-haired but there are exceptions Elatha the father of Bres being described as having 'golden-hair and being the handsomest man in sight'. He also seems to have been less blood-thirsty and more interested in justice. He refused to go to war with his son Bres against the Tuatha Dé because it was an 'unjust cause'."

From www.shee-eire.com

[Starhubbler]

Scottish historian David MacRitchie says in his book "Ancient and Modern Britons (2vols): "Let it once be understood, that the Picts of history were Blackamoors.

The author of "Retake Your Fame" has also cited Claudian, Tacitus etc, who described the ancient Britons as "Black as Ethiopians.

Apparently, the Blacks were bred out from intermingling over the centuries.

However, according to MacRitchie, Aylmer von Fleischer, etc. remnants of these Blacks can be found in the gypsies, who are now thorougly mixed.

[MHGinTN]

You're amazing! Thanks for the upgraded info ... I mean it!

[Quinton]

The older inhabitants of the British Isles, like the Picts were referred to as 'black' but in usage that merely meant swarthy. Anyone who was not very fair of skin was called a 'Black Man'. The reward posters for Charles II during the English Revolution refer to him as a 'Black Man' but we know from history and many paintings that he was half Italian and not especially dark. The Irish sometimes refered to the Italians as 'Black' in the NorthEastern United States as late as WWII.

The reward posters for Charles II during the English Revolution refer to him as a 'Black Man' but we know from history and many paintings that he was half Italian and not especially dark. The Irish sometimes refered to the Italians as 'Black' in the NorthEastern United States as late as WWII. SO9

Them sound like facts....we dont need no stikin facts

[Starhubbler]

The Tuatha de Danaan did not originate from Spain but Africa. They came to Ireland via Spain. Spain was just one of their transit points. They are the same as the Firbolgs, that is, they were Twa or Pygmies. They were defeated in their wars with the Formorians (I think) left for other parts of Europe and later came back under different names.

The term "Black" apart from denoting race, was also used as a derogatory term. It is not surprising therefore, to find wicked or undesirable individuals referred to as being Black.

Words like "Black heart, Black day, etc. proves the point.