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In Irish mythology the Milesians or Sons of Míl Espáine were the final inhabitants of Ireland, representing the Goidelic Celts.
It had been prophesied that Míl's descendants would rule Ireland, but Míl never reached Ireland himself, dying in Spain. His uncle Íth spied Ireland from a tower, and sailed there along with Míl's wife Scota, but was killed by the Tuatha Dé Danann. When his body was returned to Spain, Míl's eight sons and Íth's nine brothers launched an invasion of Ireland.
They arrived in Ireland during the festival of Beltane, led by Míl's son Amergin. The Milesians defeated the Tuatha Dé Danann and took Tara, their capital city, establishing their own capital there. On their way they met the goddesses Ériu, Banba and Fodla, promising them that the land would be named after the one whose advice could help the invaders in their conquest of the country. Eriu's advice led them in their mission and the land was named Ériu (ancient) or Éire (modern) in her honour. The Tuatha Dé Danann were defeated at the Battle of Tailtiu, and, after a short resistance, a truce was made and the land was divided, the Milesians retaining the part above ground, meanwhile the Tuatha Dé Danann were given the underworld part of the country. Eremon, a son of Míl Espáine, received the rule of the northern half of Ireland, and Eber Finn, one of the chiefs of the Milesians, was granted the rule of the southern half. Some time later both parts went to war, Eber Finn being killed in battle, and Eremon got the rule of all the territory, becoming the first Milesian king of the entire land.
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