In Irish mythology, Ériu (/ˈeːrʲu/), daughter of Ernmas of the Tuatha Dé Danann, was the eponymous patron goddess of Ireland. Her husband was Mac Gréine ('Son of the Sun'). She was the mother of Bres by Prince Elatha of the Fomorians.
The English name for Ireland comes from the name Ériu and the Old Norse or Anglo-Saxon word land.

Role and mythic portrayal
With her sisters, Banba and Fodla, she was part of an important triumvirate of goddesses. When the Milesians arrived from Spain each of the three sisters asked that her name be given to the country. This was granted to them, although Ériu (Éire) became the chief name in use (Banba and Fodla are still sometimes used as poetic names for Ireland, much as Albion is for Great Britain).
Ériu, Banba and Fodhla are interpreted as goddesses of sovereignty.