[2] In some accounts, funeral games were not merely held to honor the deceased, but in order to propitiate the spirits of those who had died.
[6] Historical examples of funeral games in ancient Greece are known from the late sixth century BC until the end of the Hellenistic period.
In a civic context, games might be held to honor public figures acclaimed as heroes, or sometimes whole groups of people, such as soldiers from the city who had fallen in battle.
The celebrations, which became an annual festival, included sacrifices, a banquet, and a variety of athletic competitions for which prizes were awarded.
In the early period, other prizes awarded included useful commodities such as tripods, kettles, double cups, and various farm animals.
According to the Annals of the Kingdom of Ireland, the fair was established by the legendary king Lugh Lámhfhada (reigned 1849 to 1809 BC) in honor of his foster-mother, Tailtiu.