The Elders debated for many days on what should be done with men.  Esus pled for their salvation, saying that the Elders could live in peace with man, teaching them all sorts of wisdom, and they would in turn bring them glory.  Clota and Anu demanded mans immediate destruction.  They would not suffer this fledgeling creature to approach the glory of the Elders.  But all the while Dagda was silent.  The debate grew so loud and furious that the mountains shook.  The argument grew to the highest it had ever been on the third day, and finally Dagda spoke.  Clota, Anu, and Esus were silent. Men are indeed young, but they have much potential.  I will not destroy them, but I will set their doom.  They shall grow old and die, and return to the earth.  They must never learn all the secrets of the world, or they will become a danger to us.  At this, Esus was deeply saddened.  He wished to impart all of his knowledge to his creations and take joy in their work, but he was glad that they were not to be destroyed.  Neither were Clota and Anu pleased.  They wished that men would not be allowed to walk the earth.  Though none were pleased, none would defy the decree of Dagda.

For a time, all went as Dagda had said.  Men grew old and died though their lives were long, but new generations would take their place.  Esus taught them all he could, but did not teach them of the deepest secrets of the world.  Clota and Anu brooded in the darkness against men and did all they could to hinder mans progress.  But men persevered.  They grew more numerous with each passing year and grew in wisdom.  And all was well for a time.