h c f om b o h s d es es ce . Th e d a o f te rri r t i , tak pla y ’ s u h e i n wh ch h ee o f s n s are s n , la g t r, i t r Tara ki g lai h e com es to an en d withou t d efi n ite vi c tory fo r e it r m The e e ess D e dan n ans howe e s ee n no ar y . l ad rl , v r , i g h o e of succes s fo r he m s o ose th e f o ow n g p t ir ar , pr p ll i d a h e t reatv o f e ce wh ch is ccede to b e th e y t ir p a , i a d e en m y . T h e n i n th e prese nce o f the who l e hos t o f th e v ic h to ri o us forei g n ers th e D ed an n an m agi cian s exh ort t e m ou n tai n s to o pen th e ir s id es and th e lakes to part A h D d n n n o th e s nd e . n d t e e an n an s s ss a u r , i gi g , pa i t e h an d e neah th w e s o f h e n e s e he e art b t e at r t ir ativ i l , t r to e fo e e s i eo e en to the con ue liv r v r , a pir t p pl , fri dl y q r h n s e i ng Miles ian s w o h ad gra t ed the ir l a t req u st . i Th e dram a o f th e wild s tory grips on e throu gh eve n A n d i t c m ax i as fi n con c us o n ry li e . s li s tti g a l i

' to th e book as th e u lti m ate fate o f th e D ed an n an s i s ’ o a e eo e s h s o gr at p pl i t ry . ’ ’ I n h o m s o s o e d A rth u r th Sir T a , Mal ry M rt care f u ll y co m pil ed list o f nam es an d c ou n tries wou ld seem to i m ply som e au then ti c h istoric i n ten t o n th e ’ — narrator s part d es pite all th e m agi c an d i m poss ibl e “ " om nce . So too i n B es an d En ch n m en s ! r a , . attl a t t wh i ch the au th or tell s u s i n th e fore wo rd 1 s co n fi ned to th e m h h s o o f th e T uath a D e D nn n o r yt i t ry a a , es R s n th m u on o f b n c as a Fairi . i ki g e i p tati ei g r s ly p r c tical wh ere s uch a p oe ti c s ubj ec t as Gae li c f ol kl ore i s ’ con ce n ed I w ou d to Con o r m e e s ee . O r so r , l lik Mr o o th er s t ud en t o f anci e n t Iri sh l egen d write u s a bo o k i n th e m o d ern u n - eso teri c m an n er o f h i s tori o graphy li n ki n g u p som e o f th e fasc i n ati n g re li cs o f Iri sh m y th o o w h e b e o r so m w h b f I n e re e c . l gy it r lia l , at lia l , a t th ese d a! s o f h is to 1 y re ad i n g ren ai ssance I thi nk s u ch ‘ — a work wo u ld fill a d efi m te n e ed i r m y o w n aby s m al no ance o f e es s h h s o 1 n h n to i g r arli t Iri i t ry 5 a yt i g go by. “ B ” ' attl es an d En chan tm en ts are an o dd t eam i g ” s an s ri e a ram a i n ers e , , d v t d o ut i n m y m i n d as o e of th e g rave s t s of m y e a rly re vi ewi n g day s ’ p la y of m own ! us t b a ck trom ’ i s h r i c o rres o n en c n l e s , p d e i s om e si x ! on th s and ATTLES AND ENCH ANTMENTS

OLD FROM EARLY GAELI C LITERATURE

“ ” Th e Son s of th e Ce c Pas g lti t . ’ by N orre y s ! ep hs on O c on o r (! o hn ’ L an e c o m an i s t s a u or s r p y ! , hi th thi d ’ v o um e on Ga e c em es . M r c o n r l li th . O o is a y ou n g A m e ric an wh o h as s pe n t m an y o f h i s s um m e rs b e s ide th e B lack wa e i n I e an an d m an or h i s t r r l d, y s tu dy hou rs with th e G ae lic p rotes s ors

o f H r ar c o e e . W e a e ere a v d ll g h v , th f ore i n h i s o u m es ea oe r w . v l , r l p t y ith th li m i ta ti on s ot a i e a e an ce a div d d ll g i . an d as t b u t n ot eas th e H ar ar l . l t. v d a t m o s h re H i s o m s p e . p e s how us th e re an of ar s oc ra c cu u re n ot th e I l d i t ti lt , real I reland of th e s c holars sa n s ; ere are ec oes af ter th e m , i t th h m W ' s c rib e s and th e m on as ti c p oets of D erry tha t f or all the ir c ha rm

tha t hides as m u c h as it s u g g e s ts o u n a tive tlin es .

MOI RA

H e o d h em s o i es s n h em m c son s t l t t r , a g t agi g Of o e s old and ch ou s om n ces l v r ivalr r a , Till every th ough t o f hau n ti n g m od em wrongs W d den ou t ue and f ch nc as tro by vag airy a es . H e gave th em all th e witch ery that be lo ngs ’ ’ To u h e s b h d om n on an to f nc la g t r rig t i i d a y s. GAMA LI E L B RA DFORD : A Prophet of

FOREWORD

HE ai m of this book i s to retell th at part of the myth-history o f early Irel an d which de als with the Tu

a a a or . au ath De D nn n , Fairies The thor h as tried to preserve the temper o f old Irish writing in both thought and a as o f al form , to ret in much the origin beauty o f phrase and imagery as is co nsistent with coherent

. To t h a a narrative his end, w ile voiding rbitrary

a h as . ch nges , he , nevertheless , used sources freely

h as e o f Though he reli d upon the work Celtic scholars , notably the finely cadenced translation by the late “ Professor Whitley Stokes of The Se cond Battle ” of Mo tu ra Revue Celti ue x1 1 iii y ( q , , 57 ) , he has also frequently retained constructi ons in the original

. th e a a Gaelic For ccount of the Milesi n invasion , th e author is indebted to Professo r Macalister ’ and Profes sor MacNeill s edition o f The Leahhar ’ Gabhala the Recem i on Mi cheél O Cleri h I , of g , Part , ’ ’

n Mr . . a b o a d to . R I Best s transl tion from d Ar i s de The I ri sh M tholo i cal C cle or ! ubainville, y g y ; f the 1

’ ’ of to O Donov an s of The A nnals story Ethne, edition o the Four M asters an d al th e earl f , for materi in g y part ’ ’ o f to O Curr s the book, y Of as on ish c a i n The frontispiece, b ed early Ir de or t o , a a to th is by Miss Gr ce B rron, whom e author m akes l gratefu acknowledgment. CONTENTS

TH E LAN DING OF THE D E DA NNA Ns TH E B IRTH o r B RE s TH E UN! UST KING TH E FLI GHT OF B RES TH E H E A LI NG o r N UADA TH E MAR! E LO US Co w TH E STORY OP ETH NE TH E NE W CHAM PION PRE PARATIONS FOR B A 'I ' rLE TH E SECOND B ATTLE O F MOYTURA TH E DAGDA A ND H I S HAR P TH E JO URNEY OF I TH

TH E PASSING OF TH E D E DA NNA NS PRONOUNOI NG G LOSSARY

ra a b ace B a ron The d eco tions were m d e y Gr A. r

The lovely la nd Of I reland Ari ses f rom the sea;

loud -vei l d the heather her hi lls C e of ,

ark-to ed ree er D n her g n y .

The lovely la nd of I reland I s the Country of the Young; About thef ullness of her age The r n outh i s lun g ee of y f g.

A cross the hi lls I rela nd of , Over each sta li t lai n r p , Wi th battered arm s f lon a o q g g , Glide ur o h la fi g es f t e s i n .

own throu h reat bra nches stretchi n D g g , g Above a rui ned wall

Whi ch s heltered scri bes Clonm acnoi se of , The brok n m oonbeam s all e f .

I n stai ned thum bed vellum a es , p g ! I re tales o di sta nt ears f y , A nd s ongs that nam eles s p oets s a ng O h u nts m en hounds and s ears f , , p .

O lovel land I reland y of , B e thi s y our gift to m en: B ri n ba ck the beaut the world g y of , A nd gi ve us dream s agai n! B ATTLE S A ND E N CH A NTM E NTS

I LANDING OF THE DEDANNANS

Ou t Of th e n o h e n fo s h e c m e rt r g t y a , Th e ce w h o d en h a ra it g l ir.

We e h e od s or m en wh ose e u s hon r t y g , b a ty e Lik e s tars in fros ty air ?

ONG years ago, a great fleet se t o u t

o f from the northern isles the world . On board the ships were the Tu ath a

D an n an or D ed an n an s Of De , , People the

Go d Whose Mother Was Dana . They had outgrown their o wn country and were seeking new lands , leaving behind them their

Fi n di as Gori as four cities , Falias, , Murias, and , where they had learned not only the arts o f peace and “ o f s u r the science war, but magic, in which they

f f O passed the sages O the arts O heathendom . Out f

o f each city they carried a treasure exceptional virtue .

F o f From alias they took the Stone Fal , which was used at the crowning Of kings and was wont to roar ND HA 9 BATTLES A ENC NTMENTS

i s whenever the rightful king sat upon it . This stone

to l as said have been found later in Scot and , where,

o f o f? Ed the Stone Scone, it was borne to London by

Of ward I England, and to this day it forms the seat o f the Coronation Chair o f the English kings . From the city Of Findias the Ded an n ans took an irresistible

C s o sword ; from orias, a spear powerful that who and ever held it in his hand could not be overthrown ; , “ ’ o u t o f a Murias, a cauldron , known as the Dagd s, from which no company ever went unthankful . The De d an n an s steered south and landed o n the northern coast of Ireland , or Eriu . At that time the country was occupied by a people called Fir Bolg,

so Men of the Bag, named from their custom of

s h r marching to battle headed by bagpipers . The fi e

' folk of the coast did no t o fler resistance to the De d an n an s who , had burned their ships in order that they might never be able to retreat ; but when the country folk saw the smoke from the burning vessels ,

a they sent word to the Fir Bolg king, at Tara, th t a

o f race strangers had descended from the clouds . The king at once sent for one of his most trusted warriors . “ O . l Go thou , Sreng, he said Le arn a l thou canst o f the strangers and of their purpose in com ing " to Eriu . THE LANDING OF THE DEDANNANS 5

a a o ff H stily rming himself, the messenger hurried .

i n v a When he reached the north , he found that the d ers had marched southwest . Following them , he

o n came upon their encampment Mag Rein , Level D Plain . The e d ann an sentinels reported his ap proach to their king, who sent one of his most distin

i s h to gu ed Chieftains parley with Sreng .

he o T t w men drew near each other cautiously .

Fifteen paces apart, they halted , looking over the

o f rims their shields, each man ready to resist a hos tile move, but curious about the other . The Dedan nan , like all his people, was tall , with fair hair and blue eyes , and Sreng was short and d ark . They were both bareheaded . Their dress and arms were simi

: lar each wore sandals, a kilt, and a short cloak ; each had two spears , a sword , and a shield ; the spears of

Ded ann an the were light, sharply pointed , and suit

o f able for casting, while those the Fir Bolg soldier

for were heavy, blunt, and more suitable thrusting . The two men stood admiring each other ’ s strength and suppleness .

De an n an At last the d spoke, and, much to the as ton i sh m e n t of Sreng, in the Gaelic that was the lan guage of the Fir Bolg . “ ” 0 ? a . Man of Eriu , shall it be peace he sked

It sh all be pe ace, replied Sreng, lowering his 6 BATTLES AND ENCHANTMENTS

shield , an example immediately followed by the De dannan . “ O Of what people art thou , Stranger, continued

h ow Sreng, and knowest thou the speech Of the Fir Bolg ?” “ f Ded ann an I am o the race, from the northern

o f . h isles the world, answered the other T en he told

o D an n an s f o f Sreng h w the e d had le t their four cities, their treasures , and of the magic which his people had

a . too le rned He explained , , that they and the Fir

ac Bolg had had a common ancestor, Gael , which

now counted for their speaking the same language . Each warrior bo asted of the prowess o f his o wn race

o f hi s i e so a and own clan , not forgett ng his p r n l

lo i ts two p , until the men , grown friendly, exchanged

fo r e spears, neither had seen j av lins like those of the

. a r a other Then Sreng rec lled his e r nd . “ ? ” Why are ye come hi ther ? To seize our land “ De d ann an h as My king , answered the , told me to say to the inhabitants o f Eriu that he will divi de ” . h as no for w r the country with them He desire a . Sreng controlled hi s anger at the c alm proposal Of

D an n the e d an . “ to K M acEr I shall take thy message ing c, he ‘ said proudly . But the Fir Bolg do not give up their for k land the as ing. THE LANDING OF THE DEDANNANS 7

ad a If it be war, we are re y, h ughtily replied the

Ded an n an .

When Sreng returned to Tara, the High King sum

o f f m o n ed his council . The spears the strange chie

e tain were pass d about, and, although the councillors

s e were impressed by the e sl nder weapons , they were

to i n not frightened , but resolved to give battle the vaders ; therefore a herald bearing a declaration o f war was despatched immediately to the D ed ann an camp .

D ed an n an s ac In the meantime, the had heard an

Of O f count the fierce appearance Sreng, and had ex am i n ed the heavy Fir Bolg spears ; consequently, when the messenger arrived from Tara , they decided to move to a better position for defense . They chose

o f M o tura the Plain y , which is in the present County

vi o f Mayo, near the llage Cong, and they pitched camp at the eastern end o f the plain . From here they

s ee could easily an army advancing against them , and have time to form in line of battle .

The King of the Fir Bolg, gathering every avail

o f Mo tura able fighting man , marched to the Plain y , enteri ng it at the western end . He arrived too late in ff the day to o er battle ; so he encamped .

D ed an n an Nu ad a The next morning the king, ,

o f i s who wished, if possible, to take possession the 8 BATTLES AND ENCHANTMENTS

fi Cor re e land without ghting, sent p , and other po ts of hi s ff court , to the King of the Fir Bolg, o ering to make peace if the inhabitants o f Eriu would give the De

M cErc o f . a d an n ans a quarter the island , the Fir f for Bolg sovereign , re used ; his men were eager con

fli c t . , and he hoped completely to crush his enemies “ I f o f , then , thou wilt not accept our terms peace, " “ 0 Co r re King, said p , perchance thou wilt agree

a that , instead of a general battle , there sh ll be a com bat each day between an equal number o f chosen war riors from either army until o n e side or the other can ” no longer continue the fighting .

Co r re p had been told to make this suggestion , not only because King Nu ad a counted upon saving the

o f De d an n an s lives the , but because he hoped that MacErc would use the best soldiers of the Fir Bolg o n the first day . Nuada would keep his hardiest men in res erve until the veterans of hi s opponents were

f o n weary with ighting ; thus , the second day, his own picked men would have the advantage . “ ” i I will avoid a general battle, agreed the K ng Of the Fir Bolg . After arranging with MacErc the number o f SOI

Co r re com an diers who were to fight daily , p and his p to Nu ad a was ions returned King , who well pleased i w th what the envoys had accomplished . The De

I o B ATTLES AND ENCHANTMENTS these were either lost or hacked to pieces, each man

. drew his sword, and the fighting was hand to hand

o th e l De d an n an s Up and d wn swept batt e, until the were routed and the victors wi thdrew to their own f end o the plain . From the Fir Bolg camp that eve

o f ning came the noise carousing, but there was silence among the tents o f the D ed an n an s ; a few men spoke

Nu ad a ai in low voices , complaining that King had

D e d an n an lowed them to be overwhelmed . The king, having first summoned his leaders and found that

e . th y approved his strategy, called together his army “ Ded an n an s Soldiers of the , I know your discon tent . Great is my sadness that ye have not trusted

. e o f o u r me To be sur , that some few men have fallen ,

- e o f but to day has weari d the bravest the enemy, and to- morrow they will fall before your swords like with

. ou r ered grass I have led you to this land, and ships are e can a d stroyed ; never we retreat, but never sh ll ” we be overthrown . Stri ke for your future homes ! “ ” f 0 Nu a a ! was We have aith , d the hoarse cry

De d an n an -fi r that rose above the camp es .

At the eastern extremity of the plain , the Fir Bolg heard, and wondered that there should be exultation f among the de eated .

o f Upon the morrow, the second day the sixth

u wa fi r r week Of s mmer, the fighting s e ce than before, THE LANDING OF THE DEDANNANS I I and the prediction o f King Nu ad a was fulfilled : the

D a n - re ed n an s gained a hard won victory. This was

e ate f p d the ollowing day . By this time the King o f the Fir Bolg s aw his error in using his best men first . Nearly all his troops had — now been engaged ; to morrow he himself would lead ff the remainder in a final e ort . The king made a last appeal to his tired army, but he was heard without enthusiasm . Hardly a man was unwounded ; all

Of i ff w s lacked the spirit v ctory . Quite di erent a the

De d an n an attitude in the camp, where King Nuada, likewise, was preparing to lead his men . Although the weather o n the first three days had

su n been warm , the upon the fourth day was hot, and there was no breeze . ! ust after noon , there was a lull in the desperate struggle ; the heat had exh austed the warriors . Each of the rival kings had performed brave deeds, but, despite many attempts, they had

o M cEr n t crossed swords . King a c rested his shield upon the ground and stood leaning upon the hilt o f

. of his sword Sreng, who was acting as captain the ’ king s bodyguard , was beside him . “ 0 ! Sreng, would I might quench my thirst Then ” should I be able to win the victory . “ f 0 ! o ff Go into the orest, King Not far is a spring where thou mayst drink . I will lead a new attack I 2 BATTLES AND ENCHANTMENTS upon the enemy ; then thou mayst slip unseen across the open space between o u r army and the trees . “ 0 My thanks , Sreng, and my blessing upon thee ! " The captain o f the bodygu ard once more fell upon

De an n an s the d , while the king, after choosing five

o f men to accompany him , moved quietly to the flank the army with the intention o f reaching the woods .

for M acErc Nu ad a s ta Unfortunately , King had ti on ed two men to watch lest stragglers o f the Fir

Bolg should try to gain cover . These sentinels saw

M acErc Nu ad a and his followers, and sent word to

r that a leade , whom they suspected from his rich trappings to be the King of the Fir Bolg, had escaped into the forest . “ f or Take fi ty men and bring him to me , dead " a Ded an n an . live , commanded the sovereign

far Beside the spring, in a glade from the clang of

o f M ac Erc swords and the shouting warriors , knelt to drink . The only sound was the twitter of a bird which

o f hopped from branch to branch a great tree . The king ’ s guard dropped their weapons upon the grass an d congratulated o ne a nother that their depar ture

‘ i as had been unnot ced by the enemy ; but , even Mac s Erc moistened his lip , there was a sudden crackling o f twigs and the whizz o f a j avelin which pierced TH E LANDING OF TH E DEDANNANS I 3

y . Hi s a the head of, the stooping king companions, h st

too ff ily seizing their swords , were bewildered to o er

D an n an s serious resistance . The e d broke through the undergrowth and rained blows about them . The d bo yguard was soon slain , and the victors , with ’ MacErc s head as a trophy, m arched joyfully back to Mo tu r the Plain of y a.

Meanwhile Sreng, in his impetuous onslaught, had overcome the warriors who were between himself and

o f the leader the enemy . The king raised his shield ’ a o ff to w rd his opponent s attack, but, as he did so,

o f he slipped upon the parched grass, and the sword N Sreng cut o ff the right hand Of u ad a. The Dedan nans rushed forward and closed about their ruler, who was carried to the rear . Dismay ran through

a their ranks , but at that moment men be ring the

o f head M acErc appeared from the forest . The cour

o f o f age the invaders revived , while that the defend i ers , which had risen sw ftly and had centered about

Sreng, as suddenly collapsed . Seeing the Fir Bolg de a mor lized , their new leader led them back to their

an D ann a s ff camp, d the ed n m ade no e ort to inter fere .

now o f That evening, Sreng, in full control the Fir

to Nu ad a Bolg fortunes, sent word King , proposing

a be a fi a a da w d th t there n l b ttle the . next y bet een thre I 4 BATTLES AND ENCHANTMENTS f hundred men o either army . The Fir Bolg com mander knew that not many of his soldiers were able to fight, and that even these were downcast because o f o f the loss their king, but he thought that firmness in the present crisis would win better terms . The desperate plight of the enemy was suspected by

as o f Nuada, who was desirous, ever, husbanding the strength o f his o wn people ; therefore he answered ’ - ff Sre ng s proposal with a counter o er . If the Fir to Bolg would surrender their royal palace at Tara,

i o f gether w th the government the whole island, the D ed an n an s would allow them to retire to an exten sive tract o f land bordering the western ocean and f there to dwell orever in peace . Sreng and his captains,

o though realizing that they were vanquished, t ok N ’ . u ad a s counsel At last, in dejection , they accepted conditions, and the Fir Bolg army soon dispersed to their homes, whence each man prepared to move his family and household possessions . With a wailing of bagpipes , the conquered people slowly journeyed to all r that was left them of their country, and their e

i o f tirement was not complete unt l the end a year . They dwelt in what was later known as the Province

a of Connaught, where their descendants, sm ll dark men , may be seen to this day . The conquerors m arched to Tara and m ade ready THE LANDING OF TH E DEDANNANS 1 5 with splendid ceremony to crown their first High

en cou n King of Eriu . Unhappily, because of his

o f Mo tu ra Nu ad a ter with Sreng in the Battle y , could not hold this new title, for it was a rigid custom among the De d an n ans that no blemished man might

. f re reign The amous leech , Diancecht, had tried to ’ store the king s severed hand, which had been rescued

f . from the field, but he had ailed Then he had cun n i n gly contrived a hand o f silver with movable

. o f Nu ad a joints By the aid this, was able to aecom

li s h o f f p the ordinary tasks daily li e, but he could not

for use a sword . Hence it was impossible him to per f o f orm the most important duty a king, that of lead

Nu a o f thi : i ing an army in battle . As ad S lver Hand

D ed an n an s he was honored by all the , even though he might no longer reign over them . The council of f nobles , accordingly, was orced to elect a new king, and they chose a youth named Bres . This young man was o f such striking appearance that old chroni clers say he gave his name to every beautiful thing in

f or or o r Eriu , whether plain or ortress steed man woman they were all compared to him ; each was “ ” a . D ed an n an s called Bres Nevertheless, the were soon to find that with physical perfection is not al

o f ways joined nobility character, and they were des tined to regret their choice . II THE BIRTH OF BRES

Stro nger than wi nd on a treel es s hi ll h o e oo s th e s ea T at v rl k , tu of e or th e fo ce o f w es Than g tid r av ,

h o e th e s e be . S all L v , Ma t r,

the NE morning, some twenty years before

D ed an n ans left the northern isles, Eri

o f one of the Golden Hair, daughter a of their chief nobles, sat alone in

house which overlooked the ocean . Her father and her two brothers had gone early f to hunt in the orest , and she was gazing

s h e idly seaward . As looked, there was a sudden

s h e s aw glint in the distance, and advancing along

- the sun path , borne slowly shoreward by the stream

o f . the wave , a vessel of silver When the coracle came nearer, Eri was able to distinguish a single oc cu an t p , evidently steering the boat towards a sandy beach not far away . Since the D ed ann ans were from e arly youth taught

n to show hospitality to stra gers , the girl went to we! come the newcomer, whom she now found to be a

m an o f a a young f ir appe rance, richly dressed . He

I 8 BATTLES AND ENCHANTMENTS him his lineage and whence he c ame . He explained that he had left his country after a violent quarrel f with his father, a king ; there ore he did not wish to

o f hi s i f give the name native land, lest, inquiries

di s were made abroad concerning him , he should be covered and forced to return . Although his evasive answers did not entirely satisfy the D ed an n an noble men , they courteously made no further attempt to question him , and granted him protection . His com

anio n able p qualities , especially his skill in the chase, caused his hosts to overlook the fact that the days of his sojourn were lengthening into weeks , the weeks into months ; though frequently they wondered who their guest might be , they respected his reticence, and none suggested his departure .

During this period , while spring deepened to sum

I mer, Eri and the youth were Often together n t he forest

' . De ann an and by the sea Gradually , the d s distrust lessened , and when , after twelve weeks were almost

a gone, the stranger asked if he might m rry Eri , her

o f father consented with scarcely a show hesitation .

a About two months after the m arri ge , the young

e man , who had se med overjoyed at winning the hand o f the maiden , grew restless and moody . For long x hours he sat rapt in thought, his eyes fi ed o n the ’ z . a hori on Upon he ring his wife s voice, he would THE B IRTH OF B RES 1 9 brighten and assure her that nothing o f moment

e t troubled him ; th n , in a lit le while, he would be

. s h e sunk again in reverie One day, when found him

: thus , he said “ O Eri , the time has come for me to return to my o w n country . These many months I have accepted

o f Ded an n an s r the hospitality the , but I am a p ince

to in mine own land, and it would be ill done remain a forever among strangers . By now my qu rrel with

f f i see my ather will be orgotten , and he w ll rejoice to

or me, for perhaps he has imagined me drowned, slain ” by enemies .

a . to Without speaking, Eri burst into te rs He tried comfort her . “ I shall not forget thee, but I will come with my companions to take thee as a royal bride to my . ’ ” father s court .

Eri ceased weeping . “ art Wilt thou not tell me whence thou come, that I may think Of thee in thine own land while thou art “ gone ? she asked . Never will I reve al thy secret to f any of my kins olk . f f He re lected be ore answering . “ Elo th a o f Delb ae th o f Fom o. I am , son , a king the

is of s rians , whose country,also an island, south thi , ” o f close to the isl and Eri u . 20 BATTLES AND ENCHANTMENTS

0 o f a . Prince the Fomorians , I sh ll awai t thee He took from his finger a gold ring o f skilled work f ’ manship and put it upon his wi e s hand . “ Take this ring and keep it until I come again . l f Shou d it pass rom thee, it must be the possession

o o only f n e whose finger it will fit . Thereupon Eri went with Elo th a while he told her father and brothers o f his intended departure and

s he ao made ready for his going . Three days later

hi m companied him to the beach , where she watched a launch the silver coracle . He held her in his rms , and whispered reassuring words before he stepped aboard . She watched the boat disappear, glittering

s u n - in the path as it had come .

om o ri an w o ff an Eri knew that the F land as far , d that it would be a long time be fore sh e could have news o f Elo th a ; but she was gl addened in her lonoli

o f a . ness by the birth son , Bres However, when

a months , and finally a ye r passed , and there was no message from her husband, Eri gave up the hope o f

a he ring from him ; he must, she thought, have per

o ish d during a storm on his voyage home . She stayed apart from friends and kindred , devoting her love and care to the upbringing of her child . Faithfully ’ e Elo th a s she kept the s cret of nationality . When l r ever she cou d, she sought info m ation about his peo THE BIRTH OF B RES 2 1

ffi for Ded ann an s ple . This was di cult to obtain , the had little trade with the Fomorians and never found

- them well disposed . At last, however, Eri learned , from merchants who had been shipwrecked on the

om ori an t Elo th a F coas , that had regained his native

as land . Try she would, she could ascertain nothing

o more . T her former grief was added a dignity that

e verged upon haughtiness , and pride caus d her still to keep her secret, save from her father and brothers .

u n Nevertheless, the story that she had m ade an fortunate marriage gradually became known to her countrymen , and her sorrow created a sympathetic interest in her son . The education o f the bo y was conducted by learned men : the wisest poets taught him traditional tales ; the keenest warriors trained him to arms . As Bres grew older, the promise of beauty which he had given as a lad was fulfilled, and this increased his popularity

o f o wn among his elders . Only those his age who knew him most intimately hinted that hi s disposition was no t in accord with his appearance ; that he was niggardly, jealous , and revengeful .

De d an n an At the time of the expedition to Eriu ,

l o or Bres was twenty years o d . He was given pp tu ni t o f Mo tu ra y to distinguish himself in the Battle y , an d o i , since he had personal c urage, he bore h mself 22 B ATTLES AND ENCHANTMENTS

l o f we l . After the enforced abdication Nuada, there Bres easily became the center Of popular atten tion , which he took pains to keep turned towards himself by whatever means were at his command .

was h However, his election not unopposed by t e more cautious nobles. ! II TH E UN! UST KING

Wh o i s he of th e m igh ty thews Tren ch i ng the royal rath ? Wh o i s h e in th e s peed i ng boat Cross i ng th e broad se a-path ?

o f the time of the coronation Bres, f after a great east was held at Tara,

th e Ded an n ans returned to their homes , satisfied that the best had been done for

kingdom . For some time scant news Of the High King spread abroad ; though Bres gave his attention not to m astering the duties of the kingship, but to abusing its privi

e as as l ges , spending little possible in the entertain

o f for h as ment others , and securing imself much

as was a i revenue he could, he subtle enough to vo d creating comment . But an incident soon occurred to ’ show the king s real nature . Bres di d not hesitate to gratify his own pleasure

f o f i m m e when his mother gave him a gi t land, he di ately decided to have a new fortified dwelling . This , ’ was o f e being a king s dun , to consist a mound of arth on which would be a great timber house with m any 24 BATTLES AND ENCHANTMENTS

- two sleeping rooms . For protection , there would be deep ditches , the earth from these being piled in front o f them to form great ramparts . The rath was to be o ne o f the strongest and most imposing in Eriu . The work o f digging the trenches and m aking the earthworks was assigned to a stalwart champion , the “ a Dagda . When Bres sent for him and said , I have p ” pointed thee to trench a new fortress, the warrior

. m ech ani was taken aback Half dazed , he muttered “ 0 ! ” cally, I shall do as thou desirest, King Not till a moment afterwards did he realize that he had given his consent when he should have protested vigor o l o f u s y . A hero such renown might have been asked to fight for the king, but should not have been re quired to do manual labor of this kind . However, he had pledged his word , and every day for weeks there

a after found him hard t work . Bres should have requited the Dagda at least by

i o n hav ng him well housed and fed ; the contrary, he had the champion lodged in a small house wherein

Old Crid en b el dwelt a cross man , , who in his youth t had hoped to become a distinguished poet , enti led to honor almost equal to that accorded kings ; but fail ure had embittered him , and at this time it seemed hi s chief endeavor to make as uncomfortable as possi ‘ o ble those with wh m he came in contact . His treat

2 6 BATTLES AND ENCHANTMENTS

’ The Dagda s face brightened , but he answered, ”

e . Ind ed, I have cause for gloom and illness “ ” fo r A n Tell me the reason thy misfortune, said

i . gus , sitt ng down beside his father The Dagda then related his experience with Cri d e n b el; the twinkling eyes o f Angus clouded and the corners o f hi s mouth tightened . “ 0 an Verily, thou hast need of help , Dagda, he

s wered . slowly, knitting his brows

hi s e e . Suddenly fac clear d , and he sprang to his feet

hi s s oran o r Plunging hand into the p , pouch , that hung

th e f o f hi s e o f . at ront kilt , he drew out three pi ces gold “ ” “ I have solved thy problem , he said . Take

e Cri d en bel thes , and when asks for the three best bits o f f thy portion , place the gold pieces be ore him , for,

th e ff truly, since king has not yet o ered thee payment for e thy labor , they are the best bits thou hast receiv d

- . Cri d e n bel to day Perchance will eat them , and , if

I f art he does , they will slay him . thou seized and

o f brought before Bres , thou wilt be accused killing

Cri d e n b el e by means of a deadly herb . Th n thou ‘ s a 0 mayst y, What thou utterest, King of the war

’ ’ no t ! riors , is a prince s truth Well must thou ,

Father, remember the rhyme which describes a good king , a man who knows both mercy and justice and who understands the weaknesses of men : TH E UNJUST KING 27

A good ki ng s its i n j udgm en t ; B e fore hi s thron e are brough t reem en s es and b e s F , lav , ggar , Ch ef n wh o h e fou h i tai s av g t. d h e su e s h em Mil ly rv y t , ’ Speaks a pri n ce s tru th : “ ! us ti ce knowe th righ t and wrong; H ere s tan d s neith er weak nor s trong; Weak m ay b e in weakn es s h ere ; ’ Strong a righ teou s s tren gth m ay bear.

h ow Say these lines to the king, and tell him thou

Crid e n b el e s a wert watched by , and how he us d to y, ‘ o f Give me, O D agda, the three best bits thy por ’ - ! tion ; bad is my housekeeping to night Say to Bres, ‘ I should have perished o f hunger had I not put my

o f best, these three bits gold, on my ration and given it to Crid en b el; hence the gold is inside Crid en b el and ’

o f . 0 he died it Try, Dagda, what I suggest, for, if

all . goes as hitherto, thou wilt surely die

so n Warmly thanking his , the Dagda hurried to f his lodging . Everything occurred as had been ore

. Cri d en b el e told , who was half blind, eagerly seiz d the food upon which were the bars o f gold and swal f lowed them . Writhing in agony, he ell to the floor and died wi thout being able to say what had hap

o pened t him . The Dagda was arrested and taken under guard to

o f Tara, where he was brought into the presence 28 BATTLES AND ENCHANTMENTS

. Bres , who was sitting in judgment in the great hall

o f Crid en b el Accused murdering , the champion de

or fended himself as Angus had counseled him . Bres dered the body of the dead man opened ; the three pieces of gold were discovered , and the prisoner was released . The trial caused widespread interest among the

' De an n an s . d The Dagda was most popular, and the story o f hi s treatment by the king was told through

o u t . the country, causing general resentment The High King ’ s subjects had hoped that he would be generous and active in advancing his good name ; n ow they realized that he was anything but the hospitable, kindly monarch they would have respected . Nor did it increase his popularity when it was found that he

Cri d e n b el had been granting a pension to , who was generally disliked . Murmurs against Bres arose o n all

e sides, gathering volume when th re became known a

o f o f second story his injustice, that his treatment o f

Ogma, another famous champion .

Like the Dagda , Ogma had been summoned by

to to Bres and asked do hard manual work, bring fuel

. too for the palace at Tara This champion , , had been s o surprised that he did not protest . He, in his turn ,

- - f was ill lodged and ill e d . Although he was a man o f s uch unusual strength th at he carried firewood d aily TH E UNJUST KI NG 29

o ff from the distant Clew Bay islands , the western

o f e . was s o coast Eriu , his health b gan to fail Once he weak when he reached the mainland with hi s load

to for that he had stop on the beach rest, and the tide carried Off two thirds of his burden . Arrived at Tara , he was sharply reprimanded by Bres . This was more than Ogma could bear ; therefore , telling Bres that he was an ungrateful sovereign , the champion retired to

o f own the protection his family and clan , and the

High King dared not pursue him .

Indignation against the king grew widespread . A greate r cause for disquiet was the fact that the Fo

h on moria s , from headquarters Tory Island, close to

o f the northern shore Eriu , had begun to make raids

De d an n an s upon the , plundering and wasting the land if they were opposed . These Fomorians were men Of huge stature, violent and unscrupulous , no

. D ed an n an s o n better than pirates With them the ,

first coming to Ireland , had vainly sought an alliance, and it was partly because the parentage o f Bres was

o f e suspected being half Fomorian , that, as a matt r

o f e . policy, he had been chos n king But reliance upon the good offi ces o f Bres wi th his suppo sed kins

- e o n men proved ill founded . His subj cts the northern coast appealed without avail for his assistance . He answered that he had neithe r the men nor the wealth 30 BATTLES AND ENCHANTMENTS

om ori an s to help them . The F , becoming bolder, were at last virtually lords o f the raided district . To Bres

a o f they sent an embassy, c lling upon the whole island

Eriu to pay tribute . “ ” D ed ann an s Now, said the , who still trusted “ our i him , High King w ll treat this insult as it de i serves . The ambassadors w ll be sent back to Tory i Island with a contemptuous defiance , and Eriu w ll be ” called to arms .

Little did his people know the temper o f the king .

o f om ori an b e Perhaps because his F blood, perhaps cause he was miserly and knew that a war would be costly, he not only received the messengers with

a courtesy, but agreed that Eriu should pay the l rge sum they demanded . “ Ever have I wished that my people should live in peace ; better is it to pay with cattle , with gold , and i with the fruits of the earth, than w th the bodies of men , declared Bres .

r The Fomo ians, though wondering at such com

li an ce . p , joyously took their departure However, through the outlying country they had to hasten in

“ De n n an fear of their lives, so angry were the d a s when they heard rumors of the tribute news which spread rapidly from man to man . At almost the same

a i o f time, nother event ended the pat ence the nobles. TH E UNJUST KING 3 :

Ded an n an One of the distinguished poets , chief among those sent as he ralds to the Fir Bolg before

o f Mo tu ra was Co r re fr e the Battle y , p , i nd and inti f mate o f Nu ad a o f the Silver Hand . The ormer king

ff o f kept a lively interest in the a airs the kingdom , and he was on e of the first to hear the stories about

N o f o m ori n . u ad a a Bres When learned the F demand, he sent fo r hi s friend . “ ” 0 Co r re fo r p , he said , greatly am I troubled

to for the future of Eriu . Bres seems care little the honor Of this country and to think only o f his own

f o f wel are . I would know whether what I hear the

i fo r i f H gh King is true, , he is unfit to rule, he must be forced to give up the throne . Because I have been

r t e king, I cannot, without b inging upon myself just proof, travel about Eriu to learn the truth concerning

o f e Bres . The reports him may w ll be idle t alk such as ever surrounds a monarch . But thou mayst j o ur

e ney through the country and, specially, visit Tara , without provoking comm e nt . None other is better able to find the temper o f the people and to repo rt i f Bres truly. Bring back word to me, and, the king

s ee o f has done ill , I Shall to the summoning the

o f b e . u n council nobles, that he may tried Wilt thou d ertak e this journey for the sake o f the land we both love ?” 3 2 BATTLES AND ENCHANTMENTS

Nu a a ou r O d , gladly will I do this because of

o f . friendship , and for the good Eriu

No Co r re . t many days later, p set forth He went

first to the distressed north , next westward , and so south , then up the eastern coast and through the cen

o f ter the island . Everywhere he found discontent .

f o f One evening, a ter a feast given in honor the poet for Corpre was treated with the highest respect by every Chieftain whom he visited a veteran of the Battle o f Mo ytura voiced the general feeling : “ 0 poet of Eriu , well mayst thou lament thy country ! Her honor is forgotten ; he who should guide and protect neglects her . The insolence of pirates terri fi es no t a king, and there is smoke from a roof in f Eriu that is not under tribute . My sword rets to be drawn against the Fomori ans an d this traitor who ” sits upon our throne .

Cor re With these words lingering in his mind , p came the following afternoon to Tara . The guards saw him approaching and sent a message to Bres , who was sitting in the great hall . Ever since the time of

the Fomorian embassy, the king had been uneasy,

but he was trying to deceive himself with excuses . The messenger found him gazing sullenly into v a

e to can y and had attract his attention . “ ? What wouldst thou curtly asked Bres .

34 B ATTLES AND ENCHANTMENTS

u o f amazed . Were there so many g ests high rank that ? he should be put into quarters like these He would protest to the king at once, and would probably pass

’ Co r r s w only o n e night in the hut . But p e wonder as changed to wrath when supper was brought ou t to him a jug of water and three little unbuttered cakes o n a large dish .

Angrily the poet paced up and down . I t was too late and too dark to leave that evening ; early in the

n o t morning he would be up and away . He would , as he had planned , pass several days with the High King ; he would speed back to Nuada and tell him o f

o f . the treatment guests at Tara Sleeping little, he spent the night in devising a plan to bring justice upon Bres . He would make a poem , a satire, asking

o f that ill should befall the king, and the greatest the gods would surely answer .

Co r re ar By sunrise, p was ready to st t homeward .

th e lis e As he crossed , or enclosur , Of Tara , he recited “ W hou food u c on d s h it t q i kly a i , ’ W hou cow s m wh e eon c f ows it t a ilk r a al gr , ’ W h ou m n s o e und er the oo m o f n h it t a a ab d gl ig t, Withou t m ean s to pay a com pan y of s tory-tellers Suff eri ng the d eath of a traitor Le t h be th e cond o n of B t at iti res . w Then , laughing bitterly, he hastened a ay . Guards and who servants heard him were startled . They TH E UNJUST KING 3 5

’ ’ C r r rushed to tell Bres of o p e s curse . The king s

e heart sank, but he tri d to reassure those who came to warn him . ’ Within a few weeks time there appeared o n the

o f o face Bres a red blotch, followed s on after by one

one o f was of white, and then by green he a blem i sh ed king, and forthwith his doom would be upon him . Although several leeches tried , none could cure him .

o f From that day, satires were a weapon poets in Eriu ; but only a just satire was to be feared ; an u n just recoiled upon the maker. IV THE FLIGHT OF BRES

s h d ow m o es s the h e d nd e m o f wi n - oss e s A a v pa t a la , a gl a d t d pray w From s peed i ng oars ; th e l ong boat takes th e traitor on his ay.

UADA lost no time in telling o f the treat

Cor r was ment o f p e . The council quickly was a assembled at Tara, and Bres c lled

before i t . Silence filled the huge high ceilinged hall as the door opened and the king was ushered in to face the nobles

o f seated upon either hand . One of the eldest the company rose to make form al complaint against the sovereign . “ 0 King of Eriu , we, the nobles of thy kingdom , accuse thee of being miserly, inhospitable, mean

o f spirited , and of caring naught for the honor thy — r country u n fi t to be o u king . Those who have visited thee have found their knives ungreased , and

o f ale . their breaths have not smelt Our poets , our

o u r o u r o u r bards , harpers, our pipers , hornblowers , jugglers , our j esters , have not been present at feasts for our entertainment, neither have our athletes and o u r r champions t ied their skill at thy court . The

o u r o r muscles of strong men have grown weak, and u THE FLI GHT OF B RES 37 warriors have forgotten their cunning with weapons .

n or Nor service eric , the blood tax, has been contin ued to the tribes , and the treasures of a tribe have not

o f been delivered by the act the whole tribe . Hast ” s a ? thou aught to y in thy defense , O Bres The king tried to explain that his endeavor had

arti cu been to reduce the expenses Of government, p larly until the D ed an n an s should become thoroughly adjusted to condi tions in their new country ; but his f explanations were unsatisfactory . He tried to justi y hi s o f o f o f Cor re treatment the Dagda , Ogma, and p , f but he was heard in scorn ul silence . At last , when he attempted to defe nd his refusal to help the Dedan n s om ori an e ans in the north again t the F raid rs , one of the northern nobles stood up , and, pointing to him , cried : “ 0 o f i King, I accuse thee allow ng thy country men to perish when it was thy duty to protect them , and o f being heedless when thy countrywomen were

o ff carried into a strange land .

o f a A murmur approv l greeted this speech , and

‘ “ e e o f ! ther w re cries , Well spoken Another noble proposed that the king be asked to leave the hall while a vote was taken as to whether o r no he Should be deposed . This was agreed to, and Bres was de pri v ed o f the kingship . Summoned once more into 3 8 BATTLES AND ENCHANTMENTS

a was o f o f c the h ll , he told the judgment the coun il and was asked if he had anything to say . ” “ o f E ri n Nobles , answered Bres , well do I know that I have enemies , and they have prevailed . I am i content to leave the sovereignty ; yet, that the dut es of

ofli ce my may be more easily learned by another, and

ff o f the a airs the kingdom left in good order, I would

so remain at Tara a year longer . Should ye will it , let men from your council be appointed to oversee my conduct o f the state ; at the end of a year let them ex a ff mine anew into the a airs of the kingship . “ Thou hast spoken with reason , said the head of “ ff the council , and we will discuss thine o er .

s Once more Bre wi thdrew, and the nobles , after con si derable argument, finally permitted him to remain

o f at Tara for the period a ye ar . They came to this decision largely because there was hope that a young

Mi ach N leech , , would succeed in giving back to u ad a

no the use of his hand , and there was other m an they

. Th e would so gladly have to rule over them council ,

o f however, appointed five their number to be re ’ o o f sp nsible for the king s discharge his duti es . Bres was secretly pleased when he was told that the s d noble had a opted his suggestion . At the back Of his mind lay no really unselfish wish to benefit his su a a ccessor, but within ye r he expected to am ass TH E FLIGH T OF B RES 39 enough wealth to make himself rich . Then he would

o m ori an escape to the F stronghold, where he would ask aid of the pirates in restoring himself to the throne .

Therefore, when the assembly was dissolved, he went to tell his mother of his plans . She lived at Tara in a house not far from the great hall . He found her

o nervously awaiting the outcome f his trial . Nothing in the world was dearer to Eri than th e welfare of her so n ; this surpassed even her love of

u n country . She was blind to the faults of Bres , and able to s ee that he inherited the characteristics o f his

o f D n n n father rather than those the ed a a s . The ten derness shown her for years by her countrymen did not modify her indignation when Bres was called to

ab give an account of his kingship , and, during his sence in the great hall , she paced the floor, biting her lower lip , her eyes blazing, her hands clenched . Keenly s h e regretted not havi ng told her s on he was

o f D d an n n not all the blood of the unappreciative e a s .

th e When the young man entered room , she flung herself upon him . “ 0 Son h as al ? Tell me, , what bef len thee Thou art ” still Hi gh King o f this people ? ” for 0 But a time, Mother, Bres answered gloom

. h ad ily Then he told her all that happened, and of 40 BATTLES AND ENCHANTMENTS his determination to flee the country in order to get help from abroad . “ During all the years that we have been together ,

o f was o f thou hast said little my father, save that he

o f royal blood . I do not know that he was even the ” D e d an n an race . “

so n s on o f . Truly, my , thy father was the a king

Elo th a Ded an n an His name was , and he was no , but a Fomorian . Take this ring which he gave me, charg ing me to part with it neither by sale nor by gift but ” o n to the e whose finger could wear it .

r o ff Elo th a So saying , she d ew the ring that had ’ left with her at parting, and placed it upon Bres s lit

e f tle finger, where it fitt d per ectly . “

0 . That is a sign , Bres Thou art indeed he for whom the ring was destined . Come , let us plan to go ” hence into the country o f the Fomorians ! ’ o f In her son s distress , Eri forgot her sorrow years , and her proud determination never to approach her h husband . Far into the night s e and Bres talked ; dawn found their plans completed .

fe w A months later, Bres , making the excuse that

to he wished inspect the coast , journeyed northward , accompanied by his mother and a fe w trusted attend

o n ants . Those who met him the road noticed that he had more luggage than would ordinarily be taken

42 BATTLES AND ENCHANTMENTS their errand was explained, he received them cour

o l te us y . “ 0 D ed an n ans King of the , he said, we are about to hold a race . Hast thou , perchance , brought

? s o with thee hounds from Eriu I f , enter them in

o n friendly contest with the dogs of the Fo m ri a s .

o f com Later, thou canst tell at length the story thy ” ing hither .

We have hounds , answered Bres .

He made a sign to an attendant, who led out two

all couples in leash . The dogs were loosed, and four

finished ahead o f their rivals . “ Swift are thy hounds , indeed , said the king to “ ?” Bres . Hast thou , perchance , horses for a race “ ” We have horses , said Bres .

o n e Two spirited steeds , black, the other brown , were brought forward and mounted by skilled riders ’ from Bres s following . The horses pranced restlessly before the start ; then they sped forward as if they h ad been stones from a sling . The good fortune o f Bres was scarcely less in this race than in the former ; the

o m o black horse finished first, the brown third, the F ’ own rian king s charger taking second place . “ ” Marvelous are the steeds of the D ed an n ans ! ex

‘ claimed the king . There is not another horse in this

r land which can outrun mine . But now we a e to turn THE FLIGHT OF B RES 43 from the swi ftnes s o f beasts to the skill Of men . Ever have the warriors o f o u r country been eager in feats

e Of sword and j av lin . If thou wouldst win thy king

l e o f dom again , well mayst thou re y upon the prow ss

! o f o f o u r the Fomorians One the greatest champions,

e - Bel , stands r ady to meet in sword play the man who

m will conte nd with hi . Hast thou such an one with thee ?” “ I myself am that man , said Bres , drawing his

e s u n sword and raising it above his h ad, where the light gleamed upon the blade . Among those near enough to hear Bres ’ s brave declaration ran a murmur of approval , increasing to a ro ar like the crash o f many waves when the Fo m o ri an king announced that the D e d an n an sovereign him self would me et Bel . With the shouting was mingle d

o f the clatter swords and spears against shields . Then the peo ple crowded close to watch the final contest .

The two men took their places and saluted . They

e had be n provided with special blunt weapons, that there might be less danger o f se rious injury to war riors whose full strength would soon be needed in r war . At fi st, the opponents eyed each other cau ti o u sl cu t y ; then Bel made a savage at Bres, who f l skill u ly parried the blow with his shield . There 44 BATT LES AND ENCHANTMENTS

upon , the Fomorian champion seemed resolved to i i m end the struggle quickly, for he made a cont nued

e tuou s . p attack Bres , however, succeeded in repel ling this onslaught either with his sword or with his ’ hi s shield, and but twice did adversary s weapon ff graze him . Now and again he took the o ensive mo m e n tarily ; he seemed waiting for the other to tire

o f himself. Most the bystanders shouted with de light when Bel appeared to be gaining the advantage,

Ded an n an though all the followers , and even a few of

o m o ri an s . a the F , gave encouragement to Bres At l st, Bel making a mighty thrust which his opponent f dodged nimbly, slightly overreached himsel , and swayed unsteadily as he tried to keep his footing upon the grass , grown slippery from much trampling . This , apparently, was the opportunity for which Bres had

f r to waited, and he plunged o ward the attack . Bel

e had manag d to regain his balance , but he seemed w dazed , and it was not long before a sweeping blo from Bres laid his adversary prostrate and mom e n

ar l t i y unconscious . The multitude di d not withhold approval o f the stranger . Bres turned and kn elt before the king to

o f receive the prize, a sword with hilt gold . “ o m o ri an The F ruler began , No less wondrous thy

l a ski l but his voice f ltered, and he grew pale . TH E FLIGHT OF B RES 45

Those who stood near the throne rushed to his aid . i f i He recovered h msel , and, speaking as if bew ldered, said : “ That ring which thou weares t i He paused again , and looked at Bres w th filling eyes .

Eri had been close at hand, watching the Fomorian “ s h e i ruler intently . Now ran forward , cry ng, Elo

! . tha, my husband They did not tell us thy name ” Elo th a ! Thou art , and I am Eri The Fomorian king stepped from the mound and

m an clasped Eri in his arms . To the young , he said, “ ” Thou art my son .

Bres embraced his father . There were explanations between them . Soon the good news spread through the gathering, whereupon there was much rejoicing . “ ” e Come with me, O Eri , and thou , O Br s, said “

Elo th a . , at last Let us go to my tent, where we may l have food and drink, and where ye may both tel your ” tale . Gladly mother and son followed him ; long was their t alk .

Elo th a Err 3 was . Upon seeing , love renewed Her husband told her that, after his return from the

s northern i les to his own country, his father, who

a o f om ori an s wished him to m rry a princess the F , had 46 B ATTLES AND ENCHANTMENTS

o f assured him that Eri was dead , showing him a lock

Elo th a hair said to have been sent by her kinsmen . had then married . Shortly afterwards , his wife died , leaving him childless, and he had been unwilling to wed again . He had hoped ever that the news about

Eri might be proved false, and that he and she might o n Elo th a e day be reunited . Then Eri told the story o f the birth Of Bres and o f his education and o f his election to the kingship . The Fomori an king thereupo n turned to his son ;

0 o u t a Bres , what need has brought thee of the l nd where thou ru le d s t ? Bres told his father in detail o f ho w he had tried to

r r govern E iu , and of his attempts at economy by e

u ci n d g the entertainment of guests at Tara . This

o Elo th a for p licy, he could see, did not approve, he knit his brows . Bres concluded wi th the account of

o f r his summoning before the assembly, and his a rangement with the nobles . “ Men say that nothing has brought me to the loss

o wn Of my throne save my injustice and arrogance , “ D he declared . I stripped the ed an n ans of their

o f o wn jewels and treasure , and their food . Neither tribute nor eric was taken from them and given to foreigners before this time . “

b ad Elo th a. That is , said Better were their THE FLIGHT OF B RES 47 prosperity than their kingship ; better were their h prayers than their curses . W y hast thou come hither ?” “ To e whom should a son turn in distr ss , if not to his father ? I have come to seek a champion from ” “ f ” thee, answered Bres . I would take Eriu by orce . “ no t It should be gained by injustice, if not by ”

Elo th a . justice , continued reprovingly “ ? What counsel hast thou for me, then asked

Bres, hesitatingly .

lo i Thereupon E th a changed his att tude . His face

e . cleared , and he laugh d a low, malicious laugh “ l A though I do not like all thou hast done, should I

o no t s o n not rej ice that chance has given me only a , but the occasion of going with the forces o f the Fo ? m o ri an s against a race I hate Thou hast spoken ” truth , he continued , placing a hand upon the shoul “ son der of Bres , in saying that a should turn to his

i . father . I w ll not desert thee I will send thee to

a o f B lor, grandson of Net, to the king the isles ,

om o ri ans I nd ech sovereign over all the F , and to , son o f Dom n an n d De , asking their aid a their autho rity ” for an expedition into Eriu .

Delighted, Bres thanked his father, and together

to they made plans raise and equip a mighty host .

Elo th Not many days later, the banished king left a 48 BATTLES AND ENCHANTMENTS and journeyed under escort to the palace o f Balor ;

f n ch n thence to that o I d e . Willingly these mo archs

coO erate Elo th a agreed to p with , and soon

o f were busy from one end Tory Island to the other, where men we re hammering ou t swords and spear heads . In the forest, some were felling trees ; others

for were making frames for shields , handles spears,

fo r and ribs ships . The boast of the Fomorians was that there should be a bridge o f bo ats from their land

o to the shores f Eriu .

50 B ATTLES AND ENCHANTMENTS

n readv fe s e o f their country . As the assembly was to

e b gin discussion , a messenger dismounted from a

h e i m horse lat red with foam , and asked to be taken mediately before the head of the council . “ o f Good are my tidings , rulers Eriu , the man “ Mi ach so n cried . Nuada is no longer blemished ; , of

cu t off Diancecht , has restored the hand at the Battle ” M r o f oytu a . There was a burst o f cheering : men embraced o n e another in glee ; the noise s o startled the birds under

v o the c a es f the great hall that they flew away . ’ The messenger told the story of Mi ach s successful cure .

o f M o tu ra When , after the Battle y , Diancecht had failed to restore the severed hand of Nu ad a and had

Mi ach provided him with a silver hand instead , had ’ s h i s been a lad , intere ted in father s work, but unable

Mi ach to help . However, all who knew were amazed at the quic kness o f his mind and the ease with which he soon learned the use of herbs and the magic incanta

o f tions that formed the necessary knowledge a leech .

Nu ad a One day, when had worn the Silver hand for “ Mi ach some years , came to him and said , O Nuada,

I believe I can restore thine own hand . Mv father is

ol no t d and he dares venture as I will . I promise at ” le ast to h arm thee no further . TH E HEALING OF NUADA 5:

Mi ach e Nu ad a Truly, O , answer d , I will trust

e f e for o e . Of e mys l to thy car , I like thy b ldn ss littl

e u s e is this silver hand . With it I can wield n ither sword nor spear, and I am become a fit associate for ” old for . men , not hardy warriors

Mi ach e o f h had a ston hut, beehive s ape, which he

accom used for his experiments , and thither Nuada

n i f pa e d him . The leech caused the ormer king to lie

o f down upon a couch . He then kindled a fire herbs which filled the room with a thick smoke and a pleas ant odor, lulling the maimed man into unconscious

Mi ach ness . took the severed hand (which had been recovered from the field of M oy tura and care fully treated So that it might neither wither nor decay) and ’ laid it against his patient s arm . In a high voice he chanted “ ! oint to joint, and sinew to sinew .

Nu ad a f Then he left , who continued in a pro ound slumber . After seventy-two hours the young leech returned f to the hut, where he ound , as he expected, that the

Mi ach hand had again grown to the stump . straight wav folded the arms Of the unconscious man so that h the once injured hand lay upon the heart . As t e

leech pronounced a terrible incantation , blood began

to flow from the arm into the hand, but the bones 52 BATTLES AND ENCHANTMENTS

ff . s o ran a were still sti Therefore, taking from his p

e o f white powder made from the ash s bulrushes, Mi ach rubbed the hand . At the end of the next seventy two hours Nuada opened his eyes , and, quite as though he had never been mutilated , he extended his arm and grasped a sword that lay beside the couch . When he realized that he had regained all his former vigor, he embraced the leech . Later he gave the

u youth many costly gifts , but such was his co rtesy that h e said no word of reproof to Diancecht . This miraculous cure was accomplished only two days before the gathering Of the nobles to consider the state of the kingdom after the flight o f Bres . With unanimous acclaim Nu ad a was reelected High King Of Eriu and was instantly summoned to Tara for his

o f ! crowning . The Stone Fa roared loudly as he stood upo n it after he had received the diadem from the chief druid ; throughout the country there was j oy that the popular former king was again to direct the

o f D an n n ff fortunes the ed a s . Since he was o f di erent temper from Bres , who had refused to take counsel with

o f Nu ad a the leaders his people, promptly asked that at the end of six months the nobles should reassemble atTara to lay before him plans for withstanding the

o m ori an s o f F , and tell him what help each part the

a island would be able to give in the appro ching conflict . THE HEALING OF NUADA 53 W hen the councillors met once more, the king held a e f gr at feast ; nevertheless, in spite of abundant ood f f . o and drink, not a man was cheer ul The shadow the impending invasion hung over the hall . But a cham pion who was to surpass all former champions was

on ff even then the way to o er his services to Nuada . ! I THE MARVELOUS COW

Co w of the cows of E u ri , G m m or m ive e ilk f y pails .

e h u nd ed m en m u s cou n on hee Fiv r t t t , For as th f h e s en h s h b e y gi t t ir tr gt all , 0 cow th at never fails ! HE host who took part in the Bat tle o f Mo vtura were not the first

D n n ed an a s to settle in Eriu . Sev

a bf o th ers er l years before this , three , ff noblemen , having had a di erence

with their king, decided to leave their country in the northern isles . They sailed south ward , were hospitably greeted by the Fir Bolg , and given land on the northern coast . Here they practiced

o f the art smiths, and attained high honor among

M ac Ki n l . ee their adopted countrymen y, one of the brothers , became lord of the district where they lived . Even at that time the Fom ori ans were raiding the w f rish coast . The Fir Bolg king as energetic in repel ling pirate expeditions , and none gave him greater aid , not only by skill in making and repairingweapons,

s but by prowes in using them , than did the three THE MAR! ELOUS COW 55

D ed an n an M ac Ki n eel brothers, y, Gavida, and Mac

Sam th an n .

About this time M acKi n eely had come Into posses

cow or sion Of a , the Glas , Blue One, which gave more h f milk than any other in Eriu . She had , t ere ore, to be watched constantly, lest she be stolen . The Fomo

- rians soon heard of her wonderful milk giving, and, hoping that they might seize her, they made the vicin ’ ity o f M ac Ki n eely s dwelling the objective o f many

' e a was of their raids . How ver, the Gl s successfully

to guarded , and the Fomorians always had withdraw after heavy losses .

Balor, the Fomorian High King, grew more and more angry, for he had set his heart upon adding the miraculous animal to the royal herd, and he deter mined to accomplis h by guile what he had bee n u n

On e o f able to achieve by force . his druids changed

- him into a red headed little boy, and he was secretly landed at the edge of a sheltered bay in northern ’ M ac Ki n eel s Eriu , near a road which led from y dun , ’

Gav id a s . or fortified dwelling, to forge Along this

M ac Ki n eel road, Balor had learned, y was soon to

o wn was ou t pass, for his forge of repair and he was ’ going to his brother s to make new swords . Since

to he feared leave her at home, he was to take with him the invaluable cow . 56 BATTLES AND ENCHANTMENTS

Ki n l Of When Mac ee y reached the smithy Gavida,

M acSam th an n he met his younger brother, , bound

M acSam th an n a o n a like errand . had with him

o f fi n d ri n n quantity y, a white bronze highly prized

- - for sword blades and spear heads . “ If thou wilt take this halter, O Brother, said “ M ac Ki n eel y, and watch my cow, I shall take thy ” bronze and see to the shaping o f the swords ! Knowing that M ac Ki n eely was the cleverest smith

f M acSam th an n . in the amily, promptly agreed The cow was le d to a patch o f grass where she might

s at graze, while her new keeper comfortably in the shade of an oak tree . He was too far from the smithy

o n to know what went , and there was no window fac

o f ing him . He could hear only the clink metal . Round a corner o f the building appeared a red headed lad, who shyly approached and stood for

M Sam n some minutes gazing at ac th a n . The smith f returned the gaze in riendly fashion . “ cow o f bo . That is a the cows thou hast, said the y M acSam th an n cared more for praise of what be longe d to him or to his family than for any other praise . “ o f Thou beholdest the finest the cows of Eriu ,

‘ 0 he answered warml y . N other gives so much or so ’ ” o f rich milk as this cow my brother s .

58 BATTLES AND ENCHANTMENTS l of so fine a quality as that he h ad given M acKi nee y . Without distrusting a boy whom he had seen for the

first time only a few minutes earlier, who, moreover, gave him information which agreed not at all with the “ ! ” character of his brothers , he shouted , I am His face flushed scarlet with rage and he sprang to his feet . “ That fi nd ri n n y is mine ! They would trick me ! O wicked men , well do they know that I cannot leave

s o f ou r so the most valued pos ession family, and they plot against me ! “ For a warrior there were better work at the forge b than playing herdsman here, a task that could e performed by any boy, answered the other, cun ’ n i n gly taking advantage o f the D ed an n an s jealous fury . “ 0 ! C Thou speakest truth , Boy ouldst thou no t hold the halter of this co w for a little ? I would go and foil these plotters . Soon shall I return and pay thee ” well for thy service . “ no I ask payment, said the lad humbly . M acSam th an n threw the rope to the stranger and went running towards the smithy . Had he paused to

i h im he - look beh nd , would have seen the red haire d gilly urging the cow into a gallop and dis appearing

. M acSam th an n w with her over the hill , however, as TH E MAR! ELOUS cow 59 so eager to re ac h his brothers that he did not he ar th e thud of hoofs .

When he reached the door of the smithy, his anger had risen to such a height that he stood spluttering on the threshold . Gavida and M ac Ki n eely looked up from their work . “ o f So ye would take advantage me, elder Broth ” ers fi nd ri n n ? MacSam th an n , and steal my y cried , “ when he could find his voice . But I have come to ” o u for i show y that I can fight what is m ne . He put his hand to his sword and half drew it from his belt .

o a Gavida rushed up n him and pinioned his rms, while M acKi n eely cried “ 0 M acSam th an n ! Hold, These are hard words .

. one o f Naught have we done amiss See, here is thy

o n e o f o weapons completed, and my own . That f f fi nd ri nn o . y fits thy hand ; that iron , mine Try them , ” and learn if I do no t tell thee truth ! ’ e Gavida, feeling his brother s muscles relax, loos d

M acSam th an n his hold . was ashamed ; his anger left him quickly . “ 0 Thy pardon , Brothers , he said . I have been ’ too hasty in believing a boy s idle tales . Suddenly he started ; his face paled and he looked confused . 60 BATTLES AND ENCHANTMENTS At that instant Gavida asked “ M acSam th an n Where, O , is the cow we entrusted to thee ?”

M ac Ki n A good watchman art thou , sneered eely . M acSam th an n hastily explained his meeting with

- the red haired lad . “ ” This is some trick o f the Fomorians ! cried Mac

Ki n eel o . y , rushing to the do r, followed by the others They looked o u t ; not a trace o f bo y or cow was to

M ac Ki n eel be seen . In anger and grief, v turned to his younger brother and gave him a stout bo x on the

M acSam th an n . ear, to which meekly submitted “ This is no time for further rage ; anger has already ” “

. us lost us too much , interposed Gavida Let ” hasten and overtake the thief, if we can .

Seizing swords and spears , the three men hurried

- - along the road , following well known hoof prints in the moist earth .

But the disguised Balor could not be overtaken . He had already reached the bay where waited the boat which had brought him . Changing his shape, he became once more the Fomorian king, and directed

ow his men carefully to embark the c . This they did ‘ with as much speed as possible, but it was at best an

no t undertaking requiring time, and they had pushed THE MAR! ELOUS COW 6 !

m M ac Ki n eel far fro land when y, Gavida , and Mac

om ori an Sam th an n reached the rocks . The F s bent to

e e e th ir oars , their sail fill d, and th ir boat gathered

e th ei r av e h adway, as the three men on shore let fly j

o f lins . However, the pirates had passed out range of even the longest cast . They cried out j eeringly ; their leader stood up and made a derisive gesture at his des perate pursuers ; but the cow, as if realizing that she

o f was being taken from the island her birth, lowed plaintively . “ f ! I t is Balor himsel exclaimed the three brothers,

o f upon seeing the giant figure the Fomorian king . M ac Ki n eely was so distraught that he drew his sword and flung it after the retreating ship ; the blade cu t

- through the gleaming waters , and an ever widening circle rippled from the place where it sank .

f o f For many days ollowing the loss the Glas, Mac

Ki n eel o n e e o f m en y , ordinarily of the merri st , was

ou t overcom e by gloom . He thought and abandoned many schemes fo r regaining the c ow: a military ex pedi ti o n would be ou t o f the qu estion because o f the o r high rocks , tors , which had given Tory Island its

o f name ; he knew no magic that would avail . His

t e bro h rs did their utmost to cheer him , but without success until M ac Sam th an n sugge sted that Mac

Ki n eely consult a woman learned in sorcery . 6 2 BATTLES AND ENCHANTMENTS

Through thee I have lost the Glas ; mayhap

Mac Ki n through thee I shall regain her, answered “ ” v . eely, brightening . I like thine ad ice With that the eldest brother went straightway to

o f the house the wise woman , whom he found pound

l o f ing herbs in a metal bowl . A though a wild, forbid

was at and ding appearance, she kind heart, she ’ listened sympathetically to Mac Ki n eely s account o f the various stratagems which he had considered .

for She already knew of his loss, the story had spread l rapid y . “ Difli cult for . is it me to advise thee, she said Well thou knowest that Balor is unlike ordinary ’ o ne o f men . He has a giant s frame ; his eyes, though

a usually kept closed as if he were blind , has such d eadlv glance that it will slay any one within twenty

fi v e . feet When Balor was a young boy, he was pass ing a house wherein druids had been stirring magic w potions and had set them by a indow to cool . As

o f r he paused at the window, the fumes the deadly po so sons entered his eye, that ever since i t has been

to or B a more be feared than sword sling or j avelin . lor’ s eyelid closed at the same time and he is unable to a l h raise it lone ; therefore, when he goes to batt e, he as beside him a youth whose duty it is to roll back the ’ I I eyelid at the king s request . ! were it for thee to TH E MAR! ELOUS cow 63 come into his presence and have him know thee ; u n doubtedly he keeps the cow on the green in front of f his palace, where thou wouldst run danger rom the

. o terrible eye Against that I have no p wer, but what is possible to do for thee, that will I . Take this ring.

o f Place it upon the third finger thy right hand . Turn

a e o f it twice, and thou sh lt have the app arance a young girl ; turn it twice more, and thou shalt regain

o wn . thine shape Guard the ring well , for, shouldst

e thou lose it, thou must continue in the shap thou art then wearing . Mayhap, if thy followers will row thee close to Tory Island , thou canst land unseen , and ,

o f o f in the guise a young woman , win news the

co how whereabouts of the w, learning to deliver her from the Fomorians . Thou shal t never get her till thou hast slain Balor.

M ac Ki n eel Thanking the druidess , y hastened home

n a u a d made preparations for immediate dep rt re . VII THE STORY OF ETHNE

’ h e e s c m o o f s wo d s and o ces T r a la r r v i , s h com m nd th e e A arp a at gat . I s it th e word of Balor the Ki ng ? I s it th e call of Fate ?

MacKi n eel was OT many days later, y clambering over the rocks leading to o n e o f the less frequented roads through the

om ori an a F country . He looked like woman from a foreign land ; if he should

e be ask d questions, he was prepared to

a . s y that he came from Wales He carried a harp, for he was a skilled musician and was said to sing as sweetly as an y bard in Eriu . He thought that his music might aid him in reaching those who could give him the information he desired . M ac Ki n eely had not traveled far when he saw in the distance a great tower commanding a wide view

o f . the sea As he drew near, he noticed that this tower was surrounded by a wall in which was a gate guarded by an armed man who stood in the shadow o f the battlements , trying to avoid the hot sun . ” o n e who Here is can tell me something, thought

Mac Ki neelv.

66 BATT LES AND ENCHANTMENTS swore a mighty oath that his daughter should never marry . Her companions are twelve women from the noblest families of o ur people . Never has Ethne s een a young man but at a distance ; the work in ou t houses and gardens is done by women ; my fellow

and guards and I are the only men near at hand, she cannot see us , for she never passes this gate . An aged druid is permitted to visit the tower to instru ct Ethne a nd her women in religion . But graybeards are fit ” companions of women , he added scornfully . “ Ethne is now seventeen years old, and she is said

on to be the loveliest princess ever born Tory Island .

No luxury is denied her, and women skilled in all arts are for brought hither her pleasure . I see thou hast a ” harp . Perchance thou art one o f them ?

Mac Ki n eel y, not yet accustomed to his new ap earance u p , and nat rally truthful , was on the point of “ ” NO answering emphatically , when it occurred to him that , if he said he had heard Of Ethne and had come to the tower hoping for a chance to entertain

, her he might not only be brought into her presence , but, through her, reach the court o f Balor and fi n d ' the lost cow . “ ’ E th ne s If this be dwelling, I have chosen the

. a right road I am maiden from Wales , skilled in playing the harp and in singing . While in the coun . TH E STORY OF ETHNE 67 tr was of y of the Fomorians with my brother, I told

ou t the lovely Ethne, and I set to learn if I might not ” remain with her a few days and sing to her .

-at- - Although the man arms was not quick witted ,

for Mac Ki neel he had an eye comeliness , and y had bee n changed into a girl far from ugly . “ e I doubt not that they will welcome the , O ” a . Maiden , said the sentry dmiringly “ ” Mac Ki n eel Tell me further of Ethne, urged y, before the Fom ori an could continue . If I am to s ee

u n her, I would know more about her, lest I speak ” wisely . “ I am told that o f late she has been watching the f fi shermen in their boats . Some o them have rowed very near the shore, and Ethne, noticing that they ff are di erent from the women with her, and from the

ffi to druid , has asked many questions di cult answer.

They say her sleep has been troubled, and from the descriptions she gives o f those who have appeared to

o f fi sh er- her in visions, she seems to be dreaming folk . Her women are endeavoring to distract h er from such ” and so dreams queries , but, far, with little success . “ ” I may succeed where they have failed .

Thy opportunity may be soon . Yonder comes an aged sailor who every week brings fish fo r the princess ” on an d is met at the gate by e of her companions . 68 BATTLES AND ENCHANTMENTS

M acKi neely s aw a cart approaching slowly . As he looked down the road , the gate behind him opened,

e o u t . and a tall , dark woman st pped Noticing a

s h e e e stranger, h sitat d , with an inquiring glance at the

o f guard , who reassured her and explained the mission the maiden from Wales . Accepting the explanation , the woman led M ac Ki n eely within the enclosure . “ ” For a month past, she said, my mistress has seemed changed . She has lost her former gayety and wanders alone on the high rocks by the sea where C there is no wall . onstantly she asks us what persons

row e are those who by in coracles, and describ s to

- o f us strong, broad chested beings whom she has dreamed . As we are forbidden to mention men , we f ” explain as best we may and the task is di ficult . By this time M ac Ki n eely and his guide had

’ E th n e s reached the entrance to bower, set in the midst o f gardens even more beautiful than those through which the visitor had already come . Within

s the arbor sat the princes , dressed in a white tunic ; from her shoulders fell a yellow cloak ; round her neck

o f was a chain precious stones . The splendor o f her

M ac Ki n eel dark beauty burst upon y, so th at he was fo r e some seconds sp echless . “ ‘ Whether o r no Ethne suff ers from th e s i ckn ess o f ” “ ” h e a ff love, thought , I sh ll su er from it henceforth . THE STORY OF ETHNE 69 ' The princess received the supposed Welsh girl graciously, though without much Show of interest . “ for ? Wilt thou not play me, O Maiden The music ” - o f thy country is far famed .

M acKi n eel c y raised his harp, and with left fingers sounded melodious chords ; Ethne and her co m pan

e e . ions settled thems lv s to listen He resolved that, if ever a singer put his heart into words and music, he

o would do s then . He sang :

Co o of th e fox o e l r gl v ,

Co o o f th e os e l r r , Th e m i ns tre l s i ngs th e b eau ty w E very poe t kno s .

Eyes of m aid en wond er ’ Gleam with lo ve s d eligh t H e that k nows th eir s hi n ing

Knows a s tarlit n igh t .

o e en h n s ee d fal s M r g tly t a a l , Or e f om ee b rry r a tr , o e s h a fa w h n th e h e L v ll ll it i art, B o om won ou l ss dr sly .

M ac Ki n eel When y had finished, there was silence, disturb e d only by the sound o f surf o n the rocks Of below the tower . the twelve ladies with the prin cess , only one, the youngest, her closest friend, Bla 70 BATTLES AND ENCHANTMENTS

‘ the the naid, was pleased with song; Others were

o f troubled by the mention love, yet this was scarcely ’ a s u fli ci en t reason for objecting to E th n e s having the

or stranger f a guest . Ethne spo ke : “ and Well hast thou sung, O Maiden , thy song

no t shall have its full recompense . Wilt thou stay with me here ? For I would as k thee about m any ” things .

o Disguising his j y behind a modest demeanor,

Ki n l Mac ee y consented to remain . As the women

r -i n- a mu mured among themselves , the lady w iting who had brought him into the garden led him to the room in the tower where the princess directed that he

o be lodged, and, although he spoke agreeably t the

no w attendant, she answered him curtly . h T roughout the day, Ethne kept the Welsh gi rl by her side . She dismissed her other companions, save

lan ai B d off too . , and at last sent her , In the evening, the supposed maiden sang again , beginning wi th the words

0 waves that are rushi ng i n raptu re Whe e wa s u n es s n the s nd r it , r i ti g, a , Wa es d es ned ne e to ca u v , ti v r pt re The u erm os ne o f the nd tt t li la , Soo n the d e will be u n n , ti t r i g, And ou w be d awn fro y ill r m th e s ands TH E STORY OF ETHNE 7 :

i l r was a d. Wi th th s song, a so, the p incess ch rme

Her women were still more disturbed, but again they felt unable to object .

M acKi neel was As for y, he deeply in love with the princess, and thinking hard how he might reveal him self and persuade her to fly with him . During the four or five succeeding days he was more and more alone with her . The attendants muttered among them selves , till at last they ventured to complain to the princess , who silenced them wi th angry words “ Never have I had a friend who would talk to me

as o . o f d es this maiden She has seen much the world , and she is willing to answer my questions and to tell me what lies beyond these walls . This ye have never i done . She shall remain w th me as long as she will , and ” o take rich gifts when s h e g es . ’ was o f E th n s Great the consternation e guardians . What was the Welsh woman telling ? She must be dismissed at once ; yet they knew Ethne was not ffi ready to release her, and that it would be di cult, if no t b impossible, to deal with the stranger, who had e come so devoted that she would not willingly dep art ? from the princess . What should be done They would consult Balor ; he was their sovereign as well as

o f the father their charge , and he would know what

h ad a at ship from Wales rrived Tory Island, the 72 BATTLES AND ENCHANTMENTS

f s n ames o her pas engers , and how soon the vessel would return home . Reproaching themselves that

e they had not sent earli r to the High King, they des patched a messenger immediately .

fo r M ac Ki neel B lan ai d Fortunately y, told Ethne o f - what had been arranged by the waiting women , and

D an n an the princess told her new favorite . The ed realized that he was now in peril ; the messenger would return from the court bringing word that no such woman as the Welsh girl had ever been seen by the king or had lande d on the island . He must tell

A s the princess the truth . he and Ethne were walking o n the rocks in the evening, watching the wavering

pathway of the moon across the dark ocean , he con

fessed both his identity and his love , and begged the

e princess to trust h rsel f to him . Rapidly he poured

to forth his story, and, as he drew a close, he twisted

r o the ing up n his right hand and stood revealed .

- Her alarm upon seeing the tall , blue eyed stranger, i w th his golden hair, crimson cloak, and jewel e d

r sword, gradually disappea ed , and under the spe ll of

his eager words dismay gave place to tenderness . “ ” “ f s he O Chie tain from Eriu , said at last, already

must thou know what I shall say to thee . Thou hast

a o f told me all I have le rned the world and of love . I

i as k naught better than to go wi th thee through the

74 B ATTLES AND ENCHANTMENTS maiden is a man wi th whom thou hast fallen in love

a b e fo r e ! l s will easy th e , indeed Thy women wi l

. think thee mad , and in this I shall encourage them

D emand that thou be married immediately, and I

e shall sugg st that, to quiet thee, the druid, who

e i e com s h ther oft n , be summoned to perform a m ar ri age which to thine attendants will seem mockery, but to M ac Ki n e ely and to thee will be binding .

B lan ai d Thy wits , O , are keener than the sharpest ” o f ! s swords exclaimed Ethne in delight, kis ing her friend . B l i All we nt as an a d hoped . The attendants were ’ e E th n e s much disturb d by unusual behavior, and

f r they e asily agre ed to send o the druid . Ethne and M ac Ki n eely were married ; whereupon the princess

e B lan aid again b haved normally, and was heartily c o ngra tulated by the other women for havi ng

’ o f E th n e s thought a plan to restore reason , and embraced by the princess for having successfully

e her companions . ’dec ived The more serious question o f escape from the f tower now con ronted the lovers . M ac Ki n eely o u t w pointed that, although the enclosure as carefully

o n guarded the landward side , it had virtually no pro tec ti o n from the sea : once or twi ce during the day a sentry appeared o n distan t rocks ; at night the shore TH E STORY OF ETHNE 75

i e a was deserted . Ev dently th re was little fe r that

u al any one wo ld attempt a landing, especi ly as this would be possible only during the quiet seas o f s u m

o f mer . By water, therefore, lay the best chance

M ac Ki n eel flight . The boat which had landed y was

B lan ai d e s h e u e due to return , and suggest d sho ld me t it, go on board, and guide it to the easiest landing

o f place in front the tower, where Ethne and Mac

Ki n eely would be waiting .

Unfortunately, the plotters had forgotten the mes senger who had bee n sent to B alor . The king was a f larmed , and , since he could get no in ormation of the arrival of a Welsh ship , his suspicions were aroused .

vi He would surprise Ethne by a sit .

M ac Ki n eel B lan ai d f Ethne, y, and made care ul

- f plans . The young waiting woman le t her mis tress early upon the morning o f the day when the boat of th e De d an n an was o ff due shore ; in the evening, the

ri e o o f we p nc ss , c mplaining a headache, nt to her room f f shortly a ter suppe r . The other women ollowed h er e xample, and , save for a single light shining in the ’ o f E th n e s o was window ro m , the tower soon in dark ness . The princess was quickly join e d by Mac

Ki n eel e h er e for y , who h lped in pr parations flight .

e Down the stairs cr pt the lovers , through the silent

ou t tower, and to the edge of the moonlit se a. Mac 76 BATTLES AND ENCHANTMENTS

’ Ki n eel ffi y , still in his woman s guise, found di culty in cl ambering over the rocks . When he reached the a water, he turned the m agic ring and changed his p pe aran ce to that o f a D ed an n an warrior . In putting o u t his hand to help Ethne, he fel t the ring slip from his finger, and it fell noiselessly into a cranny in the rocks . “ ! ! ” l My ring I t is lost he cried, wild y groping in the seaweed . “

B elov éd . com an Do not fret thysel f, Soon thy p ions will be here, and we shall be hastening towards ” Eriu .

a o f They gazed seaw rd , but there was no Sign a

o n th e . boat shimmering ocean Almost immediately, from the road outside the enclosure , came a sound of ’ men s voices , followed by a challenge from the sentry . “ Who goes there ?

o f Balor, High King the Fomorians , to see his daughter ! ”

M ac Ki n l Hearing the soldiers , ee y would have f transformed himsel once more into a woman , but he had no time to search further for the magic ring ; al

was ready Balor inside the walls , with a man carry f ing a torch be ore him . There were cries from the

D a women in the tower, and the e d n n an knew that ’ E thne s a absence must h ve been discovered . Seeing TH E STORY OF ETHNE 77 no o f place for concealment, nor chance escape over the rocks, he thrust Ethne behind him , drew his

f and sword, adjusted his shield upon his le t arm , waited .

for - ar- Balor was now calling loudly his men arms , and soon M ac Ki n eely s aw the Fomorian giant ap

ro achi n f p g and, a ter him , men running across the

M c i l o grass . What a K n ee y could n t s ee was a boat suddenly shooting into the moonlight and coming up

A S to the rocks . he raised his shield to catch a spear hurled by Balor at close range, the boatmen leapt a o f shore, and, a moment later, the war cry Eriu rang

B l n into the night air . a aid hurried from the bo at to the side of her mistress .

The fight was short and decisive . The Fomorians

e all hopelessly outnumbered th ir opponents , and soon but two o f the strangers were either killed or s o badly wounded that they were unable to hold their we ap o n s M acKi n eel - - . y, in hand to hand conflict wi th

Balor, slipped on a piece of seaweed, and, before the

De d an n an o m r could recover himself, the F o i an seized him by the hair and severed his head from his

. o ff body His men managed to reach their boat, push , an d carry home to Gavida and M acSam th ann the ’ o f M ac Ki n eel s tidings y adventures and death .

and Blan ai d Ethne were taken back to the tower. 78 BATTLES AND ENCHANTMENTS

N0 one noticed that the waiting-woman had appeared i f not w th the others , but from the boat ; there ore

’ E th n e s request that her favorite be allowed to re i main w th her was granted , although the eleven other women were dismissed by the angry king, who dou bled the guard i n front o f the enclosure and established sentri es at close intervals along the rocks . The prin cess was commanded to remain for a year wi th only

o ne o f the companion , who was ordered upon pain death no t to leave her mistress . In her sorrow for

M acKi n l Bl n i ee a a d . y, Ethne was comforted by The i two lived quietly in the tower , giv ng themselves to

i an d o f weav ng and embroidery, speaking Often the ’ E th n e s brief time that husband had been with them .

In due course , the princess gave birth to three baby

s h e o l boys , but died when they were only three days d . ’ Balor s fury upon hearing o f the triplets was f greater than his grie for his daughter . Sending for

B lan ai d , he would have put her to death had not her f father, a powerful Chie tain , begged that she be spared . However, she was sent away from the High ’ ’ E th n s King s court . e children were given to an old who was to l woman , paid by the king ki l them . Not i daring to put them to death in the dayt me, she made up her mind to drown them at night i n the whirl o f an l pool in et near her cott age . THE STORY OF ETHNE 79

M ac Ki n eel When y lost the magic ring, he lost also the link binding him to the druidess in Eriu and h er

s h e power . Although no longer able to protect him ,

i n was well aware o f all that happe n e d to him . Her tere s t in the fortunes of hi s family continued after his death ; through her magic sh e knew o f the birth o f his

s h e sons , and was sure that Balor would try to kill them . She had not power to keep them from harm ;

s he old nevertheless , it was who inspired the woman to think o f drowning them in the whirlpool near the house where B lan aid had been living Since her banishment .

The crone took a boat and rowed out from shore .

too Pulling in the oars , lest she go near the swirling

s h e e waters , let the boat drift, and held the thr e

n a ki n ov er . children , pinned in a p , the side Unknown

o n e o f f l to her , the in ants slipped from the bund e and i fell into the tide, which bore him sw ftly and surely

was u n co n to a sandy beach , where he deposited scious but unhurt . A moment later, the woman , now dl near the whirlpool , released the bun e, which was promptly caught in the dark eddy and lost forever . Balor was overjoyed when he learned o f the appar e n t o f i success his w cked, unnatural plan , and he gave

s u m o f an additional money to the old woman . Both were ignorant o f what had really happened ; no t so 80 BATTLES AND ENCHANTMENTS

the druidess in Eriu , who was delighted that the waves had done what s h e hoped in rescuing at least o n e o f the boys . Immediately she sent a dream wherein a shining figure appeared to B lan ai d and said

o f Go to the shore the inlet, and there on the sand ’ E th n e s s on i o n e below the dune find , who w ll day be

o f great among the men Eriu , more famous than any other in whose veins runs the blood of the Fomorians .

Blan ai d awoke and rushed to the beach , where lay

f o n . the child , le t by the receding tide the warm sand

B lan aid From a mark upon his chest , recognized

e f him , and carried him home with her. After much f ort , she restored him to strength , and kept him in her charge for several months , swearing to secrecy the w fe . servants who lived with her Then , fearful that Balor might hear Of the child and compass not only

hi s s h e her death but , determined to send him secretly

Of M acKi n eel to his uncles in Eriu , whom y had told ’ B lan ai s Ethne in d he aring . This she was finally able

ffi o f to do, through the good o ces a trader who had

B lan ai been urged by the druidess to visit d . Gavida and M acSam th an n were overjoyed to receive the bo all y, and they reared him with the care due o ne i dest ned to be a valiant defender of his country .

o f Ded ann an a two At the time the inv sion , the

82 B ATTLES AND ENCHANTMENTS but sti ll vi gorous Balor will come wi th the host soon

Nu ad a as k o f to fall upon Eriu . King will aid every

ar man . Since we are too advanced in ye s to bear

or u arms to journey to the council , we wo ld send

o u r o u r . thee, Lugh, best gi ft to country Take this ’ o f was M acSam sword thy father s , this spear that ’ th an n s , and this shield that was mine, and journey to the king . Victory, and the blessing of the gods be upon thee ! ”

Lugh , his heart beating with eagerness to serve

D ed an n an s ad in the army, yet to leave his kindly

fo r uncles, kissed them tenderly, and thanked them

. o u t their weapons Arming himself with these, he set ’ for the High King s palace . VIII THE NEW CHAMPION

Ou t f om th e wood T w h s e of we ons r at ara, it parkl ap H e un h e d ed to s e th e n f om d n e lp ral , av valia t r a g r, ou h d n ces s u e con d en n A y t a va , ppl , fi t, ki gly ;

Wond e n d oo ee e s m u m u and u es on th e s r n e . ri g rk p r r r, q ti t a g r UADA had not neglected to provi de for the protection of Tara during the feast and the council o f nobles ; he had assigned two renowned warriors to act as door

o f ke epers the great hall . They were to watch that no stranger appeared without his presence becoming known . As these men stood gazing languidly towards the

fo o f s aw wood at the ot Tara Hill , they a man come from among the trees and turn in the direction o f the ’

a . p lace The sun s rays sparkled upon his garments, which the sentinels judged to be rich enough for a

or great warrior, even for a king . When he came

s nearer, they found their surmi e had been correct ; gold and silver threads were inwoven with the linen o f his kilt and with the cloak which covered his

- shoulders . His sword hilt was inlaid with gold ; his spear had a b and of gold below the b at h ; hi s shield o f 84 B ATTLES AND ENCHANTMENTS wi cker-work had a boss o f shining fi n dri nny ; fair hair fell about his shoulders ; fe arless was the glance of his f youth ul eyes . “ Who goes there ? challenged o n e o f the door keepers . i o f a The stranger halted , plant ng the butt his spe r

fi rmly upon the ground . “ o f D ed an n ans an Lugh , son Of a Chieftain the , “ s wered the young man in a pleasant voice I would aid the High King against the Fomorians . What art dost thou practice ?” asked the door keeper further . “ Question me, Lugh replied . I am a wright . ” We need thee not, responded the older sentinel .

Lu ch ta o f We have a wright already, even d , son ”

Lu ach ai d . “ u ! Q estion me , O Doorkeeper I am a smith .

Cu We have a smith already, even Colum alli nech ” Of the three new processes .

Question me . I am a cham pion .

We need thee not . We have ch ampions : the

Dagda , Ogma , and others . “ ” I am a harper .

. a We need thee not We have harper already,

“ Abh ean so n B i celm os even , of , whom the m en o f the ” three gods chose .

86 BATTLES AND ENCHANTMENTS

’ Lu h s The doorkeeper, though really admiring g

e abiliti s, resolved not to make the young man aware of this impression immediately . Disappointment ’ s e n would test the lad s strength o f character . The ’ f e tinel , there or , when he heard the stranger s request, “ merely inclined his head slightly and said, I will do that .

Once well wi thin the house, he hastened to the

Nu ad a was throne, where waiting in gloomy silence, for the king and his councillors had not been able to agree upo n a plan of campaign against the Fomorians . “ ”

Nu ad a ! . Hail to thee, O cried the doorkeeper

Help has come to us . In the lis without waits a youth who himself possesses knowledge o f all the arts

f : needed to de end Eriu he is smith , brazier, leech ,

. Sam ild an ach champion Well may he be named ,

o f r Possessor Many A ts at the Same Time . He has ff ” come to O er his service in repelling the Fomorians . w “ Instantly the king as alert . I shall question and prove him . His skill may be less than thou sayest . ” for fi Bring my board d chille . Nu ad a and the other De d an n ans left the hall and

o f or went to the end the lis, courtyard , where Lugh, m w in co pany with the remaining doorkeeper , as waiting . The young man saluted the king wi th be coming reverence and modesty. TH E NEW CHAMPION 87

0 fi d chille Nu ad a Youth , play with me, said abruptly . “ I will indeed, responded Lugh .

King and stranger took their places at the board, and the Ded an n an s pressed closely about to watch the ’ r was Nu ad a s t ial , for it custom to test in this game,

was o f o n e which like chess, the intelligence any who wished to act as his councillor . The king settled him o f ff self, assuming an attitude indi erence ; Lugh sat k upright wi th parted lips and flushed ch ec s . The game progressed to a hard- fought contest ; Nu ad a knotted his brows ; this was no inexperienced strip ling, but an opponent with the judgment of maturity . So absorbed in the play was the entire company that

o f e the occasional buzzing a fly, or the br athing of spectators and players, alone disturbed the silence . ’ Lugh finally pursued Nu ad a s king over almost the entire board ; at last the youth moved his castle, and, looking up with a Slight smile, said, Checkmate, O ” Sovereign o f Eriu !

For a moment Nuada gazed at the pieces , a trace of

e . a disappointm nt passing over his face Then , with laugh , he raised his head . “ su r asse Fairly hast thou won . Thy skill p th that o f D ed an n an s fo r h as f m all other , none ever de eated e

- fi d chille d a . art at until to y Indeed, thou fit to be my 88 BATTLES AND ENCHANTMENTS councillor and my champion . Never has a man like s thee entered my dun . Come straightway acros the ” a lis and into the great h ll .

A o f re mid the plaudits the company, Lugh then

o f f vealed the name his ather , and the fact that his uncles had sent him to Tara . Upon hearing this,

Nuada embraced the lad tenderly . “ NO less could I have expected from such trust worthy warriors . By none couldst thou have been better taught . Welcome to this assembly ; thou shal t be a rock in time o f danger ! With these words the king led the way back to the hall and to the long table at the foot Of the throne .

e was Wh n all save Lugh were seated, there still a

o f Nu ad a vacant place at the right the king, to which pointed . “ This seat was s e t aside for the wi sest o f my

e o f i n fi rm i ti learn d men , who is absent because the es ” “ o f age , said the High King . Well mayst thou Sit

fo r th e e o f here , if thy skill with weapons is qual thy

o f power of mind , thou art destined to be the greatest

D an n an the e d s .

Modestly, Lugh stood before the empty place and said : “ 0 My thanks to thee , King, and to thy warriors ,

for R for this greeting and this honor . ightly hast

90 B ATTLES AND ENCHANTMENTS

haunting, slumbrous melody . Drowsiness overtook the host , and it is said that they fell asleep until the

o n e same hour the following day, wh n they awoke

z o f without reali ing the passage time . Lugh played a

f n o t dirge, and there was not a warrior whose ace was wet with tears nor whose voice was not choked with sobs . Swiftly, thereupon , the harper sounded a merry tune, and straightway the warriors were laughing and

so shouting with glee, that they seemed a company of children .

o r Then Lugh laid aside the harp, and the king f r dered a great east, which lasted many hours . Afte that Nuada stood and addressed the as sembly “ 0 Ded an n an s o f , we who have seen the powers Lugh Sam ild an ach have faith that he will deliver us

o m from Slavery to the F ori an s . We would now have

o u r his counsel , and , that we may all show trust in

for him , I would a time yield him my throne . What ” s a ? y ye, O Men ” Nu ad a ! Thou speakest wisely, they cried . Then Lugh s at upon the throne and was treated as a king, and all gave heed to his words , and he proved skill ful in planning strategy for the confusion o f the enemy . At the end o f thirtee n days the council was dis

i n missed, order that each man might go to his o wn THE NEW CHAMPION 91 district to hearten his countrymen with news o f the f f o . arrival Lugh But be ore the councillors separated,

o f the learned men all the arts, whether farmers, smiths , charioteers, leeches, judges, were directed to ’ Girl assemble in two weeks time at ey . Thither went

hi m the young warrior, taking with the Dagda,

Go b ni u Ogma, the Smith , and Diancecht the Leech, that he might consult with them privately. I ! PREPARATIONS FOR BATTLE

Wz d s z e s s wo d s m en i ar , bra i r , r , end m e of ou m h L y r ig t, For the fate of Eriu

Hangs u pon a figh t .

h us s e K n Nu ad a T pak i g ,

Ro e n es e . yal , ar t, brav H earts of all wh o h eard hi m

e E u to s e . L apt, ri av HEN the wi se men and the heroes of

D ed ann ans Gi rle the had gathered at y,

Nu ad a s at again upon the throne, and

at his right hand was Lugh . Then the king arose and spoke

Councillors and heroes , we who have captured the island o f Eriu must soon Show whether we have the strength to hold it . Well is it for us to remember certain things in order that we may have

u s c f o u confidence in the j ti e o r cause . We have tried to make an alliance wi th the Fomorians , but they would not live in peace wi th us ; instead , they l aid waste the northern coast and demanded tribute, which a weak king was willing to pay them . Bres no lo ny r

94 B ATTLES AND ENCHANTMENTS

D s The grati tude of the ed an n an be upon thee , O ” “ M ath e n Dru ch t g , responded the king Let the Cupbearer s ay what power he and his fellows wi ll ” wield . “ a Dru ch t . i Not hard to s y, declared We w ll

o m ori an s bring a mighty thirst upon the F , and they shall not find drink to quench it . Before them we will

o f an d place the twelve chief lakes Eriu , in them the

o m ori an s F shall find no water, in Lough Derg, Lough

Lui m ni h Corri b g , Lough , Lough Ri , Lough Mask,

Lae o Strangford Lough , Lough g, L ugh Neagh ,

M r a loch . Lough Foyle, Lough Gara , Lough Reagh ,

Likewise , if the enemy betake themselves to the

o f B aa twelve Chief rivers Eriu , the Bush , Boyne, , ff Nem , Lee, Shannon , Moy, Sligo, Erne, Finn , Li ey,

so a Suir, these rivers will be hidden , that there sh ll

o f not be a drop water in any of them . On the other

for D ed an n an s hand , drink shall be plentiful the , although they remain in battle to the end of seven ” years . “ o f The thanks thy countrymen be upon thee, “ said Nu ad a. We have not yet heard from all the

o f Ded an n ans . P B ech ull wizards the Let igol , e, and ” Di an an n O rise up before me . Then three men of middle age advanced before the

. i an king In the r h ds they held yew w ands . The PREPARATIONS FOR BATTLE 95 cloaks of two o f these brothe rs we re red ; that o f the

was f m b roi d other was blue . Each cloak beauti ully e f i e o f o e . P o ered w th circl s g ld thr ad igol , the eldest

r for . the th ee wizards , spoke all “ N ” 0 u ad a ! . he said, saluting the king If the

f for th e D ed an n an s e n coming battle ares ill , we will chant trees , stones , and grass that they may seem a host in arms marchi ng against th e Fomorians . We wi ll cause three showers o f fire to pour into the faces o f Of the enemy, and we will take out them two thirds o f s o their valor and their bravery and their strength ,

e our that they shall be ov rthrown by might, and their heroes slain . But with e very bre ath that the Dedan

r nans d aw, our countrymen shall have increase of

e str ngth and of bravery, and they shall not be weary ” i f for even they continue fighting seven years . As the wi zards sat down amid the tumultuous ap

o f th e proval entire company, the Dagda leaped to “ fe l i his et and cried enthusiastica ly, The power wh ch i f ! ye boast , I w ll wield it all mysel

e o f A gr at shout laughter greeted this assertion .

D ed an n an s e e e The , neverth less, wer d lighted wi th ’ e hi s e fo r was the h ro s resolve to do b st, he the equal o f more than seven ordinary warri ors . “ r Thou art the Dagda , Good Hand, they c ied . I wi ll take the side o f the men o f Eriu in mutual 96 B ATTLES AND ENCHANTMENTS smiting and destruction and wizardry, he contin “ o f ued . As many as hailstones under feet herds of horses shall be th e bones o f the e nemy under my club ” - ra when we meet o n the battle fi eld of M oytu .

When the laughter and cheering had died away,

Lugh, at a Sign from the king, ordered a musical branch hung with small silver bells to be shaken for silence . “ 0 o f Nobly, Men of Art, said Lugh , have ye fere d your skill to your country ; but all have not yet spoken . There are some wi th whom I have held council already, and they have given me great cause for joy . I would have all tell their purposes . Thou, ” Cred ne ? O the Brazier, what wilt thou do ”

s a Cre d ne . Not hard for me to y, answered Riv ets for spears , hilts for swords, bosses and rims for —I shields will supply them all . “ Lu ch tai ne ? And thou , O , what wilt thou do Whatever shields and j avelin shafts shall be ” t r needed during ba tle, I will supply, promptly e h i plied Lu c ta n e . “ Gob n i u Next I call upon , smith and carpenter .

0 a o f King and W rriors , though the men Eriu be

a in battle to the end of seven years , whatever spe r f or S parts rom its shaft, sword breaks, I hall mend it

- forthwith . No spear point which my h and shall forge

98 BATTLES AND ENCHANTMENTS N proper order for the trials of war . u ad a planned to

om o ri an s allow the F to land without opposition , and o n e Samain to l ad his army against them , for he hoped in this way to de stroy the enemy all in o n e battle . There was then in Eriu a poetess ' who marched wi th her countrymen to war, by her chants inspiring

wa them to valorous deeds . This Amazon s called the

. D ed an n an Morrigu She was unlike other women ,

i f s h e a who were air, for had black hair , a sw rthy sk n ,

flashing black eyes , and a nose so hooked it suggested

o a beak . She had the p wer of prophecy . To consult this fierce woman went the Dagda immediately after attending the council of the king . She told him that the Fomorians would land in Connaught , and that the best place to meet them would be o n the Plain o f

Mo tu ra f De d an n an y , where , some years be ore, the

wo n host had their great victory over the Fir Bolg .

Nu ad a This augury the Dagda carried to , who felt that it would be o f good omen to encounter a second enemy where he had vanquished the first .

The gathering o n the Feast Of Samain was a bril f liant sight . The flash O highly polished weapons

Off th e o f set various colors kilts and cloaks . Every man of th e host wore new garments and carried new

Of o arms . At the head the tr ops was placed a band o f PREPARATIONS FOR BATTLE 99

D ed an n an s Fir Bolg pipers , for the had adopted the custom of having bagpipes played at all assemblies and upon ente ring battle . Since none were better

o f play ers than these earlier inhabitants Eriu , the privilege o f piping was usually assigned to them . The wild music throbbed o n the sh arp autumn air as

Nu ad a the warriors marched past , who stood with Lugh at his side ; the soldiers brandished their spears and cheered vociferously when they came abreast o f their sovereign and the ir champion . The numbers were

f for care ully counted by a nobleman , appointed the

e purpos , who reported to the king that the army con

o f e sisted eighte n thousand men , divided into thirds

O o f six thousand each . At the head of two f these thirds were Ogma and the Dagda ; the king himself was to lead the remaining division . It was pointed o u t to Lugh that his advice would be of even more value than his pre sence in the conflict ; that if he were seriously injured he could not be re placed by an y

e other councillor . He th refore consented to keep out o f so f- the fighting, but hal heartedly did he yield to persuasion , that the king assigned a special tent on the h illside for the young man ’ s occupancy and safe

Observation of the battle, and he appointed nine men to act as a guard and to keep the champion from rushing heedlessly into the fray . ! THE SECOND BATTLE OF MOYTURA

Th e battle flows like s u m m er tid e Acros s th e tram pled plai n ; Sword - blad es s i ng like wi n ter wi nd n ! aveli ns flas h like rai .

T the time of the hosting o f the Dedan on nans , the Fomorians were landing

the western shores o f Eriu . They were

o n elated that no e came to meet them , for they imagined their enemies too much

frightened to o fler resistance . We shall march unopposed to the hill

o f Ded ann ans and the palace Tara , with the in hid ! ing cried Balor boastfully . Bres smiled half- heartedly ; he was distrustful o f the desolate countryside . “ 0 Rejoice not too soon , King, he answered ,

Ded an n an s for the are brave men , skilled in the stratagems o f war . Think not that we shall remain

ou r in this land without reddening swords . The disembarking o f the Fomorians had been

Of o f watched by scouts the men Eriu , and a messen

Gi rle on th ger rode at once to the king, arriving at y e

o f . a De n an a night Samain Immedi tely, the dan le d

I o 2 BATTLES AND ENCHANTMENTS

r They are, in t uth afraid, thought the Fomorian

s o king ; adding aloud, Never, O Champion , have many trained men joined in o n e expedition as are now come from Tory Island . The fleet that brought ” us was a bridge of boats from ou r land to Eriu . “ Well is it that a messenger has been sent to tell us

- the tribute is being made ready, and it were ill done ” should we treat a herald inhospitably, interposed ’ E lo th a Wh o , who did not like Balor s vaunting, and remembered also the Story o f the indignity which

Bres had put upon the Dagda . “ to- Thou shalt feast with us night, added the

o f i former king, with the evident intention mak ng tardy amends for his previous behavior . ’ o f D ed nn an In spite the a hero s strength , and his

o n e ability with weapons , he had weakness the vice of gluttony ; his eyes sparkled when he heard the “ an d s u Fomorian invitation , he cried, I will p with ! ” you , indeed Elo th a and Bres were n o t inspired entirely by the desire to be gracious to the Dagda ; they knew Of the ’ f Champion s liking for good ood and drink, and they ‘ had at the back o f their minds the hope that he might

to unfit himself fight . Special preparations, accord i n l a D ed an n an g y , were m de to feed the envoy, who was a of giant size nearly s large as Balor himself. THE SECOND BATTLE OF MOYTURA 1 03

’ Th e Fom ori an king s o wn cauldron was brought and s e t o t upon the fire, and in this great p was prepared a

o f f porridge ourscore gallons of new milk, into which

e . w re thrown goats, sheep, and swine While the

was d broth cooking, the Dagda took a huge la le and began to eat . Never shalt thou reproach us with lack o f hospi ” “ a f- tality, said Balor ; adding, in a h l joking tone, If

o f thou dost not consume all this, thou shalt be put to ’ o ! death . Eat thy fill , theref re “ i f Good food this , its broth attain what its taste ! ” attains exclaimed the Dagda, helping himself greedily .

o f The Fomorians ate little the mixture themselves, so amused were they in watching the Dagda, who, when he had dipped up all that he could with the la

as i t were dle, tilted the cauldron if . a mug and drained

- to it . He then bade good night those who had enter tai n ed him and started for the tent where he was to sleep . Although he had eaten and drunk s o much that his i bra n was clouded and he walked unsteadily, he de

cli n ed ff o f . o ers assistance In the darkness , he wan

f f hi s dered rom the camp, dragging a ter him huge

i cu t r s o club , wh ch in the earth a fu row deep that it was later said to be fit for the boundary ditch o f a I 04 BATTLES AND ENCHANTMENTS

province . At last, he came to the seashore , to a place

d rowsi called the Strand of Eba, where, overcome by ness , he lay down in the sand and , pulling his brown cloak over him , he Slept . He did not waken until the afternoon of the next day, when he was much aston i s h ed and mortified to find how he had strayed to the

o m o ri an edge o f the s ea. He tried to discover the F camp , but in the early morning the invaders had

o n to pushed forward their march Tara, and the Dagda s aw only trampled grass an d ashes o f the fires kindled the preceding night by the now vanished

ffi hi s army . With di culty, he made way to the Plain o f Mo tu ra f De ann an y and sa ely regained the d forces .

u Of course he had little to report, and he was well p braided by Nuada .

o m o ri an s In the meantime, the F , misled by the news that the men o f Eriu were in council concerning the tribute, continued in the delusion that they would

. f meet with no resistance Their army, there ore,

Mo tura marched in leisurely fashion to the Plain of y , intending to pitch camp . Great was their surprise to find awaiting them the Ded ann ans drawn up in line

O f battle .

I n d ech True were my prophecies , O , said Bres to “ son Dom n an the of De . The enemy will risk a trial ” o f arms .

1 0 6 BATTLES AND ENCHANTMENTS had been as spirited as thoroughbred horses were soon quiet in the stall of death . But the Fomorians paid d e arlv for this havoc : there fell two Of their num

n i ber for nearly every D ed an an Slain . As n almost

m en h o w every battle, a few ran away ; they were,

. I t ever, killed instantly by braver comrades is said , f there ore , that in this conflict pride and shame were side by side . Fury rose between the opposing forces . The whistling of s words and the noise of blows b e w h came incessant . The grass gre so slippery wit blood

f b u t that men alling could not rise again , sat oppo site one another with their fee t to u ching . If they lost ’ u s their swords , they cl tched at one another s throat

f e a with bare hands , and o ten beat their h ds together until one man overcame the other . In and o u t o f the D ed an n an ranks sped the M or

u an d an s rigu , shouting words of enco ragement st za of a war song :

K n s se to th e e i g ari battl , C n d e h i n he h n s arryi g at t ir a d , Th e e b e h os o f D ed an n ans t rri l t , Gu rd n he e u f ul n a i g t ir b a ti la ds .

D ead fu th e w h o f the w o s r l rat arri r , Dead ly the bite o f the ir s word s ; Th eir s hi eld s are like rocks Of th e h eadland n Agai s t th e Fo m orian h ordw. THE SECOND BATTLE OF MOYTURA 1 07

Swee are th e w e s o f E u t at r ri ,

P eas an h er h s d es an d i ns l t ill i pla , Th e s cen o f h er ees an d h er b os som s t tr l , H er w n d s an h er m an r n i d is ts d h e rai s .

Wou d e h o d h em i n e ce 0 D ed ann ans ? l y l t p a , Sm e h en th e foem en f c it , t , till all ba k, And th e s h s of the foe m en are flee n ip i g, os s ed h om e w h th e ea- en w T it s driv rack .

Once the fierce woman came to where Lugh was straining his eyes to watch the surging throng, or pacing up and down , irritated that he could take no part in the press . “ ” H ow ? fare s the battle he cried .

for D ed an n an s u Well the , tho gh it is shivering, w cro ded, and bloody. The river is Clogged with ” corpses . Behind the warriors Of the D ed an n an army worked

u n Lu ch tai ne Cred n e Gob i the Smith , the Wright, the

Mi ach . Brazier, Diancecht and the Leeches The aid which they gave their countrymen in the forefront o f the fighting almost justified the boasting before the

Go b n i battle began . The forges of u and his assistan ts were ke pt glowing ; there was heard the constant clink of metal hammering m e tal as twisted sword blades and spear- heads were straightened or new ones

Go b i were made . n u was able to forge a sword with 1 0 8 B ATTLES AND ENCHANTMENTS

Lu ch tai n e three blows, such was his skill , and made

- f e e spe ar sha ts with thr turns of the wood, setting them straightway in the rings o f the spears . Wi th no less speed Cre d n e made the rivets to hold the spear- head s

Mi ch f . a to the sha ts As for Diancecht and , who ’ Mi ach s for were assisted by Armed , sister , in caring

e th e wounded, th y had stationed themselves by a

e or spring which th y called Slane, Healing, whither they carri ed every o n e who was seriously hurt . The

was or patient promptly lowered into the spring ,

e and Mi ach splashed with wat r, while Diancecht chanted po werful spells . Thus the wounded were enabled to recover s o that they could fight o n the followi ng morning . Nightfall brought an end to the first day o f battle

vi D e d an n an s without a decisive ctory, although the had a slight advantage . The Fomorians were Cha

ri ne d wi n g ; they had hoped to in short order, and the y now suspected that the stout resistance of the en e my was due to an organization o f skill e d work

. i f d e men in the rear This , it existed, the invaders term i n ed to destroy, and they chose for the task Rua

o f Ded an n an f dan , a champion ancestry and there ore distinguished by light hair and blue eyes , so that he might easily disguise hi m s elf as a D e d an n an and work w his way behind the enemy lines . He as ordered to

I 1 0 BATTLES AND ENCHANTMENTS

We have need o f quickness if we would defeat the “ Go b n i u enemy, answered ; adding, Knowest thou ? ” o f o u r the whereabouts Lugh , champion

By this question the D ed an n an s e t a trap . The smith was well aware that Lugh was not taking part in the fighting . Before the stranger could reply, the woman handed him the finished spear . “ ” 0 Ru ad an an My thanks, Crom , said ; then he ’ “ s were d Go b n i u s question : Lugh is in the van of the De d an n an s and the Fomorians fall before him like f ” leaves be ore a high wind . “ ” o f ! Here is a s py the enemy shouted the smith . To arms ! ” Ru ad an knew at once that his position was critical

Go b n i u for , dropping his hammer, reached for his sword , and the other workmen ran for their weapons . The Fo m ori an drew back his arm and hurled at the smith , as though it were a slender j avelin , the heavy

- s r s thrusting pea j u t given him . It pierced the Dedan i n nan the shoulder , quivering there until , with a

Gob ni u o u t mighty tug, wrenched it and flung it

Ru back at ad an . The thick barb shattered the skull

r o f Of the Fomo ian as though it were the bark a tree , f and he fell li eless . Later, the body was carried to the ’ ’ a Ru ad an s to enemy s c mp , where mother came raise

is her voice in weeping and wailing, that , in keening, THE SECOND B ATTLE OF MOYTURA I I I

r h e so n . And this was said to be the first time that

r keening was ever hea d in Ireland . Go b ni u was hurried to the spring and delivered

o f e o into the hands Diancecht, who h aled him with ut f di ficulty .

e was s o s u c In the meantim , the conflict not going ces s fully fo r the De d an n an s as o n the previous day ; f t the invaders were fighting with urious despera ion , and the defenders o f Eriu suff ered o n e particularly ’ u ad a s serious disaster . N Chariot was overturned and

so lost a wheel , that the king was compelled to con

ti n u e th e f . o l battle on oot M reover, the hand e of his

e o irresistible sword work d lo se, and the weapon had

G n i u fo r o b e . to be sent back to r pairs The king, bor

e s fo rowing an ordinary sword , pr sed rward , but , at

e e this untoward mom nt , Balor manag d to cut his way through the Ded ann an fo rces until he crossed swords D with Nu ad a . The Fomorians and the ed an n an s in the vi cinity stopped fighting to watch the due! be

i was Of tween the sovereigns , wh ch , however, short

o f duration , for the untrustworthy bl ade Nuada sud d nl f hi s e y snapped near the hilt, and, be ore country men could come to his rescue, their ruler was slain . Lugh had seen from his point o f vantage the mis ’ u fort ne to the king s chariot, and had determined to go to the assistance o f Nu ad a ; by a ruse he had eluded 1 1 2 BATTLES AND ENCHANTMENTS

o f hi s o : call a the nine men b dyguard n his ch rioteer,

h e Dom n all. cried, Come with me, O The sun is hot and I would rest The other men paid little atten

for s o s tion to this, they were ab orbed in watching the battle that they crowded to the edge o f the hill with their backs to the tent which Lugh and Dom n all entered . “ 0 D om n all and Long, , hast thou served me , I h ” “ s all place my whole trust in thee, said Lugh . No longer will I stay idle here . I have made what plans I can for the battle ; the issue rests now with Fate and the gods . I must take sword and spear and go myself to join the Tu ath a De Dannan ; yet I cannot have thee yoke my chariot, for the gu ard would hinder thee . Lend me thy cloak ; while the warriors eagerly watch the fight, I Shall escape down the side of the

ll o f bi . If a guard catch a glimpse me he will think I

am . thou , gone upon a message Remain here till a shout tells thee I am with our army . Do ye all then hasten to me, for in truth I believe ye will be glad of the fray ! ” “ o ! oyfully will I aid thee, for well do I know f what ” help thy prowess will be, replied the charioteer. Swi ftly Lugh changed his cloak and raised the tent

flap . The nine men were still intently watching the

Nu ad a so struggle between Balor and , that the youth

1 1 4 BATTLES AND ENCHANTMENTS

best soldiers . In a flash , the youth recalled the story ’ o f hi s e fath r s death , and the remembrance kindled f e o f . o n o ne the d sire revenge Standing oot , whirling hi s sword above his head , Lugh shouted alternately

r hi s f f . chee ing words to riends , defiance to his oes He closed o n e eye to watch narrowly the bri ght blade as i t hummed through the air ; he ran round the De d ann an s , who greeted him with delight ; he plunged forward , cutting and slashing, irresistible . Ever he worked his way towards the High King o f the Pomo ’ rians . Balor s huge bulk rose above the foaming tur moil . He was , at this instant, intending to follow his victory over Nuada with a death-dealing glance that

a would destroy all his enemies , and he was ro ring at

o f his gilly to raise the lid the baleful eye . Lugh hoped to get behind the Fomori an and attack him b e

h a fore the squire could Obey, but Balor d seen the

De d an n an felling enemies like dried grass , and he “ ri cried again to the ter fied gilly, Lift up mine eye ! ” lid, O Boy

to a Not yet near enough reach B lor with his sword ,

o f a Lugh seized a sling from the hand dead man ,

fitted the stone, which had rolled only a few inches away, and hurled it . The missile caught the dreaded

a eye just as it was opening, and c rried it through the ’ a k king s he d with the ease Of a nife piercing a leaf. THE SECOND B ATTLE OF MOYTURA 1 1 5

Like a tree shivered by a thunderbolt, Balor toppled

f a e . and ll A groan ran along the Fomorian ranks, ’ D n n ans o f cheer along the ed a . The flags the de fe nders o f Eriu waved exultantly .

Disheartened, the invading army now began to give way, and the retreat soon changed to a rout . A few small bands had enough discipline to keep to

e t r g her, to escape in orderly fashion towa ds their

o f om ori an s ships, but most the F threw away sword and shield in their haste to flee from their enemies, who were sweeping through the stragglers and cu t ting them down by the hundred . However, the pur suit was halted by the desire o f the victors to collect the vast amount o f booty that littered the field . ’ o f Lu h s be Such had been the power g cast that ,

o f f re its orce was spent, the Stone which slew Balor fe e - TWO o f ll d twenty seven men behind him . them

t I n d ech were thrown violen ly against , who, in the f con usion of the fighting, did not realize by whom he had been assailed . “ Le t - my poet, Loch Half Green , be summoned , he cried in fury .

The poet, dressed in the customary green cloak

hi m which gave his name, hastened to the king and saluted him . “ Make known to me who flung the c ast that 1 I 6 B ATTLES AND ENCHANTMENTS

I n d ech struck these men , commanded , pointing to “ ! ” the li feless warriors . Slay him if thou canst “ Never shall he escape my sword ! ” answered i Loch , hurry ng away . f He soon ound Lugh , and the two men fought des

era tel for D ed an n an . p y, but Loch was no match the When the Fomorian s aw there was no hope o f winning

i . the combat, he y elded, and asked for quarter “ ” “ l I will spare thee, said Lugh , if thou canst te l ” o me the number f the slain among thy people . As to the number o f common soldiers and o f the artisans who came in company wi th the great army for every champion and every over—king and every high Chieftain of the Fo m o ri an s came wi th his host to the battle only a few o f the servants o f the over kings c an be reckoned ; these I number as eight hun f dred and orty . As to the men who did n o t reach the heart of the battle , they cannot be counted until are numbered stars o f heaven and sands o f se a and flakes o f snow and blades o f grass under feet o f herds and - o f s ea waves the in a storm , which are the white

s on o f maned horses of the lord Of the sea, the Lir . But I know the number o f over- kings and high nobles

-fi v Of the Fomorians who have fallen , even eighty e r 0 thousand four hund ed and Sixteen . Among them ,

Chief of Chiefs, thou hast slain B alor . There was a

I I 8 BATTLES AND ENCHANTMENTS

a Lugh, lowering his sword and calling for druid, who soon joined him . “ Shall Bres be spared if he gives constant milk to ?” the kine o f Eriu Lugh inquired . ” a for Bres shall not be sp red, was the answer, he has no po wer over the age o f the kine nor over their ” off spring . “ no t . This does save thee, said Lugh to Bres Is there aught else thou canst propose ? “ a s av There is , in truth . Thy people sh ll , for my ”

o f . ing, reap a harvest in every quarter the year “ e Lugh turned again to the druid and ask d, Shall Bre s be spared because o f a harvest of corn every ” quarter for the men o f Eriu ?

Again the druid shook his head , and replied “ ri fo r We now have sp ng ploughing and sowing, and the b e ginning of summer for the end o f the Strength o f corn ; and the beginning of autumn for the end o f the ri peness of corn and for reaping ; winter fo r

ask its gathering . But Bres when the men o f Eriu

so w shall plough, when they shall , and when they

. a shall reap After making known these things, he sh ll be spared . s Lugh repeated what the druid had said , and Bre “ r answered , Tuesday their ploughing, Tuesday thei ” s ca ting seed into the field, Tuesday their reaping . TH E SECOND B ATTLE OF MOYTURA 1 1 9

After that Lugh bade the former king go free . “ o f Re We would not have thee in the island Eriu . turn to the people thou hast chosen in preference to ” us .

o ff Shamed , the traitor slunk ; Lugh and his com panions watched till Bres was swall o wed in the gath ering darkness . f By this time it was nearly night all , and the De d an n an s we re too exhausted from their days o f fi gh t ing to follow th e few compani es o f Fomorians wh o had escaped destruction ; therefore the victo rs

e e e camped wh re th y were, and th ir fires were soon

flaming brightly .

f th e e Of Nu ad a A ter d ath , Lugh had been generally

o f th e accepted as the leader his countrymen , and

o f th e o e o fli c r captains host rep rt d to him . Each e

th e e o f e gave numb r Shi lds , spears , swords , that had

th e o f h i s m e n th e fallen into hands , and the names of

o m r dead and w unded in hi s command . A ong those e

t was por ing Ogma , who had picked up a Fomorian

o i e w le ff sw rd with a e d hilt which he now o ered Lugh . “ Kee p the sword for thine o wn . Well hast tho u ” e reward ' thi s earn d a day, said the champion gra ci o u sly .

n hi s Tha king leader, Ogma decided to clean the

f o weapon be ore h e went to sleep that night . Dr pping I zo B ATTLES AND ENCHANTMENTS

ri s e t . wea ly by the fire, he about this work Suddenly, he was amaze d to hear the sword speaking with a sound like metal humming through the air :

am th e s wo d o f Te th ra n o f om ori ans . I r , ki g F Well was I h am m ered and s haped o f fi nes t fi n d ri n ny Fire l eaped and roared at m y forgi n g; I s hivered and thrill ed b a wou oon be n n an u n For j o y that m y l d e ld s s i gi g d c tti g .

h en was I o ne to o a b the e d e Of w o s T b r a b t y l a r arri r ,

B ou h to th e P n o f M o tu ra u ns h e hed i n th e e. r g t lai y , at battl Ga I o e th e b o n es and th e fles h o f th e fo em en yly t r ,

a n fe-b f om m n wh e- h o h e o Sc tteri g li lood r a y a it t r ated r .

! i c tory kept n o t a trys t with th e d ark- bro wed Fo m ori ans Th e s u n m ay n o t always be h eld i n d u ngeo ns o f d arkn es s Ligh t and life l eapt to th e s u ns hi n e ; th e s word s o f Ded annans a t an u nw n w le i h w Gran ted rele s e o itti g d e l r n s ad o .

G d m e 0 Ch e f o f th e no b e and f -h ed Ded ann ans ! ir , i l air air We! ! s h a I s e e h ee d efe nd n th e s n d o f E u ll rv t , i g i la ri , H er a ns an d h er m o u n n s h er en s and h er a es and h er pl i tai , gl l k e s riv r , i r w e be r an th c own f h r n b w T ll h e at rs d y d e r o e gree ness e ith ered .

0 o f Te th ra f My thanks , Sword , said the chie “ was tain , when the low chant ended ; I shall indeed

e f . fe ke p thee orever Thy name shall be The De nder .

o f At the same time , in another part the camp , the ’ Dagda entered Lu gh s te nt and was pleasantly

r g eeted .

! I THE DAGDA AND HIS HARP

en h of E u Sil t arp ri , Wh en wilt thou s i ng agai n ? H ow sh ou d s n e now th son l a tra g r k y gs, Th e loved D ed an n an s trai n ? HE sun was already several hours

D ed an n an high when the army, again drawn up in fighting forma

tion , heard the Morrigu proclaim the

vi o f w ctory the previous day . She as dressed in a scarlet cloak ; h er long

e l er black hair, bound by a gold n circlet, hung be ow h

s h e waist ; sang in a shrill , high voice

! c o now 0 W o s of E u ! i t ry , arri r ri Chan t we the glory and grace o f th e s lain ; H ono th e d e d and h o n o the n r a r livi g, Th os e who by battl e have brough t peace agai n !

H ang u p the s hield ; place th e s pear i n th e corner; Foll o w th e plough i n th e f urrow of earth ; Let th e sli m coracl e glid e d own th e tid eway C n ou r sh e m en far o n th e fi rtn arryi g fi r .

M ay th e m ou th s of ou r rivers with s al m o n be teem i ng Du cks i n th eir h undred s drift thro ugh th e ai r; Ki n e i n th eir m u ltitu d es graze on o u r pas tii re-lands M n s o f o n s flee f om hi a y a tag p i t r s lair. TH E DAGDA AND H I S HARP 1123

Peace on th e earth and peace i n th e h eaven s ; Peace o ver Eri u s m ili ng and gree n ; Peace o n h er s h ores an d peace i n h er bo rd ers ; Pe ce to th e s e n s of E u u een ! a rva t ri , Q

A deafening cheer rose from the army when the

De d ann an s poetess had finished, for the loved their

was country, and each man proud that he had h ad a f share in de ending it . Then the Dagda led before the company a cow which had been given him by Bres in payment for digging the ditch about the former ’ a al king s rath . This black be st from the roy herd had been the only reward the Dagda would take, at which the niggardly Bres had been delighted . The cham

h ad hi s o f son pion made choice upon the advice his ,

no w Angus, whose wisdom was proven , for, when the

all o f o f cow lowed, the cattle Eriu answered . Some them were in the act o f being carried o ff by the Fo ’ m ori ans ri o f , but, upon hea ng the voice the Dagda s animal , the kine broke from their captors , galloped towards the western coast, and were soon quietly

o f M o tu ra grazing upon the Plain y , where they were quickly recaptured by their former owners .

e After the Dagda had tether d his cow, he sought “ ” “ am Lugh I ready, he said, to go in quest of my harp . “ Ded ann an And I with thee, replied the leader, 1 24 BATTLES AND ENCHANTMENTS

o u r foi but first let us ask Ogma to be guide, he kno ws the direction in which Bres fled . ’ The Dagda s brother wi llingly agreed to acco m

f o n o f pany his ellows, and they were soon the track

a the Fom ori an s . About midday the pursuers p

ro ach ed p an open space near the edge of a wood, from

o f which, as they advanced, they heard the sound voices . Cautiously the three men moved forward, and soon they s aw between fifty and a hundred o f their enemies engaged in preparing a meal . They were seated in groups about enormous fires . Leaning against a tree behind Bres was the stolen harp . As the three companions crouched among the ferns, the Dagda whispered “ Fortunate am I to have learned magic in the ” northern isles, for now I shall regain my harp . “ Three against a hundred — good odds ! ” said

Ogma in an undertone, fingering his new sword . “ We shall be their equals, encouraged Lugh .

to We may not have use our weapons , if the magic which I have bound into my harp avails . The

o f wood the frame is from a druid wand, and is ” accustomed to come to my hand when summoned .

: Then , in a loud , clear voice, the champion sang

e od ous Four- n ed - Mu s M l i A gl ic, of the wond ous s Harp r air ,

1 26 BATTLES AND ENCHANTMENTS

D ed annan s itself so that he might play . The three

o had risen to their feet, and Lugh and Ogma st od with drawn swords b e side their fellow .

o f P Recovering from the shock surprise, the omo “ rians, running for their weapons, shouted, The De ” d an n ans ! The Ded an n an s ! We are attacked ! and rushed to overwhelm the three champions ; but, at that moment, the Dagda drew his fingers across the strings and played a wild song o f weeping . The charging men paused, dropped their swords, and

o f ri went into a frenzy g ef. The Dagda laughed ; straightway he changed the tune to o n e wi th a trip

o ping, strongly marked rhythm , and the f emen were instantly as mirthful as before they had been sad ; they flung themselves about and danced in glee . Again the De d an n an changed the air ; no w the harp

i so uttered a w stful , slumbrous melody, that the Fo m ori an s sank drowsily to the ground and were at once asleep . The Dagda slung his harp over his shoulder and “ turned to his companions . Now we may go undi s ” turbe d . , he said Did I not tell you there would be no need for swords ? That thief and trai tor will never ” Cor r awaken , he added grimly ; the curse of p e h as ” availed .

an a Lugh d Ogm nodded gravely. THE DAGDA AND HIS H ARP 1 27

The champions n o w made haste to the Plain o f

Mo tu ra e th e f . y , wher army joy ully received them

f e e - fi eld A t r passing anoth r night on the battle , Lugh

D ed an n an s o led the back to Tara , where the tro ps were disbanded . However , most of the men did not return to their homes immediately, but attended the assembly o f nobles which unanimously elected Lugh High King and decided to have his coronation at

For f o f o f once . a week , there ore, many the men

Eriu feasted at Tara , and they rejoiced exceedingly because they felt that their victory over the Pomo

o f rians would bring lasting peace . The great Stone

Destiny, the Lia Fail , roared when Lugh stood upon it ; thus it recognized him as a rightful king .

The champion reigned many years , till his hair

d i m . o n grew gray, his eyes He was succeeded the

D elb aeth Fi acach throne in turn by the Dagda, by , by , by Fi n dgill; and they were succee de d by three grand

o f M ac Cu ill M ac Cech t sons the Dagda , , , and Mac

Grene, who ruled simultaneously and divided Ireland

o f o n e o f into three parts, over each which reigned the brothers . In their time a new race came to Eriu , and the clashing o f swords was again heard in the island. ! I I TH E ! OURNEY OF I TH

O en w es th e s n e s s ee h ee ver gre av tra g r k t , W h s n n o s and s s u nfu ed it trai i g ar ail rl , ’ E u o of h e h e s d en u e ri , g al t ir art a v t r , W e n Wo E u u een of th e es d . ri , Q t r rl EITHER nations nor indivi duals can live

entirely to themselves . At the time when the events just narrated were taking place

in Eriu , an Eastern race , named the

o f Milesians, after Mil , one their chief

9 r o f tains , had begun a se ies migrations which brought them eventually to the island o f Brit

r ain . Here they led busy, indust ious lives, tilling the soil and fishing the neighboring seas . For some u n explained reason , they did not sail westward ; perhaps they associated the place o f the sunset wi th the land o f o f the dead , in the way soldiers now speak their ” fallen comrades as having gone west . Whatever the cause, the Milesians did not discover the island of

D ed an n an s own Eriu ; nor did the , intent upon their

ff o f a airs , learn their new neighbors .

o f One the Milesians, however, a Chieftain named

s o f Ith , was more enterprising than other his coun

1 30 BATTLES AND ENCHANTMENTS

a cried Ith joyfully . Perchance I shall arrange treaty with the dwellers in yonder country, that we ” may trade with them . Ith found comparatively little difii cu lty in obtain

are ing companions for his journey, since there always men ready to undertake a brave exploit . He se le cted ninety o f the most valiant and the most skilled of the Milesians ; a small party, he thought, would not see m warlike and would be able to travel more rapidly than a great company . All chosen for the expediti on went to work with a will , and in a short time they had embarked and se t sail . Their kindred crowded the beach to watch the departure and to cheer the v o yag ers upon their way . Many, however, thought them foolhardy .

o n Without mishap , the adventurers came to land

o f the eastern shore Eriu , where they were met by a shepherd , who was at first terrified, but who became friendly when he discovered that he and the strangers spoke the same tongu e . When Ith noticed that there appeared to be few people in the vicinity, the herd explained that nearly all the inhabitants o f Eriu had gone to a gathering at a place in the north , near the present city of Londonderry . This assembly had been

M cCu ill summoned by the three High Kings , a , Mac

Cech t M acGren e a , and , because of legal dispute in TH E ! OURNEY OF I TH 1 3 1

a regard to property . One Of the disputants had p

a C h pealed to M ac Cu ill; the other to M c ec t . Mac Grene was to s i t as judge and to h e ar the case argued

o r o f by the most learned brehons, lawyers, the entire kingdom . “ However, the shepherd said in conclusion ,

Of fo r there is little likelihood a settlement, the argu

Of are ments each side already well known , and feel

for ing ru ns high . The case has been unsettled over a year , and it is doubtful if it will be determined by peaceable means . Every man who went to the gath ” tOOk ering his weapons with him . The Milesian Chieftain drew his companions aside ; a a to fter short conversation , he turned again the “ for yokel . Mayhap I could decide this case, I am

fo r learned in law . Will it be possible me to go to the ” assembly ? “ i Truly, then thou hast arr ved at a fortunate ” “ t . e ime, said the countryman Gladly the D dan nans and their sovereigns will welcome thee, and I ” myself will be thy guide . It was arranged that Ith should take only nine Of i th his men w th him upon e journey northward , leav ing the others to guard the bo at and to explore the country near the coast . On the way, the friendly guide told Ith much about Eriu and the history Of 1 3 2 BATTLES AND ENCHANTMENTS

D an n an the ed s . He explained particularly that the present was n o t the equal Of the generations of the

th e M ac Cu ill M acCech t past ; especially were kings, , ,

M acGren e Of and , men less strength and ability than their grandfather, the Dagda, and the heroes Of his day . Although the peasant spoke with caution , Ith realized that there was widespread dissatisfaction in Eriu ; it seemed to him that the shepherd looked a trifle enviously at the stalwart Milesians . For his o wn part, the leader marveled at the fertility Of the

: a country he traveled through the great central pl in , with cattle grazing, and with cultivated fields ; the forests abounding in game ; the lakes and streams teeming wi th fi sh . Eventually the Milesians reached the assembly Of

Of De an n an s the men Eriu , where the d looked upon

Of them wi th curiosity, but without hostility . Word the new arrivals was quickly brought to the so v er ei n s g , and the strangers were called before the thrones

s at upon which the three High Kings . Gladness

for i filled the hearts Of the rulers , the d spute before the court had again reached a deadlock .

th hi s I explained coming, his hope that there might be close relations between Eriu and his own country .

TO M acGren e o f King he added that he had; heard the

M acCu ill M acCech t quarrel between and , and that he had knowledge Of law .

1 34 B ATTLES AND ENCHANTMENTS particularly confu sed ; he had hoped to reunite Mac

Cu ill M acCe ch t and , and he knew that he could not as k a new judgment from the stranger, for that would be the height Of discourtesy . Ith also realized his mistake , yet he was fearful Of causing still more harm

M Gr f . ac ene if he spoke urther Fortunately, saved the situati on by saying

D ed an n an s owe Brothers , and Men Of the , we our

o f for M a thanks to Ith the Milesians his judgment . y his words, working in Our hearts , bring straight from crooked ! Ponder well this case ; and I summon you

—d a all to meet me here three months from to y, that we may again know the opinions of the brehons .

Now, O Chieftain , I bid thee and thy companions ’ a feast wi th us in two hours time in Our roy l tent, that we may discuss the matters which concern ” D n n n Milesians and ed a a s .

a a Saluting the kings , Ith accepted the roy l invit i t on , and he and his followers wi thdrew to a tent set

fo r o apart their use . Here he gave himself t moody f i thoughts , but, a ter a time , his spirits rev ved , for he remembered that he had no t yet spoken Of establish ing trade between Britain and Eriu , and he hoped

f Of that, by the time Of the east, the misfortune the

M acGr n morning would be forgotten . He felt e e to

o f be well disposed , but he distrusted the dark looks

M acCuill M C and ac ech t . TH E ! OURNEY OF I TH 13;

D ed an n an s a fo r Without pleasure , the prep red a

o f o f night carousing . As the supporters the opposing

o f kings passed one another, there was a rattling

M acCu i ll swords and spears against shields . and

M acCech t , glowering at each other, went to separate tents , where they paced angrily up and down , enmity

M cG n . a re e on smouldering in their hearts , the other

o f hand, was a happier disposition ; he was not long ’ troubled by Ith s unfortunate lack o f decision ; he wished sincerely to bring his countrymen more into touch with the rest Of the world , and he welcomed the

o opportunity Of p ssible trade with the Milesians .

- However, the plans of the well disposed were des tined to be overthrown by o n e man who cherished hatred ; the po wer o f the Ded an n ans was to be broken

Fom by the scheming Of a ori an .

f Mo tu ra For some time a ter the Second Battle Of y , no Fomorian had visited Eriu , but, eventually, the

o f family Balor having died out , his people landed

r once mo e upon the Irish coast, where, since they had lost their Old arrogance, they were hospitably treated . Among those who crossed the narrow stretch of water dividing Tory Island from Eriu was a certain Brath ,

l i o f a youth ski led in w zardry, exceedingly ugly, and i f an ev l disposition . His grand ather had been slain

Mo tura in the Battle of y , and his father, sweari ng to 1 36 BATTLES AND ENCHANTMENTS

o n - avenge the Fomorian defeat, had , his death bed , made hi s so n promise to devote his li fe to destroying

D n n s . the e d a n a With this Object always in mind,

Brath perfected himself in sorcery . In time, he ven

tu re d i . to v sit Eriu Since, in spite of his ugliness, he was o f o f a man both intelligence and courtesy, he made such a reputation among the D ed an n an s that he was eventually summoned to the court o f Mac

C u ill f com , who made him chie magician and a close f panion . But Brath never forgot his purpose in li e, and he was continually hoping for the time when he ’ might contribute to the downfall Of hi s grandfather s enemies ; accordingly, when the dispute arose between

M acCu ill M ac Ce ch t and , the sorcerer did all he could to prevent an agreement ; he felt that through this quarrel might come his long- awaited chance for re venge . While Ith avoide d pronouncing a definite judg ment at the assembly, Brath paid strict attention to ’ the stranger s words ; he thought he found in them the opportunity he was seeking, and his heart leapt .

’ ’ He hurried to M acCu ill s tent soon after the king s i angry w thdrawal from the gathering . Lifting the

- fla : tent p, the sorcerer addressed the sovereign “ M acCu ill ? O , may I enter I bring thee good ” counsel .

1 3 8 BATTLES AND ENCHANTMENTS

r helped save them in the past, and thy name eve will be remembered with gratitude . This is no time for f words ; weapons alone c an ensure sa ety . Slay this i l stranger, and his countrymen w l not dare approach

Ded an n an s Eriu ; even should they attempt it, the ” will repulse them easily . But th e laws o f hospitality ? The stranger said he was an ambassador with greetings from the kings Of ” M ac Cu ill Britain ; his person is sacred , answered , wavering . “ Wilt hesitate to do a trifling wrong that much good may come ? Then shal t thou perish in the ruin ” Of thy people . ’ M Cu ill l l ac s vanity was appea ed to . Above a l

a hi s things , he wished to be distinguished mong countrymen ; now the afl able M acGre n e rec eived the

o f De d an n an s M acCu i ll love and homage the , and

M c and a Cech t were accorded courtesy only . Mac C i l u l keenly resented this . He could not resist the o pportunity to do what might n o t only satisfy his

wi n a private grudge , but might also him the th nks and admiration Of his people . We shall ri d ourselves o f this troublesome Mi ” le si an i k t a f , sa d the ing , urning sh rply and acing

who Of Brath , flushed wi th pleasure at the success ” his scheme . Has t thou no plan ? THE ! OURNEY OF ITH 1 39

0 ! . Wise thy decision , King I have a plan , indeed

TO— e morrow, wh n Ith sets out to rejoin his ship , we

o shall foll w him . He will pause during the heat of the day for rest and food . Thy skill with the j avelin and

TO my Ointm e nt for the barb will serve us well . night speak fairly to the Chieftain , and he will think thou hast forgotten his failure to pronounce judg

MacGr n ment . Trouble thyself little over what e e promises, for it is no living messenger that will return ” to Bri tain . The king clasped the sorcerer by the hand ; blithely

e M acGrene both went to the t nt of , who was de lighted by the joviality and kindliness o f M ac Cu ill at

f M acCe ch t the east ; only was inclined to sullenness, for he could not understand how his brothers could ’ h i forgive the stranger s earlier be av or ; nevertheless , as was the night progressed , even the third ruler

o o f o M ac Gr n e drawn u t his gl om . e e agerly agreed to ’ the visitor s propo s al to b e gin trade between Britain M C il ac u l. and Eriu , and he was heartily seconded by M ac Ce ch t was unenthusiastic and inclined to make objections , but his opposition was overborne by his brothers .

In the morning, Ith and his nine men started early from the place Of assembly ; they wi shed to lose no time in taking the ti dings of their successful miss ion 1 40 BATTLES AND ENCHANTMENTS

o f to their countrymen at home . The majori ty the ’ De d an n an s had not forgiven Ith s evasion in gi vi ng

so s ee . judgment, that few were present to him start

NO M acCu ill one, therefore, noticed and Brath as they cautiously left camp and rode in the direction which the strangers had taken .

At noon , the shepherd who had been their guide brought the Milesians to a shady spot near a stream , where he suggested that they pause for food . All gladly agreed ; the morning had been warm ; they had traveled rapidly ; they were hungry, thirsty, in ne e d of rest . Soon they had lit fires and were busy

Of cooking, when there came the sudden whizz a j avelin . The spear pierced Ith as he bent over a cook

- ing pit, and he fell grievously wounded . Mocking laughter came from among the trees not far from the

o f r . edge the st eam The remaining Milesians , with a “ ” cry o f Treachery ! rushed for their swords and

o drew together for defense . Two f the men bound

' Ith s wounds ; two others ventured towards the wood

o f in search the assassins . Suddenly a fri ghtened horse galloped towards

’ low them , the rider crouching upon the anim al s neck . ll A Milesian hurled a spear, but the cast fe short ; the horse swerved and dashed back into the forest . A

1i second horse plunged from the thicket, his der try

! III THE PASSING OF THE DEDANNANS

Forever s hall th e Gaeli c h eart b e s tirred ' B y l egend s from b eyo nd th e ti m es m arked ofl B m en for G e c e es are ou ch ed wii h d e m y , a li y t r a , A nd m us c own on th e e s Fairy i , bl al g y ar , S u n o i n G o nd s cha gel es s m el d i es aelic ears .

o l ITH shouts Of j y, the Mi esians Britain crowded to welcome the return

ing travelers , but silence came over the multitude when they found that the

ship bore the body Of Ith . In solemn procession they accompanied the litter which carried

e two the lif less Chieftain to the palace of their kings ,

E rem on o f Eber Donn (the Dark) and , sons Mil and nephews Of the slain warrior . The people waited outside as the corpse was taken into the great hall ; when the story Of the

k a murder became nown , a murmur rose mong the assemblage . “ 0 oi Lead us, Kings , against those who slay and p ” so n friendly vi sitors ! War against Eriu ! th A lone voice here and there took up e cry, which

and m on o grew louder louder, until at l as t Ere sto d THE PASSING OF THE DEDANNANS 1 43 in th e doorway with uplifted hand to order silence .

Milesians , he said , when the tumult was quieted,

we l share the wrath which fi ls your hearts , and we

o f o u r summon the nobles council , that we may de cide how best to require atonement for the wrong

h as . which been done Disperse to your homes, and ” ye will soon know what is o u r determination ! “ E rem o n Thou hast spoken well , O , and thou hast ” ’ acted quickly, was the people s answer ; then the gathering dwindled away .

' In the council there was some di fleren ce Of opinion

: E rem o n as to the wiser course to pursue , the

f i n younger king, urged that be ore undertaking the v asion o f Eri n it would be best to send another em

D e d ann an s re s o n sibil bassy to the , inquire into the p ity for the death Of Ith , and ascertain whether the whole people supported the murder ; but Eber Donn

e D ed an n an s argu d that the could not be trusted, and he demanded immediate invasion . In this he was supported by the son o f the slaughtered Chieftain (who now assumed his father ’ s name) and by a ma

E r o ri t o f , em on j y the nobles so that finally gave. way and agr e ed to immediate preparations for a military expedition . The decision was received with general s ati s fac tion, and the entire island was soon buzzing with 1 44 BATTLES AND ENCHANTMENTS industry ; new ships were hastily built and old on es repaired ; Old weapons were strengthened and new

e s o forg d, that, in a comparatively short time, sixty fi v e v essels were ready to take a mighty host o f

- fi h ti n . g g men , with their wives and families , to Eriu

Only Old men and women , young children , and others unable to bear arms, were left behind when the fleet “ o u r set sail . A great shout, We go to avenge bad ” ’ welcome ! filled the air as the kings ship led the way

a to s e .

D ed an n an In the meantime, the kingdoms had ’

too . fared none well The shepherd s story, verified by E ’ the finding Of rath s body, caused general indigna tion which brought about the speedy t1i al of Mac

Cuill co n , but he was released when the judges were v i n ced that he had believed he was serving his coun try by slaying Ith ; they realized that he had been

. ri played upon by the wily Brath However, the t al of M ac Cu ill did not improve the situation between D ed an n an s and Milesians ; the men of Eriu knew that the men from Britain probably would endeavor to exact immediate vengeance for the wro ng which

was Of had been committed, and there talk sending a

' mission to the neighbori ng island to Ofler an explana tion and an apology ; but it was finally decided that the Milesi ans would l augh at such a proceeding an d

1 46 B ATTLES AND ENCHANTMENTS

As luck would have it , at that moment the oar Of Ir snapped in two, and he fell back upon the thwart with

e f i n such violence that he brok his back, rom which jury he died the following night . The Milesians, dis

e pleas d by the angry words of Eber Donn , and by the

f o n e mis ortune which had succeeded them , said to another Since he has shown petty j ealousy Of his brother ’ s f reaching Eriu be ore him , it would be just if Eber

Donn should not enjoy the island . Soon the men from Britain drew near the Irish

D ed an n an coast , but, by their spells, the druids made the land invisible, and the ships turned northward , sailing past the eastern shore .

E rem o n After a time, , vaguely conscious that some

A m er i n thing was wrong, said to g , who was in the same ship “

0 . u Druid , all is not well If we may tr st those who have been there, by now we should have reached

Eriu ; yet we find no trace of land . I fear sorcery is ” being used against us . “ 0 E re m o n Thou speakest truth , , answered the “ wizard . Soon I shall learn what are the devices o f

D n n the ed a an druids .

A m er i n With these words , g went to the prow Of the

o f and vessel , raised his wand yew, spoke magic THE PASSING OF THE DEDANNANS 1 47 f phrases, therea ter observing the clouds and counting

- o f e a . the number s gulls about the ship Suddenly,

ff Of brown cli s and the green grass appeared close by, ” and a shout of Land ! went up from the entire com pany . “ E rem o n Ye see, O Eber Donn and , that we have been sailing past Eriu . But I have overcome the De

O dannan spells , and we may g ashore when we have ” found a fitting harbor .

Sailing south again , the Milesians finally entered the mouth Of what is now the Kenmare River and

e dis mbarked, though not without having first looked carefully to s ee whether a landing would be interfere d

. e D ed an n an s with Th re were to be seen , however, no

old A m er i n save a few women and men , and g ex “ e f claimed , They trust d to magic , and it has ailed ” e e e ! th em . May their swords h lp th m no bett r Although the men Of Eriu had not re sisted the s’ Milesian arrival , scouts and druids kept the three kings at Tara fully informed o f all that was taking place in the south . The three queens , Banba, Fodla,

i n v ad and Eriu , straightway determined to meet the

o r e ers , in the hope either to turn them back to d lay

e their advance . Tog ther they hastened southward

. b d ru and then separated Banba , accompanied y ten

e Sli ab or ids , encounter d the invading army near ,

Mount Mish , in the present County Kerry . 1 48 B ATTLES AND ENCH ANTMENTS

When the advance guard o f the invaders beheld the

e e queen , th y immediately s nt back word to Eber and E re m o n Of the beauty and th e royal appearance o f the woman waiting in their path . The troops were halted,

e e A m er i n whil the kings , attend d by g , hurried for

D ed an n an ward to parley with the lady . “ ?” What is thy name , O Queen asked the druid .

M acCech t on e Banba, wife to , Of the three sov ” ere igns Of this island . “ What wouldst thou Of the Milesians ? Thou seest ” their kings here . “ 0 ou r Kings , come no further into country . Well must ye know that the slaying Of Ith was an act of madness which the D ed an n an s have Often wished u n done . The slayer has been tried before a court o f his people and his wickedness has been condemned . Visit ” it not upon us .

Eber Donn was unmoved by this plea . He an s were d curtly : “ o u r O Queen , course has been decided in council ;

or until the fortune Of war compels , until there be a ” ou r new council , plans may not be changed . “ Since ye will not turn back, accept the chance of

. as k s fate I that, if ye be conquerors, ye be tow my name upon the island . “ l do 0 sa Am er i n s We wil this, Queen, id g , peak

1 50 BATTLES AND ENCHANTMENTS

De d an n ans o u r conquest o f the island . The have

was s ov grown weak, the only answer that the elder ereign would make .

o f When the Milesians entered the province Meath , they were met by a woman whose beauty was such that the entire army halted wi thout the word o f com mand , and the men in the rear crowded to look at her .

Am r i n The two kings and e g hastened to parley . “ 0 ?” What is thy name, Queen asked the druid courteously . “ M acGrene s h e Eriu , wi fe to , answered in a voice beautiful as the sound o f water welling upward through a clear spring . “ o ur What wouldst thou , that thou hast halted ” ? A r host asked m e gi n further . “ 0 Kings and Druid , come forward in friendship, ! not in war This is a peaceful land, and its inhabit ants censure ill deeds . “ Not through a woman will we have peace, but through o u r gods and o u r own power shall we gain ! ” victory cried Eber Donn .

Quickly the queen turned to him . It matters

th a naught to thee, for neither thou nor y children sh ll ” ! s have benefit from this island h e said .

Erem o n af Eber Donn , reddening, was Silent, and , “ a Am er i n ter few whispered words with g , replied , O THE PASSING OF THE DEDANNANS 1 51 i Queen , we w ll advance peacefully and have speech with the kings o f the D ed an n an s to decide what shall b e our future course .

The elder king started to interrupt, but the queen continued “ The kings of the Ded ann ans await you at the fair ” hill of Tara .

o n i E rem on . We shall push th ther, replied

o f o n O Sons Mil , grant me e more request that my name may be continued upon this island ?” ” Eriu shall be its chief name forever, responded

r Am e gi n . The queen then hastened to Tara to report her suc cess fu l f mission , and there was great satis action among her people that the Milesians had agreed to consult

D a a o with the ed n n n kings . The men f Eriu were dr awn up on the brow o f the hill ; the invaders ad v an ce d to within a short distance o f the waiting army and halted . The armies raised their spears in salute to e E rem on ach other, and Eber Donn and came to

M c Cu ll M C M acGr e a i ac ech t en e . me t , , and “ o f D e d an n an s O Kings the , said Eber Donn , ye know the purpose o f o ur journeying to Eriu ; we seek atonement for the death o f our noble Chieftain and f uncle , Ith . We demand satis action for the ill deed .

Yield the kingship of this island, and we shall arrange 1 52 BATTLES AND ENCHANTMENTS for you to continue to dwell herein ; o r give battle at

' Ofl er your peril . If neither pleases you , make us a ” proposal which we m ay accept . “ We welcome thy words , O King, and we shall de ”

M acGre n e . liberate upon them , said The D e d an n an sovereigns then retired to the rear

Of their army, and, after long consultation , they reap

r pe a e d . “ 0 o f Sons of Mil , depart from Eriu until the end

o u r nine days , for we cannot make decision while the ” o f threat your host is present, they declared . “ i ou t l If my adv ce be carried , it is battle there wil

as be, replied Eber Donn he turned to speak with

E rem o n . After a few hurried words with his brother, ” he added, We will not grant your request, O Kings . “ Then we as k the judgment o f your own druid upon this refusal , for he has not yet spoken , and we i f know that, he give false judgment, he will at once

e f o o f o u p rish r m the spells r wizards . “ ”

0 Am er i n ! . Give judgment, g cried Eber Donn “ Solemnly the Milesian magician answered , Let the land he left to the De d an n an s until we come to take it by force . “ ? ” Whither shall we go inquired Eber . ’ ” Nine waves distance from the shore .

I f it were my counsel that were followed, there

1 54 BATTLES AND ENCHANTMENTS

This is a druid wind , said the king .

It is , indeed , unless it be higher than the mast, s answered the wi zard calmly . Find out whether thi ’ b e s o f Thereupon the king directed a youth to climb to the masthead . The young man promptly reported that all was calm in the air above the ship , that he could s ee the sunlight upon the hills o f E ri n “ ” Shame to our druids , said Eber Donn , if they ” cannot Suppress the wind ! “ NO al e shame Sh l it be, cri d the magician , and he chanted :

I i n vo k e the lan d of E ri n ! Mu ch -c ours ed b e h er fi s hfu l sea; Fertil e b e h er fru it-s trewn m ou n tai ns ; Ma h er w d nd s f u -s ewn b y oo la r it tr e.

’ Le t Tara be a ki ngs ass em bly For th e es o f m h M trib ig ty il. Eri u b e th eir bark fore ver; h e s fe h r o r H T ir a a b r Ta a ill .

Now I s i ng the land o f E ri n ; E ber Fi n n on h er h ills s h all s tand ; Erem on s hall s hare th e ki ngs hip Eri u I i nvoke the lan d !

Am ergi n had scarcely finished the first this invocation when the rushing waves began TH E PASSI NG OF TH E DEDANNANS ( 55

side ; by the time he reached the close, the storm had

- vanished, the sun was shining, and the mist clad hills lay near by .

Let me land , and I will put to death with spear and sword every warri or in that island ! cried Eber

Donn , drawing his sword . S w Even as he poke, the wind, hich had died to a barely perceptible breeze, suddenly increased , and a huge wave broke over the ship , plunging the king

s e a into the , where he perished.

u The Milesians had respected, though they co ld

s u d not love, Eber ; so they were much shocked by his

For i den death . some t me his companions even neg le cted the guidance o f the ship ; then they realized that a new leader should be chosen immediately to as

Erem on fo r n o t to sist , he could be expected carry upon his sho ulders the entire burden of the expedi ’

. th e E rem o n s tion Eber Finn ( Fair) , next brother, was speedily chosen and acclaimed by shouting from boat to bo at .

to The kings now divided their fleet, Eber Finn land o n the so uth and E rem on midway o n the east ern coast , both to march towards each other in the hope that they might unite their forces before being f required to give battle . The sovereigns elt that the power of the Ded ann an sorceries had nowbeen com 1 56 BATTLES AND ENCHANTMENTS

le tel l a e p y overcome, and that neither army wou d h v diffi culty in reaching the shore . The landing was carried o u t as planned : Eber Finn brought hi s men safely ashore at their former landing

E rem o n place , Kenmare ; , wi th thirty ships , easily disembarked with his soldiers at what is to-day the

t o es uary f the Boyne .

A m er i n Erem on hi s When g , who accompanied , set r a hi s ight foot upon the soil of Eriu, he celebr ted druidic power in a chant

I am the wi nd blowi ng over the see ; am th e c n w e o we fu free I ra i g av , p r l , ; I am the m urm ur of tid e o n th e s hore; I am th e ox wh ich hath s lai n s e ven m ore; I am th e vu lture that res te th u pon Th e oc s and am e r of the sun r k , I a t a ; I am th e faires t of tall growi ng pl an ts ; I n bravery I am the wild bo ar who ran ts W h n e an d am s m on for ce it a g r ; I a al gra ,

- Or e w e en e w h u nw n e face. lak at r, g tl , it ri kl d I am th e sci ence of m en and of gods ; I am th e s pear-po i n t whi ch figh ts agai ns t odds ; am th e fire of h ou h in th e a I t g t br i n .

Wh o s hall en ligh ten ass em blies of m en ? Who is th ere te ll e th th e ag e of the m oo n ? Wh o is th ere s h ows wh ere the s u n goes to res t ?

h T en , remembering the Slaughter of fi s h caused by i the magic storm , the dru d m ade this prayer for good fi shi n

1 58 BATTLES AND ENCHANTMENTS co u ra ed g , and the three kings had marched their men to Sli ab Mish as the place best adapte d for a

M acCu ill M acCech t successful battle . , , and Mac

o f Grene then determined that , whatever the issue

o the f rthcoming conflict, their race would never leave

ask the island, but that they would a treaty permit ting them to remain even though vanquished . Heart eni n g their men with this decision , the kings urged the D ed an n an s to fortify their position as rapidly as

o possible against the arrival f the enemy . With their

Sli ab backs to Mish, the entire army went to work , and soon they were ready for the expected attack o f the Milesians , which was not long in coming ; indeed, E rem on and Eber Finn could scarcely restrain their

o f troops , once they had caught sight their opponents . Then occurred o ne of the most desperate battles

s o ever fought ; violent was it, and such numbers were killed , that no detailed account has remained . The

Ded an n an s three kings of the fell , and with them

M acCech t E rem o n their three queens ; was slain by ,

Mac Cu ill M acGre n e Am er i n by Eber Finn , by g ;

se t when the sun had , the conquest was complete, and it was arranged that both armies should have a truce

r fo the night .

De d an n an s Early the next morning, the sent word to the victors , asking permission to remain in the TH E PASSI NG OF TH E DEDANNANS 1 59

e o f country, though r nouncing the lordship the island

e to their conqu erors . The m ssenger explained the

o f th e Ded an n an r promise druids that , th ough magic , the entire race would retire into the hills or under the

e e lakes , wh r they would dwell , immortal , and whence they would from time to time revisit their belove d

a Eriu . Unless they chose to reve l themselves, they were to remain invi sible to mortals . Erem o n and Eber Finn readily accepted this pro

ad posal Of their late enemies, whose courage they mired ; the Mile sian kings felt that the D ed an n an s

su fli ci n tl o f would be e y humbled by loss sovereignty .

Am er i n Moreover, g also declared that he would no

D an n n longer oppose the ed a sorcerers . “ ” o f Ded an n an s O Messenger the , he said, tell thy people the task given me by Fate is completed

ow o f E ri n that the Milesians are conquerors n . I shall soon have no more the power grante d me fo r a brief space ; from the tim e they ente r the hills the ” u o f D e d an n an s dr ids the shall be stronger than I .

Swiftly the herald returned to his countrymen , and

there was great rejoicing . “ ” f In truth , they cried, we will be riendly to the ” Sons o f Mil forever ! I t was arranged that the conquered people should

make their magic change upon the following day, in 1 60 B ATTLES AND ENCHANTMENTS the presence o f the entire host o f the conquerors .

- D ed an n ans Headed by their white robed druids, the marched into full view o f the waiting company . The

o f eldest druid chanted the history his race, their de v o ti on to art and to science, their achievements in

-o f war, the names their kings and their great men , and, finally, the favor which they promised ever to accord to the Milesians . Then he raised his harp , and the sunlight reflected from the gold so dazzled the Milesians that no man was sure thereafter Of

aw what he s . I t seemed that the accompanying

o f all druids raised their harps Silver, and together played music of such sweetness that the senses Of the onlookers were dazed . During the tumult of melody, the D ed an n an s appeared to be dressed in green and to

Sli ab move rapidly . The Side of Mish opened, and from within the mountain came a marvelous fra gran e e . Into the opening went a great company o f

D ed an n an s a the , singing and laughing like h ppy

. s children In a miraculous way, the whole i land became visible to the Milesians, who saw bands of

D ed an n an s s disappearing into other great mountain , d and under many lakes , the waters of which close

o over them . Until that time none f the Milesians had realized the full beauty of the land, but now ” to ! every man said his neighbor, This is my country

1 62 B ATTLES AND ENCHANTMENTS

” We will be the Gael ! cried the assemblage .

a e Soon afterwards , they m rch d to Tara , where

r m o n E e was crowned their High King, while the Stone o f Destiny roared beneath the first Irish sov ereign of the Milesians . The stone was the only one o f Ded an n an s the four treasures , which the had

o f brought to Eriu from the northern isles the world , that they left to their successors ; the irresistible ’ u d sword , the powerf l spear, and the Dagda s caul ron they took wi th them into the hills . The new High King immediately divided the island i wi th his brother , Eber Finn , giv ng him the southern

o f B for half, from the estuary the river oyne, and many years the kings ruled jointly . Their people i scattered through the land , and cult vated it, and traded with o ne another and wi th other nations . i i The Gael mult plied and prospered, and to th s day many o f the great families o f Ireland trace their an

ces tr to Erem o n . y back , Eber Finn , and Ir

e e In appearance, the Mil sians res mbled those

o f far- earlier descendants the same away ancestor ,

i r Gael , the Fir Bolg, that race w th dark hair, da k

Ded ann an s skin , and dark eyes whom the had found

no w in the island and had conque red . The people

Gael or e l u named , Gaels , fr quent y saw, d ring the years that followed, strangers seeming to come from the THE PASSING OF THE DEDANNANS 1 63

hills or the lakes , tall and stately beings , wi th light hair and blue eyes . These visitors were recognized as

to Tu ath a belonging the De Dannan , but, as century

fo r succeeded century, they came to be called , their golden locks and fair skins, Fairies (Dwellers in Fairy

or . l Mounds , Shee) A ways they were dressed in green ,

o f color new birth and immortality .

o f m i rat After a time, some the Fairies left Eriu , g ing to enchanted islands which their druids had

ou t created far in the western Ocean . Here the De d an n an s too too lived in a climate neither hot nor cold,

was where spring everlasting, and to this earthly par

s adi e they brought, now and again , men and women f o f the Gael . When these ortunate mortals returned

o f to Eriu , they told marvelous tales the Land of

Youth , the Land of Promise, Silver Cloud Land,

o f which were some the names of this isled Fairyland .

o n However, as the years went and the world grew more and more interested in mechanical inventions

i n fre and less and less in Nature, the Fairies came quently to Eriu ; nowadays , it is almost impossible to see a Fairy . When he does come, he usually appears without the majestic splendor o f the D ed an n ans o f the past ; he has become merely a wee figure o n e “ ” o f l . the Litt e People Nevertheless , let none doubt the existence o f the Ded ann ans nor their Fairy 1 64 BATTLES AND ENCH ANTMENTS

o f vi powers , for there is record their sits and their favors to the Gael preserved to thi s day in the an

o f cient books Ireland .

A nd n ow accordi n to Gaeli c custom let the Place Ti m e A uthor , g , , , , W Plac i s B os a nd Ca use of ri ti ng qf thi s book he chroni cled . The e ton M ass ach usetts the Ti m e i s the ear our Lord one thousa nd , ; y of n i ne h undred a nd twm ty -one; the A uth or i s Norrey s f ephs on ' O Con or M aster o Arts and the Ca us e Wri ti n i s to ers uad e , f , of g p A m eri ca ns to cons i der the s i ri tual rather tha n the oli ti cal hi stor p , p , y ’ I reland as i nter reted i n the le end s "the Old I ri sh Peo le 9 p g 9 p .

TH E E ND

PRONOUNCI NG GLOSSARY

As h s oo i s s e ch efl u o n e r s h sou ces the t i b k ba d i y p a ly Iri r , pro nu n ciati o n ad o pted by sch olars o f early Iri s h is u sed i n ne arly all i n s tances .

' ' Ab h ean : Ah -v an D elbaeth : Del - h w h i as bit , it Am er n : Ah - d - i n wi h i n wi th gi vai g , t g ’ ' as i n good D enna m ad : Den -nah 00 ' An us o z An - u s 0 w h o d h g g g g, it la D er : D air as in oh . g g ' ' A m ed : Ar -m edh Di n cech t : D ee -an-kech t wi h r a , t ’ B alor : B i a -lor ch as i n loch ' ' B ech ull e : B eh -koo-leh Dom nall: Do v -n l wi h o as a l , t ’ B i celm os : B i ck -el-m oss i n on B l i : B l B uch t : Drooc h t w h ch as a y r , it ' ' B lanai d : B lai a -nid h i n loch and u lik e 00 i n wool B th : a as i n wrath Du b : Doo lv w h u i e 00 in ra l , it l k Bres : Bres wool ' Colum Cualli n ech : Col -luv Dun : Doo n ' ' u a -li n-n ech w h ch as i n Eb a : E h -v ah Q l , it ' th e Sco tch loch Eb er : E h -v er ' ' Corpre : Cor -preh Eloth a : Eh - lo th -ah ' ’ Cor -riv E rem on : E h -re-v on ' ' Credn e Cerd : Cred -neh Caird E ri : E h -ree ’ ' Cri d enb el: Cri -d h en-b el E i u : Eh -ree-oo w h u i e r , it l k C om : C o m w h o as i n on 00 i n too r r , it ’ ’ Cruach an Ai gle : Croo -ah -k an Eth am an : E th -ah-v an ' ' E y e -gleh E th n e : E th -n eh ' ' Dai th e : D e - h eh w h th as F li s : -cc -ass w h the y t , it a a Fal , it i n th i n firs t a as i n m at ' ' Dana : D ah -n ah Fi ach ach : Fcc -ach -ach ' ' D e D om n au : D a Dov -n an fi d chille : fi d -kil -le w th e as y , , i with o as i n on 1 68 PRONOUNCING GLOSSARY

' ' Fi ol : Pi - ol w h i as i n i s M acGren e : M ac G n -e h g g , it rai ' ' Fi n dgi ll : Fi n -gill M acSam th ann M acSav ' Fin di as : i n -d e e-as s h n n w h th as i n thi n F t a , it ' Fin d ri nn : Fi n —d ri n n w h M a Rei n : M a R ne y y , it y g g a ' as i n q ui ckly M ath g en : Math as i n m athe Fi r B o : e B o w h o m ati cs as i n ood lg F ar lg, it ; g g ’ as i n odd M em th enn : M ev - h enn w th t , i Fodla : with o as i n odd th as i n thi n ’ ' Fom ori an s : Fo h -m o h -ree-ans M i ach : M ee -ach ' Garah : Gah -rah M i l: i as i n i ll ’ ’ Gavi da : Ga -vidh-ah Mi les i an s : My-lee -s ians ' Gla s : Glas s orri gu : Mor -ree-goo ' Gl ei : Glay M oytura : Mo -too -rah ' Glei si : Gl ay -s h ee M uri as : Moo -ree-as s ' Gob ui n : Go b -n ee-oo Neagh : Nay ' Gori as : G0 -ree-ass Nem : Nev ' I nd ech : I n -d ech Net : Ned ’ : E ar Kanda Noo -ah -th a w h a 11 z , it

I th : th as i n thi n; i as in it. as i n act ' ’ Laeg : Laa -egg ODi anna n : Oh - Dee -an-an Li a Fai l : Le e -ah File Ogm a : o as i nf og Li r : Leer li s : li ss Lough : loch ' ' Luach ai d : Loo -ach -id h wi h S m ai n : Sa -v i n wi th a s n add , t a , a i ' ' i as i n pi th Sam i ldanach : Sa -vil-da -nach ’ ’ Luch tad : u ch -tadh w h a Sli s h : ee -av L , it Sl '— as i n wrath Sli eve : Slee v ee ' ' Lu ch tai n e : Loo ch -tay-neh Sn ech tai : Sh neck ~ tee Lugh : Lo o Sren g : Sh reng ' ' Luim ni gh : L00i m -nee Sui t : Soo -ir ' ’ M accu B el od on : M ac -coo T l m : -av w h the firs t g a a Tal , it ' B el -g0-d o n s yllabl e as i n talent ' M acCech t : ch as i n loch Tara : Tah -rah ' ' - M acCui ll: M ac Qu ee l. Teth ra : Te th rah ' M acE rc : Mac E rk a Trog zo as i n 'oh