Irish Fairy Tales · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for Irish Fairy Tales by James Stephens.
Chapter 1
Dedication
The chapter is a brief dedication to Seumas, Iris, and Helen Fraser.
Chapter 2
Irish Fairy Tales
A collection of Irish fairy tales that weave together themes of transformation, love, honor, and the supernatural, featuring characters like Fionn mac Uail, Tuan mac Cairill, and others as they navigate a world of magic, kingship, and ancient rivalries.
Chapter 3
The Story of Tuan Mac Cairill
Tuan mac Cairill, an ancient survivor of successive invasions of Ireland, recounts his extraordinary transformations through various animal forms—stag, boar, hawk, and salmon—before being caught and eaten by a woman, leading to his rebirth as a human. He later recites his genealogies to Finnian, linking the past to the present.
Chapter 4
I
The abbot of Moville Monastery collects stories from traveling storytellers to preserve pre-Christian Irish tales. A storyteller named Cairidè arrives with a unique story called 'Mongan's Frenzy,' which he claims has been passed down through his family for generations. The abbot eagerly prepares to record it.
Chapter 5
II
Brótiarna, Mongan's wife, is consumed by jealousy and curiosity about Duv Laca, a name Mongan often utters in his sleep. She questions her storyteller Cairidè and presses Mongan to tell her the story, but he continually postpones it.
Chapter 6
III
In 538 CE, during a great gathering at the Hill of Uisneach, Mongan, his wife, his storyteller Cairidè, and seven guards experience a sudden, violent hailstorm. Seeking shelter, they step behind a hill and knoll of trees, and in an instant find themselves transported from the mortal world into the world of Faery.
Chapter 7
IV
Mongan and his companions step from a storm into the sunlit, enhanced world of Faery, where everything is brighter, more fragrant, and more beautiful. They arrive at a magnificent house inhabited by seven men and seven women, and after a feast, Mongan, encouraged by the Flame Lady, begins to tell the story of Duv Laca.
Chapter 8
V
Mongan tells a story of Fiachna Finn, son of Baltan, who travels to Lochlann and stays at the court of King Eolgarg Mor. When the king falls ill and can only be cured by a broth made from a perfectly white cow with red ears, the cow is found but belongs to the Black Hag, who demands Fiachna go bail for payment. While returning, Fiachna learns he has been elected King of Ulster and returns to Ireland to take up the throne.
Chapter 9
VI
King Fiachna Finn is confronted by the Black Hag, who demands he wage war on the King of Lochlann to avenge her. He reluctantly leads ten battalions to Lochlann, where they face Eolgarg Mor's venomous sheep, forcing the Ulster warriors to take refuge in trees. Fiachna prepares to fight the sheep himself but is interrupted by the arrival of a mysterious tall warrior in green.
Chapter 10
VII
King Fiachna Finn and his army are trapped in a tree by venomous sheep. The god Manannán mac Lir appears and offers to save them in exchange for the rights of Fiachna's crown and household for one day. Fiachna reluctantly agrees. Manannán unleashes a terrifying dog that swiftly kills all the sheep. After the battle, Fiachna defeats the Lochlannachs, becomes king of multiple lands, and later returns to Ireland where his son is born.
Chapter 11
VIII
Mongan recounts the story of his birth and betrothal to Duv Laca, revealing that he is the son of Manannán mac Lir and was taken to the Land of Promise for rearing. The tale includes the rivalry between Fiachna Finn and Fiachna Duv, the death of Fiachna Finn, and Mongan's eventual return and marriage to Duv Laca.
Chapter 12
Mongan Avenges His Father
While playing chess with Duv Laca, Mongan is confronted by a black-faced cleric who rebukes him for neglecting his duty to avenge his father's murder. The cleric, later revealed to be Manannán mac Lir, persuades Mongan to attack Fiachna Duv. Mongan burns the fortress, kills Fiachna Duv, and is crowned King of Ulster, finally feeling secure enough to enjoy leisure.
Chapter 13
The Bargain of the White Cows
Mongan, needing treasure for gifts, visits the King of Leinster, Branduv, and falls in love with his herd of fifty pure white cows with red ears and their calves. Branduv, who desires Duv Laca, the most beautiful woman in Ireland, proposes an exchange: the cows for Duv Laca. Mongan agrees and immediately takes the herd back to Ulster.
Chapter 14
XI
Mongan and Duv Laca's idyllic life with the magical cows is disrupted when the King of Leinster, Branduv, arrives to claim Duv Laca as part of a bargain. Despite Mongan's reluctance, Duv Laca insists on honoring the agreement, and Mongan reluctantly gives her up.
Chapter 15
The Boyhood of Fionn
This chapter recounts the early life of Fionn mac Uail, highlighting his upbringing, training, and the events that shaped him into a legendary leader. It includes his time with women druids, his journey to Tara, and the acquisition of wisdom through the Salmon of Knowledge.
Chapter 16
I
The abbot of Moville Monastery collects stories from traveling storytellers to preserve pre-Christian Irish tales. A storyteller named Cairidè arrives with a unique story called 'Mongan's Frenzy,' which he claims has been passed down through his family for generations. The abbot eagerly prepares to record it.
Chapter 17
II
Brótiarna, Mongan's wife, is consumed by jealousy and curiosity about Duv Laca, a name Mongan often utters in his sleep. She questions her storyteller Cairidè and presses Mongan to tell her the story, but he continually postpones it.
Chapter 18
III
In 538 CE, during a great gathering at the Hill of Uisneach, Mongan, his wife, his storyteller Cairidè, and seven guards experience a sudden, violent hailstorm. Seeking shelter, they step behind a hill and knoll of trees, and in an instant find themselves transported from the mortal world into the world of Faery.
Chapter 19
IV
Mongan and his companions step from a storm into the sunlit, enhanced world of Faery, where everything is brighter, more fragrant, and more beautiful. They arrive at a magnificent house inhabited by seven men and seven women, and after a feast, Mongan, encouraged by the Flame Lady, begins to tell the story of Duv Laca.
Chapter 20
V
Mongan tells a story of Fiachna Finn, son of Baltan, who travels to Lochlann and stays at the court of King Eolgarg Mor. When the king falls ill and can only be cured by a broth made from a perfectly white cow with red ears, the cow is found but belongs to the Black Hag, who demands Fiachna go bail for payment. While returning, Fiachna learns he has been elected King of Ulster and returns to Ireland to take up the throne.
Chapter 21
VI
King Fiachna Finn is confronted by the Black Hag, who demands he wage war on the King of Lochlann to avenge her. He reluctantly leads ten battalions to Lochlann, where they face Eolgarg Mor's venomous sheep, forcing the Ulster warriors to take refuge in trees. Fiachna prepares to fight the sheep himself but is interrupted by the arrival of a mysterious tall warrior in green.
Chapter 22
VII
King Fiachna Finn and his army are trapped in a tree by venomous sheep. The god Manannán mac Lir appears and offers to save them in exchange for the rights of Fiachna's crown and household for one day. Fiachna reluctantly agrees. Manannán unleashes a terrifying dog that swiftly kills all the sheep. After the battle, Fiachna defeats the Lochlannachs, becomes king of multiple lands, and later returns to Ireland where his son is born.
Chapter 23
VIII
Mongan recounts the story of his birth and betrothal to Duv Laca, revealing that he is the son of Manannán mac Lir and was taken to the Land of Promise for rearing. The tale includes the rivalry between Fiachna Finn and Fiachna Duv, the death of Fiachna Finn, and Mongan's eventual return and marriage to Duv Laca.
Chapter 24
Mongan Avenges His Father
While playing chess with Duv Laca, Mongan is confronted by a black-faced cleric who rebukes him for neglecting his duty to avenge his father's murder. The cleric, later revealed to be Manannán mac Lir, persuades Mongan to attack Fiachna Duv. Mongan burns the fortress, kills Fiachna Duv, and is crowned King of Ulster, finally feeling secure enough to enjoy leisure.
Chapter 25
The Bargain of the White Cows
Mongan, needing treasure for gifts, visits the King of Leinster, Branduv, and falls in love with his herd of fifty pure white cows with red ears and their calves. Branduv, who desires Duv Laca, the most beautiful woman in Ireland, proposes an exchange: the cows for Duv Laca. Mongan agrees and immediately takes the herd back to Ulster.
Chapter 26
XI
Mongan and Duv Laca's idyllic life with the magical cows is disrupted when the King of Leinster, Branduv, arrives to claim Duv Laca as part of a bargain. Despite Mongan's reluctance, Duv Laca insists on honoring the agreement, and Mongan reluctantly gives her up.
Chapter 27
XII
Duv Laca and King Branduv of Leinster confess their mutual love, but Duv Laca imposes a boon that forbids Branduv from sharing a house or sitting near her for a year, testing his devotion.
Chapter 28
XIII
Mongan, lovesick and wasting away after Duv Laca leaves with the King of Leinster, is confronted by his servant mac an Dáv, who also lost his wife (Duv Laca's foster-sister) in the same departure. Mongan devises a plan to use enchanted sods from Ireland and Scotland to deceive the King of Leinster's wizards and travel into Leinster to reclaim their wives.
Chapter 29
XIV
Mongan and his servant mac an Dáv journey to the feast of Moy Lifé in Leinster, where they encounter a joyous crowd. Mongan becomes distressed upon seeing the King of Leinster, who had taken his wife, and mac an Dáv's angry outburst leads to a minor altercation with a stranger.
Chapter 30
The Birth of Bran
The chapter recounts the birth of Bran, son of Fionn mac Uail and Saeve, who was transformed into a fawn by the Dark Druid. After Fionn finds Saeve and their son Oisín, the narrative shifts to the birth of Bran, a hound born from a fawn, who becomes a loyal companion to Fionn. The chapter explores themes of transformation, loyalty, and the supernatural.
Chapter 31
I
The abbot of Moville Monastery collects stories from traveling storytellers to preserve pre-Christian Irish tales. A storyteller named Cairidè arrives with a unique story called 'Mongan's Frenzy,' which he claims has been passed down through his family for generations. The abbot eagerly prepares to record it.
Chapter 32
II
Brótiarna, Mongan's wife, is consumed by jealousy and curiosity about Duv Laca, a name Mongan often utters in his sleep. She questions her storyteller Cairidè and presses Mongan to tell her the story, but he continually postpones it.
Chapter 33
III
In 538 CE, during a great gathering at the Hill of Uisneach, Mongan, his wife, his storyteller Cairidè, and seven guards experience a sudden, violent hailstorm. Seeking shelter, they step behind a hill and knoll of trees, and in an instant find themselves transported from the mortal world into the world of Faery.
Chapter 34
IV
Mongan and his companions step from a storm into the sunlit, enhanced world of Faery, where everything is brighter, more fragrant, and more beautiful. They arrive at a magnificent house inhabited by seven men and seven women, and after a feast, Mongan, encouraged by the Flame Lady, begins to tell the story of Duv Laca.
Chapter 35
V
Mongan tells a story of Fiachna Finn, son of Baltan, who travels to Lochlann and stays at the court of King Eolgarg Mor. When the king falls ill and can only be cured by a broth made from a perfectly white cow with red ears, the cow is found but belongs to the Black Hag, who demands Fiachna go bail for payment. While returning, Fiachna learns he has been elected King of Ulster and returns to Ireland to take up the throne.
Chapter 36
Oisín's Mother
This chapter tells the story of Saeve, a woman transformed into a fawn by a druid's spell, who is rescued by Fionn mac Uail. They marry and have a son, Oisín, but Saeve is later lured away by the druid and transformed back into a fawn. Fionn searches for her for years before finding Oisín, who has been raised in the wilderness.
Chapter 37
I
The abbot of Moville Monastery collects stories from traveling storytellers to preserve pre-Christian Irish tales. A storyteller named Cairidè arrives with a unique story called 'Mongan's Frenzy,' which he claims has been passed down through his family for generations. The abbot eagerly prepares to record it.
Chapter 38
II
Brótiarna, Mongan's wife, is consumed by jealousy and curiosity about Duv Laca, a name Mongan often utters in his sleep. She questions her storyteller Cairidè and presses Mongan to tell her the story, but he continually postpones it.
Chapter 39
III
In 538 CE, during a great gathering at the Hill of Uisneach, Mongan, his wife, his storyteller Cairidè, and seven guards experience a sudden, violent hailstorm. Seeking shelter, they step behind a hill and knoll of trees, and in an instant find themselves transported from the mortal world into the world of Faery.
Chapter 40
IV
Mongan and his companions step from a storm into the sunlit, enhanced world of Faery, where everything is brighter, more fragrant, and more beautiful. They arrive at a magnificent house inhabited by seven men and seven women, and after a feast, Mongan, encouraged by the Flame Lady, begins to tell the story of Duv Laca.
Chapter 41
V
Mongan tells a story of Fiachna Finn, son of Baltan, who travels to Lochlann and stays at the court of King Eolgarg Mor. When the king falls ill and can only be cured by a broth made from a perfectly white cow with red ears, the cow is found but belongs to the Black Hag, who demands Fiachna go bail for payment. While returning, Fiachna learns he has been elected King of Ulster and returns to Ireland to take up the throne.
Chapter 42
VI
King Fiachna Finn is confronted by the Black Hag, who demands he wage war on the King of Lochlann to avenge her. He reluctantly leads ten battalions to Lochlann, where they face Eolgarg Mor's venomous sheep, forcing the Ulster warriors to take refuge in trees. Fiachna prepares to fight the sheep himself but is interrupted by the arrival of a mysterious tall warrior in green.
Chapter 43
VII
King Fiachna Finn and his army are trapped in a tree by venomous sheep. The god Manannán mac Lir appears and offers to save them in exchange for the rights of Fiachna's crown and household for one day. Fiachna reluctantly agrees. Manannán unleashes a terrifying dog that swiftly kills all the sheep. After the battle, Fiachna defeats the Lochlannachs, becomes king of multiple lands, and later returns to Ireland where his son is born.
Chapter 44
The Wooing of Becfola
Becfola, a beautiful woman married to King Dermod, becomes enamored with Crimthann, a young warrior. She plans to elope with him, but their secret is exposed by clerics, leading to consequences.
Chapter 45
I
The abbot of Moville Monastery collects stories from traveling storytellers to preserve pre-Christian Irish tales. A storyteller named Cairidè arrives with a unique story called 'Mongan's Frenzy,' which he claims has been passed down through his family for generations. The abbot eagerly prepares to record it.
Chapter 46
II
Brótiarna, Mongan's wife, is consumed by jealousy and curiosity about Duv Laca, a name Mongan often utters in his sleep. She questions her storyteller Cairidè and presses Mongan to tell her the story, but he continually postpones it.
Chapter 47
III
In 538 CE, during a great gathering at the Hill of Uisneach, Mongan, his wife, his storyteller Cairidè, and seven guards experience a sudden, violent hailstorm. Seeking shelter, they step behind a hill and knoll of trees, and in an instant find themselves transported from the mortal world into the world of Faery.
Chapter 48
IV
Mongan and his companions step from a storm into the sunlit, enhanced world of Faery, where everything is brighter, more fragrant, and more beautiful. They arrive at a magnificent house inhabited by seven men and seven women, and after a feast, Mongan, encouraged by the Flame Lady, begins to tell the story of Duv Laca.
Chapter 49
V
Mongan tells a story of Fiachna Finn, son of Baltan, who travels to Lochlann and stays at the court of King Eolgarg Mor. When the king falls ill and can only be cured by a broth made from a perfectly white cow with red ears, the cow is found but belongs to the Black Hag, who demands Fiachna go bail for payment. While returning, Fiachna learns he has been elected King of Ulster and returns to Ireland to take up the throne.
Chapter 50
The Little Brawl at Allen
A quarrel erupts among the Fianna at Allen, leading to a violent confrontation that tests loyalties and reveals underlying tensions within the warrior band.
Chapter 51
I
The abbot of Moville Monastery collects stories from traveling storytellers to preserve pre-Christian Irish tales. A storyteller named Cairidè arrives with a unique story called 'Mongan's Frenzy,' which he claims has been passed down through his family for generations. The abbot eagerly prepares to record it.
Chapter 52
II
Brótiarna, Mongan's wife, is consumed by jealousy and curiosity about Duv Laca, a name Mongan often utters in his sleep. She questions her storyteller Cairidè and presses Mongan to tell her the story, but he continually postpones it.
Chapter 53
III
In 538 CE, during a great gathering at the Hill of Uisneach, Mongan, his wife, his storyteller Cairidè, and seven guards experience a sudden, violent hailstorm. Seeking shelter, they step behind a hill and knoll of trees, and in an instant find themselves transported from the mortal world into the world of Faery.
Chapter 54
The Carl of the Drab Coat
Fionn and the Fianna encounter a mysterious figure known as the Carl of the Drab Coat, who challenges them and reveals his supernatural nature. The chapter explores themes of transformation, identity, and the boundaries between the mortal and faery worlds.
Chapter 55
I
The abbot of Moville Monastery collects stories from traveling storytellers to preserve pre-Christian Irish tales. A storyteller named Cairidè arrives with a unique story called 'Mongan's Frenzy,' which he claims has been passed down through his family for generations. The abbot eagerly prepares to record it.
Chapter 56
II
Brótiarna, Mongan's wife, is consumed by jealousy and curiosity about Duv Laca, a name Mongan often utters in his sleep. She questions her storyteller Cairidè and presses Mongan to tell her the story, but he continually postpones it.
Chapter 57
III
In 538 CE, during a great gathering at the Hill of Uisneach, Mongan, his wife, his storyteller Cairidè, and seven guards experience a sudden, violent hailstorm. Seeking shelter, they step behind a hill and knoll of trees, and in an instant find themselves transported from the mortal world into the world of Faery.
Chapter 58
IV
Mongan and his companions step from a storm into the sunlit, enhanced world of Faery, where everything is brighter, more fragrant, and more beautiful. They arrive at a magnificent house inhabited by seven men and seven women, and after a feast, Mongan, encouraged by the Flame Lady, begins to tell the story of Duv Laca.
Chapter 59
V
Mongan tells a story of Fiachna Finn, son of Baltan, who travels to Lochlann and stays at the court of King Eolgarg Mor. When the king falls ill and can only be cured by a broth made from a perfectly white cow with red ears, the cow is found but belongs to the Black Hag, who demands Fiachna go bail for payment. While returning, Fiachna learns he has been elected King of Ulster and returns to Ireland to take up the throne.
Chapter 60
VI
King Fiachna Finn is confronted by the Black Hag, who demands he wage war on the King of Lochlann to avenge her. He reluctantly leads ten battalions to Lochlann, where they face Eolgarg Mor's venomous sheep, forcing the Ulster warriors to take refuge in trees. Fiachna prepares to fight the sheep himself but is interrupted by the arrival of a mysterious tall warrior in green.
Chapter 61
VII
King Fiachna Finn and his army are trapped in a tree by venomous sheep. The god Manannán mac Lir appears and offers to save them in exchange for the rights of Fiachna's crown and household for one day. Fiachna reluctantly agrees. Manannán unleashes a terrifying dog that swiftly kills all the sheep. After the battle, Fiachna defeats the Lochlannachs, becomes king of multiple lands, and later returns to Ireland where his son is born.
Chapter 62
VIII
Mongan recounts the story of his birth and betrothal to Duv Laca, revealing that he is the son of Manannán mac Lir and was taken to the Land of Promise for rearing. The tale includes the rivalry between Fiachna Finn and Fiachna Duv, the death of Fiachna Finn, and Mongan's eventual return and marriage to Duv Laca.
Chapter 63
The Enchanted Cave of Cesh Corran
Fionn and the Fianna encounter a mysterious cave at Cesh Corran, leading to a series of supernatural events and confrontations with otherworldly beings.
Chapter 64
I
The abbot of Moville Monastery collects stories from traveling storytellers to preserve pre-Christian Irish tales. A storyteller named Cairidè arrives with a unique story called 'Mongan's Frenzy,' which he claims has been passed down through his family for generations. The abbot eagerly prepares to record it.
Chapter 65
II
Brótiarna, Mongan's wife, is consumed by jealousy and curiosity about Duv Laca, a name Mongan often utters in his sleep. She questions her storyteller Cairidè and presses Mongan to tell her the story, but he continually postpones it.
Chapter 66
III
In 538 CE, during a great gathering at the Hill of Uisneach, Mongan, his wife, his storyteller Cairidè, and seven guards experience a sudden, violent hailstorm. Seeking shelter, they step behind a hill and knoll of trees, and in an instant find themselves transported from the mortal world into the world of Faery.
Chapter 67
IV
Mongan and his companions step from a storm into the sunlit, enhanced world of Faery, where everything is brighter, more fragrant, and more beautiful. They arrive at a magnificent house inhabited by seven men and seven women, and after a feast, Mongan, encouraged by the Flame Lady, begins to tell the story of Duv Laca.
Chapter 68
V
Mongan tells a story of Fiachna Finn, son of Baltan, who travels to Lochlann and stays at the court of King Eolgarg Mor. When the king falls ill and can only be cured by a broth made from a perfectly white cow with red ears, the cow is found but belongs to the Black Hag, who demands Fiachna go bail for payment. While returning, Fiachna learns he has been elected King of Ulster and returns to Ireland to take up the throne.
Chapter 69
VI
King Fiachna Finn is confronted by the Black Hag, who demands he wage war on the King of Lochlann to avenge her. He reluctantly leads ten battalions to Lochlann, where they face Eolgarg Mor's venomous sheep, forcing the Ulster warriors to take refuge in trees. Fiachna prepares to fight the sheep himself but is interrupted by the arrival of a mysterious tall warrior in green.
Chapter 70
Becuma of the White Skin
Becuma, a woman from the Otherworld, arrives in Ireland and becomes involved with King Conn and his son Art. Her presence brings trouble and a quest is undertaken to restore balance.
Chapter 71
I
The abbot of Moville Monastery collects stories from traveling storytellers to preserve pre-Christian Irish tales. A storyteller named Cairidè arrives with a unique story called 'Mongan's Frenzy,' which he claims has been passed down through his family for generations. The abbot eagerly prepares to record it.
Chapter 72
II
Brótiarna, Mongan's wife, is consumed by jealousy and curiosity about Duv Laca, a name Mongan often utters in his sleep. She questions her storyteller Cairidè and presses Mongan to tell her the story, but he continually postpones it.
Chapter 73
III
In 538 CE, during a great gathering at the Hill of Uisneach, Mongan, his wife, his storyteller Cairidè, and seven guards experience a sudden, violent hailstorm. Seeking shelter, they step behind a hill and knoll of trees, and in an instant find themselves transported from the mortal world into the world of Faery.
Chapter 74
IV
Mongan and his companions step from a storm into the sunlit, enhanced world of Faery, where everything is brighter, more fragrant, and more beautiful. They arrive at a magnificent house inhabited by seven men and seven women, and after a feast, Mongan, encouraged by the Flame Lady, begins to tell the story of Duv Laca.
Chapter 75
V
Mongan tells a story of Fiachna Finn, son of Baltan, who travels to Lochlann and stays at the court of King Eolgarg Mor. When the king falls ill and can only be cured by a broth made from a perfectly white cow with red ears, the cow is found but belongs to the Black Hag, who demands Fiachna go bail for payment. While returning, Fiachna learns he has been elected King of Ulster and returns to Ireland to take up the throne.
Chapter 76
VI
King Fiachna Finn is confronted by the Black Hag, who demands he wage war on the King of Lochlann to avenge her. He reluctantly leads ten battalions to Lochlann, where they face Eolgarg Mor's venomous sheep, forcing the Ulster warriors to take refuge in trees. Fiachna prepares to fight the sheep himself but is interrupted by the arrival of a mysterious tall warrior in green.
Chapter 77
VII
King Fiachna Finn and his army are trapped in a tree by venomous sheep. The god Manannán mac Lir appears and offers to save them in exchange for the rights of Fiachna's crown and household for one day. Fiachna reluctantly agrees. Manannán unleashes a terrifying dog that swiftly kills all the sheep. After the battle, Fiachna defeats the Lochlannachs, becomes king of multiple lands, and later returns to Ireland where his son is born.
Chapter 78
VIII
Mongan recounts the story of his birth and betrothal to Duv Laca, revealing that he is the son of Manannán mac Lir and was taken to the Land of Promise for rearing. The tale includes the rivalry between Fiachna Finn and Fiachna Duv, the death of Fiachna Finn, and Mongan's eventual return and marriage to Duv Laca.
Chapter 79
Mongan Avenges His Father
While playing chess with Duv Laca, Mongan is confronted by a black-faced cleric who rebukes him for neglecting his duty to avenge his father's murder. The cleric, later revealed to be Manannán mac Lir, persuades Mongan to attack Fiachna Duv. Mongan burns the fortress, kills Fiachna Duv, and is crowned King of Ulster, finally feeling secure enough to enjoy leisure.
Chapter 80
The Bargain of the White Cows
Mongan, needing treasure for gifts, visits the King of Leinster, Branduv, and falls in love with his herd of fifty pure white cows with red ears and their calves. Branduv, who desires Duv Laca, the most beautiful woman in Ireland, proposes an exchange: the cows for Duv Laca. Mongan agrees and immediately takes the herd back to Ulster.
Chapter 81
Mongan’s Frenzy
The chapter recounts the tale of Mongan, a figure of supernatural origin, who experiences a frenzy or prophetic vision, revealing his past lives and transformations, blending themes of identity, memory, and the supernatural.
Chapter 82
I
The abbot of Moville Monastery collects stories from traveling storytellers to preserve pre-Christian Irish tales. A storyteller named Cairidè arrives with a unique story called 'Mongan's Frenzy,' which he claims has been passed down through his family for generations. The abbot eagerly prepares to record it.
Chapter 83
II
Brótiarna, Mongan's wife, is consumed by jealousy and curiosity about Duv Laca, a name Mongan often utters in his sleep. She questions her storyteller Cairidè and presses Mongan to tell her the story, but he continually postpones it.
Chapter 84
III
In 538 CE, during a great gathering at the Hill of Uisneach, Mongan, his wife, his storyteller Cairidè, and seven guards experience a sudden, violent hailstorm. Seeking shelter, they step behind a hill and knoll of trees, and in an instant find themselves transported from the mortal world into the world of Faery.
Chapter 85
IV
Mongan and his companions step from a storm into the sunlit, enhanced world of Faery, where everything is brighter, more fragrant, and more beautiful. They arrive at a magnificent house inhabited by seven men and seven women, and after a feast, Mongan, encouraged by the Flame Lady, begins to tell the story of Duv Laca.
Chapter 86
V
Mongan tells a story of Fiachna Finn, son of Baltan, who travels to Lochlann and stays at the court of King Eolgarg Mor. When the king falls ill and can only be cured by a broth made from a perfectly white cow with red ears, the cow is found but belongs to the Black Hag, who demands Fiachna go bail for payment. While returning, Fiachna learns he has been elected King of Ulster and returns to Ireland to take up the throne.
Chapter 87
VI
King Fiachna Finn is confronted by the Black Hag, who demands he wage war on the King of Lochlann to avenge her. He reluctantly leads ten battalions to Lochlann, where they face Eolgarg Mor's venomous sheep, forcing the Ulster warriors to take refuge in trees. Fiachna prepares to fight the sheep himself but is interrupted by the arrival of a mysterious tall warrior in green.
Chapter 88
VII
King Fiachna Finn and his army are trapped in a tree by venomous sheep. The god Manannán mac Lir appears and offers to save them in exchange for the rights of Fiachna's crown and household for one day. Fiachna reluctantly agrees. Manannán unleashes a terrifying dog that swiftly kills all the sheep. After the battle, Fiachna defeats the Lochlannachs, becomes king of multiple lands, and later returns to Ireland where his son is born.
Chapter 89
VIII
Mongan recounts the story of his birth and betrothal to Duv Laca, revealing that he is the son of Manannán mac Lir and was taken to the Land of Promise for rearing. The tale includes the rivalry between Fiachna Finn and Fiachna Duv, the death of Fiachna Finn, and Mongan's eventual return and marriage to Duv Laca.
Chapter 90
Mongan Avenges His Father
While playing chess with Duv Laca, Mongan is confronted by a black-faced cleric who rebukes him for neglecting his duty to avenge his father's murder. The cleric, later revealed to be Manannán mac Lir, persuades Mongan to attack Fiachna Duv. Mongan burns the fortress, kills Fiachna Duv, and is crowned King of Ulster, finally feeling secure enough to enjoy leisure.
Chapter 91
The Bargain of the White Cows
Mongan, needing treasure for gifts, visits the King of Leinster, Branduv, and falls in love with his herd of fifty pure white cows with red ears and their calves. Branduv, who desires Duv Laca, the most beautiful woman in Ireland, proposes an exchange: the cows for Duv Laca. Mongan agrees and immediately takes the herd back to Ulster.
Chapter 92
XI
Mongan and Duv Laca's idyllic life with the magical cows is disrupted when the King of Leinster, Branduv, arrives to claim Duv Laca as part of a bargain. Despite Mongan's reluctance, Duv Laca insists on honoring the agreement, and Mongan reluctantly gives her up.
Chapter 93
XII
Duv Laca and King Branduv of Leinster confess their mutual love, but Duv Laca imposes a boon that forbids Branduv from sharing a house or sitting near her for a year, testing his devotion.
Chapter 94
XIII
Mongan, lovesick and wasting away after Duv Laca leaves with the King of Leinster, is confronted by his servant mac an Dáv, who also lost his wife (Duv Laca's foster-sister) in the same departure. Mongan devises a plan to use enchanted sods from Ireland and Scotland to deceive the King of Leinster's wizards and travel into Leinster to reclaim their wives.
Chapter 95
XIV
Mongan and his servant mac an Dáv journey to the feast of Moy Lifé in Leinster, where they encounter a joyous crowd. Mongan becomes distressed upon seeing the King of Leinster, who had taken his wife, and mac an Dáv's angry outburst leads to a minor altercation with a stranger.
Chapter 96
XV
Mongan and mac an Dáv encounter two clerics, Tibraidè and his clerk, on the road. Mongan plays a trick on them, conjuring a river where there was none and causing the bridge to break, plunging the clerics into the water. Mongan then takes on the form of Tibraidè and transforms mac an Dáv into the clerk, and they proceed to meet the King of Leinster.
Chapter 97
XVI
Mongan, disguised as Tibraidè, meets the King of Leinster and is sent ahead to the fortress where Duv Laca is staying. He dismisses the attendants and embraces Duv Laca, while his servant mac an Dáv similarly embraces the attendant, claiming to be her husband.
Chapter 98
XVII
Mongan and his servant mac an Dáv, along with their wives, are confronted by a hag guarding jewels who begins to speak of terrible visions. Mongan uses magic to confuse her, then tricks her into sitting on a spike, killing her. Tibraidè and his men arrive, but Mongan deceives the household into believing Tibraidè is Mongan, leading to an attack on Tibraidè's party. The King of Leinster later learns the truth from Duv Laca, who reveals Mongan is her husband, causing the king to realize he has attacked the wrong men.
Chapter 99
XVIII
Mongan languishes in despair over losing Duv Laca, and his servant mac an Dáv shares his own grief over his wife's departure. Mongan sends mac an Dáv to Duv Laca, who urges him to come quickly. Mongan attempts to rescue her but is thwarted by the King of Leinster's return. The nobles of Ulster fall ill from compassion and propose war, but Mongan insists on using his own craft to reclaim what he lost.
Chapter 100
XIX
Mongan and mac an Dáv arrive at a fortress guarded by hatchetmen and spearmen. They encounter the grotesque Hag of the Mill, her sick animals, and her decrepit mare. Mongan offers to transform her into a beautiful young girl named Ivell of the Shining Cheeks, and she agrees. He transforms her, the dog, the mare, himself, and mac an Dáv, then they all set off toward the fortress singing a song.
Chapter 101
The Hag of the Mill
Mongan, disguised as Ae the Beautiful, and the hag Ivell of the Shining Cheeks arrive at the court of King Branduv of Leinster. Through magic and trickery, Mongan makes the king fall in love with the hag, who exchanges gifts and eventually is swapped for Duv Laca. Mongan and mac an Dáv escape with Duv Laca, leaving Branduv to wake up beside the hag. Later, Mongan and the Flame Lady return from Faery to Moy Linney, having been away a year. Cairidè reveals to the abbot that Mongan was Fionn.
Chapter 102
Endnotes
The endnotes provide brief clarifications on the pronunciation of names and a correction regarding the death of Uail and the location of Cnocha.
