# Irish Fairy Tales — Chapters explained

> Chapter companions for Irish Fairy Tales by James Stephens.

- [Irish Fairy Tales](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/irish-fairy-tales.md): 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,
- [The Story of Tuan Mac Cairill](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/the-story-of-tuan-mac-cairill.md): 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, lea
- [I](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/i.md): Finnian, the Abbott of Moville, travels south and east to confront a powerful Ulster gentleman who refuses to observe Saint's days or Sunday, and who is rumored to be a magician. The gentleman, Tuan mac Cairill, barricad
- [II](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/ii.md): Finnian fasts on Tuan mac Cairill to force entry into his stronghold. After a three-day siege, Tuan's household grows uneasy and superstitious, and Tuan eventually admits Finnian. Finnian recovers and converts Tuan, addi
- [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/iii.md): Finnian and Tuan discuss the majesty of God, but Finnian insists on knowing Tuan's past. Tuan reluctantly reveals two different genealogies—first as Tuan mac Cairill, then as Tuan mac Starn, brother of Partholon—shocking
- [IV](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/iv.md): Finnian, recovering from his initial shock, urges Tuan to recount the early history of Ireland. Tuan describes the arrival of Partholon and his people, the idyllic land they found, and the sudden plague that wiped out al
- [V](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/v.md): Tuan recounts his profound loneliness and transformation into a wild, beast-like state after years of isolation. He describes the arrival of Nemed's fleet and a catastrophic storm that destroys the ships, during which he
- [VI](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/vi.md): Tuan mac Cairill recounts his dream of transforming into a stag, which becomes reality as he experiences youth, strength, and dominance over the wild. He roams Ireland, observes the descendants of Nemed, and eventually s
- [VII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/vii.md): Tuan recounts his transformation into a boar, his dominance over the forest, and his bittersweet memories of his former human life among the people of Partholon.
- [VIII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/viii.md): Tuan recounts his transformation into a hawk, his long years soaring over Ireland, witnessing the arrival of Beothach and the battle with the children of Semion, and the coming of the Tuatha Dè Danann. He then transforms
- [IX](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/ix.md): Tuan, now transformed into a salmon, describes his journey through the seas of the world, experiencing various colors and depths, encountering sea monsters, and eventually feeling an overwhelming longing for Ulster. He s
- [The Salmon's Tale](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/x.md): Tuan mac Cairill, transformed into a salmon, describes the joy and peril of his life in the waters of Ireland, detailing the constant pursuit by animals and men, and his eventual capture.
- [XI](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/xi.md): Tuan mac Cairill recounts his final transformation into a salmon, his capture by a fisherman, and his consumption by the king's wife, which leads to his rebirth as the son of Cairill. He emphasizes his unbroken memory of
- [The Boyhood of Fionn](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/the-boyhood-of-fionn.md): 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 
- [I](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/i.md): Fionn's early childhood is spent in hiding with the women druids Bovmall and Lia Luachra in the woods of Slieve Bloom, after his father Uail is killed by the clann-Morna. His mother Muirne, unable to keep him, entrusts h
- [II](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/ii.md): Fionn's early childhood is depicted through his interactions with his nurses and his explorations of nature, culminating in a secret visit from his mother Muirne, who must leave in fear of the sons of Morna.
- [III](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/iii.md): This chapter describes Fionn's upbringing by the women Druids of his father's people, particularly his aunt Bovmall. It recounts the stories they told him of the violent sons of Morna—especially Goll mac Morna, Conán the
- [IV](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/iv.md): Fionn undergoes rigorous physical training under the tutelage of women, learning to run, leap, and swim through harsh and often painful methods. He becomes exceptionally agile and swift, growing into a strong and limber 
- [V](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/v.md): Fionn's guardians become agitated after a visit from a stranger, and they force Fionn to sleep in a tree under strict silence. He struggles through the night, and in the morning they hand him over to traveling poets. The
- [VI](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/vi.md): Fionn encounters a band of young poets returning from training, but they are all killed by the robber Fiacuil mac Cona. Fionn bravely identifies himself as the son of Uail mac Baiscne, and Fiacuil, who is actually his un
- [VII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/vii.md): Fionn lives with the robber Fiacuil in a marsh den, learning survival skills and woodcraft. He is eventually retrieved by his guardians but later sent away again when Clann-Morna renews their threat to kill him.
- [VIII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/viii.md): Fionn, now a young man, serves the King of Kerry and wins seven chess games against him, leading to his stepfather recognizing him as the son of Uail and Muirne and forcing him to leave. Fionn then travels alone, joins a
- [IX](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/ix.md): Fionn, under the alias Deimne, goes to study with the poet Finegas on the Boyne Water to gain wisdom. He learns about the Salmon of Knowledge, which grants all knowledge to whoever eats it, and serves Finegas while eager
- [The Salmon of Knowledge](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/x.md): Fionn, under the tutelage of the poet Finegas, learns the art of questioning and understanding. Finegas catches the prophesied Salmon of Knowledge but, knowing the prophecy that it is meant for Fionn, deliberately leaves
- [XI](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/xi.md): Fionn, having completed his education with Finegas, journeys to Tara during the Samhain feast. He arrives at the great banqueting hall where the High King Conn of the Hundred Battles presides. Noticing Fionn standing wit
- [XII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/xii.md): At the Feast of Samhain, when the doors between worlds open, Aillen mac Midna of the Shí threatens Tara. King Conn calls for a champion to defend the city, but the heroes are silent. Fionn steps forward, negotiates suret
- [XIII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/xiii.md): Fionn meets Fiacuil mac Cona on the plain of Tara on Samhain night. Fiacuil warns him of Aillen mac Midna, who puts everyone to sleep with music and then burns the palace with fire from his mouth. Fiacuil gives Fionn the
- [XIV](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/xiv.md): Fionn confronts and kills Aillen mac Midna, a supernatural being from the Shí, by using his fringed mantle to quench Aillen's blue flame and then pursuing him to the entrance of his own Shí, where he casts the Birgha spe
- [The Birth of Bran](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/the-birth-of-bran.md): 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 
- [I](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/i.md): The chapter introduces Fergus Fionnliath, a man who hates dogs, and contrasts him with Fionn mac Uail, who loves dogs and understands them deeply. Fionn's mother Muirne and her sister Tuiren visit the Fianna. Tuiren's be
- [II](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/ii.md): Iollan and Tuiren marry and live happily in Ulster, but Iollan's past love, the faery woman Uct Dealv, becomes consumed by jealousy upon learning of the marriage. Disguised as Fionn's messenger, she lures Tuiren away and
- [III](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/iii.md): Uct Dealv, disguised as a messenger, cruelly taunts Tuiren (transformed into a hound) as they journey to Fergus Fionnliath's stronghold. She forces Fergus to accept the hound against his will, using Fionn's name to compe
- [IV](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/iv.md): Fergus is tasked with curing a shivering hound to satisfy Fionn. After a servant fails, Fergus reluctantly hugs and kisses the dog, which stops its shivers. The dog becomes devoted to him, and Fergus grows deeply attache
- [V](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/v.md): Fionn demands the return of Tuiren from Iollan, who suspects Uct Dealv of hiding her. Iollan travels to Faery and bargains with Uct Dealv, pledging himself to her in exchange for Tuiren's release. Uct Dealv breaks the en
- [Oisín's Mother](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/ois-n-s-mother.md): 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 ba
- [I](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/i.md): As evening falls, Fionn and the Fianna hunt a mysterious fawn. Fionn's hounds, Bran and Sceólan, pursue the fawn with unusual silence and intensity. When the fawn stops and lies down, the hounds play with it instead of k
- [II](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/ii.md): Saeve, a woman of Faery, seeks Fionn's protection from the Dark Man of the Shí, the Fear Doirche, who has been pursuing her. She confesses her love for Fionn, and he reciprocates deeply, declaring his love and protection
- [III](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/iii.md): Fionn and the Fianna defeat the Lochlannachs who invaded Ireland, but Fionn, longing to return to Saeve, leaves the victory feast despite the protests of his companions. When he arrives at the Dun of Allen, he finds chao
- [IV](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/iv.md): Fionn learns from his servant Gariv Cronán that a doppelgänger bearing his shape, armor, and hounds appeared at the Dun while he was away. The false Fionn lured his pregnant wife out of the Dun, touched her with a hazel 
- [V](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/v.md): After seven years of searching for Saeve, Fionn and the Fianna hunt Ben Gulbain. Fionn's five trusted hounds fight off the entire pack to protect a naked boy with long hair, who is found in a narrow place on the slope. T
- [VI](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/vi.md): Fionn's devotion shifts entirely to the boy, whom he adores with tender names. The hounds Bran, Sceólan, and their three whelps guard the boy obsessively, and the pack learns to revere him. The boy gradually learns human
- [VII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/vii.md): A boy found by Fionn and the Fianna recounts his life in a beautiful but isolated place, where he lived alone with a deer he loved. A dark magician eventually forced the deer to follow him, leaving the boy alone until he
- [The Wooing of Becfola](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/the-wooing-of-becfola.md): 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.
- [I](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/i.md): The High King Dermod mac Ae, while hunting with his foster-son Crimthann, encounters a mysterious woman driving a chariot. Despite her refusal to reveal her name or origin, Dermod proposes marriage, and she accepts, thou
- [II](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/ii.md): Becfola, now queen to High King Dermod, pines for Crimthann and arranges to elope with him. On a Sunday morning, defying the king's strict Sabbath, she leaves Tara with a maid but unknowingly crosses into Faery. Lost and
- [III](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/iii.md): Becfola, after a perilous night in a tree fleeing wolves, encounters a mysterious young man who ignores her despite her beauty. She follows him to an island where he fights and kills his three brothers and four nephews f
- [IV](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/iv.md): Becfola returns to the palace early in the morning, planning to reproach King Dermod for his suspicions about her nighttime absence. However, the king speaks first, gently teasing her about a supposed 'engagement' and ur
- [The Little Brawl at Allen](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/the-little-brawl-at-allen.md): A quarrel erupts among the Fianna at Allen, leading to a violent confrontation that tests loyalties and reveals underlying tensions within the warrior band.
- [I](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/i.md): Fionn mac Uail hosts a grand banquet for the Fianna, where the poet Fergus True-Lips sings for both Fionn and Goll mac Morna. Goll outdoes Fionn in generosity, causing Fionn's displeasure. Meanwhile, Cairell Whiteskin an
- [II](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/ii.md): At a feast, Goll mac Morna boasts of killing Fionn's father and taking tribute from Lochlann, leading to a tense confrontation. The quarrel escalates into a massive brawl among the Fianna, which is eventually quelled by 
- [III](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/iii.md): At Tara, Fionn and Goll present their dispute before King Cormac and his judges. Goll objects to Fionn's testimony, and the poet Fergus True-Lips is sworn in to give evidence. Fergus recounts the brawl that escalated int
- [The Carl of the Drab Coat](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/the-carl-of-the-drab-coat.md): 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 
- [I](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/i.md): Fionn and the Fianna are transported to Faery while encamped at Ben Edair. A stranger named Cael of the Iron arrives, claiming sovereignty over Ireland and challenging the Fianna to a contest. Fionn agrees to fetch Caelt
- [II](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/ii.md): Fionn, traveling alone through a dense wood, encounters the Carl of the Drab Coat, a monstrous giant who learns of Fionn's quest to find Caelte mac Ronán to run a race against Cael of the Iron. The Carl insists he can wi
- [III](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/iii.md): Fionn introduces the Carl of the Drab Coat as Cael of the Iron's opponent in a race, causing uproar among the warriors. After initial refusal, Cael agrees to a sixty-mile race from Slieve Luachra to the camp, and both se
- [IV](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/iv.md): The Carl builds a house and cooks a wild boar while Cael refuses to help and sleeps outside. In the morning, Cael wakes the Carl and starts the race alone, hoping his hour's head start will be enough to win.
- [V](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/v.md): The Carl awakens, eats the second half of the boar, and ties the bones in his coat tail. He then engages in a fantastical, superhuman race with Cael of the Iron toward Ben Edair, taunting and outrunning him repeatedly, p
- [VI](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/vi.md): Fionn and the Fianna anxiously await the outcome of the Great Race, with messengers repeatedly reporting 'nothing' as tension and despair mount. Fionn's frustration boils over as he silences the champions and stalks to t
- [VII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/vii.md): Fionn and the Fianna anxiously watch for the return of Cael and the Carl, with the eagle-eyed watcher straining to see distant movement. After tense observation, they discern the Carl carrying something on his back, with
- [The Carl of the Drab Coat](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/viii.md): The Carl of the Drab Coat arrives at the Fianna's camp demanding meal and blackberries. He mixes and devours a massive pile of the concoction. When Cael of the Iron attacks, the Carl throws a handful of the mixture, deca
- [The Enchanted Cave of Cesh Corran](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/the-enchanted-cave-of-cesh-corran.md): Fionn and the Fianna encounter a mysterious cave at Cesh Corran, leading to a series of supernatural events and confrontations with otherworldly beings.
- [I](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/i.md): The chapter introduces Fionn mac Uail as a prudent yet adventurous leader, a poet and soldier whose love for the strange often leads him into danger. It describes the deep loyalty of the Fianna, especially Goll mac Morna
- [II](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/ii.md): Conaran, king of the Shí of Cesh Corran, spies on Fionn during a hunt and plots to capture him. He summons his three ugly daughters—Caevóg, Cuillen, and Iaran—and they gleefully anticipate making Fionn see them, despite 
- [III](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/iii.md): Fionn and Conán, under an enchantment by Conaran, unknowingly enter Faery and encounter the three daughters of Conaran spinning enchantment outside a cave. Despite Conán's reluctance, Fionn insists on investigating the s
- [IV](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/iv.md): The Fianna are lured into a cave by three vicious sisters, who bind them with magical weakness and imprison them in dark labyrinths.
- [V](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/v.md): Goll mac Morna arrives at the cave where the Fianna are held captive by three hags. He fights and defeats two of them with a legendary sword stroke, then spares the third when she promises to lift the enchantment. She ke
- [VI](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/vi.md): After emerging from the cave, the Fianna are confronted by Conaran's fourth daughter, a fearsome hag in iron plate who demands combat for the deaths of her sisters. Fionn's warriors, including Oisín and Oscar, shrink fro
- [Becuma of the White Skin](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/becuma-of-the-white-skin.md): 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.
- [I](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/i.md): The chapter introduces the concept of multiple worlds beyond Earth, including the Shí, the Many-Coloured Land, the Land of Wonder, and the Land of Promise. It describes the crime and banishment of Becuma Cneisgel, who fl
- [II](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/ii.md): Conn the Hundred Fighter, Ard-Rí of Ireland, is deeply grieving the death of his wife Eithne. After her grand funeral at Tailltin, he becomes despondent and unable to rule, so he leaves his son Art in charge and goes to 
- [III](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/iii.md): King Conn meets a mysterious woman from the sea, Delvcaem (who is actually Becuma), who claims to love his son Art. Conn becomes infatuated and decides to marry her himself, agreeing to send Art away for a year.
- [The Banishment of Art](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/iv.md): Art, son of King Conn, is warned by the magician Cromdes during a chess game that his new stepmother Becuma will cause his banishment. Conn, under Becuma's influence, orders Art to leave Tara for a year. During his absen
- [V](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/v.md): The High King, seeking a savior, embarks on a solitary sea voyage in a coracle, guided by the stars. After enduring storms and witnessing marine life, he arrives at a fragrant island of apple trees and singing birds, whe
- [Chapter VI](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/vi.md): The High King Conn travels to a magical island where he meets Queen Rigru, her husband Daire Degamra, and their son Segda. He explains that Ireland suffers from a blight of no corn or milk, and he seeks to borrow Segda, 
- [VII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/vii.md): Segda is found and brought to Tara, where the council of magicians and poets declares he must be killed to save Ireland from its blight. Conn places him under multiple protections, but the men of Ireland argue that natio
- [VIII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/viii.md): Becuma, still resentful after her punishment, brings plagues and droughts to Ireland and targets her stepson Art. She challenges him to a chess game, loses deliberately, and binds him to find the wand of Curoi. After obt
- [Art's Quest for Delvcaem](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/ix.md): Art embarks on a perilous journey to the Many-Coloured Land to find Delvcaem, daughter of Morgan. He encounters Credè, the Truly Beautiful, who warns him of the dangers ahead—a dark ocean, a thorny wood, a gulf of monste
- [Art's Ordeal in the Many-Coloured Land](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/x.md): Art, son of the Ard-Rí, journeys to the Many-Coloured Land to rescue Delvcaem, enduring magical trials set by the witch Dog Head. He slays her, frees Delvcaem, and defeats Morgan in a shape-changing battle, then returns 
- [Mongan’s Frenzy](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/mongan-s-frenzy.md): 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 supernatu
- [I](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/i.md): 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 bee
- [II](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/ii.md): 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 
- [III](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/iii.md): 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
- [IV](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/iv.md): 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 w
- [V](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/v.md): 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 e
- [VI](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/vi.md): 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 
- [VII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/vii.md): 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 reluctantl
- [VIII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/viii.md): 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 
- [Mongan Avenges His Father](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/ix.md): 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 t
- [The Bargain of the White Cows](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/x.md): 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 i
- [XI](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/xi.md): 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 agre
- [XII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/xii.md): 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.
- [XIII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/xiii.md): 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 t
- [XIV](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/xiv.md): 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 an
- [XV](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/xv.md): 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.
- [XVI](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/xvi.md): 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 th
- [XVII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/xvii.md): 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, killi
- [XVIII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/xviii.md): 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 
- [XIX](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/xix.md): 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 
- [The Hag of the Mill](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/xx.md): 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 g
- [Endnotes](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/endnotes.md): The endnotes provide brief clarifications on the pronunciation of names and a correction regarding the death of Uail and the location of Cnocha.

HTML index: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters