Irish Fairy Tales · Chapter
Chapter III explained
Finnian and Tuan discuss the majesty of God, but Finnian insists on knowing Tuan's past.
What happens
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 Finnian, who realizes Tuan claims to have lived since shortly after the Flood.
Themes in this chapter
Memory and the Past
Finnian insists that a man is his past and must confess it, while Tuan initially wishes to forget; the chapter centers on the revelation of Tuan's ancient identity.
Transformation and Identity
Tuan presents two different genealogies, revealing a transformed identity that spans millennia.
Characters to notice
- Tuan mac Cairill
Reveals his dual genealogies to Finnian, claiming to be both Tuan mac Cairill and Tuan mac Starn, brother of Partholon.
- Finnian
The saint who first fasted on Tuan, now receives instruction from Tuan and is shocked by Tuan's claim of antediluvian origin.
Key passages
“Tell me your genealogy first, and by what descent you occupy these lands and stronghold, and then I will examine your acts and your conscience.”
Finnian asks Tuan to state his lineage and claim to the land before he will assess his deeds and moral state.
Finnian uses genealogy as a foundation for spiritual examination.
“I am now known as Tuan mac Cairill, but in the days of old I was known as Tuan mac Starn, mac Sera.”
Tuan explains that his current name is Tuan son of Cairill, but in ancient times he was called Tuan son of Starn, son of Sera.
Tuan reveals his dual identity, linking him to the legendary Partholon.