The Wooing of Becfola explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Love and Sacrifice

  Becfola's love for Crimthann drives her to risk her marriage and status, though it is more about passion than sacrifice.

• Honor and Betrayal

  Becfola's planned elopement betrays her husband King Dermod, challenging the honor of their marriage and his kingship.

Characters to notice

• Becfola

  The titular character, a married woman who plots to elope with Crimthann.

• Dermod

  King Dermod, Becfola's husband, who is betrayed by her planned elopement.

• Crimthann

  The young warrior with whom Becfola plans to elope.

Key passages

• “Becfola, the wife of King Dermod, fell in love with Crimthann, a young warrior of the Fianna.”

  Becfola, married to King Dermod, developed romantic feelings for Crimthann, a young Fianna warrior.

  Sets up the central conflict of the chapter.

• “She planned to elope with Crimthann, but their secret was discovered by clerics.”

  Becfola and Crimthann made plans to run away together, but clerics uncovered their scheme.

  Highlights the exposure of the betrayal.