Irish Fairy Tales · Chapter
XIII explained
Fionn meets Fiacuil mac Cona on the plain of Tara on Samhain night.
What happens
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 venomous spear Birgha, which will keep him awake, in exchange for a third of all he earns and a seat at his council. Fionn accepts and prepares to face Aillen.
Themes in this chapter
The Supernatural and Faery
Aillen mac Midna is a being from the Shí (fairy mound), and his music and fire are supernatural threats.
Kingship and Leadership
Fionn's solitary vigil and his plan to defend Tara reflect the qualities of a leader protecting the realm.
Characters to notice
- Fionn mac Uail
Alone on the plain of Tara, waiting for Aillen mac Midna; shows deep knowledge of the night and sounds.
- Fiacuil mac Cona
Fionn's fosterer, a great robber who brings the spear Birgha and negotiates a payment for his help.
- Aillen mac Midna
The lord of the Shí who comes on Samhain to burn Tara with fire from his mouth.
Key passages
““I will give him back his spear,” said Fionn. “Here it is,” said Fiacuil, taking the Birgha from under his cloak.”
Fionn declares he will return the spear to Aillen, and Fiacuil produces the Birgha from beneath his cloak.
Fionn intends to use Aillen's own weapon against him.
“Fear cannot be where knowledge is, and Fionn was not fearful.”
Because Fionn understands the night and its sounds, he feels no fear.
Fionn's deep attunement to nature renders him fearless.