Irish Fairy Tales · Chapter
XIV explained
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 spear and takes his hea
What happens
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 spear and takes his head. He returns to Tara at sunrise, demands and receives command of the Fianna from the Ard-Rí, and Goll mac Morna submits to him.
Themes in this chapter
The Supernatural and Faery
Aillen mac Midna is a being from the Shí who uses otherworldly music and flame; Fionn counters with his own magic and spear.
Kingship and Leadership
Fionn's victory earns him command of the Fianna, and the Ard-Rí orchestrates Goll's submission, highlighting the dynamics of authority.
Characters to notice
- Fionn mac Uail
Protagonist who uses his spear and mantle to defeat Aillen, then claims leadership of the Fianna.
- Aillen mac Midna
Supernatural being from Faery who attacks Tara with music and flame, but is killed by Fionn.
- The Ard-Rí
King who offers Fionn his demand and commands Goll to submit.
- Goll mac Morna
Former leader of the Fianna who places his hand in Fionn's and submits.
Key passages
“the unknown pursued him; that terrible defence became offence and hung to his heel as a wolf pads by the flank of a bull.”
The very defense that Aillen had used became a threat that chased him, like a wolf stalking a bull.
Describes how Fionn's counterattack turns Aillen's own magic against him.
“Fionn put a finger into the thong of the great spear, and at that cast night fell on Aillen mac Midna.”
Fionn readied his spear and threw it, causing Aillen's death.
The moment of Aillen's killing by Fionn's spear.
“Goll could do a thing that would be hard for another person, and he could do it so beautifully that he was not diminished by any action.”
Goll was able to perform difficult tasks gracefully, without losing honor.
Highlights Goll's character and his dignified submission.