# XIV explained — Irish Fairy Tales

> Chapter companion for Irish Fairy Tales by James Stephens.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters/xiv
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/chapters