Irish Fairy Tales · Chapter
The Hag of the Mill explained
Mongan, disguised as Ae the Beautiful, and the hag Ivell of the Shining Cheeks arrive at the court of King Branduv of Leinster.
What happens
Mongan, disguised as Ae the Beautiful, and the hag Ivell of the Shining Cheeks arrive at the court of King Branduv of Leinster. Through magic and trickery, Mongan makes the king fall in love with the hag, who exchanges gifts and eventually is swapped for Duv Laca. Mongan and mac an Dáv escape with Duv Laca, leaving Branduv to wake up beside the hag. Later, Mongan and the Flame Lady return from Faery to Moy Linney, having been away a year. Cairidè reveals to the abbot that Mongan was Fionn.
Themes in this chapter
Transformation and Identity
Mongan transforms the hag into a beautiful woman through magic, and later reveals his true identity as Fionn.
Love and Sacrifice
Mongan's love for Duv Laca drives his trickery, and the hag's willingness to participate in the scheme.
Honor and Betrayal
Branduv betrays his guest by demanding an exchange of wives, while Mongan uses deception to reclaim Duv Laca.
Characters to notice
- Mongan
Disguised as Ae the Beautiful, uses magic to enchant the hag and trick King Branduv into exchanging Duv Laca for the hag.
- Branduv
King of Leinster who becomes infatuated with the hag Ivell, gives away treasures, and is tricked into marrying the hag.
- Duv Laca
Duv Laca of the White Hand, taken from Mongan by Branduv, but later rescued by Mongan.
- Mac an Dáv
Mongan's companion who snatches the gifts given to the hag and helps with the escape.
- Cairidè
The storyteller who reveals to the abbot that Mongan was Fionn.
Key passages
“The King of Leinster was married today, Married today, married today, The King of Leinster was married today, And everyone wishes him joy.”
They sang a mocking song about Branduv's marriage to the hag.
Mongan and mac an Dáv sing this as they escape, taunting the king.
“Aren’t you the Hag of the Mill?”
Branduv recognizes the hag when he wakes up.
The king's horror upon discovering he has married the ugly hag.
“Was Mongan Fionn?”
The abbot asks if Mongan was actually Fionn.
Cairidè confirms Mongan's true identity as Fionn mac Uail.