# The Hag of the Mill explained — Irish Fairy Tales

> Chapter companion for Irish Fairy Tales by James Stephens.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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