The Demi-Gods · Chapter
XVII explained
In the broken house, Patsy Mac Cann awakens after Finaun's story and expresses regret for sleeping through it.
What happens
In the broken house, Patsy Mac Cann awakens after Finaun's story and expresses regret for sleeping through it. Eileen Ni Cooley claims to have listened but cannot recount it, and Mary admits she was distracted. Finaun reassures Eileen that only she needed to understand. As evening falls and rain continues, Mac Cann decides they will stay for the night, and Mary volunteers to retrieve food and whisky from the cart.
Themes in this chapter
Storytelling and Wisdom
The chapter highlights the elusive nature of storytelling: Finaun's tale is heard but not understood by most, emphasizing that wisdom in stories may be meant for specific listeners.
Nature and Survival
The relentless rain and the group's confinement in a broken house underscore their struggle against the elements and the need to secure food and shelter.
Characters to notice
- Patsy Mac Cann
Awakens after Finaun's story, regrets falling asleep, and decides the group will stay in the broken house for the night.
- Eileen Ni Cooley
Claims to have heard the story but cannot explain its meaning; Finaun tells her only she needed to understand.
- Mary Mac Cann
Admits she was thinking of other things during the story; volunteers to fetch food and whisky from the cart.
- Finaun Mac Dea
Takes Mary's hand and reassures Eileen that only she needed to understand the story.
- Caeltia Mac Dea
Tells Patsy he was awake for him during the story.
Key passages
“I didn’t hear a word of that story”
Patsy admits he missed the entire story because he was asleep.
Patsy's regret for sleeping through Finaun's tale.
“There was no need for any of you to know what that story was about, excepting you only”
Finaun tells Eileen that the story's meaning was intended solely for her.
Finaun's cryptic reassurance to Eileen about the story's purpose.
“We are here for the night; that rain won’t stop as long as there’s a drop left in its can.”
Mac Cann declares they will stay put because the rain shows no sign of ending.
Patsy's decision to remain in the broken house due to the persistent storm.