Continuing the pattern of blogging about the mythological stories and ledgends, that I have been learning about in TY Irish, I have decided to write a post about the story, that I have studied most recently – ‘Toraíocht Diarmuid agus Gráinne’ or ‘The Chase of Diarmuid and Gráinne’.
The story features around three main characters – Gráinne (daughter of Cormac Mac Airt – High King of Ireland), Fionn MacCumhaill (Fionn McCool – Great Warrior & Leader of ‘Na Fianna’) and Diarmuid Ó Duibhne ( The most skilful, strongest and loyal warriors of ‘Na Fianna’)
The story starts when we hear that Fionn’s wife has passed away, and because of this Cormac MacAirt promises Fionn, his daughter Gráinne’s hand in marriage. Gráinne, is reluctant to marry Fionn, but goes along with the wedding anyways not wanting to provoke her father – The High King, or Fionn MacCumhaill – leader of Na Fianna.
Many people were in attendance at the wedding, where the celebrations went on for three days and three nights. At the wedding Gráinne laid eyes on Diarmuid Ó Duibhne – The most loyal of all the Fianna, who was willing to spill his own blood for the life of Fionn. Gráinne decided to take matters into her own hands, where she put all in attendance at the feast under a spell, including her husband Fionn and excluding her love interest Diarmuid. Everyone under the spell would be put into a deep sleep. Diarmuid was left with no choice but to escape with Gráinne.
When Fionn woke from the sleep, he noticed that the pair was gone. He was heartbroken, and sougt his revenge. Fionn spent countless years looking for Diarmuid, before he heard that Diarmuid and Gráinne were seeking refuge on Benbulbin Mountain in Co. Sligo. Fionn takes his boar that kills Diarmuid, despite him having no other choice but to escape with Gráinne! Gráinne pleads with Fionn, on Diarmuid’s deathbed to use his powers to take him back to life, as Fionn could heal anybody with the water that he lifts into his hands. Fionn lifts water from a hole beside him three times, before throwing it back into th whole, leaving Diarmuid to die.
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