Gaeilge – Mythology – Fionn agus an Brádan Feasa

Irish Mindmap

Continuing on my trend of blogging about the many Irish Myths & Ledgends that I learn about in my TY Irish Module, I have yet again decided to blog about the tale of ‘Fionn agus an Brádan Feasa’ or Fionn and the Salmon of Knowledge.

The story follows a series of events of the great warrior of Na Fianna – Fionn MacCumhaill. At a young age, Fionn was sent to live with a man who was known to be the most clever man in Ireland. this man was Finnéigeas, who lived on his own near the banks of the River Boyne. Finnéigeas spent hos days writing books and poetry.

One day, Finnéigeas heard that there was a Salmon of Knowledge and that it would have the answer to all the worlds mysteries, however ths would only be accessible for the person who ate this salmon. It was a myth that was of great importance at the time, and it was taken very seriously.

Fionn was assigned to Finnéigeas as a student, as he wanted to become a fully qualified warrior. One day Fionn was sent out to catch the salmon of knowledge. He caught the fish with no dificulties. He took it back to the house where he began to prepare it. The fish was sat on an open fire where it was left to cook, while Fionn watched over it. Foolishly Fionn leaned over the fish, where he burned his thumb on the fish.  Immediately Fionn put his thumb in his mouth, without thinking about the consequences of eating the fish that was meant for Finnéigeas. Fionn suddenly realised that he had received a talent of major importance, that was meant to be for Finnéigeas, but it was too late, and Fionn was deemed the smartest man in Ireland!

Gaeilge – Mythology – Toraíocht Diarmuid agus Gráinne – Mindmap

Toraíocht Diarmuid agus Gráinne - Mindmap

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.

Gaeilge – Mythology – Oisín i dTír na nÓg – Mindmap

Oisín i dTír na nÓg - Mindmap

As part of my Irish Module in TY, we have been learning about old Irish Myths & Ledgends. Previously,  I posted another blog another mythology mindmap, and I am going to post another one about the ledgend ‘Oisín i dTír na nÓg ‘

The ledgend takes place, long ago, and is based around the life of the Fianna warrior – Oisín, and his venture to the land of the youth known as Tír na nÓg, with a woman known as Niamh, who traveled across the sea with him on a white horse. When Oisín arrives in Tír na nÓg, he knows that he will enjoy his time there. He thinks that only a few days pass, and he yearns for Ireland. He goes to Niamh, and asks to go home. Reluctantly she agrees, but warns him to not get off the horse. He returns to Ireland, where he sees a man, trying to move a heavy rock. Oisín foolishly gets off the horse. When his feet touches the ground, he suddenly ages, realising that he has not been in Tír na nÓg for a few days, but for 300 years.