Étaín tochmarc etaine manuscript sources: lebor na huidre: book of the dun cow (royal irish...

ÉTAíNÉTAíNTochmarc EtaineTochmarc Etaine

Manuscript sources:Manuscript sources:

• Lebor na hUidre: Book of the Dun Lebor na hUidre: Book of the Dun Cow (Royal Irish Academy, Dublin)Cow (Royal Irish Academy, Dublin)•Yellow Book of Lecan (Trinity Yellow Book of Lecan (Trinity

College, Dublin)College, Dublin)• Egerton (British Library) Egerton (British Library)

Etain EchradeEtain Echrade 11

Etain EchradeEtain Echrade

This is the story of Etain (Eadaoin) This is the story of Etain (Eadaoin) Echrade (‘horse-riding’).The Echrade (‘horse-riding’).The association with horse-riding association with horse-riding connects her probably with other connects her probably with other goddesses such as Rhiannon goddesses such as Rhiannon (*Rigantona) of Celtic Britain and the (*Rigantona) of Celtic Britain and the famous Epona (divine horse-woman) famous Epona (divine horse-woman) of ancient Gaul (France 2000 years of ancient Gaul (France 2000 years ago).ago).


Etain-fantasy lit.Etain-fantasy lit.


Etain EchradeEtain Echrade

References to her stunning beauty References to her stunning beauty are made in this narrative and are made in this narrative and others:others:


ÉtaínÉtaín

Descriptions of Descriptions of ÉÉtataíín:n: In the In the dindsheanchasdindsheanchas (traditions about (traditions about

Irish placenames) she is described as Irish placenames) she is described as having golden tresses, but no description having golden tresses, but no description is more elaborate than that given in the is more elaborate than that given in the sequel sequel The Destruction of Da Derga’s The Destruction of Da Derga’s Hostel’Hostel’ , pp. 61-63. , pp. 61-63.


ÉTAíNÉTAíN Three distinct tales bearing this title have Three distinct tales bearing this title have

been handed down.been handed down. They were transcribed into the They were transcribed into the Lebor na Lebor na

hUidrehUidre (c1100), where however owing to (c1100), where however owing to loss of pages, only the second part is loss of pages, only the second part is preserved in its entirity.preserved in its entirity.

The first part lacks the beginning, and the The first part lacks the beginning, and the third the middle and end portions.third the middle and end portions.


ÉTAíNÉTAíN It seemed that the complete text had It seemed that the complete text had

been irretrievably lost until another been irretrievably lost until another copy came to light in the 1930s copy came to light in the 1930s (Egerton) which was complete.(Egerton) which was complete.


Structure of Étaín sagaStructure of Étaín saga

There are three interlocked sectionsThere are three interlocked sections::

1.1. Regeneration theme of rival lovers: Regeneration theme of rival lovers: Elcmar and Dagdae compete for Boand.Elcmar and Dagdae compete for Boand.

2.2. Echu and Ailill as rival claimants; Ailill’s Echu and Ailill as rival claimants; Ailill’s love-sickness. Etain.love-sickness. Etain.

3.3. Mider and Echu compete for ÉtaínMider and Echu compete for Étaín


The main charactersThe main characters::

Echu Ollathair (Dagdae)Echu Ollathair (Dagdae) Elcmar (Nuadhu)Elcmar (Nuadhu) Eithne (Bóand)Eithne (Bóand) Óengus (Macc Óc)Óengus (Macc Óc) MiderMider FúamnachFúamnach Echu Airem (Eochaid)Echu Airem (Eochaid)


Lesser charactersLesser characters Tríath (of the Fir Bolg)Tríath (of the Fir Bolg) Dían Cecht (the physician)Dían Cecht (the physician) Lug (of the TDD*)Lug (of the TDD*) Ogmae (of the TDD)Ogmae (of the TDD) Ailill Angubae (falls in love with Étaín)Ailill Angubae (falls in love with Étaín) Echu FeidlechEchu Feidlech EterscélaeEterscélae


EtainEtain

Because of the slightly fragmented Because of the slightly fragmented form of the reunited text, several form of the reunited text, several questions arise as to the original questions arise as to the original form of the myth.form of the myth.

As Gantz notes, the three As Gantz notes, the three sections which make up the sections which make up the story almost seem like separate story almost seem like separate tales, except for the underlying tales, except for the underlying theme of the love-story between theme of the love-story between Midir and EtainMidir and Etain..


Section OneSection One

The first section is chronologically The first section is chronologically situated in the time when the Tuatha situated in the time when the Tuatha De Danann controlled Ireland (in the De Danann controlled Ireland (in the Book of InvasionsBook of Invasions version of early version of early Irish history).Irish history).

We see the Irish deities and their We see the Irish deities and their interaction.interaction.



Alternate names: this is a feature of Alternate names: this is a feature of this narrative (and a small number of this narrative (and a small number of others).others).

Dagda (Echu Ollathir), Boand Dagda (Echu Ollathir), Boand (Eithne), Macc Oc (Oengus), Etain (Eithne), Macc Oc (Oengus), Etain (Be Find), Elcmar (Nuadhu, Nuadu).(Be Find), Elcmar (Nuadhu, Nuadu).



Two of these names are known also Two of these names are known also in Iron Age Celtic civilisation:in Iron Age Celtic civilisation:

Nuadhu=Nodens, Nodent- (W Nuadhu=Nodens, Nodent- (W Britain). In Wales=Nudd.Britain). In Wales=Nudd.

Macc Oc= Maponos (known later in Macc Oc= Maponos (known later in Wales as Mabon).Wales as Mabon).

Boand from an early form *bou-Boand from an early form *bou-winda.winda.



Boand is a river name (Boyne today, in Boand is a river name (Boyne today, in Modern Irish Bóinn).Modern Irish Bóinn).

The Brittonic myth of Mabon also has a The Brittonic myth of Mabon also has a connection with a river goddess Modron connection with a river goddess Modron (=Matrona).(=Matrona).

Undoubtedly this first part of the narrative Undoubtedly this first part of the narrative preserves a preserves a very ancient myth very ancient myth which which explained the conception and birth of a explained the conception and birth of a god called *makkwonos. (in Irish Macc Oc).god called *makkwonos. (in Irish Macc Oc).



Bru na Boinde Bru na Boinde is the Irish name for is the Irish name for the great archaeological site of the great archaeological site of Newgrange, built by pre-Celtic Newgrange, built by pre-Celtic speaking peoples of the early Bronze speaking peoples of the early Bronze Age but subsumed into the Age but subsumed into the mythology of early Celtic Ireland.mythology of early Celtic Ireland.


Bru na Boinde-NewgrangeBru na Boinde-Newgrange


Newgrange today:c3200-2600BC) Newgrange today:c3200-2600BC) Newgrange (Bru na Boinde)- great passage Newgrange (Bru na Boinde)- great passage

grave grave


Inside NewgrangeInside Newgrange


NewgrangeNewgrange

In the mythology of Ireland, In the mythology of Ireland, Newgrange becomes the major Newgrange becomes the major residence of the residence of the sidhsidh or Otherword or Otherword inhabitants, and especially the god of inhabitants, and especially the god of poetry Macc Oc (Oengus).poetry Macc Oc (Oengus).



Something of the nature of the Something of the nature of the Tuatha De Danann is reflected Tuatha De Danann is reflected throughout this narrative but throughout this narrative but especially this early section where especially this early section where we see Dagda manipulate Elcmar’s we see Dagda manipulate Elcmar’s sense of time.sense of time.

In fact, the TDD seem to have a very In fact, the TDD seem to have a very poetic sense of how time passes.poetic sense of how time passes.



For Elcmar, nine months pass like a For Elcmar, nine months pass like a single day to allow for Boand to give single day to allow for Boand to give birth to Dagda’s child.birth to Dagda’s child.

This unusual manipulation of time This unusual manipulation of time also occurs in the famous phrase also occurs in the famous phrase ‘it ‘it is in days and nights that the world is in days and nights that the world passes’passes’. Metaphorically a day and a . Metaphorically a day and a night represent all time.night represent all time.



Although we are dealing with deities, Although we are dealing with deities, the social structure presented in the the social structure presented in the narrative is very much one that narrative is very much one that reflects the customs of the day (ie reflects the customs of the day (ie c8th century in Ireland).c8th century in Ireland).

Fostering for instance.Fostering for instance.


FosteringFostering

Dagda sends his son Macc Oc to be Dagda sends his son Macc Oc to be fostered by Mider who owns the Sidh fostered by Mider who owns the Sidh of Bri Leith. of Bri Leith.

So, Oengus alias the Macc Oc: ‘young So, Oengus alias the Macc Oc: ‘young the son who is conceived at dawn the son who is conceived at dawn and born before dusk’.and born before dusk’.



During his During his fosteragefosterage we are we are reminded of the previous people who reminded of the previous people who controlled Ireland (for a short period) controlled Ireland (for a short period) namely the namely the fir bolgfir bolg. Triath of the Fir . Triath of the Fir Bolg is described as ‘the son of a Bolg is described as ‘the son of a slave’. But Macc Oc does not know slave’. But Macc Oc does not know who his own parents are.who his own parents are.



The acknowledgment by the father of The acknowledgment by the father of the son (Dagda and his son Oengus) the son (Dagda and his son Oengus) obviously reflects a social reality. obviously reflects a social reality. Compare Caesar’s comments on the Compare Caesar’s comments on the Gauls.Gauls.

Oengus the teenager/young man Oengus the teenager/young man wants a home and land.wants a home and land.

Dagda will give him Elcmar (Nuadu)’s Dagda will give him Elcmar (Nuadu)’s sidh (Bru na Boinde=Newgrange). sidh (Bru na Boinde=Newgrange).



The mention of Samuin (Hallowe’en) The mention of Samuin (Hallowe’en) is significant since major events in is significant since major events in the Irish mythological world take the Irish mythological world take place at that time.place at that time.

The reference to the day and the The reference to the day and the night (=eternity), should be night (=eternity), should be compared to the single day (=nine compared to the single day (=nine months).months).



Samuin is also mentioned as the time Samuin is also mentioned as the time when Mider visits his foster-son and is when Mider visits his foster-son and is wounded in the eye (mythological wounded in the eye (mythological connection with the eye?).connection with the eye?).

This brings up the concept of shame and This brings up the concept of shame and blemish which in early Irish terms is blemish which in early Irish terms is associated with associated with kingshipkingship (Mider is king of (Mider is king of his sidh at Bri Leith, in Co Longford).his sidh at Bri Leith, in Co Longford).

His sidh is guarded by Three Magical His sidh is guarded by Three Magical Cranes.Cranes.


More about the Sidh (shee)More about the Sidh (shee)

See MacKillop pp. 116-119.See MacKillop pp. 116-119. The word probably meant ‘abode of The word probably meant ‘abode of

divinities’ originally, but later often divinities’ originally, but later often refered to the inhabitants themselves.refered to the inhabitants themselves.

They were abodes which were also They were abodes which were also routes to the Otherworld.routes to the Otherworld.

They were seen as independent They were seen as independent ‘kingdoms’ under the ground.‘kingdoms’ under the ground.


The SidhThe Sidh

The sidh is not an abode of the dead The sidh is not an abode of the dead (Tech Duinn) but the palace of (Tech Duinn) but the palace of otherworld dignitaries.otherworld dignitaries.

Hundreds of these residencies are Hundreds of these residencies are known from Old Irish literature.known from Old Irish literature.

Bri Leith, Femen, Uamain, Clettig.Bri Leith, Femen, Uamain, Clettig.



The early Irish social system (law) is The early Irish social system (law) is also invoked after Mider has been also invoked after Mider has been healed (Dian Cecht).healed (Dian Cecht).

He is entitled to demand reparation He is entitled to demand reparation for a physical wound. Because of his for a physical wound. Because of his very high status, he can ask for very high status, he can ask for almost anything. almost anything. He asks for the He asks for the most beautiful woman in Ireland most beautiful woman in Ireland (he is married already(he is married already).).



This brings This brings Etain EchradeEtain Echrade into the into the story. Her father is Ailill ( a very story. Her father is Ailill ( a very common name in early Ireland). common name in early Ireland). Mider already knew of her.Mider already knew of her.

Ailill seems not to be of the TDD.Ailill seems not to be of the TDD. The transfer of Etain from her The transfer of Etain from her

family to Mider reflects the family to Mider reflects the extremely patriarchal nature of extremely patriarchal nature of early Ireland, especially on the early Ireland, especially on the elite levelelite level..



Payment must be made to the father.Payment must be made to the father. However the demands made rather reflect However the demands made rather reflect

again the nature of the early Irish deities.again the nature of the early Irish deities. They are frequently (as in all Indo-They are frequently (as in all Indo-

European mythologies) associated with European mythologies) associated with the creation and laying out of the land the creation and laying out of the land (mountains, rivers, pathways).(mountains, rivers, pathways).

The goddess Macha is described as The goddess Macha is described as performing such actions, for example.performing such actions, for example.



Clearly the TDD were imagined as Clearly the TDD were imagined as having also perfomed such deeds. having also perfomed such deeds. This is integrated into the story as This is integrated into the story as part of the payment for Etain.part of the payment for Etain.

The Dagda is described clearing land, The Dagda is described clearing land, diverting rivers, draining the land in diverting rivers, draining the land in one night).one night).



Much of the magical side of the TDD is Much of the magical side of the TDD is shown in the following episodes when shown in the following episodes when Mider brings his bride back home to Bri Mider brings his bride back home to Bri Leith, where he already has a wife- the Leith, where he already has a wife- the powerful druidess Fuamnach.powerful druidess Fuamnach.

This would not have been shocking to This would not have been shocking to most in early medieval Ireland (or before). most in early medieval Ireland (or before). A certain degree of A certain degree of polygamypolygamy existed existed especially amongst the Gaelic aristocracy.especially amongst the Gaelic aristocracy.



One of the first examples of ‘One of the first examples of ‘shape-shape-shiftingshifting’ in the narrative takes place here. ’ in the narrative takes place here. This is a very common feature of early This is a very common feature of early Celtic narratives.Celtic narratives.

Fuamnach is protected by three gods Fuamnach is protected by three gods when she confronts Mider. (when she confronts Mider. (LugLug, Ogma, , Ogma, and Dagda himself).and Dagda himself).

Her comment that ‘she preferred being Her comment that ‘she preferred being good to herself than to other people’ is good to herself than to other people’ is again an interesting reflection on the again an interesting reflection on the nature of the Irish TDD.nature of the Irish TDD.



Time again plays a role in this part of Time again plays a role in this part of the narrative when she magically the narrative when she magically causes another wind to blow Etain causes another wind to blow Etain away north to Ulster. away north to Ulster.

A mythic form of conception takes A mythic form of conception takes place (compare the conception of Cu place (compare the conception of Cu Chulainn), whereby Etain is reborn Chulainn), whereby Etain is reborn after 1012 years. after 1012 years.



She grows up not apparently aware of her She grows up not apparently aware of her previous life amongst the TDD.previous life amongst the TDD.

As a young woman she is approached by a As a young woman she is approached by a rider in green from the Sidh who recites a rider in green from the Sidh who recites a poem about her and her life before.poem about her and her life before.

Meanwhile Oengus takes revenge in the Meanwhile Oengus takes revenge in the domain of the TDD agains Fuamnach.domain of the TDD agains Fuamnach.

This brings the first section to a closeThis brings the first section to a close..


SectionTwoSectionTwo

Time has passed, and we are now in Time has passed, and we are now in the post TDD period. the post TDD period. The Sons of Mil The Sons of Mil (Gaels) have now taken over the (Gaels) have now taken over the island and the TDD exiled in their island and the TDD exiled in their sidh abodes under the earthsidh abodes under the earth..

(Remember that Dagda held court in (Remember that Dagda held court in Tara-)Tara-)



That same site is now occupied by a That same site is now occupied by a mortal king known as mortal king known as Echu AiremEchu Airem..

Early Irish literature often mentions the Early Irish literature often mentions the Feast of Tara (Da Derga’s Feast etc). This Feast of Tara (Da Derga’s Feast etc). This too had deeply mythic origins.too had deeply mythic origins.

The concept of the sovereignty (ie land) The concept of the sovereignty (ie land) goddess was very much associated with goddess was very much associated with that ritual and ceremony. The king would that ritual and ceremony. The king would be united with the land goddess in order to be united with the land goddess in order to rule. Etain as sovereignty goddess. rule. Etain as sovereignty goddess.



This concept survives in this This concept survives in this narrative but instead of referring to a narrative but instead of referring to a land goddess we hear that the land goddess we hear that the people will not accept the new high-people will not accept the new high-king without a wife.king without a wife.

They are obliged to seek out the They are obliged to seek out the most beautiful woman in Ireland most beautiful woman in Ireland (guess who!).(guess who!).


Section TwoSection Two

The king in Tara is described as The king in Tara is described as being the son of Find son of Findlug.being the son of Find son of Findlug.

The two later names both belong to The two later names both belong to the fragmented world of Irish the fragmented world of Irish mythology (deities). Find (Finn) was mythology (deities). Find (Finn) was an ancient seer god. The name an ancient seer god. The name Findlug is an amalgam of Finn and Findlug is an amalgam of Finn and Lug. So we have not entirely left the Lug. So we have not entirely left the world of deities.world of deities.



The brothers of Echu are Echu Feidlech The brothers of Echu are Echu Feidlech and and Ailill AngubaeAilill Angubae..

The latter falls hopelessly in love with The latter falls hopelessly in love with Etain at the wedding feast (feis) and Etain at the wedding feast (feis) and becomes sick with lust and infatuation.becomes sick with lust and infatuation.

They reach the point where they are They reach the point where they are preparing for A Angubae’s funeral, the preparing for A Angubae’s funeral, the grave, preparations for the slaughter of his grave, preparations for the slaughter of his cattle.cattle.



Only Etain seemingly can heal him Only Etain seemingly can heal him back to life. She acquiesces to a love-back to life. She acquiesces to a love-affair with him to heal him.affair with him to heal him.

At this point we have another notable At this point we have another notable example of shape-shifting. example of shape-shifting. Midir at Midir at the crucial point causes AA to sleep the crucial point causes AA to sleep whilst he meets Etain on the hillside.whilst he meets Etain on the hillside.



The ‘narrator’ mentions that he had The ‘narrator’ mentions that he had come the previous year to woo Etain come the previous year to woo Etain but had been unsuccessful. Was this but had been unsuccessful. Was this the otherworld man in green in the otherworld man in green in Section One?Section One?

Midir reminds Etain of Midir reminds Etain of her previous her previous life, and the pleasures of the life, and the pleasures of the Otherworld (Sidh) Otherworld (Sidh) are described in are described in the poem he recited before..the poem he recited before..


Section ThreeSection Three

The high-king sits on the ramparts of The high-king sits on the ramparts of Tara (Temuir). He is Echu Airem. The Tara (Temuir). He is Echu Airem. The high-king was normally restricted to high-king was normally restricted to a life in and around Tara.a life in and around Tara.

The rider who approaches is the The rider who approaches is the ageless young rider ageless young rider MiderMider (TDD). He (TDD). He has come to play the aristocratic has come to play the aristocratic game of game of fidchellfidchell. (Played only by . (Played only by kings, pinces and deities).kings, pinces and deities).



They play three games with They play three games with increasing wagers and forfaits.increasing wagers and forfaits.

Midir lets Echu win the first two and Midir lets Echu win the first two and accepts the forfaits. Echu’s foster-accepts the forfaits. Echu’s foster-father is suspicious and warns his father is suspicious and warns his son.son.

Echu gives Midir super-human tasks Echu gives Midir super-human tasks (worthy of a deity).The people of the (worthy of a deity).The people of the Sidh take part in the work.Sidh take part in the work.



Now Mider is angry. The final game is Now Mider is angry. The final game is played and won by Mider. The wager played and won by Mider. The wager was that if Mider won as he did, he was that if Mider won as he did, he would demand ‘would demand ‘my arms around my arms around Etain and a kiss from herEtain and a kiss from her’. Mider is ’. Mider is told to return in a month’s time.told to return in a month’s time.



Another poem that Mider had recited Another poem that Mider had recited a year previously. P55.a year previously. P55.

The description of the Otherworld, or The description of the Otherworld, or sidh.sidh.



Midir is able to relocate himself at will, and Midir is able to relocate himself at will, and appears in the feasting hall of Tara despite appears in the feasting hall of Tara despite how well the site has been guarded how well the site has been guarded against him.against him.

Etain is willing to go if her husband sells Etain is willing to go if her husband sells her.her.

The escape through the skylight is of The escape through the skylight is of course very poetic, and again introduces course very poetic, and again introduces the theme of shape-shiftingthe theme of shape-shifting. Birds as sidh . Birds as sidh people (comp. The Wasting Sickness of Cu people (comp. The Wasting Sickness of Cu Chulainn).Chulainn).



Echu follows them to the sidh called Sidh Echu follows them to the sidh called Sidh Ban Find, but Etain is returned to Echu.Ban Find, but Etain is returned to Echu.

The fifty serving girls all identical to Etain.The fifty serving girls all identical to Etain. Echu takes his ‘wife’ back to Tara. Mider Echu takes his ‘wife’ back to Tara. Mider

appears and tells him that he has in fact appears and tells him that he has in fact taken his own daughter from Etain as wife. taken his own daughter from Etain as wife. The real Etain remained with Mider.The real Etain remained with Mider.



The theme of royal incest is The theme of royal incest is developed herdeveloped her. Echu’s daughter (now . Echu’s daughter (now his wife) gives birth to a girl.his wife) gives birth to a girl.

Eventually she will become the Eventually she will become the mother of the legendary King Conaire mother of the legendary King Conaire Mor, the subject of Mor, the subject of Da Derga’s Da Derga’s Hostel.Hostel.


PLACES MENTIONED IN THE PLACES MENTIONED IN THE TEXTTEXT

BRÚIG NA BÓINDEBRÚIG NA BÓINDE

BRÍ LEITHBRÍ LEITH

UISNEACH MÍDEUISNEACH MÍDE

TARA (TEMUIR)TARA (TEMUIR)

SÍD AR FEMUINSÍD AR FEMUIN

NEWGRANGENEWGRANGE

ARDAGH, CO. ARDAGH, CO. LONGFORDLONGFORD

HILL OF UISNEACHHILL OF UISNEACH

TARATARA

SLIABH FEMENSLIABH FEMEN


THEMES AND MOTIFS IN ÉTAÍNTHEMES AND MOTIFS IN ÉTAÍN

TimeTime• ‘‘Young the son who is conceived at dawn and Young the son who is conceived at dawn and

born before dusk’.born before dusk’.

• ‘‘It is in days and nights that the world passes’ It is in days and nights that the world passes’ (Samuin at Brú na Bóinde)(Samuin at Brú na Bóinde)

• 1012 years pass between the conception of 1012 years pass between the conception of Etain and her rebirth as Etain Echrade.Etain and her rebirth as Etain Echrade.

• ‘‘My arms around Etain’…Mider’s right to keep My arms around Etain’…Mider’s right to keep Etain for eternity.Etain for eternity.


MORE THEMESMORE THEMES::

Regeneration themeRegeneration theme (rival lovers and (rival lovers and return to original lover). See intro to return to original lover). See intro to book.book.

ShapeshiftingShapeshifting• Etain goes from pool of water to worm Etain goes from pool of water to worm

to fly; is also rebornto fly; is also reborn• Mider takes the form of Ailill AngubaeMider takes the form of Ailill Angubae• Mider and Etain escape in the form of Mider and Etain escape in the form of

swans from Echu Airemswans from Echu AiremEtain EchradeEtain Echrade 5555

MORE THEMESMORE THEMES Magical conception (rebirth of Etain)Magical conception (rebirth of Etain)

• Compare conception tale of Cú ChulaindCompare conception tale of Cú Chulaind Description of the Otherworld (Inis Fáil) p. 55Description of the Otherworld (Inis Fáil) p. 55

• Other descriptions in The Wasting Sickness of Cú ChulaindOther descriptions in The Wasting Sickness of Cú Chulaind

Tasks given to supplicantTasks given to supplicant• Dagdae clears large tracts of land (p 43)Dagdae clears large tracts of land (p 43)• Mider must clear Mide of stones, laying of the causeway of Móin Mider must clear Mide of stones, laying of the causeway of Móin

Lamrige (p 53)Lamrige (p 53)• Compare Welsh tale Culhwch and Olwen.Compare Welsh tale Culhwch and Olwen.

Wasting-sickness themeWasting-sickness theme


MORE THEMESMORE THEMES LEGAL MATTERSLEGAL MATTERS

• COMPENSATION (LOSS OF AN EYE)COMPENSATION (LOSS OF AN EYE) LAW ON INJURY (Bretha Dein Checht)LAW ON INJURY (Bretha Dein Checht)

• POLYGAMYPOLYGAMY Permitted, probably widespreadPermitted, probably widespread Grades of wife: cétmuinter; adaltrach/dormunGrades of wife: cétmuinter; adaltrach/dormun

• BRIDE-PRICE (COIBCHE)BRIDE-PRICE (COIBCHE)

• SELLING OF WIFESELLING OF WIFE

• GARANTEES/PLEDGES/SURETIESGARANTEES/PLEDGES/SURETIES

• INCEST AND DISPOSAL OF CHILDINCEST AND DISPOSAL OF CHILD


CONNECTIONSCONNECTIONS TTHE HE ETAINETAIN TALE LEADS NATURALLY TO TALE LEADS NATURALLY TO

THE FOLLOWING TALE FROM THE KINGS’ THE FOLLOWING TALE FROM THE KINGS’ CYCLE ABOUT THE ILL-FATED KING CYCLE ABOUT THE ILL-FATED KING CONARECONARE -DA DERGA’S HOSTEL -DA DERGA’S HOSTEL

THE DREAM OF OENGUSTHE DREAM OF OENGUS CAN ALSO BE CAN ALSO BE SEEN AS AN EPISODE IN THE YOUTH SEEN AS AN EPISODE IN THE YOUTH STORY OF OENGUS WHICH DEVELOPS STORY OF OENGUS WHICH DEVELOPS NATURALLY FROM THE FIRST SECTION OF NATURALLY FROM THE FIRST SECTION OF ETAIN.ETAIN.


Place-name lorePlace-name lore

Also known as Dindshenchas.Also known as Dindshenchas. Mainly 12th century traditions.Mainly 12th century traditions.


THEMES AND MOTIFS IN ÉTAÍNTHEMES AND MOTIFS IN ÉTAÍNAbductionAbduction

In a section devoted to Rath Essa, it isIn a section devoted to Rath Essa, it is

mentioned that mentioned that Étaín’sÉtaín’s daughter was daughter was

called Esa (mistakenly chosen by Echu).called Esa (mistakenly chosen by Echu).

In this section we are given the storyIn this section we are given the story

again of the abduction of again of the abduction of ÉtaínÉtaín by Mider by Mider

with less sympathy than we find in thewith less sympathy than we find in the

prose version.prose version.



The focus is not on the long term The focus is not on the long term

romantic relationship between Mider romantic relationship between Mider andand

Etain but rather on Mider as a raider Etain but rather on Mider as a raider fromfrom

the west of Ireland who abducts Etain,the west of Ireland who abducts Etain,

‘‘queen’ of Tara, wife of Echu.queen’ of Tara, wife of Echu.



In the section devoted to Rath Cruachan (theIn the section devoted to Rath Cruachan (the

home of Ailill and Medb) in Connacht, the storyhome of Ailill and Medb) in Connacht, the story

is reduced mainly to a tale of abduction, in is reduced mainly to a tale of abduction, in

which Midir is seen as the culprit, and Echu (orwhich Midir is seen as the culprit, and Echu (or

Eochaid) the victim.Eochaid) the victim.

Etain and her hand-maiden (Crochen) are seen Etain and her hand-maiden (Crochen) are seen

as booty seized by Echu’r enemy Midir.as booty seized by Echu’r enemy Midir.



The abduction of The abduction of ÉÉtataíín can be seen as a n can be seen as a threat to Tara and the high-king. The Tara threat to Tara and the high-king. The Tara king is a mortal, Mider a member of the king is a mortal, Mider a member of the Otherworld Otherworld sidhsidh..

Attacks on Tara by the Otherworld powers Attacks on Tara by the Otherworld powers are often alluded to in Early Irish are often alluded to in Early Irish Literature. One of the most famous being Literature. One of the most famous being the Fenian tale about the Otherworld the Fenian tale about the Otherworld character Aillén who on each Samhain eve character Aillén who on each Samhain eve burns down Tara until Fionn Mac Cumhaill burns down Tara until Fionn Mac Cumhaill defeats himdefeats him..



In the In the DindsheanchasDindsheanchas, , ÉÉtataíín is n is described as ‘the bright indolent described as ‘the bright indolent lady, whitely radiant whom he bore lady, whitely radiant whom he bore off by force from Fremainn’. Compare off by force from Fremainn’. Compare with descriptions of Rhiannon.with descriptions of Rhiannon.

Echu goes then to attack Bri Leith at Echu goes then to attack Bri Leith at the instigation of his druid, to find his the instigation of his druid, to find his wife and to take her back ‘with her wife and to take her back ‘with her consent or by force’.consent or by force’.



This can be compared to the This can be compared to the abduction tales associated with abduction tales associated with Gwenhwyfar (Guinevere, the wife of Gwenhwyfar (Guinevere, the wife of Arthur). Earlier versions of this Celtic Arthur). Earlier versions of this Celtic British tale also have otherworld British tale also have otherworld abductors, but later medieval tales abductors, but later medieval tales (post 12th century) tend to make the (post 12th century) tend to make the abductor a mortal, and claimant to abductor a mortal, and claimant to the throne.the throne.


THEMES AND MOTIFS IN ÉTAÍNTHEMES AND MOTIFS IN ÉTAÍNIncestIncest

The final episode in the The final episode in the ÉÉtataíín myth n myth concerns the incestuous relationship concerns the incestuous relationship between a father and his daughter between a father and his daughter unbeknownst to the father.unbeknownst to the father.

In this myth, the child is disposed of In this myth, the child is disposed of in the most crude way, thrown to the in the most crude way, thrown to the animals.animals.

In Irish law of the 7-8In Irish law of the 7-8thth century, century, mention is made of incest:mention is made of incest:


THEMES AND MOTIFS IN ÉTAÍNTHEMES AND MOTIFS IN ÉTAÍNIncestIncest

The single mention of such The single mention of such occurances indicates that one occurances indicates that one reaction was to place the new-born reaction was to place the new-born child of such relationships in a child of such relationships in a leather ‘shrine’ which was put to sea leather ‘shrine’ which was put to sea ‘as far as a white shield is visible’.‘as far as a white shield is visible’.

If the child washed ashore, his life is If the child washed ashore, his life is spared, but he is reared to be a spared, but he is reared to be a servant to his kin.servant to his kin.


THEMES AND MOTIFS IN ÉTAÍNTHEMES AND MOTIFS IN ÉTAÍNSovereigntySovereignty

Another way of viewing the basic Another way of viewing the basic ÉÉtataíínn

tale is to consider tale is to consider ÉÉtataíín as a sovereignty n as a sovereignty

goddess in origin who the high-king goddess in origin who the high-king

ritually marries (in this case Echu).ritually marries (in this case Echu).

Tales of her abduction then become tales Tales of her abduction then become tales

about the competition for the high-about the competition for the high-

kingship.kingship.


The Character ÉtaínThe Character Étaín

Unlike many of the major women of Unlike many of the major women of early Celtic literature in Ireland and early Celtic literature in Ireland and Wales, Wales, ÉÉtataíín does not seem to take n does not seem to take things into her own hands as do things into her own hands as do Medb, Rhiannon and Macha.Medb, Rhiannon and Macha.



The suggestions in the rider’s verses The suggestions in the rider’s verses (it is of course Mider who speaks) are (it is of course Mider who speaks) are tantalizing.tantalizing.

We are told she healed a king’s eye We are told she healed a king’s eye (but the only eye was that of Mider (but the only eye was that of Mider himself) so himself) so Étaín as a healerÉtaín as a healer



She is also fated to cause the death She is also fated to cause the death of the king’s two horses in the lake of the king’s two horses in the lake (Loch Da Airbech)(Loch Da Airbech)

Worse still she is fated to be the Worse still she is fated to be the cause of fighting against Echu (the cause of fighting against Echu (the high-king).high-king).

She was once called Be Find.She was once called Be Find.



Her comments to Echu display a Her comments to Echu display a different character.different character.

Unlike her persona in Unlike her persona in The Wooing of The Wooing of ÉÉtataíínn, she is more in control of her , she is more in control of her fate. She states that she loves the fate. She states that she loves the king: king: It is you I wish to have.It is you I wish to have.

In this version Echu Feidlech seems In this version Echu Feidlech seems to die soon after.to die soon after.



The verse pronounced by the ‘rider’ who The verse pronounced by the ‘rider’ who approaches Etain and her entourage (in approaches Etain and her entourage (in Ulster) seem to imply that other episodes Ulster) seem to imply that other episodes existed in the myth which our redactor has existed in the myth which our redactor has chosen to ignore.chosen to ignore.

Such verse sections in early myth and Such verse sections in early myth and saga were frequently of more archaic saga were frequently of more archaic origin and least likely to be remoulded for origin and least likely to be remoulded for new audiences.new audiences.


Étaín tochmarc etaine manuscript sources: lebor na huidre: book of the dun cow (royal irish...

Documents

tan etain echrade8 slide

etain echrade3 slide

etain echrade4 slide

etain echrade7 slide

etain echrade5 slide

etain echrade2 slide

etain echrade6 slide

tan descriptions of