# Gods and Fighting Men
# Cover
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# Part I Book I
# Fight with the Firbolgs
It was in a mist the Tuatha de Danaan, the people of the gods of Dana, or as some called them, the Men of Dea, came through the air and the high air to Ireland.
It was from the north they came; and in the place they came from they had four cities, where they fought their battle for learning: great Falias, and shining Gorias, and Finias, and rich Murias that lay to the south. And in those cities they had four wise men to teach their young men skill and knowledge and perfect wisdom: Senias in Murias; and Arias, the fair-haired poet, in Finias; and Urias of the noble nature in Gorias; and Morias in Falias itself. And they brought from those four cities their four treasures: a Stone of Virtue from Falias, that was called the Lia Fail, the Stone of Destiny; and from Gorias they brought a Sword; and from Finias a Spear of Victory; and from Murias the fourth treasure, the Cauldron that no company ever went away from unsatisfied.
It was Nuada was king of the Tuatha de Danaan at that time, but Manannan, son of Lir, was greater again. And of the others that were chief among them were Ogma, brother to the king, that taught them writing, and Diancecht, that understood healing, and Neit, a god of battle, and Credenus the Craftsman, and Goibniu the Smith. And the greatest among their women were Badb, a battle goddess; and Macha, whose mast-feeding was the heads of men killed in battle; and the Morrigu, the Crow of Battle; and Eire and Podia and Banba, daughters of the Dagda, that all three gave their names to Ireland afterwards; and Eadon, the nurse of poets; and Brigit, that was a woman of poetry, and poets worshipped her, for her sway was very great and very noble. And she was a woman of healing along with that, and a woman of smith's work, and it was she first made the whistle for calling one to another through the night. And' the one side of her face was ugly, but the other side was very comely. And the meaning of her name was Breo-saighit, a fiery arrow. And among the other women there were many shadow-forms and great queens; but Dana, that was called the Mother of the Gods, was beyond them all.
And the three things they put above all others were the plough and the sun and the hazel-tree, so that it was said in the time to come that Ireland was divided between those three, Coil the hazels, and Cecht the plough, and Grian the sun. And they had a well below the sea where the nine hazels of wisdom were growing; that is, the hazels of inspiration and of the knowledge of poetry. And their leaves and their blossoms would break out in the same hour, and would fall on the well in a shower that raised a purple wave. And then the five salmon that were waiting there would eat the nuts, and their colour would come out in the red spots of their skin, and any person that would eat one of those salmon would know all wisdom and all poetry. And there were seven streams of wisdom that sprang from that well and turned back to it again; and the people of many arts have all drank from that well.
It was on the first day of Beltaine, that is called now May Day, the \[\[Tuatha de Danaan\]\] came, and it was to the north-west of Connacht they landed. But the Firbolgs, the Men of the Bag, that were in Ireland before them, and that had come from the South, saw nothing but a mist, and it lying on the hills. Eochaid, son of Erc, was king of the Firbolgs at that time, and messengers came to him at Teamhair, and told him there was a new race of people come into Ireland, but whether from the earth or the skies or on the wind was not known, and that they had settled themselves at Magh Rein. They thought there would be wonder on Eochaid when he heard that news; but there was no wonder on him, for a dream had come to him in the night, and when he asked his Druids the meaning of the dream, it is what they said, that it would not be long till there would be a strong enemy coming against him. Then King Eochaid took counsel with his chief advisers, and it is what they agreed, to send a good champion of their own to see the strangers and to speak with them. So they chose out Sreng, that was a great fighting man, and he rose up and took his strong red-brown shield, and his two thick-handled spears, and his sword, and he set out from Teamhair, and went on towards the place the. strangers were, at Magh Rein. But before he reached it, the watchers of the Tuatha de Danaan got sight of him, and they sent out one of their own champions, Bres, with his shield and his sword and his two spears, to meet him and to talk with him. So the two champions went one towards the other slowly, and keeping a good watch on one another, and wondering at one another's arms, till they came near enough for talking; and then they stopped, and each put his shield before his body and struck it hard into the ground, and they looked at one another over the rim. Bres was the first to speak, and when Sreng heard it was Irish he was talking, his own tongue, he was less uneasy, and they drew nearer, and asked questions as to one another's family and race. And after a while they put their shields away, and it was what Sreng said, that he had raised his in dread of the thin, sharp spears Bres had in his hand. And Bres said he himself was in dread of the thick-handled spears he saw with Sreng, and he asked were all the aims of the Firbolgs of the same sort. And Sreng took off the tyings of his spears to show them better, and Bres wondered at them, being so strong and so heavy, and so sharp at the sides though they had no points. And Sreng told him the name of those spears was Craisech, and that they would break through shields and crush flesh and bones, so that their thrust was death or wounds that never healed. And then he looked at the sharp, thin, hard-pointed spears that were with Bres. And in the end they made an exchange of spears, the way the fighters on each side would see the weapons the others were used to. And it is the message Bres sent to the Firbolgs, that if they would give up one half of Ireland, his people would be content to take it in peace; but if they would not give up that much, there should be a battle. And he and Sreng said to one another that whatever might happen in the future, they themselves would be friends.
Sreng went back then to Teamhair and gave the message and showed the spear; and it is what he advised his people, to share the country and not to go into battle with a people that had weapons so much better than their own. But Eochaid and his chief men consulted together, and they said in the end: "We will not give up the half of the country to these strangers; for if we do," they said, "they will soon take the whole." Now as to the Men of Dea, when Bres went back to them, and showed them the heavy spear, and told them of the strong, fierce man he had got it from, and how sturdy he was and well armed, they thought it likely there would soon be a battle. And they went back from where they were to a better place, farther west in Connacht, and there they settled themselves, and made walls and ditches on the plain of Magh Nia, where they had the great mountain, Belgata, in their rear. And while they were moving there and Putting up their walls, three queens of them, Badb and Macha and the Morrigu, went to Teamhair where the Firbolgs were making their plans. And by the power of their enchantments they brought mists and clouds of darkness over the whole place, and they sent showers of fire and of blood over the people, the way they could not see or speak with one another through the length of three days. But at the end of that time, the three Druids of the Firbolgs, Cesarn and Gnathach and Ingnathach, broke the enchantment. The Firbolgs gathered their men together then, and they came with their eleven battalions and took their stand at the eastern end of the plain of \[\[Magh Nia\]\]. And Nuada, king of the Men of Dea, sent his poets to make the same offer he made before, to be content with the half of the country if it was given up to him. King Eochaid bade the poets to ask an answer of his chief men that were gathered there; and when they heard the offer they would not consent. So the messengers asked them when would they begin the battle. "We must have a delay," they said; "for we want time to put our spears and our armour in order, and to brighten our helmets and to sharpen our swords, and to have spears made like the ones you have. And as to yourselves," they said, "you will be wanting to have spears like our Craisechs made for you." So they agreed then to make a delay of a quarter of a year for preparation. It was on a Midsummer day they began the battle. Three times nine hurlers of the Tuatha de Danaan went out against three times nine hurlers of the Firbolgs, and they were beaten, and every one of them was killed. And the king, Eochaid, sent a messenger to ask would they have the battle every day or every second day. And it is what Nuada answered that they would have it every day, but there should be just the same number of men fighting on each side. Eochaid agreed to that, but he was not well pleased, for there were more men of the Firbolgs than of the Men of Dea. So the battle went on for four days, and there were great feats done on each side, and a great many champions came to their death. But for those that were alive at evening, the physicians on each side used to make a bath of healing, with every sort of healing plant or herb in it, the way they would be strong and sound for the next day's fight.
And on the fourth day the Men of Dea got the upper hand, and the Firbolgs were driven back. And a great thirst came on Eochaid, their king, in the battle, and he went off the field looking for a drink, and three fifties of his men protecting him; but three fifties of the Tuatha de Danaan followed after them till they came to the strand that is called Traigh Eothaile, and they had a fierce fight there, and at the last King Eochaid fell, and they buried him there, and they raised a great heap of stones over his grave.
And when there were but three hundred men left of the eleven battalions of the Firbolgs, and Sreng at the head of them, Nuada offered them peace, and their choice among the five provinces of Ireland. And Sreng said they would take Connacht; and he and his people lived there and their children after them. It is of them Ferdiad came afterwards that made such a good fight against Cuchulain, and Erc, son Of Cairbre, that gave him his death. And that battle, that was the first fought in Ireland by the Men of Dea, was called by some the first battle of Magh Tuireadh.
And the Tuatha de Danaan took possession of Teamhair, that was sometimes called Druim Cain, the Beautiful Ridge, and Liathdruim, the Grey Ridge, and Druim na Descan, the Ridge of the Outlook, all those names were given to Teamhair. And from that time it was above all other places, for its king was the High King over all Ireland. The king's rath lay to the north, and the Hill of the Hostages to the north-east of the High Seat, and the Green of Teamhair to the west of the Hill of the Hostages. And to the northeast, in the Hill of the Sidhe, was a well called Nemnach, and out of it there flowed a stream called Nith, and on that stream the first mill was built in Ireland. And to the north of the Hill of the Hostages was the stone, the Lia Fail, and it used to roar under the feet of every king that would take possession of Ireland. And the Wall of the Three Whispers was near the House of the Women that had seven doors to the east, and seven doors to the west; and it is in that house the feasts of Teamhair used to be held. And there was the Great House of a Thousand Soldiers, and near it, to the south, the little Hill of the Woman Soldiers.
# Reign of Bres
But if Nuada won the battle, he lost his own arm in it, that was struck off by Sreng; and by that loss there came troubles and vexation on his people. For it was a law with the Tuatha de Danaan that no man that was not perfect in shape should be king. And after Nuada had lost the battle he was put out of the kingship on that account.
And the king they chose in his place was Bres, that was the most beautiful of all their young men, so that if a person wanted to praise any beautiful thing, whether it was a plain, or a dun, or ale, or a flame, or a woman, or a man, or a horse, it is what he would say, "It is as beautiful as Bres." And he was the son of a woman of the Tuatha de Danaan, but who his father was no one knew but herself.
But in spite of Bres being so beautiful, his reign brought no great good luck to his people; for the Fomor, whose dwelling-place was beyond the sea, or as some say below the sea westward, began putting tribute on them, the way they would get them under their own rule.
It was a long time before that the Fomor came first to Ireland; dreadful they were to look at, and maimed, having but one foot or one hand, and they under the leadership of a giant and his mother. There never came to Ireland an army more horrible or more dreadful than that army of the Fomor. And they were friendly with the Firbolgs and content to leave Ireland to them, but there was jealousy between them and the Men of Dea.
And it was a hard tax they put on them, a third part of their corn they asked, and a third part of their milk, and a third part of their children, so that there was not smoke rising from a roof in Ireland but was under tribute to them. And Bres made no stand against them, but let them get their way.
And as to Bres himself, he put a tax on every house in Ireland of the milk of the hornless dun cows, or of the milk of cows of some other single colour, enough for a hundred men. And one time to deceive him, Nechtan singed all the cows of Ireland in a fire of fern, and then he smeared them with the ashes of flax seed, the way they were all dark brown. He did that by the advice of the Druid Findgoll, son of Findemas. And another time they made three hundred cows of wood with dark brown pails in place of udders, and the pails were filled with black bog stuff. Then Bres came to look at the cows, and see them milked before him, and \[\[Cian\], father of Lugh, was there. And when they were milked it was the bog stuff that was squeezed out; and Bres took a drink of it thinking it to be milk, and he was not the better of it for a long time.
And there was another thing against Bres; he was no way open handed, and the chief men of the Tuatha de Danaan grumbled against him, for their knives were never greased in his house, and however often they might visit him there was no smell of ale on their breath. And there was no sort of pleasure or merriment in his house, and no call for their poets, or singers, or harpers, or pipers, or horn-blowers, or jugglers, or fools. And as to the trials of strength they were used to see between their champions, the only use their strength was put to now was to be doing work for the king. Ogma himself, the shining poet, was under orders to bring firing to the palace every day for the whole army from the Islands of Mod; and he so weak for want of food that the sea would sweep away two-thirds of his bundle every day. And as to the Dagda, he was put to build raths, for he was a good builder, and he made a trench round Kath Brese. And he used often to be tired at the work, and one time, he nearly gave in altogether for want of food, and this is the way that happened. He used to meet in the house an idle blind man, Cridenbel his name was, that had a sharp tongue, and that coveted the Dagda's share of food, for he thought his own to be small beside it. So he said to him: "For the sake of your good name let the three best bits of your share be given to me." And the Dagda gave in to that every night; but he was the worse of it, for what the blind man called a bit would be the size of a good pig, and with his three bits he would take a full third of the whole.
But one day, as the Dagda was in the trench, he saw his son, Angus Og, coming to him. "That is a good meeting," said Angus; "but what is on you, for you have no good appearance today?" "There is a reason for that," said the Dagda, "for every evening, Cridenbel, the blind man, makes a demand for the three best bits of my share of food, and takes them from me." "I will give you an advice," said Angus. He put his hand in his bag then, and took out three pieces of gold and gave them to him.
"Put these pieces of gold into the three bits you will give this evening to Cridenbel," he said "and they will be the best bits in the dish, and the gold will turn within him the way he will die."
So that in the evening the Dagda did that; and no sooner had Cridenbel swallowed down the gold than he died. Some of the people said then to the king: "The Dagda has killed Cridenbel, giving him some deadly herb." The king believed that, and there was anger on him against the Dagda, and he gave orders he should be put to death. But the Dagda said: "You are not giving the right judgment of a prince." And he told all that had happened, and how Cridenbel used to say, "Give me the three best bits before you, for my own share is not good tonight." "And on this night," he said, "the three pieces of gold were the best things before me, and I gave them to him, and he died." The king gave orders then to have the body cut open. And they found the gold inside it, and they knew it was the truth the Dagda had told.
And Angus came to him again the next day, and he said: "Your work will soon be done, and when you are given your wages, take nothing they may offer you till the cattle of Ireland are brought before you and choose out a heifer then, black and black-maned, that I will tell you the signs of."
So when the Dagda had brought his work to an end, and they asked him what reward he wanted, he did as Angus had bidden him. And that seemed folly to Bres; he thought the Dagda would asked more than a heifer of him. There came a day at last when a poet came to look for hospitality at the king's house, Corpre, son of Etain, poet of the Tuatha de Danaan. And it is how he was treated, he was put in a little dark narrow house where there was no fire, or furniture, or bed; and a feast three small cakes, and they dry, were brought to him on little dish. When he rose up on the morrow he was no way thankful, and as he was going across the green, it is what he said: "With food ready on a dish; without milk enough for a calf to grow without shelter, without light in the darkness of night; with enough to pay a story-teller; may that be the prosperity of Bres."
And from that day there was no good luck with Bres, but it is going down he was for ever after. And that was the first satire ever made in Ireland. Now as to Nuada after his arm being struck off, he was in his sickness for a while, and then Diancecht, the healer, made an arm of silver for him, with movement in every finger of it, and put it on him. And from that he was called Nuada Argat-lamh, of the Silver Hand, for ever after.
Now Miach, son of Diancecht, was a better hand at healing than his father, and had done many things. He met a young man, having but one eye, at Teamhair one time, and the young man said: "If you are a good physician, you will put an eye in the place of the eye I lost." "I could put the eye of that cat in your lap in its place," said Miach. "I would like that well," said the young man. So Miach put the cat's eye in his head; but he would as soon have been without it after, for when he wanted to sleep and take his rest, it is then the eye would start at the squeaking of the mice or the flight of the birds, or the movement of the rushes; and when he was wanting to watch an army or a gathering, it is then it was sure to be in deep sleep.
And Miach was not satisfied with what his father had done to the king, and he took Nuada's own hand that had been struck off, and, brought it to him and set it in its place, and he said: "Joint to joint, and sinew to sinew." Three days and three nights he was with the king; the first day he put his hand against his side, and the second day against his breast, till it was covered with skin, and the third day he put bulrushes that were blackened in the fire on it, and at the end of that time the king was healed.
But Diancecht was vexed when he saw his son doing a better cure, than himself, and he threw his sword at his head, that it cut the flesh, but the lad healed the wound by means of his skill. Then Diancecht threw it a second time, that it reached the bone, but the lad was able to cure the wound. Then he struck him the third time and The fourth, till he cut out the brain, for he knew no physician could cure him after that blow; and Miach died, and he buried him. And herbs grew up from his grave, to the number of his joints and sinews three hundred and sixty-five. And Airmed, his sister, came up and spread out her cloak and laid out the herbs in it, according to their virtue. But Diancecht saw her doing that, and he came and mixed up the herbs, so that no one knows all their right powers to this day.
Then when the Tuatha de Danaan saw Nuada as well as he was before, they gathered together to Teamhair, where Bres was, and they bade him to give up the kingship, for he had held it long enough. So he had to give it up, though he was not very willing, and Nuada was put back in the kingship again.
There was great vexation on Bres then, and he searched his mind to know how could he be avenged on those that had put him out, and how he could gather an army against them; and he went to his mother, Eri, daughter of Delbaith, and bade her tell him what his race was.
"I know that well," she said; and she told him then that his father was a king of the Fomor, Elathan, son of Dalbaech, and that he came to her one time over a level sea in some great vessel that seemed to be of silver, but she could not see its shape, and he himself having the appearance of a young man with yellow hair, and his clothes sewed with gold, and five rings of gold about his neck. And she that had refused the love of all the young men of her own people, gave him her love, and she cried when he left her. And he gave her a ring from his hand, and bade her give it only to the man whose finger it would fit, and he went away then the same way as he had come.
And she brought out the ring then to Bres, and he put it round his middle finger, and it fitted him well. And they went then together to the hill where she was the time she saw the silver vessel coming, and down to the strand, and she and Bres and his people set out for the country of the Fomor. And when they came to that country they found a great plain with many gatherings of people on it, and they went to the gathering that looked the best, and the people asked where did they come from, and they said they were come from Ireland. "Have you hounds with you?" they asked them then, for it was the custom at that tune, when strangers came to a gathering to give them some friendly challenge. "We have hounds," said Bres. So the hounds were matched against one another, and the hounds of the Tuatha de Danaan were better than the hounds of the Fomor. "Have you horses for a race?" they asked then. "We have," said Bres. And the horses of the Tuatha de Danaan beat the horses of the Fomor.
Then they asked was any one among them a good hand with the sword, and they said Bres was the best. But when he put his hand to his sword, Elathan, his father, that was among them, knew the ring, and he asked who was this young man. Then his mother answered him and told the whole story, and that Bres was his own son.
There was sorrow on his father then, and he said: "What was it drove you out of the country you were king over?" And Bres said: "Nothing drove me out but my own injustice and my own hardness; I took away their treasures from the people, and their jewels, and their food itself. And there were never taxes put on them before I was their king."
"That is bad," said his father; "it is of their prosperity you had a right to think more than of your own kingship. And their good-will would be better than their curses," he said; "and what is it you are come to look for here?" "I am come to look for fighting men," said Bres, "that I may take Ireland by force." "You have no right to get it by injustice when you could not keep it by justice," said his father. "What advice have you for me then?" said Bres.
And Elathan bade him go to the chief king of the Fomor, Balor of the Evil Eye, to see what advice and what help would he give him.
# Part I Book II
# The Coming of Lugh
Now as to [Nuada of the Silver Hand](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Nuada "Nuada"), he was holding a great feast at [Teamhair](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Teamhair "Teamhair") one time, after he was back in the kingship. And there were two door-keepers at [Teamhair](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Teamhair "Teamhair"), [Gamal](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Gamal "Gamal"), son of [Figal](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Figal "Figal"), and [Camel](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Camel "Camel"), son of [Riagall](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Riagall "Riagall"). And a young man came to the door where one of them was, and bade him bring him in to the [ king](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Nuada "Nuada"). "Who are you yourself?" said the door-keeper. I am [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh"), son of [Cian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Cian "Cian") of the [Tuatha de Danaan](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Tuatha_de_Danaan "Tuatha de Danaan"), and of [Ethlinn](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Ethlinn "Ethlinn"), daughter of [Balor](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Balor "Balor"), King of the [Fomor](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Fomor "Fomor")," he said; "and I am foster-son of [Taillte](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Taillte "Taillte"), daughter of the King of the Great Plain, and of [Echaid](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Echaid "Echaid") the Rough, son of [Duach](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Duach "Duach")." "What are you skilled in?" said the door- keeper; "for no one without an art comes into [Teamhair](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Teamhair "Teamhair")." "Question me," said [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh"); "I am a carpenter." "We do not want you; we have a carpenter ourselves, [Luchtar](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Luchtar "Luchtar"), son of [Luachaid](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Luachaid "Luachaid")." "Then I am a smith" "We have a smith ourselves, [Colum Cuaillemech](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Colum_Cuaillemech "Colum Cuaillemech") of the Three New Ways." "Then I am a champion." "That is no use to us; we have a champion before, [Ogma](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Ogma "Ogma"), brother to the [ king](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Nuada "Nuada")." "Question me again," he said; "I am a harper." "That is no use to us; we have a harper ourselves, [Abhean](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Abhean "Abhean"), son of [Bicelmos](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Bicelmos "Bicelmos"), that the Men of the Three Gods brought from the bills." "I am a poet," he said then, "and a teller of tales." "That is no use to us; we have a teller of tales ourselves, [Erc](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Erc "Erc"), son of [Ethaman](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Ethaman "Ethaman")." "And I am a magician." "That is no use to us; we have plenty of magicians and people of power." "I am a physician," he said. "That is no use; we have [Diancecht](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Diancecht "Diancecht") for our physician." "Let me be a cup-bearer," he said. "We do not want you; we have nine cup-bearers ourselves." "I am a good worker in brass". "We have a worker in brass ourselves, that is [Credne Cerd](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Credne_Cerd "Credne Cerd")."
Then [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh") said: "Go and ask the [ king](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Nuada "Nuada") if he has anyone man that can do all these things, and if he has, I will not ask to come into [Teamhair](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Teamhair "Teamhair")." The door- keeper went into the [ king's](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Nuada "Nuada") house then and told him all that. "There is a young man at the door," he said, "and his name should be the [Ildánach](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Ild%C3%A1nach "Ildánach"), the Master of all Arts, for all the things the people of your house can do, he himself is able to do every one of them." "Try him with the chess-boards," said [Nuada](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Nuada "Nuada"). So the chess-boards were brought out, and every game that was played, [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh") won it. And when [Nuada](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Nuada "Nuada") was told that, he said: "Let him in, for the like of him never came into [Teamhair](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Teamhair "Teamhair") before."
Then the door-keeper let him pass, and he came into the [ king's](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Nuada "Nuada") house and sat down in the seat of knowledge. And there was a great flag-stone there that could hardly be moved by four times twenty yoke of oxen, and [Ogma](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Ogma "Ogma") took it up and hurled it out through the house so that it lay on the outside of [Teamhair](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Teamhair "Teamhair"), as a challenge to [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh"). But [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh") hurled it back again that it lay in the middle of the [ king's](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Nuada "Nuada") house. He played the harp for them then, and he had them laughing and crying, till he put them asleep at the end with a sleepy tune. And when [Nuada](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Nuada "Nuada") saw all these things [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh") could do, he began to think that by his help the country might get free of the taxes and the tyranny put on it by the [Fomor](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Fomor "Fomor"). And it is what he did, he came down from his throne, and he put [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh") on it in his place, for the length of thirteen days, the way they might all listen to the advice he would give.
This now is the story of the birth of [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh"). The time the [Fomor](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Fomor "Fomor") used to be coming to Ireland, [ Balor of the Strong Blows](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Balor "Balor"), or, as some called him, [ of the Evil Eye](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Balor "Balor"), was living on the Island of the Tower of Glass. There was danger for ships that went near that island, for the [Fomor](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Fomor "Fomor") would come out and take them. And some say the sons of [Nemed](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Nemed "Nemed") in the old time, before the [Firbolgs](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Firbolgs "Firbolgs") were in Ireland, passed near it in their ships, and what they saw was a tower of glass in the middle of the sea, and on the tower something that had the appearance of men, and they went against it with [ Druid](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Druiden "Druiden") spells to attack it. And the [Fomor](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Fomor "Fomor") worked against them with [ Druid](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Druiden "Druiden") spells of their own; and the Sons of [Nemed](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Nemed "Nemed") attacked the tower, and it vanished, and they thought it was destroyed. But a great wave rose over them then, and all their ships went down and all that were in them.
And the tower was there as it was before, and [Balor](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Balor "Balor") living in it. And it is the reason he was called "[ of the Evil Eye](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Balor "Balor")," there was a power of death in one of his eyes, so that no person could look at it and live. It is the way it got that power, he was passing one time by a house where his father's [ Druids](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Druiden "Druiden") were making spells of death, and the window being open he looked in, and the smoke of the poisonous spells was rising up, and it went into his eye. And from that time he had to keep it closed unless he wanted to be the death of some enemy, and then the men that were with him would lift the eyelid with a ring of ivory. Now a [ Druid](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Druiden "Druiden") foretold one time that it was by his own grandson he would get his death. And he had at that time but one child, a daughter whose name was [Ethlinn](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Ethlinn "Ethlinn"); and when he heard what the [ Druid](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Druiden "Druiden") said, he shut her up in the tower on the island. And he put twelve women with her to take charge of her and to guard her, and he bade them never to let her see a man or hear the name of a man.
So [Ethlinn](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Ethlinn "Ethlinn") was brought up in the tower, and she grew to be very beautiful; and sometimes she would see men passing in the [currachs](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Currachs "Currachs"), and sometimes she would see a man in her dreams. But when she would speak of that to the women, they would give her no answer.
So there was no fear on [Balor](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Balor "Balor"), and be went on with war and robbery as he was used, seizing every ship that passed by, and sometimes going over to Ireland to do destruction there.
Now it chanced at that time there were three brothers of the [Tuatha de Danaan](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Tuatha_de_Danaan "Tuatha de Danaan") living together in a place that was called [Druim na Teine](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Druim_na_Teine "Druim na Teine"), the Ridge of the Fire, [Goibniu](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Goibniu "Goibniu") and [Samthainn](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Samthainn "Samthainn") and [Cian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Cian "Cian"). [Cian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Cian "Cian") was a lord of land, and [Goibniu](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Goibniu "Goibniu") was the smith that had such a great name. Now [Cian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Cian "Cian") had a wonderful cow, the [Glas Gaibhnenn](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Glas_Gaibhnenn "Glas Gaibhnenn"), and her milk never failed. And every one that heard of her coveted her, and many had tried to steal her away, so that she had to be watched night and day.
And one time [Cian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Cian "Cian") was wanting some swords made, and he went to [ Goibniu's](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Goibniu "Goibniu") forge, and he brought the [Glas Gaibhnenn](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Glas_Gaibhnenn "Glas Gaibhnenn") with him, holding her by a halter. When he came to the forge his two brothers were there together, for [Samthainn](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Samthainn "Samthainn") had brought some steel to have weapons made for himself; and [Cian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Cian "Cian") bade [Samthainn](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Samthainn "Samthainn") to hold the halter while he went into the forge to speak with [Goibniu](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Goibniu "Goibniu").
Now [Balor](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Balor "Balor") bad set his mind for a long time on the [Glas Gaibhnenn](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Glas_Gaibhnenn "Glas Gaibhnenn"), but he had never been able to get near her up to this time. And he was watching not far off, and when he saw [Samthainn](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Samthainn "Samthainn") holding the cow, he put on the appearance of a little boy, having red hair, and came up to him and told him he heard his two brothers that were in the forge saying to one another that they would use all his steel for their own swords, and make his of iron. "By my word," said [Samthainn](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Samthainn "Samthainn"), "they will not deceive me so easily. Let you hold the cow, little lad," he said, "and I will go in to them." With that he rushed into the forge, and great anger on him. And no sooner did [Balor](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Balor "Balor") get the halter in his hand than he set out, dragging the [ Glas](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Glas_Gaibhnenn "Glas Gaibhnenn") along with him, to the strand, and across the sea to his own island.
When [Cian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Cian "Cian") saw his brother coming in he rushed out, and there he saw [Balor](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Balor "Balor") and the [ Glas](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Glas_Gaibhnenn "Glas Gaibhnenn") out in the sea. And he had nothing to do then but to reproach his brother, and to wander about as if his wits had left him, not knowing what way to get his cow back from [Balor](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Balor "Balor"). At last he went to a [ Druid](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Druiden "Druiden") to ask an advice from him; and it is what the [ Druid](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Druiden "Druiden") told him, that so long as [Balor](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Balor "Balor") lived, the cow would never be brought back, for no one would go within reach of his Evil Eye. [Cian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Cian "Cian") went then to a [ woman-Druid](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Druidinnen "Druidinnen"), [ Birog of the Mountain](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Birog "Birog"), for her help. And she dressed him in a woman's clothes, and brought him across the sea in a blast of wind, to the tower where [Ethlinn](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Ethlinn "Ethlinn") was. Then she called to the women in the tower, and asked them for shelter for a high queen she was after saving from some hardship, and the women in the tower did not like to refuse a woman of the [Tuatha de Danaan](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Tuatha_de_Danaan "Tuatha de Danaan"), and they let her and her comrade in. Then [Birog](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Birog "Birog") by her enchantments put them all into a deep sleep, and [Cian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Cian "Cian") went to speak with [Ethlinn](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Ethlinn "Ethlinn"). And when she saw him she said that was the face she had seen in her dreams. So she gave him her love; but after a while he was brought away again on a blast of wind.
And when her time came, [Ethlinn](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Ethlinn "Ethlinn") gave birth to a son. And when [Balor](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Balor "Balor") knew that, he bade his people put the child in a cloth and fasten it with a pin, and throw him into a current of the sea. And as they were carrying the child across an arm of the sea, the pin dropped out, and the child slipped from the cloth into the water, and they thought he was drowned. But he was brought away by [ of the Mountain](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Birog "Birog"), and she brought him to his father [Cian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Cian "Cian"); and he gave him to be fostered by [Taillte](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Taillte "Taillte"), daughter of the King of the Great Plain. It is thus [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh") was born and reared.
And some say [Balor](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Balor "Balor") came and struck the head off [Cian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Cian "Cian") on a white stone, that has the blood marks on it to this day; but it is likely it was some other man he struck the head off, for it was by the sons of [Tuireann](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Tuireann "Tuireann") that [Cian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Cian "Cian") came to his death.
And after [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh") had come to [Teamhair](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Teamhair "Teamhair"), and made his mind up to join with his father's people against the [Fomor](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Fomor "Fomor"), he put his mind to the work; and he went to a quiet place in [Grellach Dollaid](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Grellach_Dollaid "Grellach Dollaid"), with [Nuada](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Nuada "Nuada") and the [Dagda](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Dagda "Dagda"), and with [Ogma](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Ogma "Ogma"); and [Goibniu](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Goibniu "Goibniu") and [Diancecht](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Diancecht "Diancecht") were called to them there. A full year they stopped there, making their plans together in secret, the way the [Fomor](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Fomor "Fomor") would not know they were going to rise against them till such time as all would be ready, and till they would know what their strength was. And it is from that council the place got the name afterwards of "The Whisper of the Men of Dea". And they broke up the council, and agreed to meet again that day three years, and everyone of them went his own way, and [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh") went back to his own friends, the sons of [Manannan](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Manannan "Manannan").
And it was a good while after that, [Nuada](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Nuada "Nuada") was holding a great assembly of the people on the Hill of [Uisnech](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Uisnech "Uisnech"), on the west side of [Teamhair](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Teamhair "Teamhair"). And they were not long there before they saw an armed troop coming towards them from the east, over the plain; and there was a young man in front of the troop, in command over the rest, and the brightness of his face was like the setting sun, so that they were not able to look at him because of its brightness. And when he came nearer they knew it was [ Lugh Lamh-Fada](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh"), of the Long Hand, that had come back to them, and along with him were the Riders of the [Sidhe](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Sidhe "Sidhe") from the Land of Promise, and his own foster-brothers, the sons of [Manannan](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Manannan "Manannan"), [Sgoith Gleigeil](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Sgoith_Gleigeil "Sgoith Gleigeil"), the White Flower, and [Goitne Gorm-Shuileach](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Goitne_Gorm-Shuileach "Goitne Gorm-Shuileach"), the Blue-eyed Spear, and [Sine Sindearg](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Sine_Sindearg "Sine Sindearg"), of the Red Ring, and [Donall Donn-Ruadh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Donall_Donn-Ruadh "Donall Donn-Ruadh"), of the Red- brown Hair. And it is the way [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh") was, he had [ Manannan's](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Manannan "Manannan") horse, the [Aonbharr](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Aonbharr "Aonbharr"), of the [One Mane](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=One_Mane "One Mane"), under him, that was as swift as the naked cold wind of spring, and the sea was the same as dry land to her, and the rider was never killed off her back. And he had [ Manannan's](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Manannan "Manannan") breast-plate on him, that kept whoever was wearing it from wounds, and a helmet on his head with two beautiful precious stones set in the front of it and one at the back, and when he took it off, his forehead was like the sun on a dry summer day. And he had [ Manannan's](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Manannan "Manannan") sword, the [Freagarthach](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Freagarthach "Freagarthach"), [ the Answerer](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Freagarthach "Freagarthach"), at his side, and no one that was wounded by it would ever get away alive; and when that sword was bared in a battle, no man that saw it coming against him had any more strength than a woman in child-birth.
And the troop came to where the [ King](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Nuada "Nuada") of Ireland was with the [Tuatha de Danaan](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Tuatha_de_Danaan "Tuatha de Danaan"), and they welcomed one another. And they were not long there till they saw a surly, slovenly troop coining towards them, nine times nine of the messengers of the [Fomor](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Fomor "Fomor"), that were coming to ask rent and taxes from the men of Ireland; and the names of the four that were the hardest and the most cruel were [Eine](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Eine "Eine") and [Eathfaigh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Eathfaigh "Eathfaigh") and [Coron](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Coron "Coron") and [Compar](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Compar "Compar"); and there was such great dread of these four on the [Tuatha de Danaan](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Tuatha_de_Danaan "Tuatha de Danaan"), that not one of them would so much as punish his own son or his foster-son without leave from them.
They came up then to where the [ King](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Nuada "Nuada") of Ireland was with the Riders of the [Sidhe](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Sidhe "Sidhe"), and the king and all the [Tuatha de Danaan](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Tuatha_de_Danaan "Tuatha de Danaan") stood up before them. And [ Lugh of the Long Hand](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh") said: "Why do you rise up before that surly, slovenly troop, when you did not rise up before us?" "It is needful for us to do it," said the [ king](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Nuada "Nuada"); "for if there was but a child of us sitting before them, they would not think that too small a cause for killing him." "By my word," said [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh"), "there is a great desire coming on me to kill themselves." "That is a thing would bring harm on us," said the [ king](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Nuada "Nuada"), "for we would meet our own death and destruction through it." "It is too long a time you have been under this oppression," said [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh"). And with that he started up and made an attack on the [Fomor](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Fomor "Fomor"), killing and wounding them, till he had made an end of eight nines of them, but he let the last nine go under the protection of [Nuada](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Nuada "Nuada") the king. "And I would kill you along with the others," he said, "but I would sooner see you go with messages to your own country than my own people, for fear they might get any ill-treatment."
So the nine went back then till they came to [Lochlann](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lochlann "Lochlann"), where the men of the [Fomor](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Fomor "Fomor") were, and they told them the story from beginning to end, and how a young well-featured lad had come into Ireland and had killed all the tax- gatherers but themselves, "and it is the reason he let us off," they said, "that we might tell you the story ourselves."
"Do you know who is the young man?" said [ Balor of the Evil Eye](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Balor "Balor") then. "I know well," said [Ceithlenn](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Ceithlenn "Ceithlenn"), his wife; "he is the son of your daughter and mine. And it was foretold." she said, "that from the time he would come into Ireland, we would never have power there again for ever." Then the chief men of the [Fomor](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Fomor "Fomor") went into a council, [Eab](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Eab "Eab"), son of [Neid](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Neid "Neid"), and [Seanchab](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Seanchab "Seanchab"), grandson of [Neid](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Neid "Neid"), and [Sital Salmhor](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Sital_Salmhor "Sital Salmhor"), and [Liath](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Liath "Liath"), son of [Lobais](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lobais "Lobais"), and the nine poets of the [Fomor](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Fomor "Fomor") that had learning and the gift of foreknowledge, and [Lobais](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lobais "Lobais") the [ Druid](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Druiden "Druiden"), and [Balor](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Balor "Balor") himself, and his twelve white-mouthed sons, and [Ceithlenn](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Ceithlenn "Ceithlenn") of the Crooked Teeth, his queen. And it was just at that time [Bres](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Bres "Bres") and his father [Elathan](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Elathan "Elathan") were come to ask help of the [Fomor](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Fomor "Fomor"), and [Bres](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Bres "Bres") said: "I myself will go tor Ireland, and seven great battalions of the Riders of the [Fomor](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Fomor "Fomor") along with me, and I will give battle to this [ Ildánach](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh"), this master of all arts, and I will strike his bead off and bring it here to you, to the green of [Berbhe](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Berbhe "Berbhe")." "It would be a fitting thing for you to do," said they all. "Let my ships be made ready for me," said [Bres](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Bres "Bres"), "and let food and provisions be put in them."
So they made no delay, but went and got the ships ready, and they put plenty of food and drink in them, and the two swift Luaths were sent out to gather the army to [Bres](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Bres "Bres"). And when they were all gathered, they made ready their armour and their weapons, and they set out for Ireland.
And [Balor](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Balor "Balor") the king followed them to the harbour, and he said: "Give battle to that [ Ildánach](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh"), and strike off his head; and tie that island that is called Ireland to the back of your ships, and let the destroying water take its place, and put it on the north side of [Lochlann](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lochlann "Lochlann"), and not one of the [ Men of Dea](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Tuatha_de_Danaan "Tuatha de Danaan") will follow it there to the end of life and time."
Then they pushed out their ships and put up their painted sails, and went out from the harbour on the untilled country, on the ridges of the wide-lying sea, and they never turned from their course till they came to the harbour of [Eas Dara](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Eas_Dara "Eas Dara"). And from that they sent out an army through West [Connacht](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Connacht "Connacht") and destroyed it altogether, through and through. And the King of [Connacht](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Connacht "Connacht") at that time was [Bodb Dearg](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Bodb_Dearg "Bodb Dearg"), son of the [Dagda](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Dagda "Dagda").
# The Sons of the Tuireann
And [ Lugh ot the Long Hand](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh") was at that time at [Teamhair](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Teamhair "Teamhair") with the King of Ireland, and it was showed to him that the [Fomor](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Fomor "Fomor") were after landing at [Eas Dara](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Eas_Dara "Eas Dara"). And when he knew that, he made ready [ Manannan's](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Manannan "Manannan") horse, the [Aonbharr](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Aonbharr "Aonbharr"), at the time of the battle of the day and night; and he went where [Nuada](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Nuada "Nuada") the king was, and told him how the [Fomor](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Fomor "Fomor") had landed at [Eas Dara](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Eas_Dara "Eas Dara") and had spoiled [ Bodb Dearg's](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Bodb_Dearg "Bodb Dearg") counny; "And it is what I want," he said, "to get help from you to give battle to them." But [Nuada](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Nuada "Nuada") was not minded to avenge the destruction that was done on [Bodb Dearg](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Bodb_Dearg "Bodb Dearg") and not on himself and [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh") was not well pleased with his answer, and he went riding out of [Teamhair](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Teamhair "Teamhair") westward. And presently he saw three armed men coming towards him, his own father [Cian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Cian "Cian"), with his brothers [Cu](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Cu "Cu") and [Ceithen](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Ceithen "Ceithen"), that were the three sons of [Cainte](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Cainte "Cainte"), and they saluted him. "What is the cause of your early rising?" they said. "It is good cause I have for it," said [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh"), "for the [Fomor](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Fomor "Fomor") are come into Ireland and have robbed [Bodb Dearg](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Bodb_Dearg "Bodb Dearg"); and what help will you give me against them?" he said.
"Each one of us will keep off a hundred from you in the battle," said they. "That is a good help," said [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh"); "but there is a help I would sooner have from you than that: to gather the Riders of the [Sidhe](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Sidhe "Sidhe") to me from every place where they are."
So [Cu](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Cu "Cu") and [Ceithen](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Ceithen "Ceithen") went towards the south, and [Cian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Cian "Cian") set out northward, and he did not stop till he reached the Plain of [Muirthemne](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Muirthemne "Muirthemne"). And as he was going across the plain he saw three armed men before him, that were the three sons of [Tuireann](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Tuireann "Tuireann"), son of [Ogma](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Ogma "Ogma"). And it is the way it was between the three Sons of [Tuireann](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Tuireann "Tuireann") and the three Sons of [Cainte](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Cainte "Cainte"), they were in hatred and enmity towards one another, so that whenever they met there was sure to be fighting among them.
Then [Cian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Cian "Cian") said: "If my two brothers had been here it is a brave fight we would make; but since they are not, it is best for me to fall back." Then he saw a great herd of pigs near him, and he struck himself with a [ Druid](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Druiden "Druiden") rod that put on him the shape of a pig of the herd, and he began rooting up the ground like the rest.
Then [Brian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Brian "Brian"), one of the sons of [Tuireann](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Tuireann "Tuireann"), said to his brothers: "Did you see that armed man that was walking the plain a while ago?" "We did see him," said they. "Do you know what was it took him away?" said [Brian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Brian "Brian"). "We do not know that," said they. "It is a pity you not to be keeping a better watch over the plains of the open country in time of war," said [Brian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Brian "Brian"); "and I know well what happened him, for he struck himself with his [ Druid](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Druiden "Druiden") rod into the shape of a pig of these pigs, and he is rooting up the ground now like any one of them; and whoever he is, he is no friend to us." "That is bad for us," said the other two, "for the pigs belong to some one of the [Tuatha de Danaan](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Tuatha_de_Danaan "Tuatha de Danaan"), and even if we kill them all, the [ Druid](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Druiden "Druiden") pig might chance to escape us in the end."
"It is badly you got your learning in the city of learning," said [Brian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Brian "Brian"), "when you cannot tell an enchanted beast from a natural beast." And while he was saying that, he struck his two brothers with his [ Druid](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Druiden "Druiden") rod, and he turned them into two thin, fast hounds, and they began to yelp sharply on the track of the enchanted pig.
And it was not long before the pig fell out from among the others, and not one of the others made away but only itself, and it made for a wood, and at the edge of the wood [Brian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Brian "Brian") gave a cast of his spear that went through its body. And the pig cried out, and it said: "It is a bad thing you have done to have made a cast at me when you knew me." "It seems to me you have the talk of a man," said [Brian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Brian "Brian"). "I was a man indeed," said he; "I am [Cian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Cian "Cian"), son of [Cainte](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Cainte "Cainte"), and give me your protection now." "I swear by the gods of the air," said [Brian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Brian "Brian"), "that if the life came back seven times to you I would take it from you every time."
"If that is so," said [Cian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Cian "Cian"), "give me one request: let me go into my own shape again." "We will do that," said [Brian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Brian "Brian"), "for it is easier to me to kill a man than a pig."
So [Cian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Cian "Cian") took his own shape then, and he said: "Give me mercy now." "We will not give it," said [Brian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Brian "Brian"). "Well, I have got the better of you for all that," said [Cian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Cian "Cian"); "for if it was in the shape of a pig you had killed me there would only be the blood money for a pig on me; but as it is in my own shape you will kill me, there never was and never will be any person killed for whose sake a heavier fine will be paid than for myself. And the arms I am killed with," he said, "it is they will tell the deed to my son."
"It is not with weapons you will be killed, but with the stones lying on the ground," said [Brian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Brian "Brian"). And with that they pelted him with stones, fiercely and roughly, till all that was left of him was a poor, miserable, broken heap; and they buried him the depth of a man's body in the earth, and the earth would not receive that murder from them, but cast it up again. [Brian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Brian "Brian") said it should go into the earth again, and they put it in the second time, and the second time the earth would not take it. And six times the sons of [Tuireann](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Tuireann "Tuireann") buried the body, and six times it was cast up again; but the seventh time it was put underground the earth kept it. And then they went on to join [ Lugh ot the Long Hand](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh") for the battle.
Now as to [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh"); upon parting with his father he went forward from [Teamhair](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Teamhair "Teamhair") westward, to the hills that were called afterwards [Gairech](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Gairech "Gairech") and [Ilgairech](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Ilgairech "Ilgairech"), and to the ford of the Shannon that is now called [Athluain](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Athluain "Athluain"), and to [Bearna nah-Eadargana](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Bearna_nah-Eadargana "Bearna nah-Eadargana"), the Gap of Separation, and over [Magh Luirg](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Magh_Luirg "Magh Luirg"), the Plain of Following, and to [Corr Slieve na Seaghsa](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Corr_Slieve_na_Seaghsa "Corr Slieve na Seaghsa"), the Round Mountain of the Poet's Spring, and to the head of [Sean-Slieve](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Sean-Slieve "Sean-Slieve"), and through the place of the bright-faced [Corann](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Corann "Corann"), and from that to [Magh Mor an Aonaigh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Magh_Mor_an_Aonaigh "Magh Mor an Aonaigh"), the Great Plain of the Fair, where the [Fomor](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Fomor "Fomor") were, and the spoils of [Connacht](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Connacht "Connacht") with them.
It is then [Bres](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Bres "Bres"), son of [Elathan](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Elathan "Elathan"), rose up and said: "It is a wonder to me the sun to be rising in the west to-day, and it rising in the east every other day."
It would be better for us it to be the sun," said the [ Druids](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Druiden "Druiden").
"What else is it?" said he. "It is the shining of the face of [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh"), son of [Ethlinn](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Ethlinn "Ethlinn")," said they.
[Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh") came up to them then and saluted them. "Why do you come like a friend to us?" said they. "There is good cause for that," he said, "for there is but one half of me of the [Tuatha de Danaan](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Tuatha_de_Danaan "Tuatha de Danaan"), and the other half of yourselves. And give me back now the milch cows of the men of Ireland," he said.
"May early good luck not come to you till you get either a dry or a milch cow here," said a man of them, and anger on him.
But [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh") stopped near them for three days and three nights, and at the end of that time the Riders of the [Sidhe](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Sidhe "Sidhe") came to him. And [Bodb Dearg](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Bodb_Dearg "Bodb Dearg"), son of the [Dagda](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Dagda "Dagda"), came with twenty-nine hundred men, and he said:
"What is the cause of your delay in giving battle?"
"Waiting for you I was," said [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh").
Then the kings and chief men of the men of Ireland took their armour on them, and they raised the points of their spears over their heads, and they made close fences of their shields. And they attacked their enemies on [Magh Moran Aonaigh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Magh_Moran_Aonaigh "Magh Moran Aonaigh"), and their enemies answered them, and they threw their whining spears at one another, and when their spears were broken they drew their swords from their blue-bordered sheaths and began to strike at one another, and thickets of brown flames rose above them from the bitterness of their many-edged weapons.
And [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh") saw the battle pen where [Bres](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Bres "Bres"), son of [Elathan](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Elathan "Elathan"), was, and he made a fierce attack on him and on the men that were guarding him till he had made an end of two hundred of them.
When [Bres](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Bres "Bres") saw that, he gave himself up to [ Lugh's](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh") protection. "Give me my life this time," he said, "and I will bring the whole race of the [Fomor](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Fomor "Fomor") to fight it out with you in a great battle; and I bind myself to that, by the sun and the moon, the sea and the land," he said.
On that [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh") gave him his life, and then the [ Druids](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Druiden "Druiden") that were with him asked his protection for themselves. "By my word," said [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh"), "if the whole race of the [Fomor](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Fomor "Fomor") went under my protection they would not be destroyed by me." So then [Bres](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Bres "Bres") and the [ Druids](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Druiden "Druiden") set out for their own country. Now as to [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh") and the sons of [Tuireann](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Tuireann "Tuireann"). After the battle of [Magh Mor on Aonaigh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Magh_Mor_on_Aonaigh "Magh Mor on Aonaigh"), he met two of his kinsmen and asked them did they see his father in the fight. "We did not," said they. "I am sure he is not living," said [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh"); "and I give my word," he said, "there will be no food or drink go into my mouth till I get knowledge by what death my father died."
Then he set out, and the Riders of the [Sidhe](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Sidhe "Sidhe") after him, till they came to the place where he and his father parted from one another, and from that to the place where his father went into the shape of a pig when he saw the sons of [Tuireann](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Tuireann "Tuireann").
And when [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh") came to that place the earth spoke to him, and it said: "It is in great danger your father was here, [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh"), when he saw the sons of [Tuireann](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Tuireann "Tuireann") before him, and it is into the shape of a pig he had to go, but it is in his own shape they killed him."
Then [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh") told that to his people, and he found the spot where his father was buried, and he bade them dig there, the way he would know by what death the sons of [Tuireann](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Tuireann "Tuireann") had made an end of him.
Then they raised the body out of the grave and looked at it, and it was all one bed of wounds. And [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh") said:
"It was the death of an enemy the sons of [Tuireann](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Tuireann "Tuireann") gave my dear father." And he gave him three kisses, and it is what he said:
"It is bad the way l am myself after this death, for I can hear nothing with the my ears, and I can see nothing with my eyes, and there is not a living pulse in my heart, with grief after my father. And you gods I worship," he said, "it is a pity I not to have come here the time this thing was done. And it is a great thing that has been done here," he said, "the people of the gods of [Dana](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Dana "Dana") to have done treachery on one another, and it is long they will be under loss by it and be weakened by it. And Ireland will never be free from trouble from this out, east and west," he said.
Then they put [Cian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Cian "Cian") under the earth again, and after that there was keening made over his grave, and a stone was raised on it, and his name was written in [Ogham](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Ogham "Ogham"). And [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh") said:
"This hill will take its name from [Cian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Cian "Cian"), although he himself is stripped and broken. And it was the sons of [Tuireann](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Tuireann "Tuireann") did this thing," he said, "and there will grief and anguish fall on them from it, and on their children after them. And it is no lying story I am telling you," he said; "and it is a pity the way I am, and my heart is broken in my breast since [Cian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Cian "Cian"), the brave man, is not living."
Then he bade his people to go before him to [Teamhair](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Teamhair "Teamhair"), "But do not tell the story till I tell it myself," he said.
And when [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh") came to [Teamhair](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Teamhair "Teamhair") he sat in the high seat of the king, and he looked about him and he saw the three sons of [Tuireann](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Tuireann "Tuireann"). And those were the three that were beyond all others at [Teamhair](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Teamhair "Teamhair") at that time for quickness and skill, for a good hand in battle, for beauty and an honourable name. Then [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh") bade his people to shake the chain of silence, and they did so, and they all listened. And [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh") said:
"What are your minds fixed on at this time, [ Men of Dea](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Tuatha_de_Danaan "Tuatha de Danaan")?"
"On yourself indeed," said they.
"I have a question to ask of you," he said. "What is the vengeance each one of you would take on the man that would kill your father?"
There was great wonder on them when they heard that, and one of the chief men among them said:
"Tell us was it your own father that was killed?"
"It was indeed," said [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh"); "and I see now in this houses," he said, "the men that killed him, and they know themselves what way they killed him better than I know it." Then the [ king](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Nuada "Nuada") said:
"It is not a death of one day only I would give the man that had killed my father, if he was in my power, but to cut off one of his limbs from day to day till I would make an end of him." All the chief men said the same, and the sons of [Tuireann](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Tuireann "Tuireann") like the rest.
"There are making that answer," said [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh"), "the three men that killed my father; and let them pay the fine for him now, since you are all together in the one place. And if they will not," he said, "I will not break the protection of the king's house, but they must make no attempt to quit this house till they have settled with me."
"If it was I myself had killed your father," said the [ king](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Nuada "Nuada"), "I would be well content you to take a fine from me for him."
"It is at us [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh") is saying all this," said the sons of [Tuireann](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Tuireann "Tuireann") among themselves. "Let us acknowledge the killing of his father to him," said [luchar](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Luchar "Luchar") and [lucharba](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lucharba "Lucharba").
"I am in dread," said [Brian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Brian "Brian"), "that it is wanting an acknowledgement from us he is, in the presence of all the rest, and that he will not let us off with a fine afterwards."
"It is best to acknowledge it," said the others; "and let you speak it out since you are the eldest."
Then [Brian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Brian "Brian"), son of [Tuireann](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Tuireann "Tuireann"), said: "It is at us you are speaking, [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh"), for you are thinking we went against the sons of [Cainte](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Cainte "Cainte") before now; and we did not kill your father," he said, "but we will pay the fine for him the same as if we did kill him."
"I will take a fine from you that you do not think of," said [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh"), "and I will say here what it is, and if it is too much for you, I will let you off a share of it."
"Let us hear it from you," said they. "Here it is," said [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh"); "three apples, and the skin of a pig, and a spear, and two horses, and a chariot, and seven pigs, and a dog's whelp, and a cooking-spit, and three shouts on a hill. That is the fine I am asking," he said; "and if it is too much for you, a part of it will be taken off you presently, and if you do not think it too much, then pay it."
"It is not too much," said [Brian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Brian "Brian"), "or a hundred times of it would not be too much. And we think it likely," he said, "because of its smallness that you have some treachery towards us behind it." "I do not think it too little of a fine," said [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh"); "and I give you the guarantee of the [Tuatha de Danaan](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Tuatha_de_Danaan "Tuatha de Danaan") I will ask no other thing, and I will be faithful to you, and let you give the same pledge to me."
"It is a pity you to ask that," said [Brian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Brian "Brian"), "for our own pledge is as good as any pledge in the world." "Your own pledge is not enough," said [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh"), "for it is often the like of you promised to pay a fine in this way, and would try to back out of it after."
So then the sons of [Tuireann](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Tuireann "Tuireann") bound themselves by the King of Ireland, and by [Bodb Dearg](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Bodb_Dearg "Bodb Dearg"), son of the [Dagda](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Dagda "Dagda"), and by the chief men of the [Tuatha de Danaan](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Tuatha_de_Danaan "Tuatha de Danaan"), that they would pay that fine to [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh").
"It would be well for me now," said [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh"), "to give you better knowledge of the fine." "It would be well indeed," said they.
"This is the way of it then," said [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh"). "The three apples I asked of you are the three apples from the Garden in the East of the World, and no other apples will do but these, for they are the most beautiful and have most virtue in them of the apples of the whole world. And it is what they are like, they are of the colour of burned gold, and they are the size of the head of a child a month old, and there is the taste of honey on them, and they do not leave the pain of wounds or the vexation of sickness on any one that eats them, and they do not lessen by being eaten for ever. And the skin I asked of you," he said, "is the pig skin of [Tuis](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Tuis "Tuis"), King of Greece, and it heals all the wounds and all the sickness of the world, and whatever danger a man may be in, if it can but overtake the life in him, it will cure him; and it is the way it was with that pig, every stream of water it would go through would be turned into wine to the end of nine days after, and every wound it touched was healed; and it is what the [ Druids](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Druiden "Druiden") of Greece said, that it is not in itself this virtue was, but in the skin, and they skinned it, and the skin is there ever since. And I think, too, it will not be easy for you to get it, with or without leave.
"And do you know what is the spear I am asking of you?" he said. "We do not," said they. "It is a very deadly spear belonging to the King of Persia, the Luin it is called, and every choice thing is done by it, and its head is kept steeped in a vessel of water, the way it will not burn down the place where it is, and it will be hard to get it. And do you know what two horses and what chariot I am asking of you? They are the chariot and the two wonderful horses of [Dobar](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Dobar "Dobar"), King of [Siogair](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Siogair "Siogair"), and the sea is the same as land to them, and there are no faster horses than themselves, and there is no chariot equal to that one in shape and in strength.
"And do you know what are the seven pigs I asked of you? They are the pigs of [Easal](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Easal "Easal"), King of the Golden Pillars; and though they are killed every night, they are found alive the next day, and there will be no disease or no sickness on any person that will eat a share of them.
"And the whelp I asked of you is [Fail-Inis](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Fail-Inis "Fail-Inis"), the whelp belonging to the King of [Ioruaidh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Ioruaidh "Ioruaidh"), the Cold Country. And all the wild beasts of the world would fall down at the sight of her, and she is more beautiful than the sun in his fiery wheels, and it will be hard to get her.
"And the cooking-spit I asked of you is a spit of the spits of the women of \[\[Inis Cenn-fhinne\]\], the Island of Caer of the Fair Hair. And the three shouts you are to give on a hill must be given on the Hill of [Miochaoin](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Miochaoin "Miochaoin") in the north of [Lochlann](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lochlann "Lochlann"). And [Miochaoin](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Miochaoin "Miochaoin") and his sons are under bonds not to allow any shouts to be given on that hill; and it was with them my father got his learning, and if I would forgive you his death, they would not forgive you. And if you get through all your other voyages before you reach to them, it is my opinion they themselves will avenge him on you. And that is the fine I have asked of you," said [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh").
There was silence and darkness on the sons of [Tuireann](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Tuireann "Tuireann") when they heard that. And they went to where their father was, and told him the fine that had been put on them.
"It is bad news that is," said [Tuireann](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Tuireann "Tuireann"); "and it is to your death and your destruction you will be going, looking for those things. But for all that, if [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh") himself had a mind to help you, you could work out the fine, and all the men of the world could not do it but by the power of [Manannan](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Manannan "Manannan") or of [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh"). Go then and ask the loan of [ Manannan's](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Manannan "Manannan") horse, the [Aonbharr](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Aonbharr "Aonbharr"), from [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh"), and if he has any wish to get the fine, he will give it to you; but if he does not wish it he will say the horse is not his, and that he would not give the loan of a loan. Ask him then for the loan of [ Manannan's](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Manannan "Manannan") [Curragh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Curragh "Curragh"), the [Scuabtuinne](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Scuabtuinne "Scuabtuinne"), the Sweeper of the Waves. And he will give that, for he is under bonds not to refuse a second request, and the [Curragh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Curragh "Curragh") is better for you than the horse," he said.
So the Sons of [Tuireann](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Tuireann "Tuireann") went to where [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh") was, and they saluted him, and they said they could not bring him the fine without his own help, and for that reason it would be well for them to get a loan of the [Aonbharr](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Aonbharr "Aonbharr").
"I have that horse only on loan myself," said [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh"), "and I will not give a loan of a loan."
"If that is so, give us the loan of [ Manannan's](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Manannan "Manannan") [Curragh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Curragh "Curragh")," said [Brian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Brian "Brian").
"I will give that," said [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh").
"What place is it?" said they.
"At [Brugh na Boinn](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Brugh_na_Boinn "Brugh na Boinn")," said [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh"). Then they went back again to where [Tuireann](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Tuireann "Tuireann") was, and his daughter [Ethic](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Ethic "Ethic"), their sister, with him, and they told him they had got the [Curragh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Curragh "Curragh").
"It is not much the better you will be for it," said [Tuireann](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Tuireann "Tuireann"), "although [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh") would like well to get every part of this fine he could make use of before the battle with the [Fomor](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Fomor "Fomor"). But he would like yourselves to come to your death looking for it."
Then they went away, and they left [Tuireann](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Tuireann "Tuireann") sorrowful and lamenting, and [Ethne](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Ethne "Ethne") went with them to where the [Curragh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Curragh "Curragh") was. And [Brian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Brian "Brian") got into it, and he said:
"There is place but for one other person along with me here."
And he began to find fault with its narrowness.
"You ought not to be faulting the [Curragh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Curragh "Curragh")," said [Ethne](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Ethne "Ethne"); "and O my dear brother," she said, "it was a bad thing you did, to kill the father of [ Lugh ot the Long Hand](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh"); and whatever harm may come to you from it, it is but just."
"Do not say that, [Ethne](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Ethne "Ethne")," they said, "for we are in good heart, and we will do brave deeds. And we would sooner be killed a hundred times over," they said, "than to meet with the death of cowards."
"My grief," said [Ethne](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Ethne "Ethne"), "there is nothing more sorrowful than this, to see you driven out from your own country."
Then the three pushed out their [Curragh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Curragh "Curragh") from the beautiful clear-bayed shore of Ireland. "What course shall we take first?" said they. "We will go look for the apples," said [Brian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Brian "Brian"), "as they were the first thing we were bade bring. And so we ask of you, [Curragh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Curragh "Curragh") of [Manannan](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Manannan "Manannan") that is under us, to sail to the Garden in the East of the World."
And the [Curragh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Curragh "Curragh") did not neglect that order, but it sailed forward over the green- sided waves and deep places till it came to its harbour in the east of the world. And then [Brian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Brian "Brian") asked his brothers: "What way have you a mind to get into the garden? For I think," be said, "the king's champions and the fighting men of the country are always guarding it, and the king himself is chief over them."
"What should we do," said his brothers, "but to make straight at them and attack them, and bring away the apples or fall ourselves, since we cannot escape from these dangers that are before us without meeting our death in some place."
"It would be better," said [Brian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Brian "Brian"), "the story of our bravery and our craftiness to be told and to live after us, than folly and cowardice to be told of us. And what is best for us to do now," he said, "is to go in the shape of swift hawks into the garden, and the watchers have but their light spears to throw at us, and let you take good care to keep out of their reach; and after they have thrown them all, make a quick flight to the apples and let each of you bring away an apple of them in your claws, and I will bring away the third."
They said that was a good advice, and [Brian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Brian "Brian") struck himself and the others with his [ Druid](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Druiden "Druiden") rod, and changed them into beautiful hawks. And they flew towards the garden, and the watchers took notice of them and shouted on every side of them, and threw showers of spears and darts, but the hawks kept out of their reach as [Brian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Brian "Brian") had bade them, till all the spears were spent,and then they swept down bravely on the apples, and brought them away with them, without so much as a wound.
And the news went through the city and the whole district, and the king had three wise, crafty daughters, and they put themselves into the shape of three ospreys, and they followed the hawks to the sea, and sent flashes of lightning before them and after them, that scorched them greatly.
"It is a pity the way we are now," said the sons of [Tuireann](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Tuireann "Tuireann"), "for we will be burned through and through with this lightning if we do not get some relief."
"If I can give you relief I will do it," said [Brian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Brian "Brian").
With that he struck himself and his brothers with the [ Druid](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Druiden "Druiden") rod, and they were turned into three swans, and they went down quickly into the sea, and the ospreys went away from them then, and the Sons of [Tuireann](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Tuireann "Tuireann") went into their boat.
After that they consulted together, and it is what they agreed, to go to Greece and to bring away the skin of the pig, with or without leave. So they went forward till they came near to the court of the King of Greece.
"What appearance should we put on us going in here?" said [Brian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Brian "Brian").
"What appearance should we go in with but our own?" said the others.
"That is not what I think best," said [Brian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Brian "Brian"); "but to go in with the appearance of poets from Ireland, the way the high people of Greece will hold us in respect and in honour."
"It would be hard for us to do that," they said, "and we without a poem, and it is little we know how to make one."
However, they put the poet's tie on their hair, and they knocked at the door of the court, and the door-keeper asked who was in it.
"We are poets of Ireland," said [Brian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Brian "Brian"), "and we are come with a poem to the king."
The door-keeper went in and told the king that there were poets from Ireland at the door. "Let them in," said the king, "for it is in search of a good man they came so far from their own country." And the king gave orders that everything should be well set out in the court, the way they would say they had seen no place so grand in all their travels.
The sons of [Tuireann](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Tuireann "Tuireann") were let in then, having the appearance of poets, and they fell to drinking and pleasure without delay; and they thought they had never seen, and there was not in the world, a court so good as that or so large a household, or a place where they had met with better treatment.
Then the king's poets got up to give out their poems and songs. And then [Brian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Brian "Brian"), son of [Tuireann](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Tuireann "Tuireann"), bade his brothers to say a poem for the king. "We have no poem," said they; "and do not ask any poem of us, but the one we know before, and that is to take what we want by the strength of our hand if we are the strongest, or to fall by those that are against us if they are the strongest." "That is not a good way to make a poem," said [Brian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Brian "Brian"). And with that he rose up himself and asked a hearing. And they all listened to him, and it is what he said:
"O [Tuis](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Tuis "Tuis"), we do not hide your fame; we praise you as the oak among kings; the skin of a pig, bounty without hardness, this is the reward I ask for it. "The war of a neighbour against an ear; the fair ear of his neighbour will be against him; he who gives us what he owns, his court will not be the scarcer for it.
"A raging army and a sudden sea are a danger to whoever goes against them. The skin of a pig, bounty without hardness, this is the reward I ask, O [Tuis](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Tuis "Tuis")." "That is a good poem," said the king; "but I do not know a word of its meaning." "I will tell you its meaning," said [Brian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Brian "Brian"). "'O [Tuis](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Tuis "Tuis"), we do not hide your fame; we praise you as the oak above the kings.' That is, as the oak is beyond the kingly trees of the wood, so are you beyond the kings of the world for open- handedness and for grandeur.
"'The skin of a pig, bounty without hardness.' That is, the skin of a pig you own is what I would wish to get from you as a reward for my poem. "The war of a neighbour against an ear, the fair ear of his neighbour will be against him.' That is, you and I will be by the ears about the skin, unless I get it with your consent.
"And that is the meaning of the poem," said [Brian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Brian "Brian"). "I would praise your poem," said the king, "if there was not so much about my pig-skin in it; and you have no good sense, man of poetry," he said, "to be asking that thing of me, and I would not give it to all the poets and the learned men and the great men of the world, since they could not take it away without my consent. But I will give you three times the full of the skin of gold as the price of your poem," he said.
"May good be with you, king," said [Brian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Brian "Brian"), "and I know well it was no easy thing 1 was asking, but I knew I would get a good ransom for it. And I am that covetous," he said, "I will not be satisfied without seeing the gold measured myself into the skin."
The king sent his servants with them then to the treasure-house to measure the gold. "Measure out the full of it to my brothers first," said [Brian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Brian "Brian"), "and then give good measure to myself, since it was I made the poem." But when the skin was brought out, [Brian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Brian "Brian") made a quick sudden snatch at it with his left hand, and drew his sword and made a stroke at the man nearest him, and made two halves of him. And then he kept a hold of the skin and put it about himself, and the three of them rushed out of the court, cutting down every armed man before them, so that not one escaped death or wounding. And then [Brian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Brian "Brian") went to where the king himself was, and the king made no delay in attacking him, and they made a hard fight of it, and at the end the King of Greece fell by the hand of [Brian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Brian "Brian"), son of [Tuireann](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Tuireann "Tuireann").
The three brothers rested for a while after that, and then they said they would go and look for some other part of the fine. "We will go to [Pisear](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Pisear "Pisear"), King of Persia," said [Brian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Brian "Brian"), "and ask him for the spear."
So they went into their boat, and they left the blue streams of the coast of Greece, and they said: "We are well oil when we have the apples and the skin." And they stopped nowhere till they came to the borders of Persia. "Let us go to the court with the appearance of poets," said [Brian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Brian "Brian"), "the same as we went to the King of Greece." "We are content to do that," said the others, "as all turned out so well the last time we took to poetry; not that it is easy for us to take to a calling that does not belong to us."
So they put the poet's tie on their hair, and they were as well treated as they were at the other court; and when the time came for poems [Brian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Brian "Brian") rose up, and it is what he said:
"It is little any spear looks to [Pisear](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Pisear "Pisear"); the battle of enemies are broken, it is not too much for [Pisear](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Pisear "Pisear") to wound every one of them.
"A yew, the most beautiful of the wood, it is called a king, it is not bulky. May the spear drive on the whole crowd to their wounds of death."
"That is a good poem," said the king, "but I do not understand why my own spear is brought into it, O Man of Poetry from Ireland."
"It is because it is that spear of your own I would wish to get as the reward of my poem," said [Brian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Brian "Brian"). "It is little sense you have to be asking that of me," said the king; "and the people of my court never showed greater respect for poetry than now, when they did not put you to death on the spot."
When [Brian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Brian "Brian") heard that talk from the king, he thought of the apple that was in his hand, and he made a straight cast and hit him in the forehead, so that his brains were put out at the back of his head, and he bared the sword and made an attack on the people about him. And the other two did not fail to do the same, and they gave him their help bravely till they had made an end of all they met of the people of the court. And then they found the spear, and its head in a cauldron of water, the way it would not set fire to the place. And after a while they said it was time for them to go and look for the rest of the great fine that was on them, and they asked one another what way should they go.
"We will go to the King of the Island of [Siogair](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Siogair "Siogair")," said [Brian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Brian "Brian"), "for it is with him are the two horses and the chariot the [Ildánach](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Ild%C3%A1nach "Ildánach") asked of us."
They went forward then and brought the spear with them, and it is proud the three champions were after all they had done. And they went on till they were come to the court of the King of [Siogair](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Siogair "Siogair").
"It is what we will do this time," said [Brian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Brian "Brian"), "we will go in with the appearance of paid soldiers from Ireland, and we will make friends with the king, the way we will get to know in what place the horses and the chariot are kept." And when they had settled on that they went forward to the lawn before the king's house.
The king and the chief men that were with him rose up and came through the fair that was going on there, and they saluted the king, and be asked who were they. "We are trained fighting men from Ireland," they said, "and we are earning wages from the kings of the world." "Is it your wish to stop with me for a while?" said the king. "That is what we are wanting," said they. So then they made an agreement and took service with him.
They stopped in the court a fortnight and a month, and they never saw the horses through that time. Then [Brian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Brian "Brian") said: "This is a bad way we are in, to have no more news of the horses now than the first day we came to the place." "What is best for us to do now?" said his brothers. "Let us do this," said [Brian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Brian "Brian"), "let us take our arms and gather our things together, and go to the king and tell him we will leave the country and this part of the world unless he will show us those horses."
So they went to the king that very day, and he asked them what did they mean by getting themselves ready for a journey. "You will hear that, high king," said [Brian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Brian "Brian"); "it is because trained fighting men from Ireland, like ourselves, have always trust put in them by the kings they guard, and we are used to be told the secrets and the whispers of any person we are with, and that is not the way you have treated us since we came to you. For you have two horses and a chariot that are the best in the world, as we have been told, and we have not been given a sight of them yet." "It would be a pity you 'd go on that account," said the king, "when I would have showed them to you the first day, if I had known you had a wish to see them. And if you have a mind to see them now," he said, "you may see them; for I think there never came soldiers from Ireland to this place that were thought more of by myself and by my people than yourselves."
He sent for the horses then, and they were yoked to the chariot, and their going was as fast as the cold spring wind, and the sea was the same as the land to them. And [Brian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Brian "Brian") was watching the horses closely, and on a sudden he took hold of the chariot and took the chariot driver out and dashed him against the nearest rock, and made a leap into his place himself, and made a cast of the Persian spear at the king, that went through his heart. And then he and his brothers scattered the people before them, and brought away the chariot "We will go now to [Easal](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Easal "Easal"), the King of the Golden Pillars," said [Brian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Brian "Brian"), "to look for the seven pigs the [Ildanach](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Ildanach "Ildanach") bade us bring him." They sailed on then without delay or drawback to that high country. And it is the way the people of that country were, watching their harbours for fear of the sons of [Tuireann](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Tuireann "Tuireann"), for the story of them had been told in all parts, how they had been sent out of Ireland by force, and how they were bringing away with them all the gifted treasures of the whole world.
[Easal](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Easal "Easal") came to the edge of the harbour to meet them, and he asked was it true what he heard, that the king of every country they had gone to had fallen by them. [Brian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Brian "Brian") said it was true, whatever he might wish to do to them for it. "What was it made you do that?" said Easal. [Brian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Brian "Brian") told him then it was the oppression and the hard sentence of another had put them to it; and he told him all that had happened, and how they had put down all that offered to stand against them until that time.
"What did you come to this country now for?" said the king. "For the pigs belonging to yourself," said [Brian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Brian "Brian"); "for to bring them away with us is a part of the line." "What way do you think to get them?" said the king. "If we get them with good-will," said [Brian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Brian "Brian"), "we are ready to take them thankfully; and if we do not, we are ready to do battle with yourself and your people on the head of them, that you may fall by us, and we may bring away the pigs in spite of you." "If that is to be the end of it," said the king, "it would be a pity to bring my people into a battle." "It would be a pity indeed," said [Brian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Brian "Brian"). Then the king whispered and took advice with his people about the matter, and it is what they agreed, to give up the pigs of their own free will to the sons of [Tuireann](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Tuireann "Tuireann"), since they could not see that any one had been able to stand against them up to that time.
Then the sons of [Tuireann](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Tuireann "Tuireann") gave their thanks to [Easal](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Easal "Easal"), and there was wonder on them to have got the pigs like that, when they had to fight for every other part of the fine. And more than that, they had left a share of their blood in every other place till then.
[Easal](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Easal "Easal") brought them to his own house that night, and they were served with food, and drink, and good beds, and all they could wish for. And they rose up on the morrow and came into the king's presence, and the pigs were given to them. "It is well you have done by us, giving us these pigs," said [Brian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Brian "Brian"), "for we did not get any share of the fine without fighting but these alone." And he made a poem for the king then, praising him, and putting a great name on him for what be had done.
"What journey are you going to make now, Sons of [Tuireann](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Tuireann "Tuireann")?" said [Easal](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Easal "Easal"). "We are going," they said, "to the country of [Ioruaidh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Ioruaidh "Ioruaidh"), on account of a whelp that is there." "Give me one request," said [Easal](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Easal "Easal"), "and that is to bring me with you to the King of [Ioruaidh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Ioruaidh "Ioruaidh"), for a daughter of mine is his wife, and I would wish to persuade him to give you the whelp without a battle." "That will please us well," they said.
So the king's ship was made ready, and we have no knowledge of what happened till they came to the delightful, wonderful coast of [Ioruaidh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Ioruaidh "Ioruaidh"). The people and the armies were watching the harbours and landing-places before them, and they knew them at once and shouted at them.
Then [Easal](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Easal "Easal") went on shore peaceably, and he went to where his son-in-law, the king, was, and told him the story of the sons of [Tuireann](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Tuireann "Tuireann") from beginning to end. "What has brought them to this country?" said the King of [Ioruaidh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Ioruaidh "Ioruaidh"). "To ask for the hound you have," said [Easal](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Easal "Easal"). "It was a bad thought you had coming with them to ask it," said the king, "for the gods have not given that much luck to any three champions in the world, that they would get my hound by force or by good-will." "It would be better for you to let them have the hound," said [Easal](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Easal "Easal"), "since they have put down so many of the kings of the world."
But all he could say was only idleness to the king. So he went then to where the sons of [Tuireann](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Tuireann "Tuireann") were, and gave them the whole account. And when they heard the king's answer, they made no delay, but put quick hands on their arms, and offered to give battle to the army of [Ioruaidh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Ioruaidh "Ioruaidh"). And when they went, there was a brave battle fought on both sides. And as for the sons of [Tuireann](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Tuireann "Tuireann"), they began to kill and to strike at the men of [Ioruaidh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Ioruaidh "Ioruaidh") till they parted from one another in the fight, so that [luchar](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Luchar "Luchar") and [lucharba](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lucharba "Lucharba") chanced to be on one side, and [Brian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Brian "Brian") by himself on the other side. It was a gap of danger and a breaking of ranks was before [Brian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Brian "Brian") in every path he took, till he came to the King of [Ioruaidh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Ioruaidh "Ioruaidh") in the battle pen where he was. And then the two brave champions began a fierce fight together, and they did not spare one another in it. And at the last [Brian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Brian "Brian") overcame the king, and bound him, and brought him through the middle of the army, till he came to the place where [Easal](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Easal "Easal") was, and it is what he said: "There is your son-in-law for you, and I swear by my hand of valour, I would think it easier to kill him three times than to bring him to you once like this."
So then the whelp was given to the sons of [Tuireann](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Tuireann "Tuireann"), and the king was unbound, and peace was made between them. And when they had brought all this to an end, they bade farewell to Easal and to all the rest. Now as to [ Lugh ot the Long Hand](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh"), it was showed to him that the sons of [Tuireann](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Tuireann "Tuireann") had got all the things that were wanting to him against the battle with the [Fomor](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Fomor "Fomor"); and on that he sent a [ Druid](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Druiden "Druiden") spell after them to put forgetfulness on them of the rest of the fine that they had not got. And he put a great desire and longing on them to go back to Ireland; so they forgot that a part of the fine was wanting to them, and they turned back again toward home.
And it is the place where [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh") was at the time, at a gathering of the people for a fair on the green outside [Teamhair](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Teamhair "Teamhair"), and the [ King of Ireland](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Nuada "Nuada") along with him. And it was made known to [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh") that the sons of [Tuireann](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Tuireann "Tuireann") were landed at [Brugh na Boinne](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Brugh_na_Boinne "Brugh na Boinne"). And he went into the city of [Teamhair](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Teamhair "Teamhair"), and shut the gate after him, and he put on [ Manannan's](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Manannan "Manannan") smooth armour, and the cloak of the daughters of [Flidais](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Flidais "Flidais"), and he took his own arms in his hand.
And the sons of [Tuireann](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Tuireann "Tuireann") came where the [ king](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Nuada "Nuada") was, and they were made welcome by him and by the [Tuatha de Danaan](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Tuatha_de_Danaan "Tuatha de Danaan"). And the [ king](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Nuada "Nuada") asked them did they get the fine. "We did get it," said they; "and where is [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh") till we give it to him?" "He was here a while ago," said the [ king](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Nuada "Nuada"). And the whole fair was searched for him, but he was not found.
"I know the place where he is," said [Brian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Brian "Brian"); "for it has been made known to him that we are come to Ireland, and these deadly arms with us, and he is gone into [Teamhair](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Teamhair "Teamhair") to avoid us."
Messengers were sent to him then, and it is the answer he gave them that he would not come, but that the fine should be given to the [ king](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Nuada "Nuada"). So the sons of [Tuireann](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Tuireann "Tuireann") did that, and when the king had taken the fine they all went to the palace in [Teamhair](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Teamhair "Teamhair"); and [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh") came out on the lawn and the fine was given to him, and it is what he said:
"There is a good payment here for any one that ever was killed or that ever will be killed. But there is something wanting to it yet that it is not lawful to leave out. And where is the cooking-spit?" he said; "and where are the three shouts on the hill that you did not give yet?" And when the sons of [Tuireann](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Tuireann "Tuireann") heard that there came clouds of weakness on them. And they left the place and went to their fathers house that night, and they told him all they had done, and the way [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh") had treated them. There was grief and darkness on [Tuireann](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Tuireann "Tuireann") then, and they spent the night together. And on the morrow they went to their ship, and [Ethne](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Ethne "Ethne"), their sister, with them, and she was crying and lamenting, and it is what she said:
"It is a pity, [Brian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Brian "Brian") of my life, it is not to [Teamhair](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Teamhair "Teamhair") your going is, after all the troubles you have had before this, even if I could not follow you.
"O [ Salmon](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lachs "Lachs") of the dumb [Boinne](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Boinne "Boinne"), O [ Salmon](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lachs "Lachs") of the [Lifé River](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lif%C3%A9_River "Lifé River"), since I cannot keep you here I am loath to part from you.
"O Rider of the Wave of [Tuaidh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Tuaidh "Tuaidh"), the man that stands best in the fight, if you come back again, I think it will not be pleasing to your enemy.
"Is there pity with you for the sons of [Tuireann](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Tuireann "Tuireann") leaning now on their green shields? Their going is a cause for pity, my mind is filled up with it.
"You to be to-night at [Beinn Edair](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Beinn_Edair "Beinn Edair") till, the heavy coming of the morning, you who have taken forfeits from brave men, it is you have increased our grief.
"It is a pity your journey is from [Teamhair](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Teamhair "Teamhair"), and from the pleasant plains, and from great [Uisnech](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Uisnech "Uisnech") of [Midhe](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Midhe "Midhe"); there is nothing so pitiful as this."
After that complaint they went out on the rough waves of the green sea; and they were a quarter of a year on the sea without getting any news of the island.
Then [Brian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Brian "Brian") put on his water dress and he made a leap, and he was a long time walking in the sea looking for the lsland of the Fair-Haired Women, and he found it in the end. And he went looking for the court, and when he came to it, all he found was a troop of women doing needlework and embroidering borders. And among all the other things they had with them, there was the cooking-spit.
And when [Brian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Brian "Brian") saw it, he took it up in his hand and he was going to bring it with him to the door. And all the women began laughing when they saw him doing that, and it is what they said:
"It is a brave deed you put your hand to; for even if your brothers were along with you, the least of the three times fifty women of us would not let the spit go with you or with them. But for all that," they said, "take a spit of the spit with you, since you had the daring to try and take it in spite of us."
[Brian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Brian "Brian") bade them farewell then, and went to look for the boat. And his brothers thought it was too long he was away from them, and just as they were going to leave the place they were, they saw him coming towards them, and that raised their courage greatly.
And he went into the boat, and they went on to look for the Hill of [Miochaoin](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Miochaoin "Miochaoin"). And when they came there, [Miochaoin](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Miochaoin "Miochaoin"), that was the guardian of the hill, came towards them; and when [Brian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Brian "Brian") saw him he attacked him, and the fight of those two champions was like the fight of two lions, till [Miochaoin](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Miochaoin "Miochaoin") fell at the last. And after [Miochaoin](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Miochaoin "Miochaoin") had fallen, his three sons came out to fight with the three sons of [Tuireann](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Tuireann "Tuireann"). And if anyone ever came from the east of the world to look at any fight, it is to see the fight of these champions he had a right to come, for the greatness of their blows and the courage of their minds. The names of the sons of [Miochaoin](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Miochaoin "Miochaoin") were [Corc](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Corc "Corc") and [Conn](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Conn "Conn") and [Aedh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Aedh "Aedh"), and they drove their three spears through the bodies of the sons of [Tuireann](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Tuireann "Tuireann"), and that did not discourage them at all and they put their own three spears through the bodies of the sons of [Miochaoin](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Miochaoin "Miochaoin"), so that they fell into the clouds and the faintness of death.
And then [Brian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Brian "Brian") said: "What way are you now, my dear brothers?" "We are near our death," said they. "Let us rise up," he said, "and give three shouts upon the hill, for I see the signs of death coming on us." "We are not able to do that," said they. Then [Brian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Brian "Brian") rose up and raised each of them with one hand, and be shedding blood heavily all the time, until they gave the three shouts.
After that [Brian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Brian "Brian") brought them with him to the boat, and they were travelling the sea for along time, but at last [Brian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Brian "Brian") said: "I see [Beinn Edair](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Beinn_Edair "Beinn Edair") and our father's dun, and [Teamhair](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Teamhair "Teamhair") of the Kings." "We would have our fill of health if we could see that," said the others; "and for the love of your good name, brother," they said, "raise up our heads on your breast till we see Ireland again, and life or death will be the same to us after that. And O [Brian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Brian "Brian")," they said, "Flame of Valour without treachery, we would sooner death to bring ourselves away, than to see you with wounds upon your body, and with no physician to heal you."
Then they came to [Beinn Eclair](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Beinn_Eclair "Beinn Eclair"), and from that they went on to their father's house, and [Brian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Brian "Brian") said to [Tuireann](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Tuireann "Tuireann"): "Go, dear father, to [Teamhair](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Teamhair "Teamhair"), and give this spit to [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh"), and bring the skin that has healing in it for our relief. Ask it from him for the sake of friendship," be said, "for we are of the one blood, and let him not give hardness for hardness. And O dear father," he said, "do not be long on your journey, or you will not find us alive before you."
Then [Tuireann](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Tuireann "Tuireann") went to [Teamhair](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Teamhair "Teamhair"), and he found [ Lugh ot the Long Hand](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh") before him, and he gave him the spit, and he asked the skin of him to heal his children, and [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh") said he would not give it. And [Tuireann](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Tuireann "Tuireann") came back to them and told them he had not got the skin. And [Brian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Brian "Brian") said: "Bring me with you to [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh"), to see would I get it from him."
So they went to [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh"), and [Brian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Brian "Brian") asked the skin of him. And [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh") said he would not give it, and that if they would give him the breadth of the earth in gold for it, he would not take it from them, unless he was sure their death would come on them in satisfaction for the deed they had done.
When [Brian](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Brian "Brian") heard that, he went to the place his two brothers were, and he lay down between them, and his life went out from him, and out from the other two at the same time.
And their father cried and lamented over his three beautiful sons, that had the making of a king of Ireland in each of them, and his strength left him and he died; and they were buried in the one grave.
# The Great Battle of Magh Tuireadh
And it was not long after [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh") had got the fine from the sons of [Tuireann](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Tuireann "Tuireann") that the [Fomor](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Fomor "Fomor") came and landed at [Scetne](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Scetne "Scetne").
The whole host of the [Fomor](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Fomor "Fomor") were come this time, and their king, [Balor](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Balor "Balor"), of the Strong Blows and of the Evil Eye, along with them; and [Bres](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Bres "Bres"), and [Indech](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Indech "Indech"), son of [De Domnann](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=De_Domnann "De Domnann"), a king of the [Fomor](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Fomor "Fomor"), and [Elathan](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Elathan "Elathan"), son of [Lobos](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lobos "Lobos"), and [Goll](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Goll "Goll") and [Ingol](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Ingol "Ingol"), and [Octriallach](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Octriallach "Octriallach"), son of [Indech](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Indech "Indech"), and [Elathan](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Elathan "Elathan"), son of [Delbaeth](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Delbaeth "Delbaeth"). Then [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh") sent the [Dagda](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Dagda "Dagda") to spy out the [Fomor](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Fomor "Fomor"), and to delay them till such time as the men of Ireland would come to the battle. So the [Dagda](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Dagda "Dagda") went to their camp, and he asked them for a delay, and they said he might have that. And then to make sport of him, the [Fomor](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Fomor "Fomor") made broth for him, for he had a great love for broth. So they filled the king's cauldron with four times twenty gallons of new milk, and the same of meal and fat, and they put in goats and sheep and pigs along with that, and boiled all together, and then they poured it all out into a great hole in the ground. And they called him to it then, and told him he should eat his fill, the way the [Fomor](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Fomor "Fomor") would not be reproached for want of hospitality the way [Bres](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Bres "Bres") was. "We will make an end of you if you leave any part of it after you," said [Indech](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Indech "Indech"), son of [De Domnann](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=De_Domnann "De Domnann"). So the [Dagda](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Dagda "Dagda") took the ladle, and it big enough for a man and a woman to lie in the bowl of it, and he took out bits with it, the half of a salted pig, and a quarter of lard a bit would be. "If the broth tastes as well as the bits taste, this is good food," he said. And he went on putting the full of the ladle into his mouth till the hole was empty; and when all was gone he put down his hand and scraped up all that was left among the earth and the gravel.
Sleep came on him then after eating the broth, and the [Fomor](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Fomor "Fomor") were laughing at him, for his belly was the size of the cauldron of a great house. But he rose up after a while, and, heavy as he was, he made his way home; and indeed his dress was no way sightly, a cape to the hollow of the elbows, and a brown coat, long in the breast and short behind, and on his feet brogues of horse hide, with the hair outside, and in his hand a wheeled fork it would take eight men to carry, so that the track he left after him was deep enough for the boundary ditch of a province. And on his way he saw the Battle-Crow, the [Morrigu](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Morrigu "Morrigu"), washing herself in the river [Unius](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Unius "Unius") of [Connacht](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Connacht "Connacht"), and one of her two feet at [Ullad Echne](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Ullad_Echne "Ullad Echne"), to the south of the water, and the other at [Loscuinn](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Loscuinn "Loscuinn"), to the north of the water, and her hair hanging in nine loosened locks. And she said to the [Dagda](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Dagda "Dagda"), that she would bring the heart's blood of [Indech](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Indech "Indech"), son of [De Domnann](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=De_Domnann "De Domnann"), that had threatened him, to the men of Ireland.
And while he was away [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh") had called together the [ Druids](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Druid "Druid"), and smiths, and physicians, and law-makers, and chariot-drivers of Ireland, to make plans for the battle. And he asked the great magician Mathgen what could be do to help them. "It is what I can do," said [Mathgen](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Mathgen "Mathgen"), "through my power I can throw down all the mountains of Ireland on the [Fomor](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Fomor "Fomor"), until their tops will be rolling on the ground. And the twelve chief mountains of Ireland will bring you their help," he said, "and will fight for you: [Slieve Leag](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Slieve_Leag "Slieve Leag") and [Denda Ulad](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Denda_Ulad "Denda Ulad"), and [Bennai Boirche](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Bennai_Boirche "Bennai Boirche") and [Bri Ruri](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Bri_Ruri "Bri Ruri"), and [Slieve Bladma](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Slieve_Bladma "Slieve Bladma") and [Slieve Snechtae](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Slieve_Snechtae "Slieve Snechtae"), and [Slieve Mis](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Slieve_Mis "Slieve Mis") and [Blai-Slieve](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Blai-Slieve "Blai-Slieve"), and [Nemthann](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Nemthann "Nemthann") and [Slieve Macca Belgodon](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Slieve_Macca_Belgodon "Slieve Macca Belgodon"), and [Segois](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Segois "Segois") and [Cruachan Aigle](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Cruachan_Aigle "Cruachan Aigle")."
Then he asked the cup-bearers what help they could give.
"We will put a strong thirst on the Fomor," they said, "and then we will bring the twelve chief lochs of Ireland before them, and however great their thirst may be, they will find no water in them: [Derc-Loch](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Derc-Loch "Derc-Loch"), [Loch Luimnech](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Loch_Luimnech "Loch Luimnech"), [Loch Orbsen](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Loch_Orbsen "Loch Orbsen"), [Loch Righ](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Loch_Righ "Loch Righ"), [Loch Mescdhae](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Loch_Mescdhae "Loch Mescdhae"), [Loch Cuan](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Loch_Cuan "Loch Cuan"), [Loch Laeig](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Loch_Laeig "Loch Laeig"), [Loch Echach](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Loch_Echach "Loch Echach"), [Loch Febail](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Loch_Febail "Loch Febail"), [Loch Decket](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Loch_Decket "Loch Decket"), [Loch Riach](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Loch_Riach "Loch Riach"), [Mor-Loch](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Mor-Loch "Mor-Loch"). And we will go," they said, "to the twelve chief rivers of Ireland: the [Buas](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Buas "Buas"), the [Boinn](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Boinn "Boinn"), the [Banna](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Banna "Banna"), the [Nem](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Nem "Nem"), the [Laoi](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Laoi "Laoi"), the [Sionnan](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Sionnan "Sionnan"), the [Muaid](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Muaid "Muaid"), the [Sligech](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Sligech "Sligech"), the [Samair](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Samair "Samair"), the [Fionn](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Fionn "Fionn"), the [Ruirtech](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Ruirtech "Ruirtech"), the [Siuir](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Siuir "Siuir"); and they will all be hidden away from the [Fomor](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Fomor "Fomor") the way they will not find a drop in them.
But as for the men of Ireland," they said, "there will be drink for them if they were to be in battle to the end of seven years."
And [Figol](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Figol "Figol"), son of [Marnos](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Marnos "Marnos"), the [ Druid](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Druiden "Druiden"), was asked then what he would do, and he said:
"It is what I will do, I will cause three showers of fire to pour on the faces of the army of the [Fomor](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Fomor "Fomor"), and I will take from them two-thirds of their bravery and their strength, and I will put sickness on their bodies, and on the bodies of their horses. But as to the men of Ireland," he said, "every breath they breathe will be an increase of strength and of bravery to them; and if they are seven years in the battle they will never be any way tired."
Then Lugh asked his two [ witches](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Druidinnen "Druidinnen"), [Bechulle](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Bechulle "Bechulle") and [Dianan](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Dianan "Dianan"):
"What power can you bring to the battle?" "It is easy to say that," they said. "We will put enchantment on the trees and the stones and the sods of the earth, till they become an armed host against the [Fomor](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Fomor "Fomor"), and put terror on them and put them to the rout."
Then Lugh asked [Carpre](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Carpre "Carpre"), the poet, son of [Etain](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Etain "Etain"), what could he do. "It is not hard to say that," said [Carpre](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Carpre "Carpre"). "I will make a [ satire](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Satire "Satire") on them at sunrise, and the wind from the north, and I on a hill-top and my back to a thorn tree, and a stone and a thorn in my hand. And with that [ satire](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Satire "Satire")," he said, "I will put shame on them and enchantment, the way they will not be able to stand against fighting men."
Then he asked [Goibniu](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Goibniu "Goibniu") the Smith what would he be able to do.
"I will do this," he said. "If the men of Ireland stop in the battle to the end of seven years, for every sword that is broken and for every spear that is lost from its shaft, I will put a new one in its place. And no spear-point that will be made by my hand," he said, "will ever miss its mark; and no man it touches will ever taste life again. And that is more than [Dolb](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Dolb "Dolb"), the smith of the [Fomor](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Fomor "Fomor"), can do," he said.
"And you, [Credne](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Credne "Credne")," [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh") said then to his worker in brass, "what help can you give to our men in the battle?"
"It is not hard to tell that," said [Credne](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Credne "Credne"), "rivets for their spears and hilts for their swords and bosses and rims for their shields, I will supply them all."
"And you, [Luchta](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Luchta "Luchta")," he said then to his carpenter, "what will you do?" "I will give them all they want of shields and of spear shafts," said [Luchta](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Luchta "Luchta").
Then he asked [Diancecht](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Diancecht "Diancecht"), the physician, what would he do, and it is what he said: "Every man that will be wounded there, unless his head is struck off, or his brain or his marrow cut through, I will make him whole and sound again for the battle of the morrow."
Then the [Dagda](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Dagda "Dagda") said: "Those great things you are boasting you will do, I will do them all with only myself."
"It is you are the good god!" said they, and they all gave a great shout of laughter. Then [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh") spoke to the whole army and put strength in them, so that each had the spirit in him of a king or a great lord.
Then when the delay was at an end, the [Fomor](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Fomor "Fomor") and the men of Ireland came on towards one another till they came to the plain of [Magh Tuireadh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Magh_Tuireadh "Magh Tuireadh"). That now was not the same [Magh Tuireadh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Magh_Tuireadh "Magh Tuireadh") where the first battle was fought, but it was to the north, near [Ess Dara](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Ess_Dara "Ess Dara").
And then the two armies threatened one another. "The men of Ireland are daring enough to offer battle to us," said [Bres](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Bres "Bres") to [Indech](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Indech "Indech"), son of [De Domnann](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=De_Domnann "De Domnann").
"I give my word," said [Indech](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Indech "Indech"), "it is in small pieces their bones will be, if they do not give in to us and pay their tribute."
Now the [ Men of Dea](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Tuatha_de_Danaan "Tuatha de Danaan") had determined not to let [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh") go into the battle, because of the loss his death would be to them; and they left nine of their men keeping a watch on him. And on the first day none of the kings or princes went into the battle, but only the common fighting men, and they fierce and proud enough. And the battle went on like that from day to day with no great advantage to one or the other side. But there was wonder on the [Fomor](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Fomor "Fomor") on account of one thing. Such of their own weapons as were broken or blunted in the fight lay there as they were, and such of their own men as were killed showed no sign of life on the morrow; but it was not so with the [Tuatha de Danaan](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Tuatha_de_Danaan "Tuatha de Danaan"), for if their men were killed or their weapons were broken to-day, they were as good as before on the morrow.
And this is the way that happened. The well of [Slaine](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Slaine "Slaine") lay to the west of [Magh Tuireadh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Magh_Tuireadh "Magh Tuireadh") to the east of [Loch Arboch](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Loch_Arboch "Loch Arboch"). And [Diancecht](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Diancecht "Diancecht") and his son [Octruil](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Octruil "Octruil") and his daughter [Airmed](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Airmed "Airmed") used to be singing spells over the well and to be putting herbs in it; and the men that were wounded to death in the battle would be brought to the well and put into it as dead men, and they would come out of it whole and sound, through the power of the spells. And not only were they healed, but there was such fire put into them that they would be quicker in the fight than they were before.
And as to the arms, it is the way they were made new every day. [Goibniu](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Goibniu "Goibniu") the Smith used to be in the forge making swords and spears, and he would make a spear-head by three turns, and then [Luchta](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Luchta "Luchta") the Carpenter would make the shaft by three cuts, and the third cut was a finish, and would set it in the ring of the spear. And when the spear-heads were stuck in the side of the forge, he would throw the shaft and the rings the way they would go into the spearhead and want no more setting. And then [Credne](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Credne "Credne") the Brazier would make the rivets by three turns and would cast the rings of the spears to them, and with that they were ready and were set together.
And all this went against the [Fomor](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Fomor "Fomor"), and they sent one of their young men to spy about the camp and to see could he find out how these things were done. It was [Ruadan](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Ruadan "Ruadan"), son of [Bres](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Bres "Bres") and of [Brigit](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Brigit "Brigit") daughter of the [Dagda](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Dagda "Dagda") they sent, for he was a son and grandson of the [Tuatha de Danaan](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Tuatha_de_Danaan "Tuatha de Danaan"). So he went and saw all that was done, and came back to the [Fomor](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Fomor "Fomor"). And when they heard his story it is what they thought, that [Goibniu](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Goibniu "Goibniu") the Smith was the man that hindered them most. And they sent [Ruadan](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Ruadan "Ruadan") back again, and bade him make an end of him.
So he went back again to the forge, and he asked [Goibniu](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Goibniu "Goibniu") would he give him a spear-head. And then he asked rivets of [Credne](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Credne "Credne"), and a shaft of the carpenter, and all was given to him as he asked. And there was a woman there, [Cron](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Cron "Cron"), mother to [Fianlug](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Fianlug "Fianlug"), grinding the spears. And after the spear being given to [Ruadan](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Ruadan "Ruadan"), he turned and threw it at [Goibniu](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Goibniu "Goibniu"), that it wounded him. But [Goibniu](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Goibniu "Goibniu") pulled it out and made a cast of it at [Ruadan](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Ruadan "Ruadan"), that it went through him and he died; and [Bres](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Bres "Bres"), his father, and the army of the [Fomor](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Fomor "Fomor"), saw him die. And then [Brigit](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Brigit "Brigit") came and keened her son with shrieking and with crying.
And as to [Goibniu](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Goibniu "Goibniu"), he went into the well and was healed. But after that [Octriallach](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Octriallach "Octriallach"), son of [Indech](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Indech "Indech"), called to the [Fomor](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Fomor "Fomor") and bade each man of them bring a stone of the stones of [Drinnes](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Drinnes "Drinnes") and throw them into the well of [Slane](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Slane "Slane"). And they did that till the well was dried up, and a cairn raised over it, that is called [Octriallach's Cairn](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Octriallach%27s_Cairn "Octriallach's Cairn").
And it was while [Goibniu](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Goibniu "Goibniu") was making spear-heads for the battle of [Magh Tuireadh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Magh_Tuireadh "Magh Tuireadh"), a charge was brought against his wife. And it was seen that it was heavy news to him, and the jealousy came to him. And it is what he did, there was a spear-shaft in his hand when he heard the story, [Nes](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Nes "Nes") its name was; and he sang spells over the spear-shaft, and any one that was struck with that spear afterwards, it would burn him up like fire.
And at last the day of the great battle came, and the [Fomor](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Fomor "Fomor") came out of their camp and stood in strong ranks. And there was not a leader or a fighting man of them was without good armour to his skin, and a helmet on his head, a broad spear in his right hand, a heavy sword in his belt, a strong shield on his shoulder. And to attack the army of the [Fomor](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Fomor "Fomor") that day was to strike the head against a rock, or to go up fighting against a fire.
And the [ Men of Dea](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Tuatha_de_Danaan "Tuatha de Danaan") rose up and left [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh") and his nine comrades keeping him, and they went on to the battle; and [Midhir](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Midhir "Midhir") was with them, and [Bodb Dearg](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Bodb_Dearg "Bodb Dearg") and [Diancecht](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Diancecht "Diancecht"). And [Badb](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Badb "Badb") and [Macha](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Macha "Macha") and the [Morrigu](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Morrigu "Morrigu") called out that they would go along with them.
And it was a hard battle was fought, and for a while it was going against the [Tuatha de Danaan](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Tuatha_de_Danaan "Tuatha de Danaan"); and [ Nuada of the Silver Hand](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Nuada "Nuada"), their King, and [Macha](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Macha "Macha"), daughter of [Emmass](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Emmass "Emmass"), fell by [Balor](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Balor "Balor"), King of the [Fomor](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Fomor "Fomor"). And [Cassmail](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Cassmail "Cassmail") fell by [Octriallach](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Octriallach "Octriallach"), and the [Dagda](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Dagda "Dagda") got a dreadful wound from a casting spear that was thrown by [Ceithlenn](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Ceithlenn "Ceithlenn"), wife of [Balor](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Balor "Balor").
But when the battle was going on, [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh") broke away from those that were keeping him, and rushed out to the front of the [ Men of Dea](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Tuatha_de_Danaan "Tuatha de Danaan"). And then there was a fierce battle fought, and [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh") was heartening the men of Ireland to fight well, the way they would not be in bonds any longer. For it was better for them, he said, to die protecting their own country than to live under bonds and under tribute any longer. And he sang a song of courage to them, and the hosts gave a great shout as they went into battle, and then they met together, and each of them began to attack the other.
And there was great slaughter, and laying low in graves, and many comely men fell there in the stall of death. Pride and shame were there side by side, and hardness and red anger, and there was red blood on the white skin of young fighting men. And the dashing of spear against shield, and sword against sword, and the shouting of the fighters, and the whistling of casting spears and the rattling of scabbards was like harsh thunder through the battle. And many slipped in the blood that was under their feet, and they fell, striking their heads one against another; and the river carried away bodies of friends and enemies together.
Then [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh") and [Balor](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Balor "Balor") met in the battle, and [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh") called out reproaches to him; and there was anger on [Balor](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Balor "Balor"), and he said to the men that were with him: "Lift up my eyelid till l see this chatterer that is talking to me." Then they raised [ Balor's](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Balor "Balor") eyelid, but [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh") made a cast of his red spear at him, that brought the eye out through the back of his head, so that it was towards his own army it fell, and three times nine of the [Fomor](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Fomor "Fomor") died when they looked at it. And if [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh") had not put out that eye when he did, the whole of Ireland would have been burned in one flash. And after this, [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh") struck his head off.
And as for [Indech](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Indech "Indech"), son of [De Domnann](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=De_Domnann "De Domnann"), he fell and was crushed in the battle, and blood burst from his mouth, and he called out for [Leat Glas](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Leat_Glas "Leat Glas"), his poet, as he lay there, but he was not able to help him. And then the [Morrigu](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Morrigu "Morrigu") came into the battle, and she was heartening the \[\[Tuatha de Danaan\] to fight the battle well; and, as she had promised the [Dagda](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Dagda "Dagda"), she took the full of her two hands of [ Indech's](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Indech "Indech") blood, and gave it to the armies that were waiting at the foot of [Unius](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Unius "Unius"); and it was called the Ford of Destruction from that day.
And after that it was not a battle any more, but a rout, and the [Fomor](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Fomor "Fomor") were beaten back to the sea. And [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh") and his comrades were following them, and they came up with [Bres](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Bres "Bres"), son of [Elathan](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Elathan "Elathan"), and no guard with him, and he said:
"It is better for you to spare my life than to kill me. And if you spare me now," he said, "the cows of Ireland will never go dry."
"I will ask an advice about that from our wise men," said [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh"). So he told [Maeltine Mor-Brethach](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Maeltine_Mor-Brethach "Maeltine Mor-Brethach"), of the Great Judgments, what [Bres](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Bres "Bres") was after saying. But [Maeltine](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Maeltine "Maeltine") said: "Do not spare him for that, for he has no power over their offspring, though he has power so long as they are living."
Then [Bres](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Bres "Bres") said: "If you spare me, the men of Ireland will reap a harvest of corn every quarter." But [Maeltine](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Maeltine "Maeltine") said: "The spring is for ploughing and sowing, and the beginning of summer for the strength of corn, and the beginning of autumn for its ripeness, and the winter for using it."
"That does not save you," said [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh") then to [Bres](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Bres "Bres"). But then to make an excuse for sparing him, [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh") said: "Tell us what is the best way for the men of Ireland to plough and to sow and to reap."
"Let their ploughing be on a Tuesday, and their casting seed into the field on a Tuesday, and their reaping on a Tuesday," said [Bres](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Bres "Bres"). So [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh") said that would do, and he let him go free after that.
It was in this battle [Ogma](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Ogma "Ogma") found [Orna](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Orna "Orna"), the sword of [Tethra](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Tethra "Tethra"), a king of the [Fomor](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Fomor "Fomor"), and he took it from its sheath and cleaned it. And when the sword was taken out of the sheath, it told all the deeds that had been done by it, for there used to be that power in swords.
And [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh") and the [Dagda](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Dagda "Dagda") and [Ogma](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Ogma "Ogma") followed after the [Fomor](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Fomor "Fomor"), for they had brought away the [ Dagda's](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Dagda "Dagda") harp with them, that was called [Uaitne](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Uaitne "Uaitne"). And they came to a feasting-house, and in it they found [Bres](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Bres "Bres") and his father [Elathan](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Elathan "Elathan"), and there was the harp hanging on the wall. And it was in that harp the [Dagda](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Dagda "Dagda") had bound the music, so that it would not sound until he would call to it. And sometimes it was called [ Dur-da-Bla](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Uaitne "Uaitne"), the Oak of Two Blossoms, and sometimes [ Coir-cethar-chuin](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Uaitne "Uaitne"), the Four-Angled Music.
And when he saw it hanging on the wall it is what he said: "Come summer, come winter, from the mouth of harps and bags and pipes." Then the harp sprang from the wall, and came to the [Dagda](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Dagda "Dagda"), and it killed nine men on its way. And then he played for them the three things harpers understand, the sleepy tune, and the laughing tune, and the crying tune. And when he played the crying tune, their tearful women cried, and then he played the laughing tune, till their women and children laughed; and then he played the sleepy tune, and all the hosts fell asleep. And through that sleep the three went away through the [Fomor](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Fomor "Fomor") that would have been glad to harm them. And when all was over, the [Dagda](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Dagda "Dagda") brought out the heifer he had got as wages from [Bres](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Bres "Bres") at the time he was making his dun. And she called to her calf, and at the sound of her call all the cattle of Ireland the [Fomor](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Fomor "Fomor") had brought away as tribute, were back in their fields again.
And [Ce](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Ce "Ce"), the [ Druid](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Druiden "Druiden") of [ Nuada of the Silver Hand](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Nuada "Nuada"), was wounded in the battle, and he went southward till he came to [Cam Corrslebe](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Cam_Corrslebe "Cam Corrslebe"). And there he sat down to rest, tired with his wounds and with the fear that was on him, and the journey. And he saw a smooth plain before him, and it full of flowers, and a great desire came on him to reach to that plain, and he went on till he came to it, and there he died. And when his grave was made there, a lake burst out over it and over the whole plain, and it was given the name of [Loch Ce](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Loch_Ce "Loch Ce"). And there were but four men of the [Fomor](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Fomor "Fomor") left in Ireland after the battle, and they used to be going through the country, spoiling corn and milk and fruit, and whatever came from the sea, till they were driven out one [Samhain](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Samhain "Samhain") night by the [Morrigu](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Morrigu "Morrigu") and by [Angus Og](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Angus_Og "Angus Og"), that the [Fomor](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Fomor "Fomor") might never be over Ireland again.
And after the battle was won, and the bodies were cleared away, the [Morrigu](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Morrigu "Morrigu") gave out the news of the great victory to the hosts and to the royal heights of Ireland and to its chief rivers and its invers, and it is what she said: "Peace up to the skies, the skies down to earth, the earth under the skies; strength to every one."
And as to the number of men that fell in the battle, it will not be known till we number the stars of the sky, or flakes of snow, or the dew on the grass, or grass under the feet of cattle, or the horses of the Son of Lir in a stormy sea. And [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh") was made king over the [ Men of Dea](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Tuatha_de_Danaan "Tuatha de Danaan") then, and it was at [Nas](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Nas "Nas") he had his court.
And while he was king, his foster-mother [Taillte](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Taillte "Taillte"), daughter of [Magh Mor](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Magh_Mor "Magh Mor"), the Great Plain died. And before her death she bade her husband [Duach the Dark](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Duach_the_Dark "Duach the Dark"), he that built the Fort of the Hostages in [Teamhair](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Teamhair "Teamhair"), to clear away the wood of [Cuan](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Cuan "Cuan"), the way there could be a gathering of the people around her grave. So he called to the men of Ireland to cut down the wood with their wide-bladed knives and bill-hooks and hatchets, and within a month the whole wood was cut down.
And [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh") buried her in the plain of [Midhe](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Midhe "Midhe"), and raised a mound over her, that is to be seen to this day. And he ordered fires to be kindled, and keening to be made, and games and sports to be held in the summer of every year out of respect to her. And the place they were held got its name from her, that is [Taillten](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Taillten "Taillten").
And as to [ Lugh's](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh") own mother, that was tall beautiful [Ethlinn](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Ethlinn "Ethlinn"), she came to [Teamhair](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Teamhair "Teamhair") after the battle of [Magh Tuireadh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Magh_Tuireadh "Magh Tuireadh"), and he gave her in marriage to [Tadg](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Tadg "Tadg"), son of [Nuada](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Nuada "Nuada"). And the children that were born to them were [Muirne](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Muirne "Muirne"), mother of [Finn](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Finn "Finn"), the Head of the [Fianna](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Fianna "Fianna") of Ireland, and [Tuiren](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Tuiren "Tuiren"), that was mother of [Bran](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Bran "Bran").
# Hidden House of Lugh
And after [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh") had held the kingship for a long time, the [Dagda](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Dagda "Dagda") was made king in his place. And [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh") went away out of Ireland, and some said he died at [Uisnech](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Uisnech "Uisnech"), the place where the five provinces meet, and the first place there was ever a fire kindled in Ireland. It was by [Mide](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Mide "Mide"), son of [Brath](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Brath "Brath"), it was kindled, for the sons of [Nemed](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Nemed "Nemed"), and it was burning through six years, and it was from that fire every chief was kindled in Ireland.
But [Lugh](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh") was seen again in Ireland at the time [Conchubar](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Conchubar "Conchubar") and the [Men of the Red Branch](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Men_of_the_Red_Branch "Men of the Red Branch") went following white birds southward to the [Boinn](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Boinn "Boinn") at the time of [Cuchulain's birth](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Cuchulain%27s_birth "Cuchulain's birth"). And it was he came and kept watch over [Cuchulain](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Cuchulain "Cuchulain") in his three days' sleep at the time of the War for the [Bull of Cuailgne](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Bull_of_Cuailgne "Bull of Cuailgne").
And after that again he was seen by [Conn](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Conn "Conn") of the Hundred Battles, and this is the way that happened. [Conn](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Conn "Conn") was in [Teamhair](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Teamhair "Teamhair") one time, and he went up in the early morning to the Rath of the Kings at the rising of the sun, and his three [ Druids](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Druiden "Druiden") with him, [Maol](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Maol "Maol") and [Bloc](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Bloc "Bloc") and [Bhuice](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Bhuice "Bhuice"); and his three poets, [Ethain](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Ethain "Ethain") and [Corb](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Corb "Corb") and [Cesarn](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Cesarn "Cesarn"). And the reason he had for going up there with them every day, was to look about on every side, the way if any men of the [ Sidhe](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Tuatha_de_Danaan "Tuatha de Danaan") would come into Ireland they would not come unknown to him. And on this day he chanced to stand upon a stone that was in the rath, and the stone screamed under his feet, that it was heard all over [Teamhair](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Teamhair "Teamhair") and as far as [Bregia](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Bregia "Bregia").
Then [Conn](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Conn "Conn") asked his chief [ Druid](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Druiden "Druiden") how the stone came there, and what it screamed for. And the [ Druid](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Druiden "Druiden") said he would not answer that till the end of fifty-three days. And at the end of that time, [Conn](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Conn "Conn") asked him again, and it is what the [ Druid](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Druiden "Druiden") said: "The [Lia Fail](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lia_Fail "Lia Fail") is the name of the stone; it is out of [Falias](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Falias "Falias") it was brought, and it is in [Teamhair](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Teamhair "Teamhair") it was setup, and in [Teamhair](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Teamhair "Teamhair") it will stay forever. And as long as there is a king in [Teamhair](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Teamhair "Teamhair") it is here will be the gathering place for games, and if there is no king to come to the last day of the gathering, there will be hardness in that year. And when the stone screamed under your feet," he said, "the number of the screams it gave was a foretelling of the number of kings of your race that would come after you. But it is not I myself will name them for you," he said.
And while they were in the same place, there came a great mist about them and a darkness, so that they could not know what way they were going, and they heard the noise of a rider coming towards them. "It would be a great grief to us," said [Conn](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Conn "Conn"), "to be brought away into a strange country." Then the rider threw three spears at them, and every one came faster than the other. "It is the wounding of a king indeed," said the [ Druids](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Druiden "Druiden"), "any one to cast at [Conn](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Conn "Conn") of [Teamhair](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Teamhair "Teamhair")."
The rider stopped casting his spears on that, and he came to them and bade [Conn](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Conn "Conn") welcome, and asked him to come to his house. They went on then till they came to a beautiful plain, and there they saw a king's rath, and a golden tree at its door, and inside the rath a grand house with a roof of white bronze. So they went into the house, and the rider that had come to meet them was there before them, in his royal seat, and there had never been seen a man like him in [Teamhair](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Teamhair "Teamhair") for comeliness or for beauty, or the wonder of his face.
And there was a young woman in the house, having a band of gold on her head, and a silver vessel with hoops of gold beside her, and it full of red ale, and a golden bowl on its edge, and a golden cup at its mouth. She said then to the master of the house: "Who am I to serve drink to?" "Serve it to [Cairn](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Cairn "Cairn") of the Hundred Battles," he said, "for he will gain a hundred battles before he dies." And after that he bade her to pour out the ale for [Art](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Art "Art") of the Three Shouts, the son of [Conn](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Conn "Conn"); and after that he went through the names of all the kings of Ireland that would come after [Conn](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Conn "Conn"), and he told what would be the length of their lifetime. And the young woman left the vessel with [Conn](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Conn "Conn"), and the cup and the bowl, and she gave him along with that the rib of an ox and of a hog; twenty-four feet was the length of the ox-rib.
And the master of the house told them the young woman was the Kingship of Ireland for ever. "And as for myself," he said, "I am [ Lugh of the Long Hand](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Lugh "Lugh"), son of [Ethlinn](https://dairpedia.dair-alainn.de/index.php?title=Ethlinn "Ethlinn")."
# Part I Book III
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