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POPULAE TALES
THE WEST HIGHLANDS.
PRINTED BY R. & R. CLARK,
EDMONSTON AND DOUGLAS, EDINBURGH.
LONDON . . HAMILTON, ADAMS, &, CO.
CAMBRIDGE . MACMILLAN <fc CO.
DUBLIN . . W. ROBERTSON.
GLASGOW . . JAMES MACLEHOSE.
7
POPULAR TALES /££2-
THE WEST HIGHLANDS
OEALLY COLLECTED
Wiìi^ H franslatioit
By J. r. C A:\IPB ELL
YOL. Ill
MYTHOLOGICAL TALES, FABLES, AND OSSIA^TIC BALLADS.
EDIXBUEGH :
EDMOXSTOX AXD DOUGLAS.
1862.
30 my'
CONTENTS.
NAME.
LYIII. THE RIDER OF GRIAN-
AIG, AND IAIN THE SOL-
DIER'S SON.
1.
2. Nollaig
3. Fhiorrachd Fhuarrachd. etc. ...
4.
5.
6. Ceap
7. Godar Leum
8. Tom Luacharach
9. Fo Gheasan
Gaelic
LIX. FIONN'S QUESTIONS...
LX. D I A R M A I D AND
GRAINNE.
Gaelic
LXI. THE LAY OF DIAR-
MAID.
1.
(Jaelic
3. The Lay of Yeearmaid
Gaelic
4. The Boar of Ben Laijrhal
Fables
LXII. HOW THE FOX TOOK
A TURN OUT OF THE GOAT
Gaelic
LXIIL HOW THE COCK TOOK
A TURN OUT OF THE FOX
Gaelic
LXIV. THE HEN
Gaelic
LXV. THE KEG OF BUTTER..
Gaelic
LXVL THE FOX AND THE
LITTLE BONN AC H.
Gaelic
Donald MacNiven, carrier
Donald MacPhie, smith
Alexander Macalister ..
Mrs. MacTavish
Janet Currie
Hector Boyd
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
CONTENTS.
Date.
Place.
Collector.
Page
July 1859
Hector MacLean ....
1
18
19
20
20
21
21
21
22
22
24
October 1860
July 1859
Barra
36
39
45
Nov. 1859
50
Sept. 1860
Stoneybridge, South Uist ..
64
55
78
64
65
81
90
...
Barra
_
91
102
Sept. 1860
93
102
October 1860
94
103
Sept. 18G0
Do.
Castle Bay, Barra
96
104
100
106 1
CONTENTS.
NAME.
LXVII. GAOL REIDHINN
Gaelic
LXVIII
Gaelic
LXIX. THOMAS OF THE
THUMB.
Gaelic
LXX. THE BULLS
Gaelic
LXXL THE HOODIE CATE-
CHISING THE YOUNG ONE
Gaelic
LXXIL THE HOODIE AND THE
FOX.
Gaelic
LXXIIL THE YELLOW MUIL-
EARTEACH.
Gaelic
Notes
LXXIV. THE STORY OF THE
LAY OF THE GREAT FOOL
The Lay of the Great Fool
Gaelic
LXXV. GTTAIGEAN LADHRACH
S' LOIKEAN SPAGACH.
Notes
LXXVI. CON ALL GULBAN; OR
GUILBEINACH, OR GUL-
BAIRNEACH.
Notes
LXXVIL JOHN, SON OF THE
KING OF BERGEN.
Gaelic
Alexander Carmichael,
Esq., excise officer
Catherine Macfarlane.
John Dewar
John MacArthur, shepherd
Angus MacDonald
Kate MacFarlane.
John Dewar
Angus Mackinnon, tailor .
Date.
Place.
Collector.
Page
July 1860
Port Charlotte, Islay
108
110
111
113
1809
114
116
November 1860
...
118
119
120
121
121
121
Sept. 1860
Staoine-breac, South Uist..
122
123
145
Sept. 1860
Stoneybridge, South Uist..
146
154
155
October 1860
John Dewar.
180
184
J. F. C
185
279
Dallabrog, South Uist
282
283
NAME.
LXXVIII. THE MASTER AND HIS
MAN
Gaelic
LXXIX. THE PRAISE OF GOLL
Gaelic
LXXX. OSGAR, THE SON OF
OISEIN.
LXXXI. THE LAY OF OSGAR ...
Gaelic
LXXXII. HOW THE EEN WAS
SET UP.
Gaelic
LXXXIII. THE REASON WHY THE
DALLAG (DOG-FISH) IS
CALLED THE KING'S FISH
Tiie Lay of Magnus
Notes
LXXXIV. MANUS
Gaelic
Notes
LXXXV. THE SONG OF THE
SMITHY.
Gaelic
Duan iia Ceardacli, etc
LXXXVI. NIGHEAN RIGH FO
THUINN.
Donald MacPhie
Donald MacPhie, smith,
and others.
Angus MacDonald
Angus MacKinnon
Donald MacPhie
Do.
Malcolm MacPhail
Roderick MacLean, tailor.
Sept. 1860
Breubhaig, Barra
Breubhaig, BaiTa
Stoney bridge, South Uist
South Uist
Tocbdar, South Uist
Breubhaig, Barra
Scanastle, Islay
Ken Tangval, Barra
Collector. Page
LIST or ILLUSTEATIONS.
Page
1. Sketch from a Stone at Elgin . . .35
2. Sketcli from a Stone in tlie Churchyard of St.
Vigeans, near Arbroath . . .49
3. Wolf.— From a Stone at St. Anch-ews . .96
4. Fox, Himtsman, and Falcon. — From a Stone at
Shandwick . , . . .100
5. Sketch from a Stone at Inverness . .117
6. Harper. — From a Stone at Monifeith . .122
7. Sketch from a Stone Coffin at Govan. . .123
8. Deer and Hoimd. — From a Stone at Kirriemnir 154
9. Elk. — From a Stone in the Churchyard of Meigle 155
10. Ox. — From a Stone at Fowlis Wester, near Crieff 180
11. Sketch from a Stone in the Cemetery of Inch
Brayoc, in the South Esk . . . 206
12. Bard. — From a Cross near Dupplin . .231
13. Sketch from a curious Cross near Duj^pUn Castle 242
14. Hounds and Huntsmen, Ornaments, and Charac-
teristic Symbol . . . .287
15. Fish, with some Characteristic Ornaments . 339
16. Manus . . . . .348
17. Sketch from a Stone in the CTiurchyard of St.
Vigeans . . . , .361
EEEATA.
Page 24
25
26
37
line 22 for dhuiblisee read dhuibhse
dhaor
mo
103
lOi
106
118
131
139
142
155
163
105
1G9
175
178
227
seire
darusd
turc
seirc
dorusd
„ d' en „ de 'n
„ chiud ,, chuid
„ ionnsaidh ,, ionnsuidhli
„ ruim „ riiun
„ niae ,. mac
„ b „ bi
What is (the reason of) thy coming from the
land?' read, "What is thy land's pro-
duce ?"
doirn'eig ,
mhorbhadhsa
pad
Craohh
marbh ,
an
chrainnaibh ,
Brembhaig ,
chu ,
Gruagach ,
ghleantna ,
Gruagaich ,
un ,
OS riiin ,
muiun ,
Deogh ,
duirneig
mharbhadhsa
gad
Craobh
mharbh
a'
chrannaibh
Breubhaii;
cha
Ghruagach
ghleannta
Ghruagaich
an
as ruin
muin
Deagh
ERRATA.
Page 231 Note
240
243
245
251
265
294
295
305
309
313
317
319
12
20
4
— „ 19
326 „ 21
341 „ 20
— „ 27
364, at the top.
for ghaoidheadh read
the „
„ Treanghaisgeach
., bharragh ,,
,, dheag „
,, sbluisd „
„ haislean ,.
„ ainmeanan „
„ ceanu „
„ anam „
„ Leomham ,
„ niin „
„ Fhian-ta „
„ Leagalh „
,1 sind »
„ lasgara ,,
„ ficheud Ghaidheal
„ Eiroina „
,, airnn „
ghlaoidheadh
thee
Treunghaisgeach
barragh
dheug
soluisd
uaislean
ainmeannau
ceann
annam
Leomhan
mill
Fhiannta
Leagadh
siud
lasgarra
fichead Gaidheal
Eirionn
oirnn
gaisg'
around
„ about around,
„ phiathar ., phiuthar
„ phiathar „ phiuthar
The Lay of Magnus was written from the
dictation of Alexander MacDonald, and subsequently compared with
the recitation of the other authority.
364
367
376
377
384
387
391
392
394
397
Beith
ora' ,,
non „
gruagch
carr-shiuflach
Beithe
am'
nan
gruagach
carr-shiubhlach
like blade's daughter the smith's
shop," read, " like blade the smith's
shop's daughter "
mis „
chuinir „
fheail dhaoise
they had before ;
jun „
played „
lomagain „
comihairle ,,
nis
chuimir
fheoil dhaoine
; they had ijefore
gun
placed
iomagain
comhairle
Tt may be some excuse for this long list of errors, and for the
ERRATA. XV
Gaelic orthography, that the printers do not understand Gaelic, the
scribes dwell far from them, the penmanship is sometimes indistinct,
and the usual spelling of words is often wilfully modified, to express
the pronunciation of various districts, while adhering to the rules of
Gaelic orthography.
The variations are often of philological value, as for example —
Fail is the Islay value of Fa-r— where, and it seems to be a very
ancient form of Gaelic, which is not in any modern book, even mine,
for the scribe did not venture to take such a liberty. But in an
Irish MS., written prior to 1150, quoted p. 49 of the Transactions of
the Ossianic Society, is this line—
" Baile i tegtis fecht fir."
" In the place where men were wont to pass."'
Or perhaps,
" The town where, come past men."
Thus Faile, where, is equivalent to ans a' bhaile, in the town
where; and so, Balla, a wall ; Baile, a town, or a f:irni, or any col-
lection of liouses ; is made to have the same meaning as Faile, a
definite place, distinguished from an indefinite place, such as the site
of a wanderer's camp would be. The change then from Fail, to Far,
and the preservation of Fail in one locality, and the relation of Far
to baile, are worth the departure from a system not yet fixed.
LVIIL
THE EIDEE OF GRIANAIG/ AND IAIN
THE SOLDIER'S SON.
From Donald MacNiven, a lame carrier. Bowmore, Islay,
5tli July 1859. Written down by Hector MacLean.
T^HE knight of Grianaig had three daughters, such
-^ that their like were not to he found or to be seen
in any place. There came a beast from the ocean and
she took them with her, and there was no knowledge
what way they had taken, nor where they might be
sought.
There was a soldier in the town, and he had thi-ee
sous, and at the time of Chiistmas ^ they were inlaying
at shinny, and the yoimgest said that they should go
and that they should drive a hale on the lawn of the
knight of Grianaig. The rest said that they should
not go ; that the knight Avould not be pleased ; that that
would be bringing the loss of his children to his mind,
and laying sorrow upon him. "Let that be as it
pleases," said Iain the youngest son, " but we will go
there, and we will drive a hale ; I am careless of the
knight of Grianaig, let him be well pleased or angry."
They went to play shinny, and Iain won three
hales from his brethren. The knight put his head out
of a window, and he saw them playing at shinny, and
he took great wrath that any one had the heart to play
shinny on his lawn — a thiug that was bringing the loss
VOL. HI. B
2 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
of his chikben to his mind, and putting contempt
upon him. Said he to his wife, " Who is so impudent
as to be playing shinny on my ground, and bringing
the loss of my children to my mind ? Let them be
brought here in an instant that punishment may be
done upon them. The three lads were brought to the
presence of the knight, and they were fine lads.
" What made you," said the knight, " go and play
shinny upon my ground and bring the loss of my
children to my mind ? you must suffer pain for it."
"It is not thus it shall be," said Iain ; "but since
it befell us to come wrong upon thee, thou hadst best
make us a dwelling of a ship, and we will go to seek
thy daughters ; and if they are under the leeward, or
the windward, or under the four brown boundaries of
the deep," we will find them out before there comes
the end of a day and year, and we will bring them
back to Grianaig."
" Though thou be the youngest, it is in thy head
that the best counsel is, let that be made for you."
Wrights were got and a ship was made in seven
days. They put in meat and drink as they might
need for the journey. They gave her front to sea and
her stern to land, and they went away, and in seven
days they reached a white sandy strand, and when
they went on shore there were six men and ten at
work in the face of a rock blasting, with a foreman
over them.
"What place is here?" said the skipper.
" Here is the place where are the children of the
knight of Grianaig ; they are to be married to three
giants."
" Wliat means are there to get where they are ? "
" There are no means but to go up in this creel
against the face of the rock."
THE RIDER OF GRIANAIG. 3
The eldest son went into the creel, and when he
was up at the half of the rock, there came a stumpy-
black raven, and he began uj^on him with his claws,
and his wings till he almost left liim blind and deaf.*
He had but to turn back.
The second one went into the creel, and when he
was up half the way, there came the stumpy black
raven and he began upon him, and he had for it but
to return back as did the other one.
At last Iain went into the creel. Wlien he was
up half the way there came the stumpy black raven,
and he began upon him, and he belaboured him about
the face.
" Up with me quickly ! " said he, " before I Vie
Winded here."
He was set up to the toj) of the rock. "Wlien he
was up the raven came where he was, and he saiil to
him.
" Wilt thou give me a quid of tobacco V"
'• Thou high-priced rogue ! little claim hast thou
on me for giving that to thee."
" Never thou mind tliat, I will be a good friend
to thee. Now thou shalt go to the house of the big
giant, and thou wilt see the knight's daughter sewing,
and her thimble wet with tears."
He went on before him till he reached the house
of the giant. He went in. The knight's daughter
was sewing.
" What brought thee here ? " said she.
" Wliat brought thyself into it that I might not
come into it."
" I Avas brought here in spite of me."
" I know that. Where is the giant ?"
" He is in the huntiiig liill."
" What means to get him home 1 "
4 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
" To shake yonder battle-chain -without, and there
is no one in the leeward, or in the windward, or in
the four brown boundaries of the deep, who will hold
battle against him, but young Iain the soldier's son,
from Alloainn, and he is Isut sixteen years of age, and
he is too young to go to battle against the giant."
" There is many a one in Albainn as strong as Iain
the soldier's son, though the soldier were with him."
Out he w^ent. He gave a haul at the chain, and
he did not take a turn out of it, and he went on his
knee. He rose up, he gave the next shake at the
chain, and he broke a linlc in it. The giant heard it in
the hunting hill.
" Aha ! " said he, " who could move my battle chain
but young Iain the soldier's sou from Albaiun, and he
is but sixteen years of age ; he is too young yet V
The giant put the game on a withy, and home he
came.
"Art thou young Iain the soldier's son, from
Albainn Ì "
"Not I."
" Who art thou in the leeward, or in the windward,
or in the four brown boundaries of the deep, that could
move my battle chain, but young Iain the soldier's son,
from Albainn V
" There is many a one in Albainn as strong as
young Iain the soldier's son, though the soldier should
be with him."
" I have got that in the prophesyings."
" Never thou mind what thou hast got in the pro-
phesyings."
" In what way wouldst thou rather try thyself ? "
" When I and my mother used to be falling out
with each other, and I might wish to get my own will,
it was in tight wrestling ties we used to try ; and one
THE RIDER OF GRIAX.UG. . 5
time she used to get the better, and two times she used
not."
They seized each other, and they had hard hugs,
and the giant put Iain on his knee.
"I see," said Iain, "that thou art the stronger."
" It is known that I am," said the giant.
They Avent "before each other again. They were
twisting and hauling each otlier. Iain struck a foot on
the giant in the ankle, and he put him on the thews of
his back under him on the ground. He wished that
the raven were at him.
The stumpy black raven came, and he fell upon the
giant about the face and about the ears with his claws
and with his wings until he blinded him, and he
deafened liim.
" Hast thou got a nail of arms that will take the
head off the monster ? "
" I have not."
" Put thy hand under my right wing, and thou
wilt find a small sharp laiife which I have for gather-
ing briar-bucLs, and take the head off him."
He put his hand under the raven's right wing and
lie found the knife, and he took the head off the giant.
"E'ow Iain thou shalt go in where is the big
daughter of the knight of Grianaig, and she will be
asking thee to return and not to go farther ; but do
not thou give heed, but go on, and thou "wilt reach the
middle daughter ; and thou shalt give me a quid of
tobacco."
" I wiU. give that to thee indeed ; well hast thou
earned it. Thou shalt have haK of all I have."
" I will not. There's many a long day to Bealtain."
" Tlie fortune will not let me be here till Bealtain."
" Thou hast knowledge of what has passed, but thou
hast no knowledge of what is before thee ; set warm
6 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
water, clean thyself in it ; thon wilt find a vessel of
balsam above the door, rub it in thy skin, and go to
bed by thyself and thou wilt be whole and wholesome
to-morrow, and to-morrow thou shalt go on to the house
of the next one."
He went in and he did as the raven asked him. He
went to bed that night and he was whole and whole-
some in the morning when he arose.
"It is better for thee," said the knight's big daughter,
" not to go further, and not to put thyself in more danger ;
there is plenty of gold and silver here, and we will take
it with us and we will return."
" I will not do that," said he ; "I will take (the
road) on my front."
He went forwards till he came to the house where
was the middle daughter of the knight of Grianaig.
He went in and she was seated sewing, and she (was)
weepiug, and her thimble Avet with her tears.
" What brought thee here ? "
"What brought thyseK into it that I might not
come into it?"
" I was brought in spite of me."
" I have knowledge of that. What set thee
weeping V
" I have but one night till I must be married to
the giant."
" Where is the giant V
" He is in the hunting hill."
" What means to get him home ? "
" To shake that battle chain Avithout at the side of
the house, and he is not in the leeward nor in the
windward, nor in the four brown boundaries of the
deep, who is as much as can shake it, but young Iain
the soldier's son, from Albainn, and he is too young yet,
he is but sixteen years of age."
THE RIDER OF GRIANAIG. 7
" There are men in Albainn as strong as yoimg Iain
the soldier's son, though the soldier should be with him."
He went out, and he gave a haul at the chain, and
lie came upon his two knees. He rose up and gave
tlie next haul at it, and he broke three links in. it.
The giant heard that in the hunting liiU.
" Aha !" said he, and he put the game on a withy
on his shoulder, and home he came.
" "\^Tio could move my battle chain but young Iain
the soldier's son from Albainn, and he is too young yet ;
he is but sixteen years of age ] "
" There are men in Albainn as strong as young
Iain the soldier's son, though the soldier should be with
him."
"We have got that in the prophesyings."
" I care not what is in your prophesjangs."
"In what way wouldst thou rather try thyself?"
" In hard hugs of -nTestlhig."
They seized each other and the giant put him on
his two knees.
" Thine is my life," said Iain, " thou art stronger
than I. Let's try another turn."
Tliey tried each other again, and Iain struck his
lieel on the giant in the ankle, and he set him on the
tliews of his back on the ground.
" Eaven !" said he, "a flapping of thine were good
now."
The raven came, and he blinded and deafened the
giant, giving it to him with his beak, and with his
claws, and "wdth his wings.
" Hast thou a nail of a weapon V
" I have not."
" Put thy hand under my right wing, and thou wilt
find there a small sharp knife that I have for gathering
briar-buds, and take the head off Mm."
O WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
He put liis hand under the root of the raven's
right wing, and he found the knife, and he took the
head off the giant.
" 'Now thou shalt go in and clean thyself with warm
water, thou wilt find the vessel of balsam, thou shalt
rub it upon thj^self, thou shalt go to bed, and thou wdlfc
be whole and wholesome to-morrow. This one will be
certainly more cunning and more mouthing than was
the one before, asking thee to return and not to go
further ; but give thou no heed to her. And thou
shalt give me a quid of tobacco."
" I will give it indeed; thou art worthy of it."
He went in and he did as the raven asked him.
When he got up on the morrow's morning he was
whole and wholesome.
"Thou hadst better," said the knight's middle
daughter, " return, and not put thyself in more danger ;
there is plenty of gold and of silver here."
" I will not do that ; I will go forward."
He went forward till he came to the house in which
was the Uttle daughter of the knight ; he went in and
he saw her sewing, and her tliimble wet with tears.
" What brought thee here Ì"
""WHiat brought thyself into it that I might not
come into it Ì "
" I was brought into it m spite of me."
" I know that."
"Art thou young Iain tlie soldier's son, from
Albainn Ì" ,
" I am; what is the reason that thou art weeping?"
" I have but this night of delay without marrying
the giant."
"Where is he ?"
"He is in the hunting hill."
" AVhat means to bring him home ? "
THE RIDER OF GRIAXAIG. 9
"To shake that battle chain without."
He went out, and he gave a shake at the chain and
down he came on his hnrdies.
He rose again, and he gave it the next shake, and
he broke four links in it, and he made a great rattling
noise. The giant heard that in the hunting hill ; he
put the withy of game on his shoulder.
""Who in the leeward, or in the windward, or in
the four brown boundaries of the deep, could shake
my battle chain but young Iain the soldier's son, from
Albainn ; and if it be he, my two brothers are dead
before this?"
He came home in his might, making the earth
tremble before him and behind him.
" Art thou young Iain the soldier's son Ì "
"Not I."
" Who art thou in the leeward, or in the wind-
ward, or in the four brown boundaries of the deep,
that could shake my battle chain but young Iain the
soldier's son, from Albainn ? and he is too young yet,
he is but sixteen years of age."
" Is there not many a one in Albainn as strong as
young Iain the soldier's son, though the soldier were
with him?
" It is not in our prophesyings."
" I care not what is in your prophesyings."
" In what way wouldst thou Like thy trial Ì "
" Tight wrestling ties."
They seized each other and the giant set him on
his haunches.
" Let me go ; thine is my life."
They caught each other again ; he struck his heel
on the giant in the anlde, and he laid him on the
shower top of his shoulder, and on the thews of his
back on the ground.
lO WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
" Stumpy black raA^en, if thou wert here now ! "
No sooner said he the word than the raven came.
He belaboured the giant about the face, and the eyes,
and the ears, with his beak, and with his claws and
with his wings. '
" Hast thou a nail of a weapon ?"
" I have not."
" Put thy hand under the root of my right wing
and thou wilt find a small sharp knife that I have for
gathering whortle berries, and take his head off."
He did that.
" Xow," said the raven, " take rest as thou didst
last night, and when thou returnest with the three
daughters of the knight, to the cut (edge) of the rock,
thou shalt go down first thyself, and they shall go
down after thee ; and thou shalt give me a quid of
tobacco."
" I will give it ; thou hast well deserved it ; here it
is for thee altogether."
" I will but take a i^uid ; there is many a long day
ti) Bealtain."
" The fortune will not let me lie here till Bealtain."
" Thou hast knowledge of what is behind thee, but
thou hast no knowledge what is before thee."
(3n the morrow they set in order asses, and on
their backs they put the gold and the silver that the
giants had, and he himself and the three daughters of
the knight reached the edge of the rock : when they
reached the edge of the rock, for fear giddiness should
coiue over any of the girls, he sent them down one
after one in the creel. There were three caps of gold
on them, made up finely with "daoimean" (diamonds);
caps that -were made in the Roimli (Rome), and such
that their like were not to be found in the universe.
He kept up the cap that was on the youngest. He was
THE BIDER OP GRIANAIG. I I
Avaiting and waiting, and though he should be waiting
still, the creel would not come up to fetch him. The
rest went on board, and away they went till they
reached Grianaig.
He was left there, and without a way in his power
to get out of the place. The raven came where he
was.
" Thou didst not take my counsel ? "
" I did not take it ; if I had taken it I should not
be as I am."
There is no help for it, Iain. The one that will
not take counsel will take combat. Thou shalt gÌA^e
me a c^uid of tobacco."
" I will give it."
" Thou shalt reach the giant's house, and thou shalt
stay there tliis night."
" Wilt thou not stay with me thyself to keep off
my dulness ?"
" I will not stay ; it is not suitable for me."
On the morrow came the raven where he was.
" Thou shalt now go to the giant's stable, and if thou
art quick and active, there is a steed there, and sea or
shore is all one to her, and that may take thee out of
these straits."
They went together and they came to the stable,
a stable of stone, dug in into a rock, and a door of stone
to it. The door was slamming without ceasing, back-
wards and forwards, from early day to night, and from
night to day.
" Thou must now watch," said the raven, " and take
a chance, and try if thou canst make out to go in when
it is open, without its getting a hold of thee."
"Thou hadst best try first, since thou art best
acquainted."
" It will be as well'
12 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
The raven gave a bob and a hop and in he went,
but the door took a feather out of the root of his wing,
and he screeched.
"Poor Iain, if thou couldst get in with as little
pain as I, I would not complain."
Iain took a run back and a run forward, he took a
spring to go in, the door caught him, and it took half
his hurdies off. Iain cried out, and he fell cold dead
on the floor of the stable. The raven lifted him, and
he carried him on the points of his wings, out of the
stable to the giant's house. He laid liim on a board on
his mouth and nose, he went out and he gathered plants,
and he made ointments that he set i;pon him, and in
ten days he was as well as ever he was.
He went out to take a walk and the raven went
with him.
"Now, Iain, thou shalt take my counsel. Thou
shalt not take wonder of any one thing that thou mayest
see about the island, and thou shalt give me a quid of
tobacco."
He was walldng about the island, and going through
a glen ; he saw three full heroes stretched on their backs,
a spear upon the breast of every man of them, and he
in lastmg sound sleep, and a bath of sweat.
" It seems to me that this is pitiable. What harm
to lift the spears fi'om off them 1"
He went and he loosed the spears from off them.
The heroes awoke, and they rose up.
" Witness fortune and men, that thou art young
Iain the soldier's son, from Albainn, and it is as spells
upon thee to go with us through the southern end
of tliis island past the cave of the black fisherman."
He went away himself and the three full heroes.
They saw a slender smoke (coming) out of a cave.
They went to the cave. One of the heroes went in
THE RIDER OF GRIANAIG. I 3
and when he went in there was a hag there seated, and
the tooth that Avas the least in her mouth would make a
knitting pin in her lai?, a staff in her hand, and a stir-
ring stick for the embers. There was a tmm of her nails
about her elbows, and a twst of her hoary hair about
her toes, and she was not joyous to look upon.
She seized upon a magic club, she struck him, and
she made him a bare crag of stone. The others that
were without were wondering why he was not re-
turning.
" Go in," said Iain to another one, " and look what
is keeping thy comrade."
He went in, and the carlin did to him as she did
to the other. The third went in, and she did to liim
as she did to the rest. Iain went in last. There was
a great red-skulled cat there, and she put a barrow
full of red ashes about her fur so as to bhnd and
deafen him. He struck the point of his foot on her
and drove the brain out of her. He turned to the
carliiL
"Don't, Iain! these men are under spells, and in
order to put the spells off them thou must go to the
island of big women and take a bottle of the Hving
water out of it, and v/hen thou rubbest it upon them
the s^jells mU go and they will come alive."
Iain turned back under black melancholy.
" Thou did'st not take my counsel," said the raven,
" and thou hast brought more trouble upon thyself.
Thou shalt go to lie down this night, and when thou
risest to-morrow thou shalt take with thee the steed,
and shalt give her meat and drink. Sea or land is
all one to her, and when thou reachest the island of
big women sixteen stable lads will meet thee, and they
will all be for giving food to the steed, and for putting
lier in for thee, but do not thou let them. Say that
14 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
thou wilt thyself give her meat and drink. "When thou
leavest her in the stable, every one of the sixteen will
put a turn in the key, but thou shalt put a turn against
every turn that they j)ut in it. Thou shalt give me a
quid of tobacco."
" I will indeed."
He went to rest that night, and in the morning he
set the steed in order, and he went away. He gave
her front to sea and her l)ack to shore, and she went in
her might till they reached the island of big women.
Wlien he went on shore sixteen stable lads met liim
and every one of them asking to set her in and feed her.
" I myself wiU put her in, and I will take care of
her ; I will not give her to any one."
He put her in, and when he came out every man
put a turn in the key, and he put a turn against every
turn that they put into it. The steed said to him that
they would be offering him every sort of tbink, but
that he should not take any drink from them but whey
and water. He went in and every sort of drink Avas
being put round about there, and they were offering
each kind to him, but he would not take a drop of any
drink but whey and water. They were drinking, and
drinking till they fell stretched about the board.
The steed asked him before she parted from him
that he should take care and not sleep, and to take his
chance for coming away. "VVlien they slept he came
out from the chamber ; and he heard the very sweetest
music that ever was heard. He went on, and he heard
in another place music much sweeter. He came to the
side of a stair and he heard music sweeter and sweeter,
and he fell asleep.
The steed broke out of the stable, and she came
where he was, and she struck him a kick, and she awoke
him
THE RIDER OP GRIAXAIG I 5
" Tliou didst not take my counsel," said she, " and
there is no knowing now if thou canst get thy matter
with thee, or if thou canst not get it."
He arose with sorrow ; he seized upon a sword of
light that was in a comer of the chamber, and he took
out the sixteen heads. He reached the well, he fUled
a bottle and he returned Tlie steed met him, and he
set her front to sea and her back to shore, and he
returned to the other island. The raven met liim.
" Tliou shalt go and stable the steed, and thou shalt
go to lie down this night ; and to-morrow thou shalt go
and bring the heroes alive, and thou shalt slay the
carlin, and be not so foolish to-morrow as thou wert
before now."
" Wilt thou not come with me to-night to drive off
my dulness from me Ì "
" I will not come ; it ^Yi]l not answer for me."
On the morning he reached the cave, " Failte dhuit,
all hail to thee, Iain," said the carlin ; " Failte dhuit' s,
all hail to thee, but Cha shlaixte dhuit not health
to thee."
He shook the water on the men and they rose up
alive, and he struck his palm on the carlin and scat-
tered the brains out of her. They betook themselves
out, and they went to the southern end of the island.
They saw the black fisherman there working at his
tricks.* He drew his palm, and he struck him, and
he scattered the brains out of him, and he took the
heroes home to the southern end of the island. The
raven came where he was.
"Now thou shalt go home, and thou shalt take
* Here the narrator lias evidently forgotten some of the
adventures. A similar character to the black fisherman appears
in other tales, and his adventures should be added here, if the
story were mended.
10 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
with tliee tlie steed to which sea and shore are aHke.
The three daughters of the knight are to have a wedding,
two to be married to thy two brothers, and the other to
the chief that was over the men at the rock Thou
shalt leave the cap with me, and thou wilt have but to
think of me when thou hast need of it, and I wiU be
at thee."
" If any one asks thee from whence thou camest, say
that thou earnest out fi'om beliind thee ; and if he say
to thee, where art thou going'? say that thou art going
before thee."
He mounted upon the steed, and he give her front
to sea, and her back to shore, and away he was, and
no stop nor stay was made with him till he reached
the old church in Grianaig, and there there was a grass
meadow, and a well of water, and a bush of rushes,'
and he got off the steed.
" ISfow," said the steed, " thou .shalt take a sword
and thou shalt take the head off me."
" I will not take it indeed ; it would be sad for me
to do it, and it would not be my thanks."
" Thou must do it. In me there is a young girl
under spells, and the spells will not be off' me till
the head is taken off me. I myself and the raven were
courting ; he in his young lad, and I in my young girl,
and the giants laid draoidheachd magic upon us, and
they made a raven of him and a steed of me." "
He drew his sword, he turned his back, and he took
the head off her with a scutching blow, and he left the
liead and the carcass there. He went on forwards and
a carUn met him.
" From whence didst thou come V said she.
" I am from behind me."
" Whither art thou gomg ] "
" I am goijig before me."
THE RIDER OF GRIAXAIG. 1 7
"That is the answer of a castle man."
" An answer that is pretty answerable for an impu-
dent carlin such as thou art."
He went in with her and he asked a drink, and he
got that.
" Where is thy man 1 "
" He is at the house of the knight seeking gold
and silver that will make a cap*^ for the knight's young
daughter, such as her sisters have ; and the lilve of the
caps are not to be found in Albainn."
The smith came home.
" What's trade to thee, lad ?"
" I am a smith."
" That is good, and that thou shouldst help me to
make a cap for the knight's young daughter, and she
going to marry."
"Dost thou not know tliat thou canst not make
that."
" It must be tried ; unless I make it I shall be
hanged to-morrow ; here thou hadst best make it."
" Lock me into the smithy, keep the gold and silver,
and I will have the cap for thee in the morning."
The smith locked him in. He -wished the raven
to be with him. The raven came, he broke in through
the window, and the cap was Avith liim.
" Thou shalt take the head off me noAV."
" It were sorrow for me to do that, and it would
not be my thanks."
" Thou must do it. A young lad rmder spells am I,
and they will not be off me till the head comes off me."
He drew his sword, and he scutched liis head off,
and that was not hard to do. In the morning the
smith came in, and he gave him the cap, and he fell
asleep. There came in a noble-looking youth, with
brown hair, and he awoke him.
VOL. III. c
I O WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
"I," said he, "am the raven, and the spells are
off me now."
He walked down with him where he had left the
dead steed, and a yoimg woman met them there as
lovely as eye ever saw.
"I," said she, "am tlie steed, and the spells are
ojff me now."
The smith went with the cap to the house of the
knight. The servant maid betook herself to the knight's
yonng daugliter, and she said that there was the cap
which the smith had made. She looked at the cap.
" He never made that cap. Say to the lying rogue
to bring hither the man that made him the cap, or else
that he shall be hanged without delay."
The smith went and he got the man that gave
him the cap, and when she saw him she took great
joy. The matter was cleared up. Iain and the knight's
young daughter married, and backs were turned on the
rest, and they coidd not get the other sisters. They
were driven away through the town with stick swortls
and straw shoulder-belts.
[1. Maclean writes as follows : —
Got this tale from Donald M'Niven, Bowmore, who
learnt it from an old man of the name of Neil Mac-
Arthur, who died some twenty years ago or more.
Donald MacNiven is over forty years of age, is a
cripple, but is sometimes in the habit of acting as a
carrier, and di'iving a cart from Bowmore to Port Ellon
and Port Askaig. He is of a fair complexion, a demure
expression, and evidently loves the wonderful I do
not think he can either read or write. I was informed
that he could recite a considerable number of tales,
but he tells me he has quite forgot them, from having
given up reciting them.
THE RIDER OF GRIxVNAIG. li)
EiDiKE Ghriaìj AiG. The word Ridire, as explained
elsewhere, now means a knight, but it jDrobably meant
a minor king in the olden time.
Ghrianaig is the genitive of Grianag, which has
been corrupted into Greenock.
That town is called by its Gaelic name tliroughout
the Higlxlands. It is derived from Grian the sun,
pronounced GreeAn, which is probably the root of many
names Avhich are now sounded " green," such as Grisnez
in France, Crinan in Argyllshire, and other places
which are green and sunny in other countries, I might
translate the words freely, the kinght of Greenock, the
knight of the sun, or the Eitter of Sunnynook, but act-
ing on the principle with which I set out, I give the
knight Iris Gaelic name, and so avoid drawing doubtful
conclusions. — J. F. C.
2. NoLLAiG is Christmas, and is also used for New
Year's day. The derivation is probably nodh, new ;
LA, day ; French, noel ; Welsh, nadolig ; Irish, nodidag ;
Manks, noUirl- ; Breton, nadolig. The Highland cus-
toms vrhicli prevail at this season smack rather of pagan
times. Processions of boys go about on New Year's
eve shouting curious rhymes, some of which are full of
the names which pervade the Ossianic poems ; curious
ceremonies are performed, and the singers are revrarded
with food. I hojje some day to be in a position to say
more about these old Christmas customs ; they are men-
tioned in Chambers's nursery rhymes.
The game of shinny is usually played at this sea-
son, and the great game used to come oif on the day of
the great " noUaig," New Year's day, old style. The
game is played in all parts of the United Elingdom as
" hocky," " hurling," etc., and something like it is still
played in the far east on horseback. To drive the ball
20 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
from one goal to tlie other is called Leth Bhair, a
"half hale ;" to drive it back again is Bair, a " hale ;"
and to win a goal at the man's game is nearly as great
a feat as to gain a battle. In some parts of the BLigh-
lands hundi-eds used to be engaged, all excited to a
degree that those who have been at a jiublic school, or
who have read Tom Brown's account of football, may
perhajDS understand.
3. Fhiorrachd Fhuarrachd, etc. Tliis phrase is
(according to Maclean) frequently used, though few
know what the words literally mean. The common
meaning attached to them is, " Not to be found any-
where." May they not be corrupt forms of iochdrachd
and uachdrachd, it is not in the liigher or lower
regions.
I have given a different rendering ; I have heard
very similar words used by boatmen for beating to wind-
ward and running to leeward, and veering is an Eng-
lish sailor's word still.
Eannan is used for r«/«nean, divisions^ in this tale.
This form of the word in this sense is obsolete in Islay,
and I suspect elsewhere. It now signifies verse, wliich
Ls no doubt so called from being divided into lines and
stanzas. We still use it in the genitive, thus, An
Eainn, the Rhynns ; Ceann shios na ranna, the farthest
down part of the Ehpms ; An rugha Eannach. —
H. M'L.
4. The raven attacking the man in the basket might
be a i)icture drawn from nature. Boys are often lowered
over rocks in the Western Highlands to take birds'
nests, and the old birds occasionally resent the injury.
I have myself seen sparrow-hawks, terns, and other
birds stooping viciously at men who had gone near
THE RIDER OF GRIANAIG. 2 I
their nests. I have heard of a man having his head
laid open by enraged sea-swallows ; and there are all
manner of stories current of adventures with birds in
rock climbing. — J. F. C.
5. The quid of baccy needs no explanation, when
it is remembered that the common fee for the story-
teller is a quid. An old man long ago was teaching
a boy to play the fiddle, and the following dialogue is
recorded: — "Which fi.nger shall I raise?" "Hast
thou tobacco Ì " " iSTo ; which finger shall I lift Ì "
" Hast thou got tobacco Ì " " !N"o. " " Then lift and lay
them down as it may please thyself" There is a hunger-
ing after tobacco amongst those who are given to it,
and cannot get it, which must be felt to be understood.
6. Ceap may have been substituted for currachd, a
cap, which was the old Gaelic name for all head-
dresses, male or female. — H. M'L.
I have no doubt that the man who told the story
meant a cap, and I have so translated the word, but
the Gaelic word means a trap or gin, and many things
besides. An old man who told me a story exceedingly
like "the Fisherman" in the Arabian Nights, introduced
the character who resembled the young king of the
Black Isles, not as a man half marble, but as a man
with his head in a ceaj}, and on being interrogated, ex-
plained that this was a kind of head-dress used for
punishment or tortm-e, in which the head of the victim
was fastened. Such head-dresses, made of rusty ii'on,
may be seen in museums, and ceap may have meant
something like a helmet, whose machinery beai's some
resemblance to a rat-trap.
7. GoDARLEUM (page 31). — This is a new word to
2 2 WEST HIGHLAXD TALES.
me. The reciter could give no explanation of it farther
than that it was darting off very abruptly, which the
context leads a person to think. Godadli is a quick,
somewhat violent shake of the head. I find the reciters
at Eowmore speak a more corrupt dialect than others
whom I have met. They use English words very fre-
quently for Gaelic words still in common use. This
gives an idea of the manner in which English words
and forms of speech may have gradually replaced Gaelic
ones in these tales, MacNiven alternately used fores-
man and UACHDARAN in speaking of the overseer of the
sixteen men that wrought at the rock. — H. M'L.
The flapping stone door occurs in a book called the
"Romance of History," and I think the magic cave
was placed somewhere in Spain. I have an impres-
sion that I have heard of it elsewhere. — J. F. C.
cS. Tom LUACHARAcn, a bush of rushes, perhaps a
ru.'^hy knoll.
9. Eg gheasan. Irish writers who take the histo-
rical view of these traditions, translate geasa by vow
or promise. This seems to- fix the meaning at magic.
I have translated this jDassage as literally as my
laiDwledge of the two languages enables me to do it,
because the language, which is simple every day Gaelic,
seems, when considered with its meaning in this pas-
sage, to throw a light on past beliefs. The enchanted
steed, and men at the present day when they speak
Gaelic, talk of themselves as if they were something
different fiom their bodies. In English it is said, " /
am an old man ;" in Gaelic, " I am in my old man."
The form of words is the same when the speaker
says " I am in my old clothes," and this form of speech
is here used together with DRAOiDH-eachd (?), druid'hun,
THE RIDER OF GRIANAlG. 23
magic, and a transformation is effected by steel at a
well, in a grass meadoio, near a rusliy knoll, beside an
old church at Grianaig.
Something to do with grian the sun, is mixed up
with magic and worship, at an old church, and witli
(b'uidism, and wells, and magic metal, and green mea-
dows and rushes, things which usually have to do with
magic, and with metempsychosis, which is supposed to
have been a druidical doctrine ; and all comes direct
from a man who cannot possibly know anytMng about
such things except as traditions, which are supported
by similar traditions found elsewhere. I believe this
tale to be founded on Celtic mythology. — J. F. C.
The following Gaelic words used in tliis tale are
very near to the English, lena, lawn ; grund, ground ;
SGiOBAiR, skipper ; peanas, penalty ; blastadh, corrup-
tion for blasting ; sail, heel. Spaisdeair-achd is not
ill English, but it has relations in Italian, andar a s2}asso,
and in Norse and German, spazieren.
The incidents may be compared with those in the
Big Bird Dan, Xorse Tales, page 442 ; the King of
Lochlin's Three Daughters, vol. i., page 236 ; but
tliough these have much in common, I know nothing
quite like this story anywhere. To me it suggests a
succession of \T.vid pictures, perhaps because I under-
stand the intention of the narrator from my knowledge
of the landscapes which he clearly had before his
mind.1
2 4 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
RIDIKE GHRIANAIG.
Bha aig Ridire Gliriauaig (1) tri nigheanaii, nach robh 'n leithid
ra fhaotainn, na la fhaicinn an aite sam bith. Thainig beisd o'n
chuau, 's thug i leath' end, 's cha robh fios de 'n rathad a ghabheud,
na cait an racht' a 'n iarraidh.
Bha saighdear anns a bhaile, 's bha tri mic aige, 's an am na
nollaig (2) bha eud aig iomain, 's thuiit am fear a b-oige gun rachadh
eud agiis gun cuireadh eud bair, air leuna ridire Ghrianaig.
Thuirt each nach rachadh, nach biodh an ridire toilichte, gun
biodh siod a toirt na chuimhne call a chloinne, 's a cuir duilichinn
air. " Biudh sinn 's a roghainn da," urs' Iain am mac a b-oige,
"ach theid sinn ann, 's bheir sinn bair, tha mise com' airson ridire
Ghrianaig biodh e buidheach na diombach."
Chaidh eud a dh' iomain 's bhuidhinn Iain tri bairean air a
bhraithrean. Chuir an ridire cheann amachair uinneig, 's chimnaic
e eud aig iomain, 's ghabh e corruicb mhor, gun robh chridh' aig h-
aon sam bith dol a dh' iomain air a leuna, ni bha toirt call a chloinne
na chuimhne, 's a cuir miothlachd air. Thuirt e ra bhean. " Co tha
cho miobhail 's a bhi' g iomain air mo ghrunndsa toirt call mo
chloinne 'm chuimhne ! biodh eud air an toirt an so, a thiotamh, 's
gun racbadh peanas a dheanadh orra." Chaidh na triuir ghillean a
thoirt an lathair an ridire, 's bha eud nau gillean gasda.
" De thug dhiubsee," urs' an ridire, " bhi cho miobhail 's dol a
dh' iomain air a ghrunnd agams'. toirt call mo chloinne 'm chuimh-
ne ! Feumaidh sibh peanas f huileann air a shon."
Cha n ann mur sin a bhitheas," urs' Iain, " ach o'n thuit duinne
tigh 'n cearr ort, 's fhearra dhuit fardrach de long a dheanadh dhuinn,
agus folbhaidh sinn a dh' iarraidh do nigheaiian ; 's ma tha eud fo 'n
fhiorrachd na fo 'n fhuarracbd, na fo cheithir rannan ruagh' an
domhain, (3) gheobh sinn' a mach eud, ma 'n d' thig ceann lath' a 's
bliadhna, 's bheir sinn air an ais eud do Ghrianaig."
" Gad is ta 's oige, 's ann a 'd cheann a tha chomhairl' a 's fhearr
Bidh sinn air a dheanadh dhuibh."
Fhuaireadh saoir, 's bha long air a deanadh ann an seachd
lathan. Chuir eud a stigh biadh is deoch mar dh' fheumadh eud
airson an turais. Thug eud a h-aghaidh ri muir, 's a cul ri tir, 's dh'
fholbh eud 's ann an seachd laithean rainig eud traigh gheal ghain-
bheicb, agus nur a chaidh eud air tir bha se fir dheug ag obair ann
an aodann creige blastadh, 's uachdaran orra.
" De 'n t-aite tha 'n so ? " ursa 'n sgiobair.
EIDIRE GHRIANAIG. 25
" So 'n t-aite bheil clann ridire Ghrianaig. Tha eud ri bhi posd'
air tri fanihaiiean."
" De 'n doigh air faotainn far a bheil eud?"
" Cha 'n 'eil doigh sain bith ach dol suas anns a chliabh so ri
aodann na creige."
Chaidh am mac a bu shine anns a chliabh, 's nur a bha e shuas
aig leith na creige thainig fitheach geair dugh, 's thoisich e air le a
inean, 's le a sgiathan, gus nach mor nach d' fhag e dall bodhar e.
(4) Cha robh aig ach tilleadh air ais.
Chaidh an darna fear sa chliabh, 's nur a bha e shuas leith an
rathaid, thainig am fltlieach gearr dugh 's thoisich e air, 's cha robh
aig ach tilleadh air ais mur a rinn am fear eile.
Chaidh Iain ma dheireadh sa cliabh. Nur a bha e shuas leith an
rathaid, thainig am fitheach gearr dugh, 's thoisich e air, 's ghread e
ma 'n aodann. " Suas mi gu clis," urs' esan, " ma 'm bi mi dall an
so." Chuireadh a suas e gu braigh na creige. Nur a bha e shuas
thainig am fiiheach far an robh e, 's thuirt e ris.
" An d' thoir thu dhonih greim tho.mbaca.' "
" A dhoar shlaightire ! 's beag coiiiain agad orm airson sin a
tlioirt duit."
" Na biodh amhail agad da sin bidh raise 'm charaid math dhuit.
Nis theid thu do thi-h an fhamhair mhoir, 's chi thu nighean an
ridire fuaghal, 's a meuran fliuch le deoir."
Ghabh e air aghaidh gus an d' rainig e tigh an fhamhair. Chaidh
e stigh. Bha nighean an ridire fuaghal.
" De thug an so thu ?" urs' ise.
" De thug thu fein ann nach fliaodainnsa tigh 'n ann ?"
" Thugadh mis' ann gun taing."
" Tha fios agam air an sin. Ca bheil am famhair ? "
" Tha e sa bheinn sheilg."
" De 'n doigh air fliaotainn daehaidh?"
" An t-slabhraidh chomhrag ud a mach a chrathadh 's cha n 'eil san
fhiorrachd, na 's an fhuarrachd, na 'n ceithir rannan ruagh' an domh-
ain, h-aon a chumas comhrag ris,^ach Iain og Mac an t-Saighdeir, a
Albainn, 's cha n 'eil e ach se bliadhn' deug a dh' aois 's tha e
tuillidh a 's og a dhid a chomhrag ris an fhamhair."
" Tha iomadh h-aon an Albainn cho laidir ri Iain Mac an t-
Saighdeir, gad a bhiodh an saighdear leis."
Cliaidh e mach. Thug e tarruinn air an t-slabhraidh, 's cha d'
thug e car aisde, 's chaidh e air a ghlun. Dh' eiridh e suas, thug e
'n ath chrathadh air an t-slubhraidh, 's bhrisd e tein' innte. Chual
am famhair sa bheinn sheilg e.
2 6 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
" Aha ! " urs' esan, " co b-urrainn mo shlabhraidh chomhraigs' a
charachadh, ach Iain og Mac an t-saighdeir e Albainn, 's eha n 'eil
e acli se bliadhn' deug a dh' aois, tha e ra og fhatbasd."
Chuir am famhair an t-sitheann air gad, 's thainig e dliacbaidh.
" An tusa Iain og Mac an t-saighdeir a Albainn?"
" Cha mhi."
" Co thu ? san fhiorracbd, na san fliuarrachd, na 'n ceithir ranna
rnagh' an domhain, a b' urrainn mo sblabhraidhs' charachadh ach
Iain og Mac an t-saighdeir a Albainn?"
Tha iomadh h-aon an Albainn, cho laidir ri Iain og ISIac an t-
saigbdear, ged a bbiodh an saighdear leis."
" Tha siod san fhaidheadairachd agamsa."
'' Coma leam de tha san fhaidheadaireachd agadsa."
" De 'n doigh air am math leat thu fhe' fheuchainn?"
" Nur a bhithinn fhe 's mo mhathair thar a cheile, 's a bhiodij toil
agam mo thoil fhe fhaotainn ; 's ann an snaomannan cruaidhe
carachd a bhitheamaid a feuchainn, 's ann uair a gheobhadh i chuid
a b' fhearr, 's da uair nach fhaigheadh."
Rug eud air a cheile, 's bha greiineannan cruaidh' aca, 's chuir
am famhair Iain air a glilun.
"Tha mi faiciiin," urs' Iain, "gur tu 's laidireacha."
" Tha fibs gur mi," urs' am famhair.
Chaidh eud an dail a cheile rithisd, bha eud a caradii,'s a tarruinn
a cheile. Bhuail Iain a chas air an fhamhair sa mhuthairle, 's chuir e
air slaitidh a dhroma, foidhe air a ghrunnd e. Ghuidh e gum biodh
am fitheach aige. Thainig am fitlieach gearr dugb, 's gliabh do 'n
fhamhair s an aodann, 's ma nacluasan, le a inean, 's le a sgiathan,
gus an do dhall, 's an do bhodhair e e. " Am bheil tarrunn airm
agad a bheir an ceann de 'n bheisd?"
'• Cha n 'eil."
" Cuir do lamh fo m' sgeilh dheis-sa, 's gheobh thu core bheag
bhiorach ann, a bhiosagam a buain nam braonanan, 's thoir an ceann
deth."
Chuir e lamh fo bhun sgeith' dheis an fiiithich 's fliuaire chore 's
thug e 'n ceann de 'n fhamhair.
"Nis Iain theid thu stigh far a blieil nighean mhor ridire
Ghrianaig 's bidh i 'g iarraidh ort tilleadli, 's gun dol na 's fhaide,
ach na d' thoir thusa feairt, ach gabh air t-aghaidh, 's ruigidh thu 'n
nighean mheadhonach, 's bheir thu dhomhsa greim thombaca."
" Bheir mi sin duit gu dearbh 's math a choisinn thu e, gheobh
thu leith 's na th' agam."
" Cha 'n fliaigh gu dearbh ; 's iomadh la fada gu bealtainn."
RIHIRE GHRIAXAIG. 27
Cha ììg am fortan gam bi mis" an so gu bealtainn."
Tha fiòs agad air na tha seachad, acli cha 'n 'eil fiòs agad air na
tha romhad. Faigh uisge blath, glan thu fein ann, Gheobh thu
ballan iocshlaint as cionn an doruisd, rub rì 'd diraiceann e, theirig
a laidhe leat fhe', 's bidh thu gu slan fallan am maireach, 's am mair-
eacb gabhaidh tu air t-agbaidh gu tigh na h-ath te.
Chaidli e stigh 's rinn e mar a dh' iarr am fitbeacb aìr. Chaidh
e laidhe 'n oidbcbe sin, 's bba e gu slan fallain, sa mhaidinn, nur a
dli' eiridli e.
" 'S fbearra dhuit," ursanigliean mhor an ridire, "giin dol na 's
fliaide, "s gun thu fhè' cbur an tuillidh cunnairt, tba na leoir de dh'
or "s de' dh' airgiod an so, 's bheir sinne leinn 's tillidh sinn."
" Cba dean mi' " sin urs' esan, " gabhaitlh mi air m' agbaidh."
Gbabh e air aghaidh gus an d' thainige gus an tigh an robh nigbean
mbeadbonacli ridire Gbrianaig. Chaidh e stigh, 's bha ise na suidhe
fuaghal, 's i caoineadb, 's a nieuran fliuch le a deoir.
" De thug thusa 'n so? "
" De thug thu fhè ann nach fhandainnsa tigh 'n ann ?"'
" Thugadh mise gun taing ann."
'• Tha fhiosam air an sin, de chuir a caoineadh thu ?''
" Cha "n 'eil ach aon oidhch' agam gus am feum mi bhi posd air
an niamhair.''
Ca bheil am famhair ?
" Tha 's a bheinn sheilg."
" De n doigh air fhaotainn dhachaidh ? "
" An t-slabhraidh chomhraig sinn a macli taobh an tighchrathadh,
's cha n 'eil e 's an fliiorracbd, na san fhuarrachd, na 'n ceithir
rannan ruagli' an domhain, na chrathas i, ach Iain eg Mac an t-
eaghdeir a Albainn, 's tha e ra og fhathasd ; cha 'n 'eil e ach se
bliadhiia deug a dh' aois."
" Tha daoin' ann an Albainn, cho laidir ri Iain og Mac an t-
saighdeir, gad a bhiodh an saighdear leis."
Chaidh e mach 's thug e tarruinn air an t-slabhraidh, 's tbainig
e air a dha gblun. Dh' eiridh e 's thug e n' ath tarruinn urra, 's
bhrisd e tri teiueachanan. Chual am famhair siod 'sa beinn sheilg.
" Alia ! " urs esan, " 's chuir e 'n t-sitheann air gad air a ghuall-
ainn, 's thainig e dhachaidh."
" Co b' urrainn mo shlabhraidh chomhragsa charachadh ach Iain
og Mac an t-saighdeir a Albainn, 's tha e ra og fhathasd ; cha n 'eil
e ach se bliadhn' deug a dh' aois."
"Tha daoin' ann an Albainn cho laidir ri Iain og Mac an t-
saighdeir, gad a bhiodh an saigdear leis."
2 8 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
" Tha siod anns an fhaidheadaiieachd againne."
" Tha mise coma de th' anns an fhaidheadaireachd agaibhse."
" De 'n doigh air am math leat thu fein fheuchainn ?"
" Ann an criiaidh ghreimeannan carachd."
Rug eud air a cheile 's chuir am famhair air a dha ghlun e.
" 'S leat mo bheath," urs' Iain, " 's tu 's treise na mise. Feucha-
maid car eile."
Dh' fheuch eud a cheile rithisd 's bhual Iain a shall air am
fhamhair sa mhuthairle 's chuir e air slaitiJh a dhrom' air
ghrunnd e.
" Fhithich," urs' esan, " bu math dallanach dhiot anis."
Thaiaig am fitheach, agus dhall agus bhodhair e 'm famhair, a
gabhail da le a ghob, 's le a inean, 's le a sgiathan.
" A bheil tarrunn airm agad ?"
" Cha 'n eil."
" Cuir do lamh aig bun mo sgeithe dheissa, 's gheobh thu ann
core bheag bliiorach a bhios agam a buain nam braonanan, 's thoir
an ceann deth."
Chuir e lamh fo bhun sgeithe dheis an fhithich, fhuair e chore, 's
thug e 'n ceann de 'n fhamhair.
" Nis theid thu stigh, glanaidh thu thu fein leuisge blath, gheobh
thu 'm ballan iocshlaint, rubaidh tu ruit fhe' e, theid thu laidhe, 'a
bidh thu gu slan fallan am maireach, Bidh i so gun taing, na 's
seoltacha, 's na 's beulaiche, na bha 'n te roinihid, aig iarraidh ort
tilleadh, 's gun dol na 's fhaide, ach na d' thobhair thusa feairt urra,
's bheir thu dhomhsa greim thombaca."
" Bheithir mi, dearbh 's aiiidh air thu."
Chaidh e stigh 's rinn mar a dh' iarr am fitheach air. Nur a dh'
eiridh e 'u la'r na mhaireach bha e gu slan fallan.
'• 'S fhearra dhuit ursa nighean mheadonach an ridire, tilleadh
's gun thu fhe' chur ann an tuillidh cunnairt, tha na leoir de dh, or, s
do dh' airgiod an so."
" Cha dean mi sin gabhaidh mi air m' aghaidh."
Ghabh e air aghaidh gus an d' thainig e gus an tigh anns an
robh nighean bheag an ridire, chaidh e stigh, 's chanuaic e ise
fuaghal 's a mturan fliuch le deoir.
" De thug thusa 'n so ?"
•' De thug thu fhe' ann ! nach fhaotainnsa tigh'n anu."
" Thugadh mis' ann gun taing."
" Tha fhios'am air an sin."
" An tu Iain og Mac an t-saighdeir a Albainn ?"
" 'S mi, de 's ciall duit a bhi caoineadh ?"
EIDIRE GHRIAXAIG.
29
" Cha n 'eil agam dail gun laidlie leis an fliamhair, acb an
oidhche so."
" Ca bheil e ?"
" Tha e 'sa bheinn sheilg."
" De 'n doigh an' air a thoirt dachaidh ? ""
" An t-slabhraidh chomhraig ud a macb a chratbadh."
Chaidb e macb 's thug e crathadh urra, 's tbainig e nuas air a
nihasan. Db' eiridh e ritbisd 's tbug e 'n atb chratbadh urra 's bhrisd
e ceithir teineachan innte, 's rinn e toirm mbor. Chual am famhair
siud sa bbeinn sheilg. Chuir e 'n gad sitbinn air a ghuallainn.
" Co 's an fhiarracbd, na san fhuarracbd, na 'n ceithir rannan
ruagh an dombain a b" urrainn mo shlabhraidb cbomhragsa cbrath-
adb, acb Iain og, Mac an t-saigbdeir a Albainn, 's ma 's e th' ann
tha mo dha bbratliairsa marbb roimbe so."
Tbainig e dbacliaidh na dbeann, a cuir an talanib air chritb
roimbe 's na dheigb.
"An tu Iain og Mac an t-saighdeir?"
«' Cha mbi."
" Co tlia san fliiorracbd, iia san fhuarracbd na 'n ceithir rannan
ruagh' an dombain, a b' urrainn mo shlabhraidb cbiinliragsa chratb-
adh acb Iain og Mac an t-saigbdeir a Albainn "s tha e ra og fliathasd;
cba n 'eil e acb se bliadbn' deng a db" aois."
"Nacli ioinadb h-aon an Albainn cbo laidir ri Iain og Mac an t-
saigbdeir, gad a bbiodb an saigbdeir leis."
" Cha n 'eil e san fhaidheadaireachd againne."
" Coma leam de tha san fbaidbeadaireaehd agaibhse."
" De n doigh air am math leat t-fbcuchainn ?"
" Snaomannan cruaidbe caracbd."
Ghlac eud a cbeile 's chuir am famhair air a tboin e.
" Lig as n.i 's leat mo bbeatha "
Rug end air a cbeile rithisd, bbuail e shail air an ftiambair sa
mhuthairle, 's leag e air e fras mbullacb a ghuaille 's air slaitith a
dhrom' air an lar e.
" Fhitbicb ghearr dhuigb, na'm biodh thu 'n so anis."
Cha bu luailbe 'thuirt e 'm facal, na tbainig am fitheacb. Leadair
e "m famhair ma 'n aodann, 's ma na suilean, 's ma na cluasan, le a
gho!), 's le a inean, 's le a sgiathan.
" A bbeil tarrunn airm agad."
"Cha n 'eil."
" Cuir do lamb fo bbun mo Fgeitb dbeis 's gheobb thu core bbeag
bhioracb ann a bbios agam a buain nam braoilleanan 's thoir an
ceann detb."
3© WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
Rinn e ^ìod.
" Nis urs' am fitheach gabli fois mar a rinn thu, 'n rair, 's nur a
thilleas thu le tri nigheanan an ridire gu bearradh na creige, theid
thu fhè sios an toiseach, 's theid eudsaii sios a 'd dheigh, 's bheir thu
dhorahsa greirn thombaca."
" Bheir gu deaibh 's math a 's airidh air thu ; so dhuit air fad e."
" Cha gabh mi ach gieim, 's ioinadh la fada gu bealtainn."
" Tha libs agad de tli' as do dheigh, ach cha n 'eil fios agad de
tha romhad."
An la r na mhaireach chuir eud an ordugh asaicheann, 's chuir
end air am muinn an tor 's an t-airgiod a bh' aig na fanihairean, 's
rainig e fein agus tri nigheanan an ridire bearradh na creige. Nur
a rainig eud bearradh na creige, 'n earalas gun tochradh tapadh-
cion do ghin de na nigheanan, chuir e sios eud te an deigh te, anns a
chliabh. Bha tri ceapannan (6) oir orra air an deanadli suas gu
gasda, le daoiniean ceapannan a rinneadh ann 's an Roimh, 's nacli
robh 'n leithidean ra fhaotainn anns an domlum. Ghleidh e bhos an
ceap a bh' air an te b' oige. Bha e IVitheamh, 's a feitheamh, 's gad
a bhiodh e feitlieamh fhathasd, clia d' thigeadh an cliabh a nios a iarr-
aidh. Chaidh each air bord, 's air folbh a gliabh eud, gus an d'
rainig eud Grianaig.
Bha esan air fliagail an siod, 's gun doigh aig air faotainn as an
aite. Thainig am fitheach far an robh e.
" Cha do gliabh thu mo chomliairle."
" Cha do gliabh ; na 'n gabhadh cha bhitliinn mar a tha mi."
" Cha n 'eil arach air Iain, an t-aon nach gabh comhairle gabh-
aidh e comhrag, Bheir thu dhomhsa greim tlionibaca."
" Bheir."
" Ruigidh thu tigh an fhamhair agus fanaidh thu ann an nochd."
" Nach fhan thu fhe' leam a chur dhiom mo chianalais."
" Cha 'n fhan cha fhreagair e dliomh."
" An la r na mhaireach tliainig am titheacli far an robh e."
" Theid thu nis gu stabull an fhamhair, agus ma bhiòs thu tap-
aidh tha steud an sin a 's coingeis leatha niuir na tir, a dh' fhaodas
do thoirt as na casan so."
Dh' fholbh eud comlila 's thainig eud gus an stabull. Stabull
cloich' air a chlaghach a stigh ann an creig, agus dorusd cloiche ris.
Bha 'n dorusd a clapail gun stad, air ais 's air aghaidh, o mhoch latha
gu h-oidhclie, 's o oidhche gu latha.
" Feumaidh tu nis faire," urs' am fitheach, " agus cothrora a ghabh-
ail feuch an dean thu dheth dol a stigh nur a bhios e fujgailt gun e
dheanadh greim ort."
RIDIRE GHRIANAIG. 3 1
" 'S fhearra dliuits' flieuchainn an toiseacli o 'n a 's tu 's eolaiche."
" Bidh e cho math."
Thug am fitheach beic, agus godarleum (7) as 's chaidh e stigh,
ach thug an doru<d it' e bun a sgeith, 's sgreuch e.
'• Iain bhoclid na 'm faigheadh thusa 'stigh cho beag doruinn
riumsa, cha bhithinn a gearan."
Ghabh Iain loid air ais, 's roid air agliaidh, thug e leam as a
dhol a stigh, rug an dornsd air 's tliug e leith a mhais deth.
Ghlaoidh Iain, 's tJiuit e fuar marbh air urlar an stabuill (8).
Tliog am fitheach e, 's ghiulain e e air barraibh a sgeith, mach as
an stabull, do thigh an fhamhair. Leag e air bord air a bheul 's air a
shroin, chaidh e mach, chruinnicli e luigheannan, 's rinn e ceirean
a chuir e ris, 's aim an deich laitliean bha e cho math sa bha e riabh.
Chaidh e mach a dhol a ghabliail sraid, 's chaidh am fitheach a
mach leis.
"Nis Iain gabhaidh fhu mo chomhairle, 's cha ghabh thu iongh-
antas de ni sam bith a chi thu feadh an eilean, 's bheir thu dhomhsa
greim thombaca."
Bha 6 spaisdireachd feadh an eilein, 's a del romh glileann ;
chunnaic e tri Ian laoich na 'n sineadh air an driom, sleagh air uchd
a li-uile fir dhiu, 's e na shioram suain chadail, 's na Ion falais.
" Their leam fhe gur deisneach so ; de choire a bhiodh ann's na
sleaghannan a thogail diu ?"
Chaidh e agus dh' fliuasgail e dliiu na sleaghannan. Dhuisg na
laoich, 's dh' eiricih eud a suas.
" Fhianuis air an fhortan, 's air daoine, gur tu Iain og Mac an
t-saiglideir a Albainn, 's gu bheil e mar ghtasaibli art dol leinne romh
cheann ma dlieas an eilein so, seachad air uamh 'n iasgair dhuigh."
Dh" fhalbh e fbe 's na tri Ian laoich, Cliunnaic eud smuid chaol a
mach a uamh. Chaidh eud gus an uamh. Chaidh h-aon de na laoicli
a stigh, 's nur a chaidh e stigh bha cailleach an sin na suidhe, 's an
fiiiacaill a bu lugha na beul dheanadh i dealg na h-uchd, [org na
laimh, ngus maide brosnachaidh do'n ghriosaich. Eha car da h-inean
ma h-uilt, 's car da fait liath ma lagharan, 's cha robh i aobhach ri
amhrac urra.
P.ug i air slachdan draoidheachd, bhuail i e 's rinn i carragh maol
cloiche dheth. Bha ionghantas air an fheadhain a bha mach de
thuir nach robh e tilleadh.
" Tlieirig a stigh," urs Iain ri fear eile, "'s airahric de tha cumail
do chompanaich."
Chaidh e stigh 's rinn a chailleach air mar a rinn i air an fhear
eile. Chaidh an treas fear a stigli "s rinn i airsan mar a rinn i air
3« WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
each. Chaidh Iain a stigh ma dheireadh. Bha cat mor claghann
ruagh an sin, 's chuir i bara de 'n luaitli dhearg ma cloinihe an los a
bhodhradh sa dlialladh. Bhiiail e barr a cliois urra, 's chuir en t-iona-
chainn aisde. Thug e lamh air a chaillich.
" Iain na dean. Tha na daoine sin fo gheasaibh agus airson na
geasau a chur dhiu feumaidh lu dol do dli' eilean nam ban mora, 's
botall de 'n uisge bheo, thoirt as, 's nur a rubas thu riu e, folbhaidh na
geasan 's thig eud bco."
Thill Iain air ais fo dhuibthiamhas.
" Cha do ghabh thu mo chomhairle," urs' am fitheach, " 's thug thu
tuillidli dragh ort fein, Theid thu laidhe nochd, 's nur a dh' eireas thu
maireacli, bheir thu leat an steud, 's bheir thu biadh is deoch dhi. 'S
coingeis leatha muir na tir; 's nur a ruigeas thu eilean nam ban mora,
coinneachaidh se deug de ghille stabuill thu, 's bidh eud air fad air
son biadh a thoirt do 'n steud, sa cuir a stigh air do shon, ach na lig
thusa dhaibh. Abair gun d' thoir thu fhe' biadh a 's deoch dhi. Nur
a dh' flia.ras thu san stabuU i, cniridh a h-uile h-aon de 'n t-se deug
car 'san uichair, ach cuiridh thusa car an aghaidh h-uile car a cbuireas
eud ann. Bheir thu dhomhsa greim thomhaca."
" Bheir gu dearbh."
Chaidh e laidhe 'n oidhche sin, 's anns a mhaidinn chuir e 'n steud
an ordugh, 's ghabh e air falbh. Thug e h-aghaidh ri muir, 's a
cul ri tir, 's dh' fholbh i na deann, gus an d' rainig eud eilean nam
ban mora. Nur a chaidh e air tir, choinnich se gille deug stabuill e,
's bha h-uile fear aig iarraidh a cuir a stigh s a biadliadh.
" Cuiridh mi file stigh i, 's bheir mi 'n aire dhi, cha d' thoir mi do
li-aon sam bith i."
Chuir e stiirli i, 's nur a thainig e mach chuir a h-uile fear car san
iuchair, 's chuir esan car an aghaidh h-uile car a chuir eud innte.
Thuirt an steud ris gum biodh eud a tairg:'e h-uile seorsa deoch dha,
ach gun esan a ghabhail deoch sam bith uatha ach nieug a 's uisge.
Chaidh e stigh 's bha h-uile seorsa deoch ga cliuir man cuairt an sin,
's bha eud a tairgse gach seorsa dhasan, ach cha ghabhadh esan deur
de dheoch sam bith ach meug a 's uisge. Bha eudsan ag ol, 's ag
ol, gus an do thuit eud na 'n sineadh, man bhord.
Dh' iarr an steud airsau ma n do dhealaich i ris, e tlniiit an aire
's gun cadal, 's a chothrom a ghabhail airson tigh 'n air folbh. Nur
a chaidil eud s an thanaig e mach as an t-seomhar, 's chual e 'n aon
cheol a bu bhinne chualas riabh. Ghabh e air aghaidh agus chual e
ann an ait' eile ceol moran na bu bhinne. Thainig e gu taobh staigh-
reach 's chual e ceol na bu bhinne 's na bu bhinne, agus thuit e na
cliadal.
EIDIRE GHRIAXAIG. JJ
Bhrisd an steud a mach as an stabull, thainig i far an robh e,
bhuail i cic air 's dhuisg i e, " Cha do ghabh thu mo chomhairl," urs
ise, " 's cha n' eil fhios a nis am faigh thu do ghnothach leat na nach
fhaigh." Dh' eiridh e le duilichinn. Rug e air claidheamh soluisd
a bha "n oiseia an t-seombair, s thug e na se cinn deug a mach.
Eainig e 'n tobar, lion e botall 's thill e. Choinnich au steud e, 's
thug e h-aghaidh ri muir 's a cul ri tir, 's thill e gus an eilean eiie.
Choinnich am fitheach e.
" Folbhaidh thu agus stablachaidh thu 'n steud, 's theid thu laidhe
nochd, 's am maireach theid thu agus bheir thu beo na laoich, 's mar
bhaidh thu chailleach, '3 na bi cho amaideach am maireach 's a bha
thu rohnhe so."
" Nach d' thig thu leam a nochd a chur dhiom mo chianalais."
" Cha d' thig cha fhreagair e domh."'
An la'r na mhaireach rainig e'n uamh.
"Failte dhuit Iain," urs' a chailleach.
" Failte dhuits' ach cha shlainte dhuit."
Chrath e'n t-uisg' air na daoine, 's dh' eiridh eud beo ; Bhuail e
bhas air a chaillicli, a 's spread e 'n t-ionachainu aisde. Ghabh eud
a mach, 's chaidh eud gu ceann deas an eilean. Chunnaic eud an t-
iasgair dugh an sin ag obair ra chuilbheartan. Tharruinn e bhas 's
bhuail e e, 's spread e n t-ionachainn as, 's thug e na laoich dhachaidli
do cheann deas an eilean. Thainig am fitheach far an robh e.
"Nis theid thu dhachaidh 's bheir thu leat an steud; 's coingeis
leatha muir na tir. Tha tri nigheanan an ridire ri banais a bhi ac-
a, dithisd ri bhi posd air do dha bhrathair, agus an te eile air a cheann-
abhart a bh' air na daoin' aig a chreig. Fagaidh tu'n ceap agamsa,
's cha bhi agad ach smaointeachadh orm, nur a bhios e dhith ort, 's
bidh mi agad. Ma dh' fheorachas h-aon diot co as a thainaig thu
abair gun d' thanaig thu as do dheigh ; 's ma their e riut ca' bheil
thu dol, abair gu bheil thu dol romhad."
Chaidh e air muinn na steud, thug e h-aghaidh ri muir, 's a cul
ri tir, 's air folbh a bha e 's cha d' riiineadh stad na fois Itis gus an d'
rainig e 'n t-sean eaglais ann an Grianaig, 's bha Ion feoir, an sin,
agus tobar uisge, agus tom luachrach. Thainig e bhar na steud.
" A nis," urs' an steud, " gabhaidh tu claidheamh, agus bheir thu
'n ceann diomsa."
" Cha d' thobhair ga dearbh, bu duilich leam a dheanadh, 's cha
b' e mo chomain e."
" Feumaidh tu dheanadh, 's ann a th' annamsa nighean og fo
gheasaibh, 's cha bhi na geasan dhiom gus an d' thoirear an ceann
diom. Bha mi fhe' sam fitheach a suiridh, esan na ghill' og, 's mis'
D
i^ WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
am' nighinn oig, 's chuir na famhairean draoidheachd oirnn, 's rinn
eud fitheach dhethsan agus steud dhiomsa."
" Tharruinn e chlaidheamh, thionndaidh e chul, 's thug e 'n ceann
dith le sgath bhuille, 's dh' fhag e 'n ceann sa chlosach an siod.
Ghabh e air aghaidh. Choinnich cailleach e.
" Co as a thanaig thu ?" urs ise.
" Thanaig mi as mo dheigh."
" Ca bheil thu dol ?" Tha mi dol romham.
" Sin freagairt fir caisteil."
" Freagairt gu math freagrach air cailleach mhiobhail mur a tha
thusa."
Chaidh e stigh leatha 's dh'iarr e deoch. Fhuair e siod.
« Ca bheil t-fhear?"
Tha aig tigh an ridire aig iarraidh or is airgiod a ni ceap do
nighean og an ridire, mar a th' aig a peathrairchean, 's gun leithid
nan ceapannan ra fhaotainn an Albainn."
Thanaig an gobha dliachaidh.
" De 's ceaird duit oganaich ?"
" Tha mi 'm ghobha."
" 'S math sin, 's gun cuideachadh thu leamsa ceap a dheanadh do
nighean og an ridire, 's i dol a phosadh."
"Kach 'eil fhios atrad nach urrainn thu sin a dheanadh."
"'S eiginn feucliainn ris, ma 'n an dean mi e bidh mi air mo
chrochadh am maireach." " So a 's fhearra dhuit a dheanadh."
*' Glais mise stigh 's a cheardaich, gleidh an t-or 's an t-airgiod,
's bidh an ceap agamsa dhuit sa mliaidinn."
Ghlais an gobha stigh e. Ghuidh e 'm fitheach a bhi aige,
Thainig am fitheach, Bbrisd e stigh romh 'n uinneag 's bha 'n ceap
leis.
''Bheir thu 'n ceann dhiomsa nis."
"Bu duilich leam sin a dheanadh 's cha b' e mo chomain e."
" Feumaidh tu dheanadh 's gill' og fo gheasan mise, 's cha bhi eud
(Jhiom gus an d' thig an ceann dhiom."
Tharruinn e chlaidheamh, 's sgath e 'n ceann deth, 's cha robh
siod doirbli a dheanadh. Anns a mhaidinn thanaig an gobha 'stigh
"s thug e dha 'n ceap. Thuit e na chadal. Thainig oganach ciatach
le fait donn a stigh, 's dhui?g e.
" S mise," urs' esan, "am fitheach, 's tha na geasan a nis dhiom."
Choisich e leis sios far an d' fhag e 'n steud marbh, 's choinnich
boireannach og an sin eud cho aluinn 's a chunnaic suil riabh.
"'S mis' urs ise 'n steud 's tha na geasan diom a nis."
Chaidh an gobha leis a cheap gu tigh an ridire, Tliiig an sear-
RIDIRE GHRIANAIG.
35
bhant thun nighean og an ridire e, 's thuirt i rithe gun robh 'n siod
an ceap a rinn an gobha. Dh' aimhric i air a cheap.
" Cha d' rinn e 'n ceap so riabh. Abair ris an t-slaightire bhreug-
ach e thoirt an fbir a tliug dha 'n ceap an so, air neo gum bi e air
a chrochadh gun dàil."
Chaidh an gobha 's fhuair e 'm fear a thug an ceap dha, 's nur a
chunnaic is' e ghabh i boch mor. Chaidh a chuis a shoilleireachadh.
Phos Iain agus nighean og an ridire, 's chaidh cul a chur ri each, 's
cha 'n fhaigheadh eud na peathraichean eile. Chuireadh romh 'a
bhail' eud, le claidheamhannan maide, 's le criosa guaille conlaich.
In tliis tale the Gaelic is "written as spoken by the
narrator. There are instances of bad grammar, and of
corruptions, which are left as found. Teine is used for
tinne, a Unk. Aig is a small bay or creek. Grianaig
is Sun Creek. Many similar names are found in the
Highlands. In Islay is Dun Naomh-aig, Holy Creek
Fort ; in Barra, Breubhaig-Breitheamliaig, Judge Creek.
The word is no doubt allied to eag, a notch, or a nook.
— H. M'L.
From a Stone at ELGiii. —SculjHured Stones of Scotland, P2. xvi.
{Under the following numbers I have grouped together a fexo
traditions, etc., relating to the Campbell legend of Diar-
maid and the boar.']
LIX.
nONN'S QUESTIONS.
From Donald MacPhie (smith), Breiibhaig, Barra, 1860.
" Fiona would not marry any lady but one who could answer all
his questions, and it appears that this was rather difficult to find.
Graidhne, daughter of the King of the fifth of Ullin, answered them
all, and proved herself the wisest as well as the handsomest of women.
Fionn married Graidhne because she answered the questions. The
reciter told me that there were a great many more, but that these
were all that he could remember at the time."
H. MacLean, October 20, 1860.
CEISDEAN FHINN.
[Seo na ceisdeau.
Fionn. Dè 's lionaire na'm fenr ?
Ch'aidhne. Tha 'n driuchd ; bidh moran bhoineacliaii
deth air aon ghas feoir.]
Fionn. What is more plenteous than the grass ?
Graidhne. The dew ; there will be many drops of
it on one grass blade.
[De 's teotha na'n teine ?
Ciall mnatha eadar da f hear,]
V.Hiat is hotter than the fire ?
A woman's reasoning betwixt two men.
DIARMAID AXD GRAIDHNE FIOXN S QUESTIONS. 37
[De 's luaitlie na ghaotli 1
Aigne innatha eadar da f hear.]
What is sivifter than the wind Ì
A woman's thought betwixt two men.
[De 's duibhe na 'n fitheach ?
Tha 'm has.]
What is blacker than the raven ?
There is death.
[De 's gile na 'lii sneachd ?
Tha 'n fhirinn.]
What is whiter than the snow ?
There is the truth.
[De 's long ri gach luchd ?
Teanchair gobha ; cumaidh i teith a's fuar.]
What is a sliip for every cargo ?
A smith's tongs ; it will hold hot and cold.
[De air nach gabh glas na slablu-aidh cur ?
Kasg duine ma charaid ; cha ghabh e dunadh na
cumail ach ag amharc air.]
What is it will not bide lock or chain 1
The eye of a man about liis friend ; it Avill not
brook shutting or holding, but looking on him.
[De. 's deirge na full ?
Gnuis duine choir nuair thigeadh coigrich an rathad
's gun bhiadh aige 'bheireadh e dhaibli.]
Wliat is redder than blood Ì
The face of a worthy man when strangers might
come the way, and no meat by him to give to them.
[De 's geire na claidheamh Ì
Athais namhaid.]
What is sharper than a sword Ì
Tlie reproach of a foe.
38 WEST HIGHL.VND TALES.
[Dè 's fearr de bhiadli ?
Bleaclid ; tliig iomadh atharracliadli as, niotar im
a's càise dhetli, 's beathacliaidli e leanabh beag a's
seaii-duine.]
What is the best of food Ì
Milk ; many a change comes out of it ; butter and
cheese are made of it, and it will feed a little child and
an old man.
[De 's measa de bhiadh?
Bhanach.]
"VVliat is the worst of meat Ì
Lean flesh.
[De 'n send a's f hearr Ì
Sgian.]
What is the best jewel ?
A knife.
[De 's brisge na cluaran Ì
Briathran tore muice.]
WTiat is more brittle than the sow thistle ?
The words of a boar pig.
[De 's maoithe na cloimhteach Ì
Dearn air an leaca.]
What is softer than down Ì
The palm on the cheek.
[De 'n gniomh a's f hearr de ghniomhaibh ?
Gniomh ard a's uaill iseal.]
What deed is the best of deeds ?
A high deed and low conceit.
From this then it appears that Graidline represents
quick wit and beauty, and her name seems to mean
Gradh — love.
DIARMAID AND GRAINNE. 39
Fionn always represents wisdom.
Mature wisdom marries young love, and in the
stories which follow, love runs away with young
valour.
They follow the track which has been assigned to
the Celtic race. They are married in Eirinn, and ia
the next story, the course of their wanderings is pointed
out.
LX.
DIAEMAID AND GEAINNE.*
From Hector MacLean, July 6tli 1859. Told by an old man in
Bowmore, Islay, Alexander Macalister.
FIONN was going to marry Grainne, the daughter
of the king of Carmag in Eirinn. The nobles and
great gentles of the Feimie were gathered to the wedding.
A great feast was made, and the feast lasted seven days
and seven nights ; and when the feast was past, their
own feast was made for the hoimds. Diarmaid was a
truly fine man, and there was, ball seirc, a love spot
on his face, and he used to keep his cap always down
on the beauty spot ; for any woman that might chance
to see the ball seirc, she would be in love with him.
The dogs fell out roughly, and the heroes of the Feinn
went to drive them from each other, and when Diarmaid
was driving the dogs apart, he gave a Hft to the cap,
and Grahme saw the ball sekc and she was in heavy
love for Diarmaid.
She told it to Diarmaid, and she said to him, " Thou
shalt run away Avith me."
* The name is so spelt in this MS., and it is so spelt in Irish
books.
40 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
" I will not do that," said Diarmaid.
" I am laying it on thee as a wash ; and as spells
that thou go Avitli me."
" I will not go with thee ; I mil not take thee in
softness, and I will not take thee in hardness ; I will
not take thee without, and I will not take thee within ;
I will not take thee on horseback, and I will not take
thee on foot," said he ; and he went away in displeasure,
and he went to a place apart, and he put up a house
there, and he took his dwelling in it.
On a morning that there was, who cried out in the
door but Grahme, " Art thou wdthin, Diarmaid ì "
"I am."
" Come out and go with me now."
" Did I not say to thee already that I would not
take thee on thy feet, and that I would not take thee
on a horse, that I would not take thee without, and
that I would not take thee within, and that I would
not have anything to do with thee."
She was between the two sides of the door, on a
buck goat. " I am not without, I am not within, I
am not on foot, and I am not on a horse ; and thou
must go with me," said she.*
"There is no place to which we may go that
Fionn will not find us out when he puts his hand
imder his tooth of knowledge, and he will kill me for
going -with tliee ! "
" "We will go to Carraig (a crag, Carrick ?) and there
so many Carraigs that he will not know in which we
may be."
* This incident may be compared with a German story
Die-kluge Baiieren-tochter. Grimm, No. 94. See vol. iii., p. 170,
for numerous references to versions of the story in a great many
languages. I have had two versions of the story in Gaelic — one
from Mr. MacLauchlan, the other from an old man in Barra.
DIARMAID AXD GRAIXNB. 4 1
They went to Carraig an Daimh (the stag's crag).
Fionn took great wrath when he perceived that his
wife had gone away, and he went to search for her.
They went over to Ceantire, and no stop went on their
foot, nor stay on their step, till they reached Carraig
an Daiinh in Ceantire, near to Cille Charmaig. Diar-
ruaid was a good carpenter, and he used to he at making
dishes, and at fishing, and Grainne used to he going
about selling the dishes, and they had beds apart.
On a day that there was there came a great sprawl-
ing old man the way, who was called Ciofach Mac a
Ghoill,* and he sat, and he was playing at dixxsirean
(wedges. t) Grainne took a liking for the old carl, and
they laid a scheme together that they woidd kill
Diarmaid. Diarmaid was working at dishes. The
old man laid hands on him, and he turned against the
old man, and they went into each other's grips. The
old man was pretty strong, but at last Diarmaid put
him imder. She caught hold of the, gearrasgiax, knife,
and she put it into the thigh of Diarmaid. Diarmaid
left them, and he was going fi^om hole to hole, and he
was but just alive, and he was gone ujider hair and
under beard. He came the way of the Carraig and a
fish with him, and he asked leave to roast it. He got
a cogie of water in which he might dip hLs fingers,
while he was roasting it. ]S'ow there would be the
taste of honey or anything which Diarmaid might
touch with his finger, and he was dipping liis fingers
into the cogie. Grainne took a morsel out of the fish|
and she perceived the taste of honey upon it. To
* Ciofach, tlie son of tbe stranger. This personage, who plays
this part in another version, is called " Cuitheach."
t Or DisNEAN, dice ?
t There seems to be something mythical about this fish, for
lie appears in various shapes in the legend.
42 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
attack Diarmaid went Ciofach, and they were in each
other's grips for a turn of a while, but at last Diarmaid
killed Ciofach, and away he went, and he fled, and he
went over Loch a Chaisteil.
When Grainne saw that Ciofach was dead she
followed Diarmaid, and about the break of day, she
came to the strand, and there was a heron screaming.
Diarmaid was up in the face of the movmtain, and said
Graimie —
" It is early the heron cries.
On the heap aliove SUabh gaoU,
Oh Diarmaid 0 Duiblme to whom love I gave,
Wliat is the cause of the heron's cry Ì
" Oh Ghrainne, daughter of Carmaig of Steeds,
That never took a step aright.
It seems that before she gave the cry
Her foot had stuck to a frozen slab*
" Wouldst thou eat bread and flesh, Diarmaid ?"
" Needful were I of it if I had it."
" Here I will give it to thee ; where is a knife will
cut it?"
" Search the sheath in which thou didst put it
last," said Diarmaid.
The knife was in Diarmaid ever since she had put
it into him, and he would not take it out. Grainne
drew out the knife, and that was the greatest shame
that she ever took, dra-\ving the knife out of Diar-
maid,
Fear was on Diarmaid that the Fheitm would find
them out, and they went on forwards to Gleann Eilg.
Tliey went up the side of a bum that was there,
* There seems to be a hidden meaning in the reply.
DIARMAID AND GRAINNE. 43
and took their dwelling there, and they had beds
apart.*
Diarmaid was making dishes, and the shavings
which he was making were going down with the burn
to the strand.
The Fiantan were hunting along the foot of the
strand, and they were on the track of a venomous boar
that was discomfiting them. Fionn took notice of the
shavings at the foot of the burn.
" These," said he, " are the shavings of Diarmaid,"
"They are not; he is not aHve," said they.
Indeed," said Fionn, "they are. We wdl shout
Foghaid ! a hunting cry, and in any one place in which
he may be, he is sworn to it that he must answer."
Diarmaid heard the Foghaid.
" That is the Foghaid of the Fiantan ; I must
answer."
" Answer not the cry, oh Diarmaid ;
It is but a lying cry.-j-
Diarmaid answered the shout, and he went down
to the strand. It was set before Diarmaid to hunt
the boar. Diarmaid roused the boar from Bein Eidin
to Bein Tuirc.t
"VVliile drawing down the long mountain,
The brute was bringing Diarmaid to straits.
His tempered blades were twisted
Like withered rushy plaits,
* Glen Elg, opposite the narrows between Skye and the main-
land. There are two "Pictish towers" in a glen which would
answer to the description, and there are many legends of the
Feinn localised about that spot.
t This is a line of the poem which follows, given as a sen-
tence in a prose tale ; and other lines occur which I have written
as poetry when 1 thought I could recognise them.
if Two well known Scotch mountains. ^.. -•'■
44 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
Diarmaid gave a draw at the slasher that Lon Mac
Liobhaiii* made, and he put it in under the armpit
and he killed the boar.
This was no revenge for Fionn yet over Diar-
maid. There was a mole on the sole of the foot of
Diarmaid, and if one of the bristles should go into it,
it woidd bring his death.
Said Fionn —
" Oh Diarmaid, measure the boar,
How many feet from his snout to his heel ?"
Diarmaid measured the boar.
" Sixteen feet of measiu'e true."
" Measure the boar against the hair."
He measured the boar against the hair, one of the
bristles went into the mole and he fell.
Fionn took sorrow for liim when he fell. " What
would make thee better, Diarmaid Ì "
" If I could get a draught of water from the palms
of Fionn I would be better."
Fionn went for the water, and when he thought on
Grainne he would spill the water, and Avhen he would
think of Diarmaid, he would take sorrow, and he would
take it with liim ; but Diarmaid was dead before Fionn
returned, t
They walked up the side of the burn till they came
to where Grainne was ; they went in ; they saw two
beds, and they miderstood that Diarmaid was guiltless.
* This sword maker is known by this name in the Isle of
Man, and is there called the dark smith of Drontheim.
t In Dr. Smith's Sean Dana, page 3 (1787), is this note on
the Poem of Diarmaid. " A long dialogue concerning Cuach
Fhinn, or the medicinal cup of Fingal, often repeated here, is re-
jected as the spurious interpolation of some later bard.''
The scene is often laid on the ridge between Oban and Loch
Awe, and I well remember to have heard how Fionn held his
DIARMAID AXD GRAINNE, 45.
The Fein were exceedingly sorroTrful about what had
befallen. They burned
Grainne, daughter of Carmaig of steeds
That never took a step aright,
In a faggot of grey oak
This story then, under a very rough exterior, em-
bodies the main incidents and some hues of the poem
wliich follows.
The last story, Xo. LIX., got in Barra, started the
heroine in Ireland This, got in Islay, starts her in
Ireland and brmgs her through Ceantire into Lorn and
to Glen Elg, opposite to Skye.
The next, the Lay of Diarmaid, got from several
people in Uist and Barra, seems to leave the place of
the catastrophe uncertain, but Behi-Gulban is the
haimt of tlie heroes, and Irish Avriters say that Bein-
Gulban is Behi-Boolban in Sligo.
In the manuscript histories of the Ai'gyll family,
Diarmaid's sons are made to possess Carrick.
DIARMAID AG US GRAINNE.
Bha Fionn a dol a phosadh Ghrainne nighean righ Charmaig an
Eirinn. Chruinneachadh maitbibh agus mor uaislean na Feinne
thun na bainse. Rinneadh cuirm mhor agus mhair a chuirm seachd
lathan agus seachd oidhchean, agus nur a bha chuirm seachad chaidh
an cuirm fhe' dheanadh do na coin. Bha Diarmaid na dhuine fior
ghasda 's bha ball seirc air aodann 's bha e cumail a churraichd
palms to Diarmaid filled with water from a spring which is still
shewn, and how a draught from the hollow palms would have
healed the dying warrior ; but Fionn thought on Graidhne and
opened his hands and let the water drain away, as he held his
hands to Diarmaid's mouth, and Diarmaid died.
J. F. C.
4^ WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
daonnan a nuas air a bhall sheirc ; chionn bean sam bith a chitheadh
am ball seire bhiodh i ann an gaol air. Chaidh na coin thar a cheile
gu garbb 's chaidh gaisgich na Feinn' a'n cur o cheile agus nur a
bha Diarmaid a cur nan con o cheile thug e togail air a churrachd
's chunnaic Grainn' am ball seirc agus bha i ann an trom f,'haol air
Diarmaid. Dh' innis i do Dhiarmaid e 's thuirt i ris. " Ruithidh
thu air falbh leam."
" Cha dean mi sin," ursa Diarmaid.
" Tha mise cur mar ghuidhe 's mar gheasaibh ort gun d' theid
thu leam."
" Cha d' theid mi leat ; cha ghabh mi 'm bog thu, 's cha ghabh
mi 'n cruaidh thu, cha ghabh mi muigh thu, 's cha ghabh mi stigh
thu, cha ghabh mi air each thu, 's cha ghabh mi 'd chois thu," ars'
esan. Agus dh' fholbh e le miochiataich, 's chaidh do dh' aite
leathoireach, 's chuir e suas tigh ann, 's ghabh e comhmudh ann.
Maidinn a bha 'n sin co ghlaoidh san darusd ach Grainne, "A
bheil thu stigh a Dhiarmaid?"
« Tha."
" Thig a mach 's folbh leam a nis."
" Nach d' thubhairt mi riut cheana nach gabhainn a' d' chois thu, 's
nach gabhainn air each thu, nach gabhainn a muigh thu, 's nach gabh-
ainn a stigh thu, 's nach biodh gnothach agam rint."
Bha is, eadar da bhith an doruisd air muinn boc goibhre. " Cha
n-eil mi muigh cha n-eil mi stigh ; cha n' eil mi m chois 's cha n-eil
mi air each, 's feumaidh tu dol leam," ars' ise.
" Cha n' eil ait, an d' theid sin nach fhaigh Fionn a mach sin nur
a chuireas e lamh fo dheud fhiosach 's marbhaidh e mis' airson folbh
leat."
" Theid sinn do Charraig, 's tha do Charraigean ann 's nach hi fios
aige CO 'n te sam bi sinn."
Chaidh end do Charraig an Daimh.
Ghabh Fionn fearg nur a mhothaich e gun d' fholbh a bhean, 's
chaidh e rurach air a son. Chaidh cud thairis do Chintire 's cha
deach stad air an cois, na fois air an ceum, gus an d' ranaig end Carr-
aig an Daimh an Cintire lamh ri Cille Charmaig.
Bha Diarmaid na shaor math, 's bhiodh e deanadh shoithichean, 's
aig iasgach, 's bhiodh Grainn' air folbh a creic nan soithichean, agus
bha leab air leith aca.
Latha bha 'n sin thanaig bodach mor cragach an rathad ris an
abradh eud Ciofach Mac a Ghoill, 's shudh e, 's bha e 'g imirt air
dinnsirean. Ghabh Grainne taitneachd de 'n bhodach. Dh' fhan e
leatha 's chuir eud an comhairle ra cheile gum marbhadh eud Diar-
DIARMAID AGUS GRAINNE. 47
maid. Bha Diarmaid ag obair air soithichean. Thug am bodach
lamh air, 's thionndaidh e ris a bhodach, 's chaidh end an glacaibh a
cheile. Bha 'm bodach gu math laidir ; ach ma dheireadh chuir Diar-
maid fodh' e. Rug ise air gearrasgian 's dhinn i ann am bunamhas
Dhiarmaid i. Dh' fliag Diarmaid eud, 's bha e folbh o tholl gu toll,
's gun air ach gun robh e beo, 's bha e air dol fo fliionna 's fo fheus-
aig. Thanaig e rathad na carraige 's iasg leis, 's dh' iarr e cead a
rosdadh. Fhuair e gogan uisg, amis an tumadh e mheuran an eas a
bhiodh e ga rosdadh. Nis bhiodh bias na meal' air ni sam bith da'm
boineadh Diarmaidh le a mheuran. Bha e tumadh a mheuran anns'
a ghogan. Thug Grainne criomag as an iasg 's mhothaich i bias na
meal 'air. An dail Dhiarmaid thug Ciofach, agus bha eud an glacaibh
a cheile car treis, ach ma dheireadh mharbh Diarmaid Ciofach, agus
air folbh a ghabh e, 's theich e, agus ghabh e thairis air Loch a
Chaisteil.
Nur a chunnaic Grainne gun robh Ciofach marbh lean i Diarmaid,
agus ma bhrisdeadh an latha thanaig i gus a chladach, agus bha
corra-chridheach a glaodhach. Bha Diarmaid suas ri aodann an t-
sleibh agus ursa Graidhne.
Gr. 'S moch a ghoireas a chorr
Air an ton- as cionn Shliabh Gaoil ;
A Dhiarmaid O Duibhne da n d' thug mi gradh,
De 'm fath ma u goir a chorr?
Dr. A Ghrainne, nighean Charmaig nan steud
Nach d' thug riabh ceum air choir,
Se 'n t-aobhar ma 'n d' thug i 'n glaodh
Gun do lean a cas ri lie reot.
Gr. An itheadh thu aran is feoil a Dhiarmaid.
Dr. B' flieumail air mi na 'm biodh e agam.
Gr. A laoich bheir mise dhuit e
Cait a bheil sgian a ghearras i.
Dr. " Iarr an truaill 's an do chuir thu ma dheireadh i," ursa
Diarmaid.
Bha 'n sgian ann an Diarmaid o 'n chuir i ann i gus an so' 's cha
b' urrain e toirt as. Tharruinn Grainne as an sgian; agus 's e 'n
naire 's motha ghabh i riabh tarruinn na sgian a Diarmaid.
Bha eagal air Diarmaid gum faigheadh an Fheinn a mach eud 's
ghabh eud air an aghaidh gu Gleann Eilg. Chaidh eud suas taobh
uillt an sin, 's ghabh eud corahnuidh ann' 's bha leab air leith aca.
^8 , WEST HIGHLAND TALES. :
Bha Diarmaid a deanadh shoithicheann, 's bha na sliseagan a bha e
deanadh a dol sios leis an allt gus a chladach.
Bha na Fianntan a sealgaireachd a chois a chladaich, 's bha eud
air toir tiiirc nimh' a bha fairsleachadh orra. Thug Fionn an aire do
shliseagan aig bun an uillt.
" Se so," urs' esan sliseagan Dhiarmaid.
" Cha 'n e cha n' eil e beo," urs' eudsan.
" Gu dearbh," ursa Fionn, " glaodhaich siiin foghaid, "s aon ait 'am
bi e tha mionnaichte ris gum feum e' freagairt."
Chuala Diarmaid an fhoghaid. " Siod foghaid nam Fianntan,
feumaidh mise freagairt."
" Na freagair a Dhiarmaid."
"An fhoghaid cha n' eil ann ach foghaid bhreig."
Fhreagair Diarmaid an flioghaid 's chaidh e sios gus a chladach.
Chuireadh ma i hoinneamh Dhiarmaid an tore a shealg. Ruaig Diar-
maid an tore o Bheinn Eidinn gu Beinn Tuirc.
A tan-uinn leis an t-sliabh fhada,
Bha bheisd a toirt Dhiarmaid a nasgaidh,
Chasadh e lanna cruadhach,
Mar shiofagan do shean luachair.
Thug Diarmaid tarruinn air an Leadarrach a reinn Lon Mac
Liobhann, 's chuir e stigh fo a asgaill i, 's mliarbh e n tore. Cha bu
dioghaltas le Fionn so fhathasd air Diarmaid. Blia ball dorain air
bonn cois Dhiarmaid, 's na 'n rachadh h-aon de na cuilg ann bheireadh
e bhas. Ursa Fionn,
A Dhiannaid tomhais an turc,
Co mhiod troigh o shoe 'ga shail.
Thomhais Diarmaid an tore.
" Se troighe' deug de dli' fhior thomhas."
" Tomhais an tore an aghaidh an fhionna."
Thomhais e n tore an aghaidh an fhionna, chaidh h-aon de na
cuilg 's a bhall dorain, 's thuit e. Ghabh Fionn duilichinn nur a
channaic e a tuiteam ; urs' e. " De dheanadh na b' fhearr thu Dhiar-
maid ?" " Na 'm faighinn deoch uisg' e basan Fhinn bhithinn na b'
fhearr. Chaidh Fionn airson an uisge, 's nur a smaointeachadh e
air Grainne dhoirteadh e 'n t-uisge, 's nur a smaointeachadh e air
Diarmaid ghabhadh e duilchinn 's bheireadh e leis e. Ach bha
Diarmaid marbh ma 'n do thill Fionn. Choisich eud suas taobh an
uillt gus an d' thanaig eud far an robh Grainne. Chaidh eud a
stigh, chunnaic eud da leaba,'s thuigeud gun robh Diarmaid neochion-
tach. Bha 'n Fheinn anabarrach duilich mar a thachair. Loisg eud
DIARMAID AGUS GRAINNE.
49
Graidhne nighean Charmaig nan steud,
Nach d' thug riabli ceum air choir.
Ann an cual de ghlasdarach.
The only points in which the tale and poem published by Dr.
Smith agree are those of the death of Diarmaid. It is so long
since I read Dr. Smith's Sean Dana that I have but a faint recol-
lection of the poem. The tale would seem to me to be partly a
parody on the poem. These old people are sometimes confused
in reciting these tales, probably much is lost, and from confusion
of memory some may be altered. At times they cannot recite at
all. Shaw, from whom I got Murchadh Mac Brian, died a few
days ago, and, so far as I can ascertain, there is none in Islay,
Jura or Colonsay, that can recite the same tale now.
H. MacLean.
Ballygrant, July 6th, 1859.
From a Stone in the Churchyard of St. Vic.eans, near Arbroath.
Sculptured Stones of Scotland, PI. Ixix.
LXI.
THE LAY OF DIAEMAID.
T HAVE already referred to a note by Mrs. Mac-
-^ Tavisli on this subject, vol. ii. 473. She tells bow
she learned Dan an Dearg (the Song of the Eed) more
than sixty years ago, from a ploughman who used to
chant it at bis work : and she adds : —
" The subject of the song is Diarmaid 0 Duine, or
Dearg as he was sometimes called. Diarmid was, as I
daresay you know, the progenitor of the clan Campbell,
who are called at times Siol Diarmid, at other times
Clann Duine. I never heard who his wife was, but
she was esteemed a virtuous and worthy person ; yet
she had enemies, who -wished to persuade her husband
that she did not love him, and who concerted a plot to
prove her fidelity. Diarmid was a great sportsman, as
all Fingahans were, and hunted wild boars, which, it
Avould appear, were numerous in the Scottish forests
at that period. The sport at times proved fatal to
those engaged in it. Pretended fi'iends persuaded
Diarmid to pretend that he was killed by one of these
animals. They put him on a bier, and carried him
home to his wife, all bloody, as if he had really suf-
ferred as they said. She conducted herself with be-
coming fortitude and composure, ordered refreshments
for those assembled to watch the remains of their chief,
sat down along with them, and commenced singing the
song which folloAvs. It is very touching in the
DL\JiMAID AXD GRAIDHNE.
51
original. I!^ever having been favoui-ed by the muses,
I cannot do it the justice which it deserv^es, or that I
could wish. The translation is as literal as I can
make it."*
iiiNlii
Derg mac Derg gur
lipOElE^
mi do bhean. Air an fhear cha
I \-
mm:
A-P-
-a — ja-*—"- 1- ^ — • — »— =iiH
deao-ain lochd. Air an fhear cha dean-ain lochd.
ee^
^ȱ
ee;
saoi nach d'fhuair a dheuchain.S'truas-'h tba mii
* ■"- # ^" ^
d.
1
ad dheigh an nochd.
1
=i=
Derg, son of Derg, I am thy Avife,
The husband whom I would not hurt,
The husband whom I would not hurt,
There never Avas a worthy who was not tried ;
Wretched am I after thee this night.
The G.ielic and music were subsequently got from the same ladv.
WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
Derg, son of Olla of the enlightened mind,
By whom so softly the harp was played,
By whom so softly the harp was played,
Beloved was the hero who kept no wrath.
Though Derg was laid low by a hog.
I see the hawk, I see the hound,
"With which my loved one used to hunt.
With Avhich my loved one used to hunt.
And she that loved the three
Let her be laid in the grave -with Derg.
Then let us rejoice this night,
As we sit around the corpse of a king.
As Ave sit around the corpse of a king
Let us be hospitable and liberal,
Thanks be to God for every tiling.
1
Derg mac Derg gur i mi do bhean ;
Air an f hear cha deanain lochd.
Cha n' eil saoi nach d' f huair a dheuchain ;
S" truagh tha mise ad dheigh an nochd.
Derg mac Olla ckridhe 'n iuil,
Leis an seinte gu ciuin cruit ;
B ionmhuin an Laoch air nach do luidli fearg ;
Ged do thorchradli Derg le muic.
DIARMAID AND GRAIDHNE. 5^5
3
Chi mi n' t seabhag a's an cti
Leis an deauamli mo run sealg ;
S' an neacli leis an ionmhuin an truir
Chuirer i 's an uir le Derg.
4
Bi mid gu subhach an noclid
Sin uar suidhe mu chorj) Eigh ;
Bi mid gu furanacb. fialaidb ;
Buidheachas do Dbia gacli ni.
" Diarinaid, Avbo was never conquered in battle,
was destroyed by stratagem. Some one of bis enemies
took a bet with liini that he could not measure the
length of a boar that he had killed by pacing its back
against the bristles -with his bare soles, which gave rise
to the saying —
Tomhas n' tuirc n' aghaidh n' f hrioghain
Measuring the boar against the bristles,
when any unlikely thing is proposed. He gained liis
bet, but it cost him his life ; the boar's bristles being
so strong that he bled to death. This legend is said
to be the origin of the boar's head being the crest of
the principal families of tlie Campbells.
Mary MacTavish, November 1859."
The clan MacTavish are a branch of the Camp-
bells, and this lady, in relating a legend of her OAvn
family, tells it as I have heard it repeatedly told, with
variations, by peasants and fishermen, who firmly be-
lieved in their own descent from Diarmaid 0' Duiblin,
and in the truth of this legend.
The Lay of Diarmaid is quoted p. 117, and men-
54 """EST HIGflLAND TALES.
tioned iu several places in the report of tlie Highland
Society on the poems of Ossian, 1805. The version
given below, though it resembles those which I have
seen in books in some respects, difiers from them all so
as to make it evident that it is taken from none. I
have no doubt that it is purely traditional
I am inclined to believe that there Avas a real
Diarmaid, in Avhose honour poems have been composed
by many bards, and sung by generations of Scotch
Highlanders, and that to him the adventures of some
mythical Celtic Diarmaid have been attributed, in the
same way tliat the mythical story of the apple has been
ascribed to William Tell.
Be that as it may, the Lay of Diarmaid can be
traced for a period of 300 years, and its story is known
amongst the whole Celtic population from the south
of Ireland to the north of Scotland.
The Story of the Lay of Diarmaid.*
No. 1.
PiONN never was a king ; it Avas Breean, his father's
brother, Avho was king over the fifth which the Een
had of Eirinn, and Fionn he Avas Fla, the chief of
the Feene, and it was Osgar who was chief of the men.
It is Djeearmaid who was the man of the best head
that Avas in the Een altogether, and no arm at all
could make an impression ujjon him. There Avas
Ball dorain (a mole, an otter-mark) in his right heel ;
and he could not be killed unless a spike should go
into liis heel in the mole.
Graine, the Avife of Een, saw the Ball Seirc
(beauty spot) that was on Djeearmaid, and she took
love for him, and he fled before her, but she folloAved
* In tliis I have tried to spell the sound of the names.
DIARMAID AND GRAIDHNE. 55
liim; and tliey were dwelling in a cave. Djeearmaid
would not approach her, and he used to pnt a symbol
before the door, a quarter of a slaughtered animal
on a stake ; and Fionn, when he saw the sign, was
satisfied ; but on a day the sign was changed. A
ciuthach* came into the cave, and Djeearmaid killed
him with a spear, for Graine was unfaithful even to
her lover.
There was an old woman there A\-hom they used to
call Mala Llee (gray eyebrow), and she had a herd of
swine, and she had a venomous boar for guarding the
pigs. There was no being that went to hunt this boar
that came back alive. So it was that Fionn thought
to send Djeearmaid to himt him, to put an end to him.
WTien Djeearmaid gave out the shout of death,
said Fionn to Graine —
" Is that the hardest shriek to thy mind that thou
hast ever heard 1 "
" It is not," said she, " but the shriek of the ciuth-
ach, when Djeearmaid killed him."
" Ye Gods ! that Djeearmaid were alive," said Fionn.
From Janet Currie, Stonybridge, September 14,
1860. — H. MacL. — Part is altered and omitted in the
translation, and the Gaelic is not given, because there is
nothing peculiar in the language. The legend is remark-
able as containing incidents common to the story pub-
lished bytheOssianicSociety of Dublin in 1855. — J.F.C.
No. 2.
When the Fhinn used to go to hunt, one of them
used always to stay at home to watch the women. It
fell upon Diarmaid on that day that it was he who
* Pr. kewach, described in the Long Island as naked wild men
living in caves, supposed to be derived from " ciuth, long hair
behind," which word is applied in Islay to a pigtail. French, queue.
$6 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
should stay. There was a thing which they used to call
SuGH Seiko (love juice), a kind of mark in the face of
the man, and there was a helmet upon him that must
not be raised, for there Avas no woman Avho might see
the sugh seirc that would not fall in love with him,
and Diarmaid knew that these gifts were in himself.
On the day that he stayed at home he thought that no
being was seeing him, and he gave a lift to the helmet ;
and Graidhne, the daughter of the King of Coig Ullainn,
sees the face of Diarmaid. The warm soul would
not be in her unless she should go with Diarmaid.
Said Diarmaid, " That will not answer for me to
go with thee."
" 0 ! we will go, or else I w^ill tear my clothes, and
I will give thee up to Fionn."
" I have no doubt of thee but that he will believe
thee, because thou art his own beloved wdfe indeed."
They went away, and they travelled together days
and tliree nights. They were crossing a river, and a
little trout rose and struck her, and she said —
" Thou art bolder than Diarmaid. If thou couklst
go on shore!" ......
" Now," said he, " Fionn has come home, and they
will not find us within, then they will come on our
tracks, and they will get us."
" They wall not get us," said she. " Wliether they
get us, or get us not, we will try to hide ourselves.
The thing that we will do is this, we will go up to
this Avood up here, and the branches and leaves of the
trees will hide us."
They rose up into the tree, and they went into the
heart of the tree, and they drew the branches and
leaves of the tree about them.
The Fhinn came to their house, and they did not
find Diarmaid or Graidhne at the house.
DIAEMAID zVXD GRAIDHXE. 57
" Here, liere ! lads," said Fionn, " I am withoTit a
wife, and the Fhinn without Diarmaid. We ought to
go till we find them."
They weut on their search, and they went over the
same river. A^^len they went over, said Fionn —
" We have now been a while walking, and since
we have we "will breathe a little at the root of this tree
up here."
They took the advice of Fionn, and they sat at the
foot of the tree."
Said Fionn — "We should turn to playing, lads."
" We are ^villing," said they.
Fionn and Osgar used to be the two leaders of the
game. It was Diarmaid who used always to be along
with Fionn. Fionn knew that Diarmaid had magic
gifts at games. ]N"ow there was Osgar, and he needed
a mau to be with him, and it was his own father who
used to be with him. They began at the games.
Every game that was going, it was against Fionn that
it went, and Osgar was winning. They drove three
games.
Said Fionn — " I am missing Djeearmaid hea^dly ;
for it was seldom that a game went against me when
Diarmaid was with me ; but they are now going
against me since he parted from me ; but I will go
against thee another time."
Diarmaid was listening. He went and he put his
hand against his right side, — thus ; — and he caught hold
of one of the red rowan berries that were on the tree,
and he let it fall down beside the tree, and the back
of Fionn was against the tree. He noticed something
striking him on the back, and put his hand behind
him, and he caught the rowan berry, and he put it
into his pouch. They began at the game, and this
game went with Fionn.
5» WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
" One is with me," said Fionn.
" It is," said Osgar ; " but two are wanting."
" Wilt thou go into it any more 1 " said Osgar.
" I will go, I will go," said Fionn ; "try it again."
Diarmaid let down the next rowan berry, and
Fionn won this one.
" Wilt thou go into it any more ]" said he.
" I will go," said Osgar. " If thou hast tvt'o, there
is one wanting."
Diarmaid let down the third one, and Fionn won
the third one.
" We are now," said Osgar, " even and even ; all
I won thou thyself hast taken it back again."
'•' Wilt thou go into it any more V said Fionn.
" I will go," said Osgar ; " we shall have know-
ledge of its good or evil at this time."
They went at it, and Diarmaid let down the fourth
one, and Fionn Avon.
" Howsoever, it was whilst thou wert without
Diarmaid on thy side I was winning. Howsoever the
matter may be, there were matters that belong to
Diarmaid about thee this day before thou hast won the
fourth time."
Said Oisean — " My father did not drive (the game)
against us with right, my son, at all."
" I did drive it," said Fionn.
" Thou did'st not," said Oisean.
" I did ; as a proof that I did there are four rowan
berries in my pouch opposite to (for) every game that
I won."
He took out the four rowan berries, and when he
took them out he said —
" Come down from that, Diarmaid, thyself and
Graidhne, daughter of the King of Coig-Ullainn, for ye
are there together."
DIARMAID AND GRAIDHNE. 59
Diarmaid and Graidhne came down ; the party
was made anew, and Fionn and Osgar fell out. The
arms began, and the skaith began, and they were doing
much harm to each other. The other part of the
Fhinn were seeing that Osgar was like to win against
the side of his grandfather.
Said Goll Mac Morna — " Though we had no part in
the discord we should make a redding, and an umph'e's
parting, between the children of Treun ]Mhor."
Said Conan — " Let the Clann Baoisge hack each
other's bodies."
Then Fionn said to Osgar to stay the arms, in case
the Clanna Morna should still be after them in Alba.
Fionn took notice of Diarmaid, and he said —
My frame, and my hand, and mine eye,
Ai-e longing to do honour to thee.
Oh ! Dhiarmaid 0 Duibhne, brave man,
(xoing ATÌth my consort in secret !
There was a woman avIio was called Mala Lith,
and she had a herd of swine, and there was a venomous
boar at their head, and many a good lad went to hunt
him that never came whole from the boar.
Said Fionn to Diarmaid — " Go to hunt the boar
of Mala Lith on her herd of swine. Many a one went
there that did not come out of the burn besides a
trout." Diarmaid went to hunt the boar.
H. IMacLean.
The Gaelic follows at page 78.
These two stories and the following poem give the
relationships of the chiefs of that band of warriors whose
exploits form the subject of all that class of old Celtic
poetry which is attributed to Oisean, Osin or Ossian,
and is called Fingalian in English, and Fenian in Ixe-
land This is the familv tree as here set forth : —
6o WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
Trbunmhor (great, mighty), who gives his name to
the tribe, the children of Treunmlior, or the clan of the
Baoisge (flashes of light, coruscations, gleams).
CuMHAL (s]3elt Cooal in Manx), only mentioned as
the father of Fionn. He is sometimes called Mac-
Dhughil (Macdugald), or the son of black and white
Brian the king, brother of Fionn's father, who seldom
does anything.
FiONN MacChumail (fair), flath na Finne (chief of
the Finne), married to Graidhne, daughter of the king
of the fifth of Ullan.
OiSEAN, the last of the Finne, son of Fionn, who
afterwards sings the departed glories of Iris race as a
blind old man in poverty and wretchedness.
OsGAR, his son, Flath nam Fear, chief of men.
DoNN, brown, Avho gives his name to a tribe, clan
0 Duibhne.
A Sister of Fionn, wdfe of King 0 Dhuine, mother
of DiARMAiD 0 Dhubhine, the Expert Shield, the best
head in the Finne, whom all family histories and oral
traditions call the ancestor of the Campbells, but whom
1 strongly suspect to be a Celtic divinity, whose attri-
butes have been ascribed to their ancestor by a Celtic
tribe.
GoLL Mac Morna, who is only mentioned here as
an umpire in the strife, but who is a very well known
character in other poems, and is said to have been a
god in Ireland.
Conan, who only appears to utter a bitter taunt,
and thereby supports the character always assigned to
him. Maol, the blunt, cropped, or bald.
The Finne, who are not here named in detail, but
are always introduced into every poem or story in which
the rest of these characters are named. Besides these
there are —
DIARMAID AND GRAIDHNE. 01
Mala Lith, an old woman, who has a magical
white boar with a spike of venom in his back, invul-
nerable to all arms but the arms of Diarmaid.
There is a trout which Graidhne wishes to come on
shore.
A savage who comes to the cave where Graidline
is, and who is killed by Diarmaid, to whom the faith-
less Graidline is unfaithful.
There is the rowan tree, which is magical, and
whose berries are amulets to this day ; and nearly all
this is common to Irish stories, as published in 1855.
The scene is vague, and might be anywhere in
Alba. It is commonly laid near Oban, in Lome, but
BeLu Gulbein is the favourite haimt of these warriors,
and it is generally placed in Ireland, and is said to be
in Sligo, and Diarmaid turns his dying face towards
Bein Gidban, wherever it may be.
This subject is referred to elsewhere ; but let me
here point out that the " Feene" are the children of
beams of light, "Baoisge;" of Great Mighty, their
great ancestor, and their chief is Fair, the son of Cooal,
or it may be of black and white, light and darkness.
That Djeearmaid might be translated " the armed god,"
who had yellow hair. That their standard was called
the sunbeam, and that in the following short poem
we have similar incidents to the loves of Venus and
Adonis, the death of Acliilles, etc., and that all this
points rather to mjiihology than to a single historical
incident connected with the disbanding of an Irish
militia.
It is worth remarlv that the poem alludes to several
well known adventures wliich are now told as stories,
wliich may have been poems or distorted facts.
The rowan tree dwelling, verse 21, is No. xxix. in
vol ii. p. 73, or ISTo. xxxvi. p. 168. I forget which
62 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
story goes by the name. Who White Tooth may be I
do not know, but Diarmaid had a son so called.
As to the date of the poem and its origin. There
seems every reason to believe that it is old, and that it
has been orally transmitted for centuries from genera-
tion to generation, in the islands of Scotland, wherever
it was composed.
A version of it, got in Kintp'e or on Lochawe-side,
was printed by John Smith, D.D., minister of the gos-
pel at Campbelton, 1787, p. 99. That version is
avowedly pruned and polished.
It is printed wdthout division into stanzas, but the
rhythm here and there appears to indicate that such was
the original form of the poem.
That which is now printed is so divided by me,
because the rhythm generally accords, and the " asson-
ance" and sense all point to separate verses, each com-
plete in itself, and tit for singing to music, as these old
songs are in fact sung at this day. Similar Irish poems
are so divided.
Several of the lines are nearly the same in Dr.
Smith's version and in this which is collected from
the people eighty-four years later.
The story in the " Sean Dana" is clearly the same,
though the magic is avowedly weeded from the origi-
nal, and GJraidhne is the faithful wife of Diarmaid, not
the faithless w^ife of his uncle Fionn.
There is another version much older, in a MS.
now in course of publication, which dates from 1539.
One specimen page has been shewn to me, and it
contains one stanza and several lines almost the same
as part of this " Lay of Diarmaid." It is quite certain,
then, that this old song has been preserved more or
less perfectly by oral tradition in Scotland amongst
people Avho can neither read nor write, for at least 330
DIARMAID AND GRAIDHXE. 63
years, and it gives a standard by wliich to form an
opinion of popular tradition as an aid to written
history.
"The pursuit of Diarmaid and Grainne" fills the
greater part of vol. iii. of the Transactions of the Dublin
Ossianic Society, 170 pages; and a glance at the story as
there told will shew that it is founded on the same
widely spread tradition, which, as I imagine, is not a
tradition of any one real event which happened at any
given time anywhere ; but a chapter in the mythology
of the Pagan world, which may be traced far and wide
in various forms.
Of the following poem, founded on this legend,
the collector MacLean says :
" This Laoidh Dhiarniaid is one of the most popular
of the Ossianic pieces recited in the Long Island, and is
known to more individuals than any other. In South
Uist I heard it recited by Angus M'Donald, Janet
Currie, Allan M'Phie, and some others; in Barra by
Alexander M'Donald, and Donald M'Phie (smith),
Breubhaig ; also by a man in Miuglay. The best
reciter of this and other Ossianic pieces, that I have
met with, is Donald M'Phie. This M'Phie says he
learnt the poem from Neill M'limes, Gill Bliarraidh,
who died about twenty years ago, about sixty years of
age. M'Innes could neither read nor write. M'Donald
says he learnt it from his mother, Marion Galbraith ;
and traces it up for six generations to a maternal
ancestor of his, who came from Kintyre. Janet Currie
traces it to ISTeill Currie, her ancestor, who was Clan-
ronald's poet. Hector MacLean."
For valid reasons, I have not given the Gaelic
of all the prose stories, or the whole of them, or the
whole of those of which I translate a part. J. F. C.
04 west highland tales.
The Lay of Yeearmaid.
No. 3.
I have tried to spell the names so as to convey some idea of th
sound of the Gaelic words to English minds.— J. F. C.
1.
Hearken a space if you Avish a lay
Of the tribe that from us are gone,
Of MacCooal and of the Feen,
And of the prince there's a woeful song.
2.
Going to Vein Goolban to himt
The boar that the weak arms cannot wound,
That venomous boar, and he so fierce
That Gray eyebrows had with her herd of SAvine.
3.
Graine.
" Oh Yeearmaid slip not the hounds,
And trust not but this is a party of guile.
For it is hard to withstand MacCooal,
And he is in sorroAv deprived of a wife."
4.
Djeearmaid.
" 0 Graine wilt thou not keep still.
And for thy first love earn not shame,
I would not let slip my share of the hunt,
For all the wrath of the men of the Feene."
5.
Graine.
" Son of 0 Duine, valiant chief,
Since exploits were done through thee.
Be thou mindful of thy hand.
Here is the death to be shunned by thee."
laoidh dhiarmaid. 65
Laoidh Dhiarmaid.
The MS. came to me without division into verses. 1 have so
divided it, being nearly certain that I am right. The people talk
of " ceathrannan," quatrains, and the metre is clear, and fits the
music. — J. F. C.
1
Eisdibh beag ma' 's aill leibli laokUi,
Air a' mhuimitir a dli' I'halbli iiainn ;
Air MacChumhail, 's air an Fhinn,
'S air mac an righ, gii 'm blieil sgial truagli.
2
Dol a Blieinn Gliulbann a shealg,
An tnirc nacli dearg na h-airm chli;'
'S e 'n tore nimhe, 's e ro gharg/
Bh' aig Mala liath'' aig sealbli mliuc.
3
Graidhxe.
" A Dhiarmaid na leig na gadbair
'S na creid nach i 'n fbaghaid bhreige ; ^
'S gur deacair cur ri Mac Chmnbail
A 's cnmba leis 'bhith gun cheile."
4
DiARMAID.
" A Ghraidhne nach fuirich tbu sambach
'S na coisinn naire dbo d' cbeud-gbaol ;
Cha leiginn-sa mo chuid de 'n t-seilg
Air son feirge fir na Finne."
5
Graidhne.
" A mbic 0 Duibhne, a fhlaith threin/
Nis o rinneadh euchdan' leat
Bi-sa cuimbneacb air do laimh;
Sec an t-eug o 'n tearnar leat."'
66 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
6.
The monster awakened out of the sleep,
She went round about the glen,
And when she heard the din of the Feean,
East and west she turned her head.
7.
The well Skilled Shield Avithstood her then,
And the spear went into the belly of the hoar,
It broke in the midst of the shaft again.
And the toughest head was upon the hog.
The ancient blade was drawn from sheath.
With which each battlefield was won.
The son of king Guyne slew the beast.
And he withdrew himself whole again.
"We sent the white hog to Leodrum,
And wishfvil we were to go to spoil. («)
10.
The fairy glen and the glen by its side,
Where used to be voice of hero and bird.
Where was the hoarse sound of the Feean
Upon the mountain after their hounds.
11.
But anger settled on Finn of the Feean,
And he sat moodily on the mound.
About Mac 0 Duine of the mighty arms.
It -was torture that he came whole from the boar.
LAOIDH DHLARMAID. 67
6
Dhiiisg an ulla-blieist' as an t-suain;
Chaidh i mu chuairt air a' glileann,
'S nuair cliual i farum nam Fiann
Thug i 'n ear 's an iar a ceann.
7
Chaidh an sgiath urla" 'na dail
'S chaidh an t-sleagh an tar '' an tuii'c ;
Bhrisd i eadar"' an crann a ris
'S hha 'n ceann bu righn' air a' mhuic.
8
Thairneadh an t-seann lann a truaill
Leis am buinichte buaidh gach blair ;
Mharbh mac righ Dhuibhn' a' bheist ;
Thiarainn'^ e fhin 'na dèigh slan.
9
" Chiiir sinn a' mliuc bhàn do Leodrum
'S bu deonach sinn a dhol a 'reubadh ;
10
An gleann sith, 'san gleann ri 'thaobh,
Far am biodh guth laoich a's loin ;
Far am biodh torman nam Fiann
Air an t-shabh an deigh nan con.
11
Gu 'n d' luidli sprochd air Fionn nam Fiann,
'S shuidh e gu cian air a' chnoc/^
Mu mhac 0 Duibhne nan arm aidh
Bu chràiteach leis ti^hinn slan o 'n tore.
68 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
12.
After lie liad been silent a Avliile
He spoke, and it was ill to say,
" Oh Yeearmaid, measure the boar.
How many feet from his snout to bis tail?'
13.
Djeearmatd.
" Let us take thy counsel, Een,
Since it was grievous coming from home ;"
He measured tbe boar on his back,
King Guyne's son of the rounded foot.
14.
" Fifteen feet of the measure good
Are in the back of the wild swine ;" (b)
15.
FlUK.
" That is not his measure at all,
Measure him again, Oh Yeearmaid.
Against his bristles measure him.
And thou get'st each jewel (c) of a warrior i)roud"
IG.
" Oh, Yeearmaid, measure again,
Softly against (the hair) the boar,
And thou shalt get thy prayer from the khig,
Thy choice of the tough keen spears."
17.
He rose, and that was no journey of jo}',
And, as he measured the boar for them.
The venomous spike of agony pierced
The heel of the hero not mild in strife.
L.Ì.OIDH DHIARMAID. 69
12
A chionn e bliith treis 'na thosd'°
Labhair e, 's gu'ra b' olc ri 'radh,
" A Dhiarmaid tomhais an tore
Co mhiad troidli 0 'sboc g'a earr."
13
DiARMAID.
" Gal)liam-sa do chomhaiii' Fliinn
O b' aitbreach leinn tigb'n o'n taigh."
Thomhais en tore air a dbriom ;
Mac rigli Dliuibbn' a bu cbruinn troidb/'
14
" Coig troidhe deug d'en deagh tbomhas
Ann an driom na muiee fiadhain." '*
15
FlONN.
" Clia'n e sin idir a tbomhas
Tombais e ritbis a Dbiarmaid.
Tomhais e'n aghaidh a' ehuilg,
'S gheibh thu 'laoicb bhuirb gaeh send.
IG
" A Dhiarmaid tomhais a ri?.,
'Na aghaidh, gu min, an tore,
'8 gheibh thu t' achanaieb o'n righ, —
Eogba nan sleagb ruigbinn goirt.'"
17
Dh' eirieb, 's cha b'e 'n turas aidh,
'S gu 'n do thomhais e dhaibh an tore ;
Chaidh am bior nirab 'bu mhor cradh,
An sail an laoicb nach tlatb 'san tvod.'°
70 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
18.
Djeearmaid.
" Give a draught from thy palms, Oh Een,
Son of my king for my succoiir,
For my life and my dwelling."
FlUN.
" Ochon ! Oh king it is I that will not."
19.
" I will not give to thee a draught,
And neither shall it quench thy thirst,
And never hast thou done me good,
That thou hast not helped my ruin."
20.
Djeearmaid.
" I have never done ill to thee,
Hither nor thither, nor east nor west ;
But travelling with Graine in a yoke.
While she planned to bring me imder spells.
21.
" In the rowan tree dwelling, and thou in straits.
Bold was I for thy succour ;
At the time when death Avas upon thee,
It was I that went joyously to thee.
22.
"Een, 'tis to thee that my succour was good ;
Hast mind of the day of the combat of Conal ?
The Cairbre and his tribe was before thee,
And I was behind thee to help thee.
23.
" How wretched my face towards Bein Goolban !
On another day was I good for thee ;
Wlien the white tooth was hittiug thee,
I turned upon her from behind thee.
LAOIDH UHIARIIAID. 7 I
18
DiARMAID.
" Thoir deoch bhar do bliasan, Fliinn,
"'A mliic mo rigli, gus mo chobhair,
"'Air son mo bliidli agus m' aodaich."
FlONN.
" Oclion, a righ, 's mi nacli d' thobhair."
19
" Cha d' thoir mise dhuitse deoch,
'S cha mho a chaisgeas dlie t' iota ;
'S cha d' rinn thu riamh dho m' leas
Nach do leasaich tliu dho m' aimhleas."
20
DlARMAID.^^
"Cha do rinn mis' ortsa cron
Thall, na bhos, an ear, na 'n iar ;
Ach imeachd le Graidlin' ann am braid;
'S i tur gam thobhairt fo gheasaibli.
21
"'S a' Bhrnigliin chaorainn, 's tu nad' chàs,
Bu dana mise gad' chobhair;
'S nuair a bha 'n t-eng air do mhuin
'S mis' a chaidli thugad le mcodhail.
22
" Fhinn 's ann duit bu mhath mo chobhaii- ;
An cuimlineach leat latha cath Clionaill?
Bha 'n Cairbre romhad 's a mhuinntirl
'S bha ]nis' as do dheigh gad' chobhair I
23
" 'S gur truagh m' aghaidh ri Beinn Ghulbann !
Lath' eile bu mhath dhuit mi
Nuair a bha 'n Deud-gheal gad' bhualadh ;
Thionndaidh mi orr' as do dheaghaiiin,
7 2 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
24.
" And I succoured thee in that time !
If the women of the Feene sliould hear
That I was wounded on this ridge,
Dejected would be their faces.
25.
" How wretched my face towards Bein Goolban l{d)
26.
" How wretched my face towards Bern Goolban
As I pour in a flood forth my vigour ;
And though I be the son of 0 Duine,
Farewell be to courting for ever."
27.
There Avas Djeearmaid on the hillock,
Heavy the hair was and fine,
And he ever losing the (life) blood
From the wound of the spike in his sole.
28.
FlUN.
" Poor is the counsel that grew witli me
To slay the son of my sister ;
For Graine that ill of a woman
That never again will make my joy.
29.
" That is great the loss on the hillock.
For the price of the wild swine,
Graine king's daughter of Coig Ullain,
Djeearmaid and the two hare hounds.
LAOIDH DHIARMAID. 73
24
" 'S cliobliair mi ort aims an uair sin !
Na 'n cluinneadh mnathan ua Finne
Mis' a bhith leoiit' air an clriom seo,
Bu tursach a bliicxUi an adhart !
25
" 'S gur truagh ni' aghaicUi ri Beinn Ghnlbann !
2G
" Gut truagh ni' agbaicUi ri Beinn Ghulbann
'S mi air tuil-bhruchdadh mo nearta !
'S gad a 's mise mac 0 Duibhne ;
Soraidh leis an t-suiridh am feasda ! "
27
Gu robli Diarmaid, air an tulaich,
Bu gbrinn am fait a's bu trom ;
'S e ri sior chall na fala,
Le lot a bliior, air a bhonn.
FlONX.
"'S bochd a' cbomhairl' a chinn agam,
Mac mo pbeathar a mharbhadh
Airson Ghraidlm', an t-olcas mnatha,
'S nacb dean i ritbis mo leanmbuinn.
29
" 'S mor sin a tha db' easbbuidli na tulaicb !
Air tàillibb na muice fiadbain,
Graidbne, nigbean righ Cboig' Ullainn,
An da gbearr cbuilean, agus Diarmaid."*
74 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
30.
" Djeearmaid, deceiver of Avonien,
Son of king Guyne of tlie brilliant hue,
No maiden will raise her eye
Since the mould has gone over thy visage fair."
31.
" Yellow without white in thy hair !
Long thy cheek ! thine eyelash slow !
Blue without rashness in thine eye !
Passion (e) and beauty behind thy curls !
32.
" Oh yesternight it was green the hillock,
Eed is it this day with Yeearmaid's blood ;
And with the Een it had been wretched
Unless it had been ordered by Finn."
33.
OlSEAN.
" On this night's night though I be wretched,
There was once a time that I was not weak ;
Not lacking men, nor arms, nor feasting,
See each thing changes in the world ! "
Notes. — Letters. — J. F. C.
a The metre seems to require two lines here. I have not
attempted to fill up the space, but I adhere to the division into
verses of four lines, which the rhythm seems to indicate.
b Here there seems to be a break in the metre.
c Send a jewel, an instrument. I understand it here to mean
a warrior's jewels, his weapons, but it might mean some decora-
tion. See Graidhne's answer. " A knife is the best jewel."
d Here three lines seem wanting to make up a stanza.
e Caise, passion (Armstrong).
LAOIDH DHIARMAID. 75
30
" Diarmaid, fear niheallatUi nam ban, —
Mac rigli Dlmibhn' a bu ghlan snuadh !
Suireadh cha tog a siiil"''
0 cliaidh uir air do gbnuis gblain."
31
" Buidbe gun ghil' ann a'd' f halt !
Fada do leac ! mall do rasg !
Guirme gun blirais' ann a'd' shuil !
Caise 's maise 'n cul nan cleachd !
32
" 'S ann an raoir bu ghorm an tulach ;
'S dearg an diugh e le fuil Dliiarmaid !
'S gur li-ann leis an Fliiun bu duiUch,
Mar a bhithe Fiomi 'ga iarraidli ! "
33
OlSEAN,
" Air an oidhche nochd gad tlia mi truagh,
Bha mi uair nacb robli mi faoin ;
Gim easbbuidh dhaoin' arm na fleadh ;
Faic gach ni mu seach 'san t-saogh'l !"
Notes. — Numbers. — H. MacLean.
' Laoidh, lay, ode, lyric ; it differs from dan a poem, in being
more melodious, and capable of being sung. It narrates rapidly
a few events ending tragically, almost invariably the death of a
hero.
^ Cli, weak, powerless. Duine gun chli, a man without
strength. Airm chli, feeble weapons.
^ Garg, fierce.
* Mala liath. The reciters pronounce this name Mala Hth,
but the Irish pronounce ia, ee, so that the name means gray eye-
76 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
brow, the old woman who owned the venomous boar and the
swine, " aig sealbh luhuc," guarding her swine (herd of swine).
^ Faghaid bhreige, a Ijing hunting party, that is got up to
deceive and destroy him.
^ Brave hero. Here the vocative is elegantly used.
' Euchdan, exploits.
' This is the death which you require to avoid.
' A monster (feminine in Grelic).
^" Sgiath urla or urlaimh. Expert shield, a name for Diarmid,
from his adroitness in the use of the shield.
11 Tar, the belly.
'- Eadar an crann. Here eadar is used in a sense not com-
mon now ; between the shaft, that is in the shaft, not between
the shaft and the head.
^' Tèarainn, to come off without hurt.
^* This stanza is not known to all the reciters, given by
Donald M'Phie, Breubhaig, Barra.
Gleann mo chridhe an gleann seo ri m' thaobh,
Far am binn guth laoigh a's loin ;
Far am bi farum nam Fiann,
Air an t-sliabh an deigh nan con.
My heart's glen, this glen by my side,
Where sweet is the voice of calf and bird ;
Where is the murmur of the Feean,
On the mountain side after their hounds.
(This is almost the same as a verse of an old manuscript poem,
now in cour.se of publication by Messrs. Edmonston and Douglas,
1861.-J. F. C.)
1^ These are the lines according to Allan M'Phie, and Janet
Currie, South Uist.
" Gu 'n d' shuidli e siar air a' chnoc," according to some ;
That he sat west on the knoll.
*' A chionn e bhith treis na thosd. After, or at the end of
his being a while silent.
" Bu trom troidh, of heavy tread. This is the version used
by most of them, and they explain it as referring to the warrior's
strong firm step, and the largeness and strength of the leg; how-
LAOIDH DHIARMAID. 77
ever, I have inserted bu chruinn troiJb, wliicli implies a well
formed or fine foot, which is Boyd's version.
'^ Fiadhaiii, more poetic than fiadhaich.
^^ This is Janet Currie's version of the line, which I think is
best. Allan MThie gives,
" Urram nan slighne ghear goirt ;" a pretty line also, " The
honour of the sharp keen spear.''
A great many give, " Taghadh nan sleagh ruighinn, geur, goirt,"
Choice of the keen, tough, sharp spears,
which I think is inferior in poetic merit to the other two.
"" Nach tlath 'san trod. That is, "not soft in fight." Here
the poet very beautifully, in an abrupt manner, turns off to the
present tense, so as to produce a vivid impression of the hero's
great bravery on the mind of the hearer.
'''■ " A dhealbhaich mo righ," Boyd.
" "Air son mo bheath' agus m' fhardoich," Boyd.
"^ This beautiful dying speech of Diarmid is not known
so full as this to any of the reciters, except to Donald MThie,
Breubhaig.
Cobhair is repeated here often, from the exasperated feeling
at the ingratitude of the uncle. Such repetition is always the
language of deep passion, as for instance in the case of Coriolanus
in his reply, when called " thou boy of tears."
The repetition of this line, and the abruptness with which be
turns off from other subjects, is very pathetic. Whoever has
been in the company of the dying can feel the truth of this line,
how they refer constantly to some of their favourite haunts. The
ruling passion, the last, a favourite theme with modern philoso-
phers and novelists, is here finely illustrated.
-* " A dealbh-chuilean." This is the expression given by
Janet Currie, who says it refei's to the unborn child ; Graidhne,
according to her being with child to the Ciuthach. Boyd has da
dhearbh chuilean. Macdonald gives the words inserted, who says
they refer to the two best dogs of the Feen, after Bran, which
were killed by the boar.
-' Suireadh, a maid. Suireadh cha tog a suil, no maid will
raise her eye ; that is with grief. The line is repeated no doubt
in a corrupt manner, thus —
*' Suireach cha tog a shuil," no lover will raise his eye, which
would make no sense.
yo WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
Leac, cheek. Rasg, eyelash, also the eye itself.
" Guirme gun ghlaise," and " guirme le ghlaise." Janet
Currie gives the line inserted, which is prettier, and at the same
time a contrast to the piercing hlue eye ascribed by Tacitus to
the ancient Germans. Bulwer, in one of his novels, describes the
French dark eye as milder and softer than the Italian.
Cleachd, a ringlet.
Cùis a's mais' air chul nan gleachd. Boyd.
The poem is not the complete version of one reciter, but is
built up and selected from several long versions, written from the
dictation of the people named. If the evil spirit of the Ossianic
controversy still cumbers the earth, the papers can be produced,
and the authorities are alive. I will answer for the honest inten-
tion of the collector and the translator, and I can do no more.
J. F. C.
LAOIDH DHIARMAID.
NoAiR a bhiodh an Fhinn a'folbh a shealg bhiodh h-aon diu daonn-
an a' fantail aig an taigh a choimhead nam ban. Thuit e air Diar-
maid an lath' ud gur h-e a dh' fhanadh. Blia rud ris an canadli lad
sugh seirc an aodann an duine ; 's bha clogad air nach fheumadh e
thogail : chionn cha robh bean a chitheadh an sugh seirc nach tuit-
eadh ann an gaol air ; 's bha fios aig Diarmaid gu 'n robh na buadhan
seo air fhein. An latha a dh' fhan e aig an taigh bba duil aige nach
robh neach 'ga fhaicinn, 's thug e togail air 'a chlogad, 's faicidh
Graidhne nighean righ Clioig' Uilainn aodann Dhiarmaid. Cha
bhiodh an t-anam blath innte mar am falbhadh i le Diarmaid.
Arsa Diarmaid, " Cha fhreagair domhsa sin — falbh leatsa."
" 0 ! falbhaidh sinn ; airneo sracaidh mi m' aodach 's bheir mi
suas thu do dh' Fhionn."
" Cha 'u 'eil aicheadh agara ort nach creid e thu ; chionn gur tu
a bhean dhileas fhein gu dearbh."
Dh' fhalbh iad, 's bha e ccmhla rithe tri lathan 's tri oidhchean ;
ach bha e saor a's i. Dh' fhalbh iad air an aghaidh. Bha iad a' del
a null air amhainn, 's thog ise a h' aodach suas ma 'm fliucht' i, 's dh'
eirich breac beag an uair sin, 's bimail e suas air a sliasaid.
" Mo laochan thu fhein a bhric bhig, bheadaidh, urad s a thug
dhomh de thoilinntinn cha d' thug Di;irmaid domh o cheann nan tri
lathan 's nan tri oidhchean a tha e learn ; 's na 'm biodh tu air
chomas falbh air tir learn bu choltach gur h-ann mar a bu lugha an
duine a b' fhearr e."
LAOIDH DHIAEMAID. 79
" Mata," ars' esaii, " na a dh' fhulaing mise air son geanmnuidh-
eachd de thamailt clia 'n fhulaing nil na 's fhaide e."
" Tha Fionn a nis," ars' esan, " air tighinn dachaidh 's cha 'n
fhaigli iad sinn a staigh ; thig iadan sin air ar toir 's gheibh iad sin."
" Cha 'n t'haigh," ars' ise. " Co dhiu a gheibh no nach fhaigh bheir
sinn ionnsuidh air sinn fhein fhalach." Se 'n rud a ni sinn theid
sinn do 'n choill sec shuas 's falacliaidh meanganan 's duilleach na
craoibhe sin." Dhirich iad do 'n chraoibh an sin, 's chaidh iad ann an
cridhe na craoibhe, 's thairuing iad meanglain 's duilleach na craoibhe
mu 'n cuairt orra.
Thainii^ an Fhinn 'ionnsuidh an taighe 's cha d' fhuair iad Diar-
maid na Graidline aig an taigh. " Seo, seo, Ghillean," arsa Fionn,
" tha mise gun bhean 's tha 'n Fhinn gun Dhiarmaid ; 's coir duinn
falbh gus am faigh sinn iad."
Dh' fhalbh iad air an torachd, 's chaidh iad a null air a cheart
amhainn. Nuair a chaidh iad a null arsa Fionn, " Tha sinn an deigh
treis choiseachd a dheanadh, 's o'n a tha, leigidh sinn anail bheag aig
bonn na craoibhe seo shuas." Ghabh iad comhairl' Fhinn 's shuidh
iad aig bonn na craoibhe.
Arsa Fionn, " 'S coir duinn teannadh ri cluiche, Ghillean."
" Tha sinn deonach," ars' iadsan.
B' abhaist do dh' Fhionn 's do dh' Osgar a bhith 'nan da cheann
stochd. 'Se Diarmaid daonnan a b' abhaist a bhith comhla ri Fionn.
Bha fios aig Fionn gii 'n robh buaidhean air Diarmaid aig cluichean.
Bha 'nis O.-gar agus dh' fheumadh e duine a bhith leis, agus 's e
'athair fhein a 'b abhaist a bhith leis. Thoisich iad cur nan cluichean.
A' h-uile cluiche a bha' 'dol 's aun air Fionn a bha e 'dol, 's bha
Osgar a' buidhinn. Chuir iad tri chluichean. Arsa Fionn.
" Tha mi aig ionndrainn uam Dhiarmaid gu trom ; chionn b'
ainneamh leomsa cluich a dhol a m' aghaidh nuair a bhiodh Diar-
maid leam ; ach tha iad a nis a' dol a m' aghaidh o'n a dhealaich e
rium ; ach theid mi uair eile riut."
Bha Diarmaid ag eisdeachd. Dh' fhalbh e 's chuir e ri thaobh
deas mar siud a lamh, 's rug e air t^ de na caora dearga a bh' air a'
chraoibh, 's leig e sios ris a chraoibh i, 's driom Fhinn risa' chraoibh.
Dh' fhairich e rud a' bualadh air a dhriom, 's chuir e a lamh air a
chul-thaobh, 's rug e air a chaora, 's chuir e 'na phoca i. Thoisich
iad air cluiche 's chaidh an cluiche seo le Fionn. " Tha h-aon
agam," arsa Fionn. "Tha," ars' Osgar, "ach tha a dha gu
d' dhith." " An d' theid thu tuilleadh ann ?" ars' Osgar. " Theid,
theid," ars' Fionn. "Feuch a ritiiis e." Leig Diarmaid sios an
ith chaora 's bhuidhinn Fionn am fear seo. " An d' theid
8o WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
thu ann tuilleadh?" ars' e. " Theid," ars' Osgar, "matha a dha
agad tha fear gu d' dhith." Leig Diarmaid a nuas an treas te
agu3 bbuidhinn Fionn an treas fear. " Tha sinn a nis," ars' Osgar,
" cothrom a's cothrom ; ua 'bhuidhinn mi thug thu fhein air t' ais a
rithis e." " An d' theid tlm ann tuilleadh ?" arsa Fionn. " Theid,"
ars' Osgar, " bidh fios a mhath na 'uilc againn air an t-siubhal seo."
Chaidh iad ann a rithis ; leig Diarmaid a nuas an ceathramh te, 's
bhuidhinn Fionn. " Ge b"e air bith mar a bha fad 's a bha thusa
gun Diarmaid leat bha mise a' buidhinn. Ge b' e an bith mar a
tha a' chuis tha gnothaichean a bhoineas do Dhiarmaid mu'n cuart
ortsa an diugh ma 'm bheil thu air buinig a' cheathramh uair.
Ars' Oisean, " Cha do chuir m' athair oirnn, a mhic, le ceartas
idir." " Chuir," arsa Fionn. " Cha do chuir," ars' Oisean. "Chuir;
a dhearbhadh gu 'n do chuir tha ceithir caoran ann a'm' phoca mu
choinneamh a' h-uile cluich a bhuidhinn mi." Thug e mach na
ceithir caoran, 's nuair a thug e mach iad thubhairt e.
" Thig a nuas a sin a Dhiarmaid, thu fliein agus Graidhne,
nighean righ Choig' Ullainn ; chionn tha sibh an sin comhla."
Thainig Diarmaid agus Graidhne a nuas ; Eoinneadh a' chuid-
eachd as ur, 's chaidh Fionn a's Osgar thar a cheile. Thoisich na
h-airm, 's thoisich an sgath, 's bha iad a' deanadh moran coire air
a cheile. Bha a' chuid eile de 'n Fhinn a' faicinn gu 'n robh
Osgar a' brath buinig air taobh a sheanar. Arsa GoU Mac Morna,
" Gad nach robh cuid againne de 'n aimhreit, 's coir dhuinn reite
's eadraiginn a dheanadh eadar clanna Treunmhor." Arsa Conan,
" Leig le Clanu na Baoisge cuirp a cheile a ghearradh." Thuirt
Fionn an sin ri Osgar, Casg a chur air arraaibh, ma 'm biodh
Clanna Morna fhathasd 'nan deigh an Alba. Thug Fionn aire do
Dhiarmaid 's thuirt e,
" Tha mo ghrunnd, 's mo lamh, 's mo shuil
Deonach cuirt a dheanadh dhuit;
A Dhiarmaid O Duibhne, fhir threin !
Falbh le m' cheile gun fhios domli ! ! "
Bha boireacuach ann ris an cainte Mala lith, 's bha speil mhuc
aiee, 's bha tore uimhe air an ceann, 's chaidh iomadh gille math a
'shealg nach d' thainig riomh slan o'n tore. Arsa Fionn ri Diar-
maid, "A Dhiarmaid theirig a shealg an tuirc aig Mala lith air
shealbh mhuc 'S iomadh fear a chaidh ann nach d' thainig as an
ailt thar bhreac."
Dh' fhalbh Diarmaid a shealg an tuirc.
From Alexander M'Donald, Burgh, Barra. September 20, 1860.
THE LAY OF DIARMAID.
m. 4.
One more version, carries the legend to the ex-
treme northern and eastern Gaelic frontier. It varies
somewhat from the others, but the main incidents are
the same. The story is called the The Boak of Ben
Laighal, and is thus told : —
There lived once upon a time a king in Sutherland,
Avhose land was ravaged by a boar of great size and
ferocity. This boar had a den or cave in Ben Laighal
(Pr Loyal), full of the bones of men and cattle.
It came to pass that the king swore a great oath,
saying he would give his only daughter to the man
who should rid the country of this monster. Then
came Fingal, Ossian, Oscar, and I know not who be-
sides, and tried in vain, to kill the boar, whose bristles
were a foot long, his tusks great and white, and whose
eyes glowed like beltain fires. But when Diarniid saw
the king's daughter, whose robes were white, and be-
held her blue eyes, and her long yellow hair, as she
stood in the gateway, he said to himself, " that come
what would he would win her." So he went out ere
it was yet dawn, and when he came to the boar's lair
he saw the monster lying, as large and black as a boat
when its keel is turned up on the shore ; dra^ving a
shot from his bow he killed it on the spot. All the
Jving's men turned out and pulled the carcase home
with shouts to the palace ; and the king's daughter
stood in the gate, beautiful as the May morn. But
the king's heart was evil when he saw that the boar
was dead. He went back from his word secretly, say-
ing to Diarmid that he should not have his daughter
till he had measured (by paces) the body of his
Mien foe, once from the head to the tail, and once
82 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
again backward from the tail to the snout. That
would Diarmid gladly do, and the wedding should be
the morrow's morning. He paced the beast from tip
to tail without harm or hindrance, but on measuring
it backwards the long poisonous bristles pierced liis
foot, and in the night Diarmid sickened and died.
His grave and the den of the boar may be seen in Ben
" Loyal " to this day.
This seems a different, and a sadder legend than
the one which gives the Campbells their boar's head
crest ; nearly as tragical as the fate of Adonis ; but it
is common in the west of this county to call the Camp-
bells MacDiarmid. — C. D., Sutherland.
It may be interesting to shew this legend of " Diar-
maid," as the word is spelt now-a-days, in another
shape.
The following is taken fi-om a MS. which came
from Cawdor Castle, and is now in my possession ; it
is called,
" Genealogy Abridgement of the very Antient and
Noble Family of Argyll, 1779."
The writer explains that —
" In the following account we Lave bad regard to the genea-
logical tree done by Niel MacEwen, as he received the same from
Eachern MacEwen, bis ffather, as he had the same from Art^
MacEwen, his grandfather, and their ancestors and predecessors,
senachies and pensioners to great ffamilys, who, for many ages
were employed to make up and keep such Records in their accus-
tomed way of Irish Rhymes; and the account left by Mr. Alex'.
Colvin, who had access to the papers of the ffamily, and Pedro
Mexva, a Spaniard, who wrote the origin of diverse and sundry
nations, in bis book entitled the Treasury of Antiquities."
THE Lay of diarmaid. 83
The first statement is as follows : —
"The Campbells were of old, in the Irish language, calleJ
Clan Odinbhn or Oduimhn (bh and mh being pronounced as
the Eoman v), id est, tbe sons, children, or posteritye of Duimhn,
knights of the MacDuimhns ; particularly from Diarmid Mac-
Duimhu, who makes such a figure in the Irish history, that from
him they are sometimes called Siol Dirmed, i.e., Diarmid's seed,
or Sliochd Diarmid, i.e., Diarmod's offspring."
In the next paragraph it is said —
" Yet to this day (1779), in the Irish language or Galic, they
(the Campbells) are called both by the name of Campbell and
O'Duimhn."
I may add that at this day, 1861, the name of
Campbell is very rarely used in speaking Gaelic. A
man is called Kaim-bel-ach, a Campbelite, or the Camp-
helltonian, bitt individually, he is Iain Euagh, Pats-
set John ; if he has the common burnt Sienna beard,
Iain fada ; long John, if he be tall ; Iain na Airde
bige, John of the little hill, if his farm be so called ;
or John MacAllister, if his father's name be Alexander.
In short, surnames are not yet in full use within the
Highland bounds.
Li the next paragraph the rhymes of the " Senacliies"
of the Argyll family are again called " Irish," and thus it
appears that in the mind of this writer Irish and Galic
meant one and the same language in 1779, as I hold
that they are in fact now. The story goes on thus : —
" Although the common and ordinary method of reckoning
the genealogy of the sirname of Campbell or Clan O'Duimhn is
to begin at Arthur of the round table, king of the Britons, as a
person very great and famous in history, yet we shall begin it
some ages before him, by shewing the occasion of his accession
to the crown of the Britons, as Boethius and Buchanan have it
in their History of Scotland."
«4 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
And accordingly tlie wiiter begins with Constan-
tine, grandfather to King Ai-thur.
The half mythical heroes of Welsh and Breton
tales, and of niediteval romances ; and personages who
still figure in Irish and Scotch Gaelic popidar tales,
as something more than mere mortals : — Arthur and
Diarmaid, primeval Celtic worthies, whose very exis-
tence the historian ignores, are thus Ijrought together
by a family genealogist, and most of these west-country
genealogies agree with him in claiming a descent from
King Arthur for " Mac Callen Mor."
The fact proves nothing, and is of little interest in
itself, but when brought to bear upon Celtic mythology
it acquires an interest, for it shews that peasants' stories
are sufficiently old to have found their way into family
history in Scotland, as well as into Avhat is called the
Fenian literature of Ireland. The Irish theory crowds
whole centuries of adventure into the lifetime of a
single generation of one family, of which Fionn was the
head, and which was exterminated, as it is said, about
A.D. 277 or 294, at the battle of Gabhra in Ireland.
The Scotch genealogist boldly asserts that
" It is plain that the family can trace their predecessors from
father to son for upwards of 1360 years,"
and produces Diarmaid as one of a Scotch family all
aUve in 943. He goes on to shew how King Arthur
brought Ireland under tribute, and received it at
Cathair Ler-eon, now West Chester.
The next worthy is
" Smoroie Mor, or as others have it, Sir Moi'oie Mor, ' a son
of King Arthur,' of whom great and strange things are told
in the Irish traditions. He was born at Dumbarton Castle, on
the south side of the fort, in the place called the Red Hall, or in
Irish, Tour na-hella dlieirg, i.e., the Tour of the Eed Hall. He
was called to his by-name, The fool of the Forest ; he was a wild
THE LAY OF DIARMAID. 05
and undaunted person, and married a sister of King Andar's, the
forty-ninth king of the Scots, and was contemporary with Columbus
pius ; called in the Gaelic Colmkill, or Calum na-kill, because, when
he retired from company they were always sure to find him in his
cell at prayer."
Now tliere are a great many poems and stories still
extant in Gaelic, some printed, others still as traditions,
in which a " great fool " plays the chief part. I would
refer to i^o. xxxv. vol ii., and to the "Lay of the
Great Fool " in this volume, A long version of the last
has been printed abeady.
There is besides an Arthurian tradition in England
of a buried army and a sleeping king, and a wizard
who appears occasionally about Alderley edge, not
far from Chester, and this has a counterpart in a story
got from Islay, which localizes the very same legend in
another shape at Dumbarton ; and that tradition of
Avarriors sleeping a magic sleep in a cave is known in
Barra and in the Isle of Man, in Spain and over
nearly the whole of Europe ; and here again tradition
and genealogy point to a common origin for Celtic
tribes, and to a north-western route, and to a common
mythology ; for to the best of my knowledge this
legend is imknown beyond the Celts in the north.
Having brought King Arthur to Dumbarton, the gene-
alogist takes to dates (wliich I give as I found them),
and goes on with a list of wortliies, most of whom are
unknown to fame.
" VI. Ferither-Our, i.e., Dun Ferither, a.d. 620.
" VII. Duimhn-Mor, who married a daughter of Duke Murdoch
of Moravian, or Murray, or Elgin,"
and gave a name to the family, which has been vari-
ously explained.
" Odinbhin " and Mac-Oduimhn might suggest a
Scandinavian descent, and some old sea-rover for an
86 WEST HIGHLAND TALES,
ancestor, who called himself a son of Odin. It has
been suggested that the warriors of Fionn were fair
Norsemen. Some Campbells are proud of the " ginger-
hackle " which commonly adorns their chins, and
claim to be Northmen ; but if the name be Gaelic, as
I believe it to be, I am compelled to translate Duimhn-
Mov, as the Great Brown. The Bro^yns are a nume-
rous and respectable clan, and there is no cause to be
ashamed of the connection, for Brown is synonymous
with Don, and there are Browns and Dons of high
degree.
"VIII. Arthur Oig MacDuimhn, i.e., Young Arthur, son of
Brown, 084.
" IX. Ferither eile MacDuimhn. The other Ferither, son of
Brown, 730.
"X. Duimhn fait derig MacDuimhn. Brown of the red
hair, son of Brown, 786, who married the grand-daughter of Con-
nal Gulban, one of the sons of Neal na Nidgheallach, king of
Ireland, who was so called because he had nine chains, fetters,
or prisons, for confining captives taken in the wars. This Neal
was father to Longirius, who reigned when St. Patrick came to
Ireland."
So here comes in another hero of Gaelic romance,
Connal Gulban, of whom there are more stories told
in Gaelic at the present day than of any other indi-
vidual, Fionn always excepted. As St. Patrick here
makes his appearance on the stage with Diarmaid and
Connal Gulban, and as he brought Christianity, and
mayhap civilization to Ireland, it seems reasonable to
suppose that such an event would stimulate the bards ;
and that about the name of St. Patrick all the floating
legends of the old Pagan history and mythology would
group themselves, as they are in fact found to do, in
the Irish dialogues between St. Patrick and Osin.
In these, the old blind poet tells the glories of his de-
THE LAY OF DI ARM AID. 87
parted race, and argues with the saint in a very dis-
contented and rebellious spirit, to say the least of it.
Osin, whose tribe was exterminated about 277, con-
verses with St. Patrick, who was born about 372,
flourished in 430, and, according to this genealogy, was
contemporary with I^ongirius and Connal Gulban.
" XI. Ferither finruo, i.e., reddish white MacDuimhn, son of
Brown.
" XII. Duimhn dherig, i.e., Brown the red, 860.
" XIII. Duimhn donn, i.e., Brown Brown, 904, was cotem-
porary with Constantino, seventy-fifth king of the Scots."
" XIV. Dirmaid Mac Duimhn, 943."
And having arrived at this Dirmaid, to whom all
popular traditions trace the Campbell clan, the writer
breaks off into a digression on the origin of surnames.
Of Dirmaid he says : —
" This Dirmaid MacDuimhn, from whom the Campbells were
called Siol Diarmaid, i.e., Diarmaid's seed, gained gi-eat reputation
in Ireland, and in all their traditions there is honourable mention
made of him for his conduct, valour, and loyalty. He was cotem-
porary with Malcolm the first, seventy-sixth king of the Scots. He
had to wife, Graine, niece to Cormac Vic Art Vic Chuin Cheud
Chathach, and thus his son was great-grandchild to that famous
Irish monarch. Conn Cheud Chathach, so called because he fought
one hundred battles.
Diarmaid, say the Irish writers, was one of the
Fenians, and they were exterminated a.d. 277; that
is, 666 years before the date of the Dirmaid and
Graine of the genealogy.
And then we are told how Dirmaid and Graine
had two sons —
" Arthur Armderig, 977 (red arms), and Duimhn Dedgheal,
Brown white tooth, who had to his son Gilcolm or Malcolm Mac-
Duimhn, who, after he had married a daughter of the lords of
Carrick, by whom he had three sons, of whom afterwards, and
after her death, in the reign of Kenneth the Third, the eightieth
king of the Scots, the said Malcolm MacDuimhn went to Nor-
88 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
mandy in France and married tbe heretrix of Beauchamp, i.e.,
campus bellus, or pleasant field, sister's daughter to William the
Conqueror, Duke of Nonnandy, afterwards King of England, of
which lady he had three sons, who were called Campbells after
the name of their lands in Normandy."
Further on we are told how the representative of
the French branch came over and married the heiress
of a knight of Lochawe, Evah, and how the clan took
the name of Campus bellus ; and how, centuries later,
French worthies were entertained at Inverary, and
acknowledged themselves to be of the same race and
descent as their entertainer. And other genealogical
incidents are related in the same quaint style down to
the writer's time, and to John Duke of Argyll.
"44. John Campbell, XXVIII. Campbell, XX. MacCallen
Mor, V. Duke, 1768 ; who (amongst other deeds) caused remove
the old burgh of Inverary, but has reared up a much prettyer
and more fashionable burgh royal, about a furlong south of the
palace, upon the Gallow failean point."
So here are Diarmaid and Graidlme, the hero and
heroine of so many Gaelic myths, stories, poems, and
proverbs, the Venus and Adonis of Gaelic mythology,
brought into juxtaposition with King Arthur and his
knights, honestly married and planted in Scotland, a.d.
943, as Mr. and Mrs. Browai ; a family tree grafted on
their stock, and the growth of the tree itself all set
forth as true family history in 1789.
There probably were j^eople who bore these names.
There are hundreds of Dermotts, and Dermids, and
Donns, and Dons, and Guns, Mac-Dermotts and Mac-
Diarmaids, still to be found in Ireland and in Scotland
There are GwjTines in Wales, and there are many
similar family names in France which have been hooked
into the family tree, Avhich springs from Oduimhn ; but
it is surely time to give np the attempt to convert
THE LAY OF DIARMAID. 89
Celtic mytliology into comparatively modem history,
and to fix a time and place for the slaj-ing of Diarmaid
by the venomous boar of Beingiilban.
In a learned note in the Transactions of the Ossianic
Society (voL v. p. 62, 1860), I find that the Celtic
legends about magic boars which pervade Ireland,
AVales, and Scotland, have already attracted the notice
of Irish scholars, and that they are taking a wide view
of their popular lore. The sacred swine of the ancient
Celts are supposed to have given rise to this tradition.
It is suggested that there was a "Porcine worship
which was analogous to, if not identical with, the exist-
ing worship of the Hindoo deity Vishnoo, in his
avatar as a boar." And that Diarmaid was a reformer
who tried to abolish the worship of pigs, and died in
the attempt.
To me it seems perfectly hopeless to attempt to
explain a legend which is at least as old as the loves of
Venus and Adonis, Ijy referring it to any one time or
place.
It is like making Hercules a doctor or a drainer,
and the Hydra sulphuretted hydrogen embodied in an
epidemic, and cured with steel.
Let this tale of Diarmaid rather be taken as one
phase of a myth which pervades haK the world, and
which is still extant in the Higlolands of Scotland, and
in Ireland, amongst all classes of the GaeHc population.
Let aU that can be got concerning it be gathered from
the most unsuspecting and the most unlearned wit-
nesses ; and when the traditions are compared Avith
what is known to the learned, there is some chance of
digging knowledge out of tliese old mines of fable. At
all events, I have now shewn the same legend in a poem,
a popular tale, a proverb, a family tradition, and a
family history ; I have shewn it in Ireland, Cantyre,
90 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
Islay, Lorn, Skye, tlie Long Island, and Sutherland ;
and I believe it to be an ancient pagan myth, -wliich
belonged especially to a tribe of Celts who took pos-
session of Argyll, and which has been transferred to
the family of the cliief of the most numerous clan, and
perhaps to the real leader of the tribe, together with
every thing else which a race of family historians
thought likely to adorn their favourite topic.
There would seem to be two distinct forms of the
myth ; one the wildest and best known to the people, the
other more rational and best known to the educated
classes.*
FABLES.
I am told on good authority, that stories in which
beasts play a chief part are perhaps the most interest-
ing of all in a scientific point of view. I accordingly
give a feAv here, which should belong to No. XVII. in
Vol. I. They will serve as a contrast to the heroic
traditions with which I had intended to fill this third
volume. Their value consists in their close resem-
blance to well-known stories, found elsewhere amongst
peasants, and pubhshed in modern times, and in their
possessing traits of their own, which seem to incUcate
that they are parallel traditions derived from a com-
mon source ; not stories derived fi'om others, and fol-
lowing in their wake.
For example, the whole of the incidents in the
story of the Fox and the Wolf are to be found in
Grimm ; but they are separated. Some of the inci-
dents are also in the Norse tales ; but the Gaelic tale
* Since this was written I have seen two versions of the Lay
of DiarmaiJ, one of 1786, the other written about 1530. I refer
to them elsewhere.
THE FOX AND THE GOAT. 9 I
fits Highland ways of life exactly, and tlie story is so
■widely spread in the Highlands, and can be traced so
far back, that it seems almost impossible that the un-
lettered men who tell it to their cliildren should have
got it from modern books which they could neither
read nor understand.
LXIL
HOW THE FOX TOOK A TUE:^^ OUT OF
THE GOAT.
From Hector Boyd, Barra.
T^HERE was a gray goat and she had kids, and if
she had, the fox went on a day around them, and
he caught them, and he killed them, and he ate them.
Then the goat came home, and she was black melan-
choly and miserable when she came and was without
them before her. She took on her way and she
reached the house of the russet dog, and she went up
on the top of the house, and the fox cried out —
" Who is that on top of my bothy, maiden my deary.
That will not leave my caldrons to boil,
That will not leave my bonnachs to bake.
And that will not let my little one go to the well?"
Goat.
" There is mc gray goat, harried out.
Seeking the three Idndly kidlings.
And the gray-bellied buck,
And the buck lad."
Fox.
" Well then ; by the earth that is beneath,
Ey the aether over head.
By the sun that is gone down.
That I have never seen thy set of kids."
92 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
There was no bird in the flock that she did not go
to ; and she returned home and she did not get them.
Tliis story is known to that section of the poorer
Gaelic population, which is, and which has been
3'oung ; but though everybody knows it, nobody will
tell it. I persuaded an old woman on the banks of
Loch Hourn, to tell it to nie in part, and so far as it
went her version was better.
Chaidh a ghobhar ghlas don traigh
Agus, bhrisd strabh a cas.
The gray goat went to the strand, and a straw
broke her leg, and when she came home there were
Na tri minneana mine-glas
Taraigna taraghlas
Driomana driomaghlas
Agus am hoc ceannaglas.
The three kindly kidHngs-gray,
With bellies gray bellied,
And with backs gray back-ed,
And the buck gray-head.
And the ram (something, Avhich I forget) ; and a
whole party besides, whom my informant would not
name ; all gone away. And she went to the fox, and
his clearing oath was : —
Air an draigheann air an dreas
Air an talamh fo mo chois
Air a ghrian seachad siar
Cha n f haca mise riamh
Do chuid meann.
By the blackthorn and the briar,
By the earth beneath my foot,
THE COCK AND THE FOX. 93
By the siiii that has gone west,
I have never never seen
Thy set of kids.
It is manifest that there is a great deal more of
this, but I have not got it.*
LXIII.
HOW THE COCK TOOK A TUEN OUT OF
THE FOX,
And no Creature ever took a Turn out of Him but
THAT Cock.
From Hector Boyd, Barra, Sept. 20, 1860.
rr^HE russet dog came to a house, and he caught hold
of a cock. He went away with the cock, and the
l^eople of the town-land went away after him.
" Ai'e they not silly !" quoth the cock, " going after
thee, and that they cannot catch thee at any rate."
The cock was for that he should open his mouth
that he might spring out.
When he saw that the cock was so wilKng to go
along with liimself, he was so pleased.
" Oh ! musician wilt thou not say — It is my own
cock that is here, and they will turn back," said the
cock.
The fox .said, " She-mo-haolach-hay-n-a-han ;" and
when the fox opened his mouth the cock sprung away.
* May 1861. — I have received a much better version from Mr.
Alexander Carmichael, from Carbost in Sky. The fox, disguised
as the goat, after several trials gets in, and eats the kids. The
goat goes to the houses of the gull, hoodie, and sheep, and at last
to the fox. He lets her in, eats up a caldron of food, gives her
none, and makes her scratch his paunch. The goat rips him up,
out come the kids, and they go home. The rhymes are curious,
and whole very original.
94 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
I have already given a version of this in vol. ii. ;
the main difference is, that the cock here calls the fox
a musician, as the fox in the old story called the crow
when he did him out of a cheese by the same stra-
tagem. Ceolaire is used to express a silly fellow.
LXIV.
THE HEN.
From Hector Boyd. Learnt this story from Donald M'Kinnon,
Laidhinnis, Barra, wlio died twelve years ago at the age of sixty.
—Castle Bay, October 4, 1860.
rpHERE was a woman before now, and she bore a
hen in rock by the shore, after she had been
driven into banishment in some way or other.
The hen grew big, and she used to be going to the
king's house every day to try if she could get some-
thing that she might give to her mother. The king
came out on a day of these days, and he said to her,
" What, thou nasty little creature, art thou doing
standing there upon my door Ì "
" Well, then, though I be little, and even nasty, I
can do a thing that the fine big queen thou hast can-
not do," said she.
" What canst thou do Ì " quoth the king.
" I can spring from spar to spar, with the tongs
and the hook for hanging the pot trailing after me."
He went in and he told that to the queen. The
hen was tried, and she did it ; they tied the pot-hook
and the tongs to her, and she sprang over three spars
(rafters), and she came down on the ground.
Then they tied the pot-hook and the tongs to the
queen, and she went and she took a spring out of her-
self, and she cut the edge of her two shanks, and she
fell, and the brain went out of her.
THE HEN. 95
He had. four queens, and the hen put them all out
with this work.
" It would be better for you to marry my mother,"
quoth the hen ; " she is a very fine woman."
" Avoid me," said the king ; " thou hast caused me
loss enough already, thou nasty creature."
" Well then, that is not what is best for thee, but
to marry her," said the hen.
" Send down thy mother so that we may see her,"
said the king.
She went where her mother was, and she said to
lier, " The king is seeking you, mother ; I was asking
him to marry you."
She went up, and she herself and the king mar-
ried.
Tlien there was a Sunday, and they were going to
sermon, the king and the queen ; and they left within
but the hen and the son of the first wife. The hen
went when they went away, and she went to a cham-
ber, and she cast off her the husk that was upon her,
and the lad went into the room, and he saw the husk
that was upon her. He caught hold of it and he put
it into the hot middle of the fire. She came down
and she had no tale of the " cochall."
She came where the la<:l was, and she had a naked
sword, and she said to him,
" Get for me my husk, or else I will take the head
off thee, against the throat."
The lad took much fear, and he could not say a
word to her.
" Thou nasty creature," said she, " it is much for
me that thy death should be on my hands ; I don't
know what I shall do now ; if I get another cochall
they will think that I am a witch, and I had better
stay as I am."
96
WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
When the king came home he saw that fine woman
within, going about the house, and he had no know-
ledge what had put her there, and the king must know
what sort of a woman she was. She told every whit.
She herself and the king's son married, and a great
wedding was made for them.
I suspect this is a fragment of some much longer
tale. I know nothing like it in any other language.
—From a stone at St. AucIikws. — Sculptured Stones o/ Scotland, PI. Ixi
LXV.
THE KEG OF BUTTER
From Hector Boyd, Barra, who learnt it from Neill M'Neill,
Watersay ; and from many other old men. Neill M'Neill died ten
years ago, past eighty years of age. — Castle Bay, Sept. 20, 1860.
rpHE russet dog and the wild dog, the fox and the
-*- wolf, were going together ; and they went round
about the sea shore, and they found a keg of butter,
and they buried it.
On the morrow the fox went out, and when he
returned in he said that a man had come to ask him
to a baptism. The fox went and he arrayed himself
in excellent attire, and he went away, and where
THE KEG OF BUTTER. 97
should he go but to the butter keg ; and when he
came home the wolf asked liim what name was on the
child; and he said that there Avas Foveeal (irnder its
mouth).
On the morrow he said that a man had sent to ask
him to a baptism, and he reached the keg and he took
out about half. The wolf asked when he came home
what name was on the child.
" "Well," said he, " there is a queer name that I
myself would not give to my man child, if I had him;
there is Moolay Moolat {about half and half).
On the morrow he said that there was a man there
came to ask him to a baptism again ; and he went and
he reached the keg, and he ate it all up. When he
came home the wolf asked him what name Avas on the
child, and he said that there was Booill eejilich
{tackling, licMng, or Uckinrj all up).
On the morrow he went and he said to the wolf
that they ought to bring the keg home. Tliey went,
and when they reached the keg there was not a
shadow of the butter in it.
" AVell ! thou wert not without coming to Avatch
this, though I Avas AA'ithout coming here," quoth the
fox.
The other one sAA'ore that he had not come near it.
" Thou needst not be blessing that thou didst not
come here ; I know that thou didst come, and that it
Avas thou that took it out ; but I aa'ÌII know it from
thee when thou goest home, if it was thou that ate the
butter," said the fox.
He AATut, and when he AA-ent home he hung the
Avolf by his hind legs, Av-ith his head dangling below
liim, and he had a dab of the butter and he put it
under his mouth, and if it Avas true, it AA-as out of the
AvoK's bellA^ that it came.
98 WEST HIGHLAXD TALES.
" Tliou red thief !" said he, " I said before that it
was thou ate the butter."
They slept that night as they were, and on the
morrow when they rose the fox said,
" AVell, then, it is silly for ourselves to be going
to death in this way with great excess of sloth ; we
will reach such and such a town-land, and we will
take a piece of land in it."
They reached the towni-land, and the man to whom
it belonged gave them a piece of land the worth of
seven Saxon pounds.
It was oats that they set that year, and they
reaped it, and they began to divide it.
" "Well, then," said the fox, " whether wouldst
thou rather have the root or the tip Ì thou shalt have
thy two choices."
" I'd rather the root," said the wolf.
Then the fox had fine oaten bread all the year, and
the other one had fodder.
On the next year they set a crop ; and it was tata
root (potatoes) that they set, and the potatoes grew
well.
" Which wouldst thou like best, the root or the
crop this yearl" said the fox.
" Indeed, thou shalt not take the tAvist out of me
any more ; I will have the crop (top) this year," quoth
the wolf
" Good enough, my hero," said the fox.
Then the wolf had the potato tops again, and the
fox the potatoes. Then the wolf used to keep stealing
the potatoes from the fox.
" Thou hadst best go yonder, and read that name
that I have in the hoofs of the gray mare," quoth the
fox.
Away w^eiat the wolf, and he began to read the
THE KEG OF BUTTER. 99
name ; and on a time of these times the white mare
(h-ew her leg, and she cast the head off the wolf.
" Oh !" said the fox, "it is long since I heard it.
I would rather be a clerk than be reading a book."
He went home, and the wolf was not putting
trouble upon him any more.
I heard this story often myself in boyhood. There
is some portion of dialogue that I remember, not in this
version. When the fox speaks to the wolf about the
clu-istening, the conversation goes on in this manner : —
Madadh Ruadh. Och ! heun ! thall.
Madadh Alluidh. De tha thu 'faicinn ann.
Mddadli Raadli. Tha iad gam iarraidh gu gois-
deachd.
Madadh Alluidh. Och, och, ann d' theid thu ann.
Madadh Ruadh. Och, och, theid.
Fox. Och ! hein ! yonder.
Wolf. ^Vhat seest thou there Ì
Fox. They are asking me to sponsorship.
Wolf. Och ! och ! wilt thou go there 1
Fox. Och ! och ! I will.
H. MacLean.
See Norse Tales, p. -472, where the creatures are
fox and bear.
The Boor and the Fiend, Grimm, No. 189. The
notes in vol. iiL, Grimm, shew that this is widely
spread. See also No. 2, Grimm, vol iii., where the
creatures in company, in various versions, are cat and
mouse, cock and hen, cock. and fox.
See also stories on Proverbs, 1854, London.
" Send not the cat for lard." The actors are a
kitten and a rat ; the scene, a belfry and a garret.
WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
^^rfè
Fox, Huntsman, and Falcon. — From a stone at Shandwick.'
Sculptured Stones of Scotland, PI. xxvi.
LXVI.
THE FOX AND THE LITTLE BOXNACH.
From Hector Boyd, who learnt it from one John Campbell,
who died three years ago, at the age of thirty — Sept. 20, 1860.
ri^HE fox was once going over a loch, and there
-*- met him a httle bonnach, and the fox asked liim
where he Avas going. The Httle bonnach told him he
wa,s gomg to such a place.
" And whence camest thou?" said the fox.
" I came from Geeogan, and I came from Cooaig-
EAN, and I came from the slab of the bonnach stone,
and I came from the eye of the quern, and I wUl come
from thee if I may," quoth the little bonnach.
" Well, I myself will take thee over on my back,"
said the fox.
" ThouTt eat me, thou 'It eat me," quoth the little
bonnach.
" Come then on the tip of my tail," said the fox.
" Oh ! I will not ; thou Avilt eat me," said the little
bonnach.
" Come into my ear," said the fox.
THE FOX AXD THE LITTLE BONNACH. I O I
" I will not go; thou wilt eat me," said the little
bonnach.
" Come into my mouth," said the fox.
" Thou wilt eat me that time at all events," said the
little bonnach.
" Oh, I wall not eat thee," said the fox. " At the
time Avhen I am swimming I cannot eat anytliing at all."
He went into his mouth.
" Oh! ho !" said the fox, "I may do my own
pleasui-e to thee now. It is long since it was heard
that a hard morsel is good in the mouth of the sto-
mach."
The fox ate the little bonnach. Then he went to
the house of a gentleman, and he went to a loch, and
he caught hold of a duck that was in it, and he ate
that.
He Avent uj) to a hill side, and he began to stroke
his sides on the hill.
" Oh king ! how finely the bullet would spank
upon my belly just now."
Who was listening but a hunter.
" It wiU be tried upon thee directly," said the
hunter.
" Bad luck to the place that is here," quoth the fox,
" in wliich a creature dares not say a word in fun that
is not taken in earnest."
The hunter put a bullet in his gun, and he fired
at him and killed him.
See Chambers' Popular Ehpnes of Scotland, 1858,
2.31.
See also "Wolf's stories, where a wolf prays to Odin
that an axe may fall on his head, and a man throws
one.
WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
LXII.
Mak a thufj am Madadh ruadh an car as a' Ghobhair.
A' ghobhar glilas.
Bha 'n siud ann gobhar ghlas, 's bha minn aice ; s' ma bha chaidh
am madadh ruadh latha timchioU orra, 's rug e e orra, 's mharbh e
iad, 's dh' ith e iad. Thaniig a ghobhar, an seo, dachaidh; 's bha i gu
dubhach, bronach nuair a thainig i, 's gun iadsan air a coinneamh.
Ghabh i air falbh, 's rainig i taigh a' mhadaidh ruaidh, 's chaidh i
air mullacli an taighe. Dh' eubh am madadh ruadh.
" Co siud air mullach me bhothain ghruigich, ghraigich,
Nach leig goil dho m' choireachan,
'S nach leig bruich dho m' bhonnachan,
'S nach leig mo leanabh beag dh' an tobar."
GOBHAE.
" Tha mise 'ghobhar ghlas air a toirt as,
Ag iarraidh nan tri minneana mine,
'S am hoc tarraghlas,
'S an gille buic."
MADADH RUADH.
" Mata, air an talamh a tha fodhad ;
S' air an athar as do chionn ;
'S air a' ghrian a tha sios;
Nach fhaca mise riamh do chiud meann."
Cha robh eun a bha 's an ealt nach deachaitlh i a ionnsnidh ; 's
thill i dhachaidh, 's cha d' fhuair i iad.
LXIII.
Mae a thug an Coileach an car as a mhadadh ruadh ; 's cha d' thug
beathach riamh an car as ach an coileach a bha 'n siud.
Thainig am Madadh ruadh thun taighe, 's rug e air coileach Dh'
fhalbh e leis a choileach 's dh' fhalbh muinntir a' bhaile as a dheigh.
" Nach iad a tlia gorrach," urs' an coileach, " a falbh as do dheigh,
's nach urrainn iad breith ort co-dhiu." Bha 'n coileach, nuair a dh'
fhosgladh e' bheul, gus leum as. Nuair a chunnaic e gu 'n robh an
coileach cho deonach air falbh comhla ris fhein bha e cho toilichte.
" 0,'' a cheolaire ! nach abair thu, " 'Se mo choileach fhein a th'
ann', 's tillidh iad," ors' an Coileach.
A CHEARC. 103
Thuirt am Madadh ruadh.
"'Se mo clioileach fhein a th' ann."
'S nuair a dh' fhosgail am Madadh Ruadh a bheul leum an Coi-
leach air falbh.
LXIV.
A CHEARC.
Bha boireannach ann roimhe seo agus rug i cearc ann an sgorr
cladaich 's iad an deigh a cur air fuadach air doigh air chor-eigin.
Dh' fhas a chearc mor, 's bhiodh i 'dol do thaigh an righ 'h-uile latha
feuch ann faigheadh i rud a bheireadh i g' a mathair. Thainig an
righ mach latha de na haithean, 's thuirt e rithe.
" De, a chreutair bhig, mhosaich, a tha thu deanadh a 't, sheasamh
air mo dhorus an sin."
"Mata gad a tha mi beag, mosach fhein, ni mi rud nach dean a
bhanruinn mhor, bhreagh agadsa," urs' ise.
" De' 'ni thu ? " urs' an righ.
" Leumaidh mi o sparr gu sparr, 's an clobha, 's buthal na poite,
slaodadh ruim."
Dh' fhalbh e staigh 's dh' inuis e siud do' n bhanruinn. Chaidh
'f heuchainn ris a' chirc 's rinn i e ; Cheangail iad am buthal san clobha
rithe, 's leum i thar tri sparrannan, 's thainig i airlar. Cheangail iad
am buthal san clobha ris a bhanruinn an sin, 's dh fhalbh i 's thug i
leum aisde, 's ghearr i faobhar an da lurga aice, 's thuit i, 's chaidh
an t-ionachainn aisde. Bha ceithir banruinnean aige 's chuir a' chearc
as doibh, air fad, leis an obair seo.
" 'S fhearra duibh," urs' a' cTiearc, " mo mhathair a phosadh ; tha
i 'na boireannach breagh."
" Seachainn mi," urs' an righ ; " rinn thu call na leoir domh cheana
a chreutair mhosaich."
" Mata cha 'n e sin a 's fhearra dhuit ach a posadh," urs' a' chearc.
" Cuir a nuas do mhathair 's gu 'm faiceamaid i," urs' an righ. Dh"
fhalbh i far an robh a mathair, 's ars' i rithe, " Tha 'n righ 'gar n-iarr-
aidh a mhathair; bha mise ag iarraidh air bhur posadh."
Chaidh i suas 's phos i fhein san righ.
Bha 'n sin domhnach 's bha iad a' dol do 'n t-seannoin an righ 's
a' bhanruinn, 's cha d' fhag iad a staigh ach a chearc, 's mac o 'n
cheud mhnaoi. Dh' fhalbh a chearc nuair a dh' fhalbh iad, 's chaidh
i do sheombar, 's thilg i dhi an cochall a bha orra, 's dh' fhalbh an
gille staigh do 'n rum 's chunnaic e 'n cochall a bha orra. Rug e air
104 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
's chuir e'n teis meadhoin an teine e. Thainig ise nuas 's cha robh
sgeul aice air a chochall. Thainig i far an robh an gille 's claidh-
eamh ruisgte aice 's thuirt i ris, " Faigh dhomhsa mo chochall
airneo bheir mi an ceann diot an aghaidh na braghad."
Ghabh an gille raoran eagail 's cha b' urrainn e facal a radh rithe.
" A chreutair mhosaich," urs' ise, " 's mor leamsa do bhas a bhith
air mo lamhan. Cha 'n eil fios 'am a nis do 'ni mi ; ma gheibh mi
cochall eile saoilidh iadgur buitseach a th' annam ; agus 's fhearra
domh fantail mar a tha mi."
Nuair a thainig an righ dachaidh chunnaic e 'm boireannach
breagh sin a staigh air feadh an taighe, 's cha robh fios aige dè 'chuir
ann i. B' fheudar gu 'm faigheadh an righ mach dè 'n seorsa
boireanniach a bh' innte. Dh' innis i' 'h-uile dad. Phos i' fhein 's
mae an righ 's rinneadh banais mhor daibh.
LXV.
AM BUIDEAL IME.
Bha 'm madadh ruadh 's am madadh alluidh a' falbh comhla, 's
chaidh lad timchioll a' chladaich, 's fhuair iad buideal ime, 's thiodh-
laic iad e.
An la 'r na mhaireach chaidh am madadh ruadh a mach, 's nuair
a thill e staigh, thuirt e gu 'n robh duine air tighinn a 'iarraidh gu
baisteadh. Dh' fhalbh am madadh ruadh a's sgeadaicli e e fhein ann
an deagh thrusgan, 's ghabh e air falbh, 's cait an deachaidh e ach
'ionnsuidh a' bhuideil ime, 's thug e sios gu 'bheul gu math as a'
bhuideal, 's nuair a thanaig e dachaidh dh' fhoighnichd am madadh
alluidh dheth de 'n t-ainm a bh' air a' phaisde, "s thuirt e gu 'n robh-
Fo bhial. An la 'r na mhaireach thuirt e gu 'n do chuir duine a
'iarraidh gu baisteadh, 's rainig e 'm buideal ; 's thug e as mu kith.
Dh' fhoighneachd am madadh alluidh, nuair a thainig e dhachaidh,
de "n t-ainm a bh' air a' phaisde.
" Mata," urs' esan, "tha ainm neonach nach d' thugainn fhein
air mo dhuine cloinne na 'm biodh e agam, tha Mu leith mu leith."
An la 'r na mhaireach thuirt e gu 'u robh duine, an siud, air
tighinn a 'iarraidh-san a rithis gu baisteadh. Dh' fhalbh e 's rainig
e 'm buideal 's dh' ith e air fad e. Nuair a thainig e dachaidh dh'
fhoighnichd am madadh alluidh dheth de 'n t-ainm a bh' air a'
phaisde, 's thuirt gu 'n robh, " Buill' imlich. An la 'r na mhaireach
dh' fhalbh e 's thuirt e ris a' mhadhadh alluidh, gu 'm bu choir
AM BUTDEAL IiME. IO5
dhaibli am buideal a thoirt dachaidh. Dh' fhalbh iad agus nuair a
rainig iad am buideal cha robh sgath dh' an im aim.
" Mata clia robh thusa gu 'n tighhin a choimhead seo, gad a bha
raise gun tighinn ann," urs' am madadh ruadh. Mhionnaich am
fear eile iiach d' tbainig e a choir. " Cha ruig thu leas a bhith a'
mathachadh nach d' thainig thu ann ; tha fios aganisa gu 'n d' tbai-
nig, 's gur tu thug as e ; ach aithneachaidh mis' ort, nuair a theid thu
dachaidh, ma 's tu dh' ith an t-im," ars' am madadh ruadh. Dh'
fhalbh e, 's nuair e chaidh e dachaidh, chroch e 'm madadh alluidh,
air chasa deiridh, 's a cheann slaodadh ris, 's bha cnap de 'n im aige,
's chuir e f o a bheul e, 's ma b' fhior, gur h-ann a broinn a mhadadh
alluidh a thainig e.
" A dhearg mheairlich," ars' esan, "thuirt mi roimhe gur tu dh'
ith an t-im."
Chaidil iad an oidhche sin mar a bha iad, 's an la 'r na mhaireach,
nuair a dh' eirich iad, thuirt am madadh ruadh.
" Slata 's gòrrach duinn fhein a bhith 'dol bas mar seo le barr-
achd mor de 'n leisg ; Ruigidh sin a leithid seo de bhaile 's gheibh
sin piosa fearainn ann."
Kainig lad am bails, 's thug an duine leis am bu leis e piosa
fearainn daibh — fiach sheachd puinnd Shasunnach. 'S e core a chuir
iad a bhliadhna sin agus bhuain iad e 's thoisich iad ri 'roinn.
" Mata," ars' am madadh ruadh, " co-dhiu 's fhearr leat am bun
na 'm barr? Gheibh thu do dim roighinn."
" 'S fhearr leam am bun," ars' am madadh alluidh. Bha 'n sin
aran breagh core aig a' mhadadh ruadh fad na bliadhna; 's fodar aig
an fhear eile !
An ath bhliadhna chuir iad barr ; 's e buntàta a chuir iad agus
dh' fhas am buntata gu math.
" Co-dhiu a 's docha leat am bun na 'm barr am bliadhna?" ars'
am madadh ruadh.
" Gu dearbh cha d' thoir thu 'n car fuilleadh asam ! Bidh am
barr am bliadhna agam," ars' am madadh alluidh.
" Gle mhath a laochain ;" ars' am madadh ruadh. Bha 'n sinn barr
a bhuntata aig a' mhadadh alluidh a rithis ; 's am buntata aig a'
mhadadh ruadh.
Bhiodh, an seo, am madadh alluidh a' gold a bhuntata air a'
mhadadh ruadh.
" 'S fhearra dhuit a dholl a null 's an t' ainm sin agam ann an
crodhan na laire baine a leubhadh," ars' am madadh ruadh.
Dh' thalbh am madadh alluidh 's thoisich e air leubhadh an ainm,
'3 uair de na h-uairean tharruiug an lair bhan a cas, 's thilg i 'n ceann
bhar a mhadadh alluidh.
Io6 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
" 0 !" ars' am madadh ruadh, " 'S fhada o' n a chuala mi e. B'
fliearr learn a bhith a' m' chleireach na 'bhitli leubhadh leabhair."
Dh' fhalbh e dachaidh, 's cha robh am madadh alluidh a cur dragh
air tuilleadh.
LXVI.
AM MADADH EUADH 'S AM BONNACH BEAG.
Bha 'm madadh ruadh uair a dol thar loch, 's choinnich bonnach beag
e, 's dh' fhoighnichd am madadh ruadh dheth cait an robh e a' dol.
Dh' innis am bonnach beag gu 'n robh e'dol a leithid seo de dh' kite.
" "S CO as thainig thu V" ars' am madadh ruadh.
" Thainig mi a Giogan 's thaiuig mi a Cuaigean, 's thanaig mi a
leac nam bonnach, 's thainig mi a suil na brathan, 's thig mi uaitse
ma dh' fhaudas uii." Ars' am bonnach beag.
" Mata bheir mi fhein a null air mo mhuin thu," ars' am madadh
ruadh.
" Ithidh tu mi, ithidh tu mi," ars' am bonnach beag.
" Thalia air barr m' urbaill mata," ai's' am madadh ruadh.
" O cha d' theid, ithidh tu mi," ars' am bonnach beag.
" Thalia nam chluais," ars' am madadh ruadh.
" Cha d" theid ; ithidh tu mi," ars' am bonnach beag.
"Thalia nam' bheul," ars' am madadh ruadh.
" Ithidh tu mi n' uair sin co-dhiu," ars' am bonnach beag.
" Od cha 'n ith," ars' am madadh ruadh ; " nuair a bhics rai a
snamh cha n' urrainn mi rud sam bith itheadh " Dh' fhalbh e 'na
bheul.
" 0 ho !" ars' am madadh ruadh, " faodaidh mi mo thoil fhein a
dheanadh riut a nis. 'S fliada o 'n a chualas e. 'S math greim
cruaidh am beul a ghoile."
Dh' ith am madadh ruadh am bonnach. Rainig e, 'n seo, taigh
duine uasail, 's chaidh e gu loch, 's rug e air tunnag a bh' ann, s' dh'
ith e.
Chaidh e suas air taobh cnoic, 's thoisich e air a bhlianadh fhein
air a chnoc.
"A righ! 's gasda a sgailceadh am peilear air mo bhroinn an
ceart' uir," ars' esan.
" Co a bha 'ga eisdeachd ach sealgair."
" Bidh e air fheuchainn riut an ceart' air," ars' an sealgair.
" An droch comhdhail air an ait a th' ann," ars' am niadadb ruadh.
" Nach eil a chridhe aig neach facal a radh am beadradh nach b.
air a ghabhail an d'ar righribh."
Chuir a sealgair peilear 's a' ghunna, 's loisg e air, 's mharbh e e.
CAOL REIDHINN. IO7
Tlie following two stories, LXYII. and LXYIII.,
were got in Islay from an old man, whose name has
not been sent to me. They were written hy Mr.
Carmichael, an enthusiastic Highlander, and a good
Gaelic scholar, who was stationed in Islay in July 1860,
and is now, 18G1, at Carbost in Skye.
The main incidents of these stories are quoted in
the introduction, as known in the Isle of Man.
The Feinn (Fane) are here found in the spot where
the Lay of Diarmaid left them, stationed near the old
" Pictish towers," opposite to the Isle of Skye, and
they next appear in Islay where the forging of Fionn's
sword, " the Son of Luinne," is a well-known legend.
The incidents are told in the Isle of Man of a baron,
and the scene is partly Drontheim. Fionn's patrony-
mic, by a change from the common spelling wliich
hardly changes the sound, here becomes MacDugald,
or the son of Black and White ; another slight change
would make it MacDonald. And thus the most nume-
rous clans of the West Highlands, the MacDonalds,
MacDugalds, and Campbells, seem aU to have some-
tliing to do with MacCumlial and his men, who may
have been Lish warriors, or Celtic gods, nevertheless ;
for nearly all these AYest country traditions point back
to Eirinn ; and the deeds of the Feinn are not always
those of mortal men.
There is a curious p)oem of twenty-six verses about
the smithy " Ceardach ]\IhicLuin," in Gillie's Collec-
tion, 1787, p. 233. Several of the phrases in the
story are in the poem, and the incidents are much the
same. I have often heard that a number of poems
were collected in Islay by a minister, and published,
and verses about the forging of Fionn's sword are still
repeated there. Probably the poem is the one of
which I have heard.
;o8
WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
LXVIL
CAOL EEIDHINK.
Why the Name was Given to it.
From Mr. Carmicbael (excise officer), Islay.
r\^ a certain time, when the Feinn had come home
^^ from the chase to the house of Farabhuil, at the
foot of Farabhein in Ardnamurachan, they were much
astonished to find tlieir wives so histy, fair, and comely ;
for the chase was very scarce at the time with tlie
Feinn.
The Feinn determined that they would know what
their wives were getting to make them thus ; and
when they Avent away again to the chase, they left
Conan, one of themselves, at the house, so that he
might find this out.
Conan kept a watch, and the meat that they had
was the hazel top boiled, and they were drinking the
bree. It is said besides that they used to wash them-
selves with tliis.
The women understood that it Avas to watch them
that Conan had been left at the house, and they were
in a great fury.
In the night when Conan laid down to sleep, they
tied his hair to two stakes wliich they drove into the
earth on either side of his head. Then the women
went out to the front of the house, and they struck
their palms Avith a great lament, till they awoke
Conan.
Conan sprang on foot with great haste, but he left
part of his hair and of the hide of his head fast to the
les.
When Conan got the women witliin, he set fixe to
CAOL KEIDHINN. I 09
heather and faggots in the front of the house, so that
he might kill the -women with the smoke.
The Feinn were at this time o^jposite to the house
of Farabheil on the other side of Caol Eeadhin (Kyle
Eay), and Avhen they saw the fire and the smoke rising
up, they cried out loudly, striking their left hands on
the front of their faces with their eyes on the sky.
Then they ran to succour their set of wives, but
the strait was between them ; but with their blades
they leaped the strait, (all) but one Mac an Eeaidhinn
(Ramsay). Mac an Eeaidhinn fell in the strait and he
was droAvned ; and since tlien to this day's day, (the
name of) Eeaidhinn's Strait has stuck to the narrows.
Valour so swiftly for wives of the Feinn,
And each one sprang on the point of his spear ;
And they left Mac an Eeaidhinn in the strait.
By good fortune the women all came through it
but one or two of them, for the Feinn made mighty
running to succour them. The Feinn were in great
fury against Conan for what he had doiie, and they
seized him to put him to death. Conan asked as a
favoiir that the head should be taken off him with Mac
AN LuiNNE that would not leave a shred behind, the
sword of Fionn MacDhuil (MacDuguld), and that his
own son Garbh should smite laim on the thigh of
Fionn.
With earnest entreaty I would ; ask it
And my soul's privation to seek it ;
The son of Luinne to reap my soul
Upon the thigh of the sense of the Feinn.
This was allowed him, but first seven gray hides
and seven faggots of firewood, and seven " tiruin " of
gray bark were laid about the thigh of Fionn.
I I O WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
Then the head of Conan was laid on that, and
Garbh, his son, struck the head off him with Mac an
LUINNE —
And folds in the palm w^ere not more plenteous
Than severed thews in the thigh of Fionn.
Then Garbh asked them where were the Feinn,
for he had gone mad ; and they said to him that they
were below beneath him. Tlien he went down till he
reached the sea, and he slashed at it till he drowned
himself
LXVIII.
/^X a day when Fionn and his set of men were out
^^ hunting in Haslainn, in Gortean Taoit in He, they
saw coming to meet them an unhandsome man, with a
shaggy eye in the front of his face.* He was running
with might, and making right for Fionn MacDhuil.
When he met them he asked them to follow him to
the door of the smithy. Said Fionn, " Where, strip-
ling, is thy smithy ì or shall we be the better for see-
ing it Ì"
" My smithy," said the Fairy Smith, " is not to be
found ; and if I may, ye shall not see it."
The Fairy Smith and Daor Ghlas stretched out
against the mountain breast ; and they would but give
the one step over each cold desert glen ; there could
but scarce be seen a glimpse of their clothes on their
hips.
On Hearing the door of the smithy the heroes
neared each other.
" A little opening," said the Fairy Smith.
* He is one-legged in the poem, and his name Lun Mac-
Liobhain, and he has seven hands.
CAOL REIDHINN. I I I
" Tear it before thee," said Daor Glilas.
Then turned round the Fairy Smith and he said,
" Oh king ! that thou hast earned the name oli
Caoilte (slenderness), Daorglas shall not be thy name
from this time."
It Avas then that they began at Mac an Luinne, and
when they were at it the daughter of the Fairy Smith
came in to the smithy, and she asked,
" Who is the slender grey fearless man Ì "
" A shineadh a' pinah cruach 1 "
The maiden fell into weighty questions with Daor
Ghlas, and she gave him notice that her father would
say to him when tlie sword was ready, " What did it
want now Ì " and that he should say, " It wants one
little thing yet ; " then that he should seize the sword
and thrust it through her father's body to temper it.
CAOL EEIDHINN.
Carson a Thainig an t'ainm aik.
Air am aridh, an do no Feinn tighinn dhachaidh fo'n t 'sealg, do
thigh Fharbheil, aig bun Farabhein, ann an Ardnamurachan, bha
ionghnadh mor orra, na mnathan aca fhaodinn, cbo reanihar, gheal
bhoidheach, oir bha an t 'sealg finr ghann, air na Feinn aig an am so.
Chuir na Feinn rompa, gu'm bithidh fios aca gu de a bha na
mnathan aca faodinn, ga 'n deauadh mar so ; agus an nuair a dhalbh
iad a ritliisd, gus an t' sealg, 'dh fhag lad Conan, fear dhiubh fhein, aig
an tigh, a chum so fhaodinn a mach. Rinn Conan faire ; agus se
am biadh a bha aca, barr a challtuin air a bhurich, agus iad a g' ol
an t' suigh. Tba e air a ghrainn cuideachd, gu'n robh iad ga nigh-
ead fliein leis a so. Tliuig na mnathan g'm h'an ga 'm faire a chai
Conan fhngeil, aige an tighe, agus bha fearg mhor orra.
Ann san oidhche, an nuair a luidh Conan a sis gu cadal, cheang,
ail iad fhalt ri da stop a chuir iad san talamh, air gach taobh ga
I I 2 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
cheann. Chaidh na muathair a sinn a mach gu beul an tighe, agus
bhuail iad am basan, le guileag mor, gus au do dhuisg iad Conan.
Leum Conan air a chois, le mor-chabhaig, ach fhag e pairt ga
fhalt 'us do sheic a chinn ceangailt ris na stuip.
An nuair a flmair Conan na mnathan 'stigh, chuir e teine ri
fraoch agus counadh ann am beal an tighe, a chnm agus na mnathan
a marthadh leis an toit.
Bha na Feinn aig an am so, mu-choinneamh tigh Fharabeil air
taobh eile Chaol Eeadhinn, agus an nuair a churaaic iad an teine
agus an toit, a g' eridh suas, glilaodh iad gu ro-mhor a bualadh an
lamh chli air clar-an aoduinn agus an suilean air an speur.
Euith iad a sinn gu 'n, cuid mnathan a thearnadh, ach bha 'n
'caol eadar iad agus an tigh ; ach le 'n lannan leum iad 'n caol, ach
aon fhear— Jlacanreaidhinn, Thuit Macanredhinn sa chaol, agus
chaidh a bhathadh ; agus foidh sinn gus an latlia ii' duigh, lean
Caol Readhinn air a chaol.
Fion ach as gu luath air ban traichd Fheinn,
S' leinn gach fear air barr a shleagh,
'Us fliag iad Macaureadhinn sa chaol.
Gu freasdalach thainig na mnathan uile roinihe, ach aon na dithis
dhiu on rinn na Feinn a dean-ruith g 'n teasmiginn. Bha na
Feinn ann an fearg mhor ri Conan, airson mar a rinn e', agus rug
iad air a chum a chuir gu has. Dh' iar Conan mar fhathor gun
reacheadh, an ceann a thabliairt dheth le Mac an Luinne, nach fag-
eadh fuigheall na dheigh, claidheamh Fhionn, Mhic Dhuil, agus a
mhac fhinn, Garabh, ga bhualadh air sliasaid Fhion : —
Achanidh gan' iarridh mi
As eugmhais m' an am ri iaridh
Mac an Luinne a bhuinte m' anam
Air muin sleiste geile n' Fheinn.
Chaidh so a cheadachadh dha; ach chaidh an toiseach, seach
seicheann glasa, seach cuailtean connaidh, agus seach tiruinn do
riosga glas, a chuir air muin sliasaid Fhionn.
Chaidh ceann Chonan a leageadh (na leageil) air a sinn agus
bhuail Garabh a mhac le Mac an Luinne an ceann deth agus.
Cha bu lionmhoire crois san dearni,
Na cuisle gearte an sliasoid Fhionn.
Dh' eoraich Garabh dhiu a siun, caite am robh na Feinn, oir bha e
CAOL REIDHIXN. I I 3
air dol air a chuthaeach, agus thubhairt iad ris gu'n robh iad gu h'
iseal foidh. Gliabh e siiia a sis gus an d' rainig e an fharige, agus
shlachdanich e i gus an do bhath se e fhein.
LXVIII.
Latha do Fhionn, agus ga chuid dhaoine, a bhi a mach a sealg ann
an Haslainn, ann an Gortean-taoid, ann an He, chunnic iad a tighinn
na 'n comhdhail, duine mi sgiamhach, agus suil raholach (?) na 'n
aodinn. Bha e dian-ruitb, agus e sior-dheanadh air Fionu Mac-
Dhuil. An nuair a chonnich e iar gh, iar e orra, a bbi ga leantinn-
sa, gu doruisd a cheardeach. Arsa Fionn — " Caite a thrua a bheil do
cheardach, na n' fhearte sinne faicinn?" " Mo cheardach sa," arsa n
gobhainn, sith, " cha n'eil ri fhaodinn, 's ma g' fhaodas mise cha n'
fhaic sibh." *
Shin 'n gobhain-sibh agus Daorghlas, a mach ri uchd an t'
sleibh, 'us cha d' ugadh iad ach aon cheum, thar gach aon ghleann,
fuar, fasich. Cha n' fhaichte ach air eigin cearb gan' eideadh far am
masann.t
A tearnadh gu dorus na ceardach dhenich na laoich ri cheile.
Fosgla beag, arsa 'n gobhainn sith ; srac ronihad e arsa Daorghlas.
Sinn thundeigh 'u gobhainn-sith agus thubhairt e. A righ gu
'm meal thu t' ainm a Chaoilte cha bhi Daorghlas ort fo n am so.
San a sinn a thoisich iad air Mac-an-Luinne agus an nuair abba
iad ri?, thainig nigheau a gobhainn-shith a stigh do'n cheardich agus
dh', eorich i " Co am fear caol, glas, gu'n tima a shineadh a' tinah
cruach ?" | Thuit an oighe ann an trom cheiste air Caoilte (Daorglas)
agus thug i rathadh dha gu 'n abradh a n'athair ris an n'uair a
bhithadh 'n claidheamh deas gu de bha dhi air an nis, agus easan a
ghrainn tha aon rud beag a dhi air fathast ; e sinn bheirsinn air a
chlaidheamh agus e ga chuir roimh chorp a h' athair ga faobhairt.
Alasdair, a. Mac 'Illmhichbil.
I have followed the orthography of the MS.
* Faiceadh sibhse sin ma dh' fhaodas
Ach ma dh' fhaodas mise cha 'n fhaic sibh. — (Gillies.)
t Cha deanadh an Gobhain ach aon cheuni
Thar gach gleannan foin 'n robh fasach
Cha ruigeadh oirne ach air eigin
Cearb d' ur n' aodach shuas ar musnibh,— {Gillies.)
^ Here also come in several lines of the old poem, as given
by Gillies, 1786.
I
T
LXIX.
THOMAS OF THE THUMB.
From Catherine Macfarlane in 1809. John Dewar.
HEEE was one before now whose name was
Tomas na h òrdaig, and he Avas no bigger than
the thumb of a stalwart man. Tomas went once to
take a walk, and there came a coarse shower of hail-
stones, and Tomas went in under a dock leaf; and
there came a great drove of cattle past, and there was
a great brindled bull amongst them, and he was eating
about the docken, and he ate Tomas of the Thumb.
His mother and his father missed him, and they went
to seek him. They were going past the brindled bull,
and quoth T6mas na h òrdaig,
" Ye are there a seeking me,
Tlirough smooth places, and moss places ;
And here am I a lonely one,
Within the brindled bull"
Then they killed the brindled bull, and they sought
Tomas na h òrdaig amongst the paimches and entrails
of the bull, but they threw away the great gut in which
he was.
There came a carlin the way, and she took the
great gut, and as she was going along she went over a
Tomas said something to her, and the old wife
threw away the great gut from her in a fright.
THOMAS OF THE THUMB. I I 5
Tliere came a fox the way, and he took with him
the gut, and Tomas shouted
" Bies taileii ! the fox. Bis taileii ! the fox."
Then the dogs ran after the fox, and they caught him,
and they ate him ; and though they ate the gut they
did not touch Tomas na hòrdaig.
Tomas went home, where his mother and his father
were, and he it was indeed that had the queer story
for them.
This varies from the book adventures of our old
friend Tom Thumb, who is now supposed to have been
the dwarf of King Arthur. The story comes from Glen-
falloch, which is not far from Dumbarton, which was,
according to family tradition, the birth-place of King
Arthurs son. It was told to Dewar by a girl who
took charge of him when a child^ and it is known to
one other man whom I know. I used to hear the
adventm-es of " Comhaoise Ordaig " (Thumb's co-tem-
porary), from my piper nurse myself, but I was so
young at the time that I have forgotten all but the
name.
The cry of "bis taileu " may still be heard in the
mouths of herd laddies addressing their collies, and it
may be the same as " tally-ho ! " for which a French
derivation has been sought and found — "tallis hors."
I would rather imagine King Arthur, and his knights,
and liis dwarf, shouting an old Celtic hunting cry,
and red-coated sportsmen keeping it up till now,
than trace it to Korman- French ; but in any case, here
is something like tally-ho in the mouth of Tom Thumb,
and in a glen where tally-ho has never been heard.
I 1 6 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
LXIX.
TOMAS NA H-OKDAIG.
Bha fear ann a roimh so, do am b' ainn Tomas na b-ordaig ; agus
cha bu mho e na ordaig duine foghainteach, Chaidh Tomas aon uair
a ghabbail sraid, agus thainig fras gbarbh chlacban meallain ; agus
chaidb Tomas a stigb fo dhuilbeag chopaig, Agus Thainig dròbhmòr
cruidh seachad, agus bha tarbh mòr riabhach na measg, agus bha e
ag iche tiomchiol na copagaich. Agus dh' iche e Tomas na h-ordaic.
Dhiondrain a mhathair s athair e, a's chaidh iad g'a iarraidh. Bha
iad dol seachad air an tarbh riabhach, agus thubhairt Tomas na h-
ordaig,
" Tha sibhse an sin g' am iarraidhse,
Feadh mhinegean, s mhonagan ;
S mise an so am aonarn,
An ton an tairbh riobhaich."
An sin mharbh iad an tarbh riabhach, agus dh' iarr iad Tomas na
h-ordaig, air feadh maodail s caolain an tairbh. Ach thilg iad uapa
an caolan taomadh. Agus is-e sin an caolan ann san robh e.
Thainaig cailleach an rathad, agus thug i leatha an caolan taom
adh, agus air dh i a bhith dol air a h-aghart, bhi a dol thair feith s
leig . . s Thubhairt Tomas na h-ordaig, " tut
a chailleach," agus thilg a chailleach uaipe an caolan.
Thainig sionnach an rathad, s thug e leis an caolan, agus ghlaodh
Tomas na h-ordaig " bìs-taileù ! an sionnach, bis-taileu ! an sionn-
ach."
An sin ruith na coin an deigh an t' shionnaich agus bheir iad air,
agus mharbh is dh ith iad e, s ge-d dh ith iad an caolan, cha do bhuin
iad do h-Thomas na h-ordaig. Chaidh Tomas dachaidh far an robh
a mhathair s athair, agus san aige a bha an sgeul neonnach doibh.
John Dewar.
This is the original spelling.
i
117
From a Stone at Inverness.— Sculptured Stones of Scotland, PL xxxviii.
The folloAving is a very good gloss upon the lan-
guage of bulls. The imitation can be made very close
by any one who will repeat the Gaelic conversation of
the champions, with the intention of imitating the
sound of their angry bellowings. These go by the name
of "Boor-eech" in GaeUc, and oo, ee, and r, express
the prevailing sounds. I have tried to spell these
sounds, but I have small hopes of conveying an idea
of them by letters.
Whether this is a story foimded on some old battle
between tribes, which fought near the " Stone of the
Bulls," or if so, who these may have been, I will not
attempt to guess.
There are bulls and bulls' heads in the armorial bear-
ings of several of the Highland clans ; and the nick-
name of "John Bull" must have had some origin.
There is a bull sculptured on an old stone near Inver-
ness, which is figured in "The Sculptured Stones of
Scotland," from which work the drawing above is
copied. The story is certainly the invention of some
one familiar with bulls, whatever it means.
WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
LXX.
THE BULLS.
From John Dewar. November 17, 1860.
rpHEEE came before now a red bull from Sasunn
-*- (England), to put Albainn to shame. He stood
on the shoulder of Bein Voorling, and he bellowed,
" StrooAli n dooaich ! StrooAh n dooaich ! The
country is pitiable ! "
There was a black Gaelic bull on the other side of
Loch Loimein (Loch Lomond), opposite the top of Dun
Polachròdh (Castlepool Castle), and he bellowed,
" KecA AS A HA 00 ? KeeA as a ha oo ? Whence
art thou Ì "
Quoth the red bull, " a tjeer do nAvaid. a tjeer
do UAvaid. From thy foe's land."
Said the black bull, " Cud e hechd an tjeer. Cud
è hechd an tjeer ?" Wliat is (the reason of) thy com-
ing from the land ?
" KruinAchd s Feen. KruinAchd s Feem Wheat
and wine," said the red bull.
" Hoorin oo n coir do hooiL Hoorin oo n coir do
hooil. I'd drive thee backwards," said the black bull.
" KAtche n do roogatoo ? KAtche n do roogatoo ?
Where wert thou born Ì " said the red bulL
"An craw an dooin. An craw an dooin. In the
castle fold," said the black bidL
" Cud boo veeA gooit on va oo d laogh ? Cud boo
veeA gooit on va oo d laogh Ì What was thy food
since thou wert a calf!" said the red bull.
" BAÌne s bAr fraoich. BAÌne s bAr fraoich. Milk
and heather tops," said the black bull.
"An aorAchd chrom shaw am bel do chlev. An
aoPAchd chrom shaw am bel do chlev. This crooked
horn in the front of thy chest," said the red bull.
THE BULLS. I 1 9
" Hoogad mee ! liAn egal do. Hoogad mee ! luui
egal do. Shun me ! no fear of me," said the black
bull
And the black bull went round about the upper
end of Loch Lomond, and the two bulls met each other
on the upper shoulder of beinn Voorluig, and they set
heads to each other, and they struggled.
The black bidl drove the red bull backwards as far
as a great stone that was there, and they rolled the
stone over, and the stone rolled down to a level place
that is at the side of the road, about five miles on the
upper side of the Lomond Tarbert, and three miles on
the lower side of the U2:>per end of the Loch of Lomond.
The black bull put his crooked horn into the front
of the chest of the red bull, and he killed him ; and
" clach nan tarv," the stone of the bulls, is the name
that is on that stone till this day's day, and that is the
greatest stone that is in the three realms.
LXX.
THE BULLS.
Thainig roimli so tarbh dearg a Sasunn, a chum maslachadh a tlioirt
do Albainn, Sheas e air gualla beinn mhiirluig, s ghlaodh e " Is
truagh an diithaich, Is truaf^h an diithaich."
Bha tarbh dubh gaidhealach, air taobh eile loch Loimeiun, ma
coinneamh braigh Dunn pholachròdh, agus ghloadh e, " Cia as a tha
thu ? Cia as a tha thu ?
Ars an Tarbh Dearag " A tir do namhaid," A' tir do namhaid.
Ars an Tarbh Dubh " Ciod e do theachd an tir ? Ciod e do
theachd, etc.
An Tarbh dearg " Cruinneachd s fion, Cruinneachd s fion," etc.
An T Dubh, " Chuirinn thu an coir do chiiil, etc.
An T Dearg, " C aite an do rugadh th ? c' aite," etc.
T Dubh, "An crò an DUinn, "u crò an diiinn."
" T dearg, " Ciod bu bhiadh dhuit on bha thu ad laogh ? Ciod bu
bhiadh dhuit," etc.
T Dubh, " Bainne 's barr fraoich, Bainne," etc.
I20 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
An T dearg, "An adhrac chroui so am beul do chlèibh, an adhrac
chrom s," etc.
An T dubh, " Chugad mi, cha 'n eagal domh. Chugad mi ! cha
n eagal domh."
Agus chaidh an tarbh dubh, timchiol cheann shuas Loch-Ioimeainn
agus choinnich an dk tharbh a cheile air gualla shuas beinn mhiir-
luig agus. Chuir iad cinn ri cheile, s gleachd iad. Chuir an tarbh
dubh an tarbh dearag iar ais an coinnimh a chuil, gu ruig Clacli
mhor a bha an sin, 's cliuir iad car de 'n clach, 's roil a chlach sios gu
còmhnart, a ta aig taobh an rathaid mhòir, tuaiream air coige mile,
taobh shuas an Fairebeart loimeanach, agus tri mile an taobh shios
do cheann shuas an loch-loimeainn. Chuir an tarbh dubh an
adhrac chrom aige, am beul a chleibh aig an tarbh dhearag agus
mharbh se e.
Agus is e clach nan tarbh, an t-ainm, a ta air a chlach gus an
latha diugh, agus is i clach is momh a ta ann is na tri rioghachdan.
J. Dewar.
This is the original spelling.
LXXI.
THE HOODIE CATECHISING THE
YOUNG ONE.
THE hoodie fell to at catechising the gorrachan, and
she said to him, —
" If thou seest one coming, and a slender stick in
his oxter, and a broad end to it, flee — that will be a
gun ; he will be going to kill thee. If thou seest one
coming, and Hfting a pebble, it is lifting it to kill thee,
that he will be — flee. If thou seest one coming fair
straight forward, and without anything in his oxter,
and without stooping, thou needst not stir, that one
will not touch thee."
"Wliat," said the croaker, "if the stone be in his
pouch?"
" Oh ! " said the Hoodie, " I need not be instruct-
ing thee any longer."
THE HOODIE AND THE FOX. I 2 I
AN FHEANNAG A' LEAGASG A' GHORRACHDAIN.
Thoisich an fheannag air teagasg a' ghorrachdain 's thiiirt i ris.
Ma chi thu fear a tighinn agus stichd chaol 'iia asgaill agus ceann
leathann urra teich ; 's e gunna bhios ann ; bidh e dol a'd mharbh-
adh." Ma chi tliu fear a' tighinn agus e togail doirnei'g, 's ann 'ga
togail a dhol a'd' mhorbhadhsa bhith eaa e ; teich. " Ma chi thu
fear a tighinn lom, direach, 's gun ni 'sam bith 'na asgaill, 's gun e
cromadh, cha ruig thu leas carachadh ; cha bhoin am fear sin duit."
" Gu de ars' an gorrachdan, ma bhios a' chlach 'na phoca." "0,"
ars' an fheannag, " cha ruig mise leas a bhi gad, ionnsachadh na' s
fhaide."
LXXII.
THE HOODIE AND THE FOX.
rPHE hoodie and the fox were good at early rising, and
-*- they laid a wager with each other, for which should
soonest get up in the morning. The hoodie went into
a tree top, and she slept ; and the fox staid at the
foot of the tree, looking aloft (to see) when the day
would come. As soon as he perceived the day he
cried, " Se-n-lA-bAn-e." It is the bright day.
The hoodie had never stirred all the night, and
then she awoke with the cry, and she answered,
" SAd-0-bè-è, SAd-o-bè-è." It's long since it was.
Then the fox lost the wasrer and the hoodie won.
AN FHEANNAG 'S AM MADADH RUADH.
Bha 'n fheannag 's am madadh ruadh math air moch-eirigh, agus
chuir iad geall ri 'cheile airson co a bu luaithe dh' eireadh 's a'
mhaidinn. Chaidh an fheannag ann am barr craoibhe agus
chaidil i, 's dh' fhan am madadh ruadh aig bonn na craoibhe, 's e 'g
amharc an aird cuin a thigeadh an latha, ach cha do chaidil e idir.
Co luath 's a mhothaich esan do 'n latha ghlaoidh e, " 'S e 'n latha
ban e." Bha 'n fheannag gun smoisleachadh fad na hoidhche gus
an sin ; dhuisg i le a ghlaodh san agus fhreagair i, " 'S fhad' o b' e e,
— 'S fhad' 0 b' e e." Chaill am madadh ruadh an seo an geall 's
bhuidhinn an fheannag.
From John MacArthur (shepherd), Uchd nan Clach, who says
he learnt them from Donald MacGeachy, carding-miller, Walkmill,
a native of Kintyre ; andDugald MacNiven in Cairnbui. — H. M'L.
WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
Harper. — From a stone at Monifeith. — Chalmers' Sadptured Stones of A ngvs
LXXIII.
THE YELLOW MUILEAETEACH.
1 — Bard.
On a day when the Fliinn were on Oirill's mound,
A watcliing the Eireann all around,
There was seen coming on the tops of the wave,
The crooked, clamouring, shivering brave.
The name of that luidaunted wraith
"Was the bald russet-yellow Muilearteach ;
From Lochlann's bounds, coming on brine,
All in a day to cover Eiriim
A MHUILEARTACH BHUIDHE.
123
From a stone coffin at Govan. — Sculptured Stones of Scotland, PI. cxxxiv.
A MHUILEAETACH BHUIDHE *
1
Latha cUi' an Fhiun, air Tulacli Oirill,'
A' coimhead na h-Eireanu mu timchill
Chunnacas a' tighinn, air barraibli tlionn,
An eàrra, gliàireach, cliraobhaidli, clu-om.^
'Se b' ainm dli' an fuath nach bu thini
A' Mhuileartacb mbaol, ruaclb-bliuidhe,
O chriochan Loclilann 'tighinn air sail
Gu h-Eirinn a clionihdacb a dh' aon la.
* In Gillies, this character is a man, and called a Mhuireart-
each ; perhaps muir iarteach, — sea western.
124 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
A rusted glaive was upon her belt,
Will give them a grim darkling pelt ;
When the time of the fury of battle shall come.
There were two slender spears of battle,
Upon the other side of the carlin ;
Her face was blue-black, of the lustre of coal,
And her bone tufted tooth was like rusted bone.
In her head was one deep pool-hke eye,
Swifter than a star in a winter sky ;
Upon her head gnarled brushwood.
Like the clawed old wood of the aspen root.
6
Her heart was merry for joy,
As she saw in the south the Fiantaidh ;
" Will ye not teach the wretch to her ruin.
Let not her's be a good gift without return."
7
And a hundred warriors she sportively slew,
And there was a grin on her rugged maw ;
A warrior exalted each warrior of these,
And that were raised up on slender trees.
8
A pouring of their blood amongst the hounds.
And the juice of the fruit of Oireal was threatened ;
A MHUILEARTACH BHUIDHE.
3
Bha claicUieainh. meirgeach air a crios
Bheix dhaibh caisgeadh dtiige, doite"
An am an d' tliigeadh gairblie catlia,
4
Bha da shleagha chaola chatha
Air an taobh eile dh.' an chaillich.
Bha 'h-aodann dubh-ghorm air dreach a' ghuail,
'S a deud cnabadach, cnàmh-ruadh/
5
Bha aon suil ghlumach^ 'na ceann
Bu luaithe na rionnag gheamhraidh ;
" Craohh mhineach chas air a ceann
Mar' choill inich de 'n t-seana chrithinn.
6
Bha 'cridlie 'mire ri h-àdh,
'Si 'g amharc nam Fianntaidh fo dlieas,
" Xach deachd* sibh a' bheist thiin a h-aimhleis.
'S gu 'n tharladli leatha gean gun chomain ; "
'S gu 'n marbh i le 'h-abhachd ceud Laoch
'S gu 'n robh càir" air a garbh cliraos.
Laoch inbheach gach laoch a bh' ann,
'S a thogadli air chaola chrann.
Air sgath fala, 'measg nan con,
'S bha brigh mhios Oirill 'ga maoidheadh-
126
WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
9 — Witch.
" AVho are the warriors better than they Ì "
Out spoke the yellow Muilearteach ;
" Terror or fear there is not upon me,
Before the king since I happened upon ye."
10— Bard.
To Fionn Prince of the Finne there came,
The ill-favoured goblin right valiant ;
By her there were slaughtered nine in the plain,
As she sought for detestable combat.
11 — Witch.
" Now since I have come over the brine,
For the taking of all Eirinn ;
Let yielding be given me without pain.
Or else a whole battle of hardy men."
12 — BxVRD and Fionn.
Mac Chumhail would give that without displeasure,
Ten hundred hounds, upon leashes of leather ;
" Take the bribe, and besides (behold).
Ten hundred ruddy apples of gold."
13— Witch.
" Although I should get all the value of Eirinn,
With her gold, and her silver, and her precious things
I would rather have on board of my vessel.
The heads of Osgar, and Eaonaidh, and CoiriL"
14 — Bard and Conan.
Spoke a hero that brooked no slur.
Son of great Morna, by name Conan ;
" Thou shalt loose the bush of thy round head.
Because thou hast asked for the son of Oisein."
A MHUILEARTACH BHUIDHE.
9
" Cia iad na laoich a 's flieaiT na sin Ì "
Labhair a' Mhuileartacli bhuidlie.
" Fiamli na eagal cha 'n 'eil orm
Eoinih 'n righ, o'n tliarladli mi thugaibh."*
10
Gu Fionn, flath na Flnne, thainig
Am fiiatb dith-mhaiseach/" deagh-dliana.
^NDiarbhadh leatha naonar 's a' ndiagh,
'S i 'g iarraidh fuath'chadb na comliraig.
11
" jSTis o'n thainig mi air sail
Gu h-Eirinn uile do ghabliail,
Thugta geill gun doruinn domli,
Airneo comhrag cròdha churaidliean."
12
Bheireadh IMacChumliail siud di gun diombadli
Deicli ceud cu air choinili-lion eille,
" Gabb an cumlia, is e 'choir,"
" Deich ceud ubhlan dearg òir."
13
" Buaidli na h-Eirionn gad gheibhinn uile,
Le 'h-or, 's le 'h-airgiod, 's le 'h-ionmlias,
B' fhearr learn, air bord air mo luing,
Ceann Osgaii-, a's Eaonaidh, a's Choiril."
14
Labhair laoch nach d' fliulaing tair,
Mac mor j\Iorna d' am b' ainm Conan,
" Caillitlli tu dos do chinn chruinn
Ann an dàil j\Ihic Oisein iarraidh."
* Another version is, — O'n ti a tliarladh mi thurraibli.
128 west highland tales.
15— Bard.
When they saw the wrath of the monster,
Up rose Fionn the Prince of the Finne ;
Up rose Oisean, Prince of the men,
Up rose Osgar, and loUainn.
16
Up rose Diarmaid o' Duibhne ;
Up rose they, and lall o' Buidhne ;
Three sons of the dusky black king Dhuinne
Up rose they, and Cearbhal.
17
Up rose Glaisean o' Damhach ;
Up rose they, and Ard Amharc ;
Up rose Ciar Dhubh, Prince of Lomhann,
The doughtiest four that were in the Fhinii.
18
Went to do battle with the beast.
She was serving them out in turn,
As a blade might run through flame ;
Until there met MacChumail the grand,
And the Muilearteach hand to hand.
20
Their equal was never yet seen.
Since the smithy of I;onn MacLiobhainn ; *
Tliere was dew on the points of the spears.
Of MacChumhail of the sides so fair.
* See No. LXVIII.
A MHUILEARTACH BHUIDHE. I 29
15
Nuair chumiaic iacl colg na beiste ;
Gu 'n' d' eiiicli Fionn, flath na Finne ;
Dh' eirich Oisean, flatli nam fear ;
Gu 'n d' eirich Osgar a's loUainn.
16
Gu 'n d' eirich Diarmaid 0 Duibhne ;
Gu 'n d' eirich sin a's lall 0 Buidhne ;
Triuir mac an righ chiar-dliubh Dhuinne ;
Gu 'n d' eirich sin agus Cearbhall.
17
Dh' eirich Glaisean 0 DamJiach ;
Dh' eirich sin agus Ard-amliarc ;
Dh' eirich Ciar-dliubh, mac righ Lomhann.
A cheathrar a b' fhoghaintiche 'bha 'san Fhlnn,
18
Chaidli a chomliraff ris a' bheist.
19
Bha i 'gam frithealadli mu seach
Mar a ruitheadli lann roimh lasair,
Gus an do thachair Mac Chunihail an aidli
'S a' IVDiuileartach lamh ri lamli.
20
An aicheadh cha 'n fhacas mar sin
0 cheardach Lonn Mliic an Liobhann,
Bha dealt air bharraibh a shleagh
Aig Mac Chumhail an taoibh ghil.
K
130 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
21
Her side was pierced with sharp wounds,
There was raiu of her blood on the heather ;
The Muilearteach was slain by the king,
And if she was slain, it was no smooth slaying.
22— Smith.
Tlae smith took with him her bree*
To Tur Leoin of the high king
" My sorrow ! " said the smith of the axes,
" If bald russet Muilearteach is slain."
23— King.
The king said, " the people never stood.
That on the bald russet could bring blood ;
Unless in a land of holes fell she,
Or was drowned upon the smooth bare sea."
24
" There never yet have come of any.
Those who the yellow Muilearteach could slay ;
They did not sla}^ her, but the Fhinn,
A band from whom tribute is not won."
25
" Great is the shame to the blossom of Phail,
To give under to the people of a single isle ;
To the travelling, and to the Avest,
Travel we, and travel we in haste."
26
" That I would give my vow again,
If my mild Muilearteach has been slain ;
That I with my people should never return,
Till Eirinn to a heap of ashes should burn.
* It seems that she was the wife of a superhuman Celtic sea
smith, who goes by the name of Balcan sometimes.
A MHUILEARTACH BHUIDHE.
21
Bha 'taobli air a tholladh le guin ;
Bha braon dh' a fiiil air na fi-aochaibh.
Mliarbliadli a' Mhuileartacb leis an righ ;
Ma raharbliadli cha b' e 'in marbhadb mxn.
22
Thug an gobha leis an brigh
Gu tùr Leoin, an t-ard righ.
" Mo bheud," arsa gobha nan tuadh,
" Ma mharbhadh a Mhuileartacb mhaol ruadh.
23
Tlniirt an righ, " nach d' flias a shluagh
^Na 'bheireadh Ml air a' nihaoil ruaidh.
Mar an deach i 'n talainh toll,
Na 'bathadh air muir sleanihuinn, lonx"
24
" Cha d' thainig de dhaoine 'sani bith
Na 'mharbhadh a' Mhuileartacb l:)huidhe.
Cha do mharbh i ach an Fhinn,
Buidheann bhar nach biiinigear cis."
25
" 'S mor an naire do Bhlaith Phàil
Geill a thoirt do luchd aon eilean.
Air an triallani, 's air an iar ;
Triallam, agus triaUam mor."
2G
" Gu 'n d' tliugainn — sa mo bhòid a ris,
]\Ia mharbhadh mo Mhuileartacb niMn,
A choidhch nach tillinn le m' sliluagh
Gus am biodli Eirinn 'na torr luatha.
132 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
27
" In Eirinn let me not leave a stone,
In bm-n, or in moor, or in mountain lone ;
Unlifted ujDon the beaks of my fleet,
Eirinn level of such great weight."
28
" I will bring my plungers upon the brine
To bring out of her sea bent all Eirinn."
29— Bard.
Great is the brag for the white ships
The whole of Eirinn to uphft,
And that there are not Avhite ships in being
That could uplift one fifth of Eirinn.
.30— King.
" Gather to me my worthy race,
King of the Spaniards and his force,
The king of Greece and of Galha clean,
King of Hispania and of the Inds."
31— Bard.
Gather of the whole world the clan.
The cliikben of a king and of a single man.
Goblin or champion shall not get clear
From the beautiful Fhinn of the yellow hair.
32
Seven score ships, and one thousand
Gathered the king, what a heavy band
For the taking of all Eirinn,
Could it be brought to Fionn, prince of the Finno.
A MHUILEARTACH BHUIDHE. I 3 3
27
" All Eirinn na fagam clach,
An allt, na 'ni nionadh, na 'm fireach,
Gun thogail air cliorraibli mo long ;
Eirinn chothromacli, clio trom.
28
'" Bheiream breabanaicli air sail
Toirt Eirinn nil' as a tan."
29
'S nior an spleadh do luingeas ban
Eirinn uile do thogfàil ;
'S gun de luingeas ban sani bith
Na thogadh, a dli' Eirinn, coigeamh.
30
PtlGH.
" Tionail tliugam mo theaglilach coir,
Eigh na li-Easpanaidh 's a shlogb,
Eigh Greige, 's righ Gallia glan,
Righ na li-Easpaimi a's na h-Inid."
31
FiLIDH.
Tionail sluagli an t-saoghail uile,
De clilann rigb, 's de dh' aon duine ;
Fuatli na eàrrachd cba d' thig as
O'n Fliinn aluinn ihalt-bhuidhe."
32.
Seacbd fichead a's mile long
Thionail an righ, 's gu 'm b' f heachd trom,
Gu gabliail Eirimi air fed ;
Gu Fionn, flath. na Finne na 'n tart 'e.
134 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
33
There was not a port nor a half port within
The five-fifths of the Eireann
That of beaked barks was not full,
And of the barges of their lords aU.
34
Though it was evil to be waiting for them,
'Twas no better for them that to us they came.
35
A messenger came from Blaith Phail,
To find for him the Muilearteach,
Or else the bold youth of aU. ELrmn,
The children of a single man or of a king.
That MacChumhail would give to the
King of Lochlann, and without a grudge.
36
Ten hundi-ed helmets and fine mail,
Ten hundred shields and sheathed glaives,
Ten hundred collars of gold upon hounds,
Ten hundred slender stingers of battle.
37
Ten hundred fine coloured flags,
Ten hundred wise warriors whom he might choose,
Ten hundred bridles of gold and saddles.
A MHUILEARTACH BHUIDHE. I 3 5
33
Cha robh port na leith-phort ami,
An coig choigeamh na h-Eireann,
Nacli robh Ian tie bharcaibli bheaonach,
Agus bhirlinnibli o tliighearnan.
34
Ge b' olc dhuinn a bhitb air an cionn,
Cha 'n ann daibh-san a b' f hearr teachd thugainn.
35
Thainig teachdair o Bhlaith Phàil
A Mhuileartach f haotainn da,
Airneo borbraidli Eirinn uile
Eadar clann righ 's aon duine.
Bheireadh MacChmnliail siud do righ Lochlann
'S gun diomadh ; —
36
Deich ceud clogad a's caol luireach,
Deich ceud sgiath a's claidheamh comhdaicht,
Deich ceud lomhainn oil- air chonaibh,
Deich ceud sallta chaola chatha,
37
Deich ceud bratach luliine, dhaite,
Deich ceud saoidli, na 'm b' aille leis,
Deich ceud strian òir agus diollaid.
136 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
38.
Thougli he got all that, the king of Lochlann
And the bold youth of the whole of Eirionn,
For ever with his people he would not be still
Till Errinn should become a ruddy hill.
39 LoCHLxVNNERS.
Then spoke an answerable true wise bard,
The lad that could answer with a knowing word
And he spoke timidly and Hke a seer
Unto the king that was too early.
40— Bard.
" Though you, like the whole of the Fhinn,
In the front of battle and combat
You must come as lions, weighty and gray,
Or else you will work out your own decay.
41.
" It were better to get us on a single place
Than from billow to billow to be on our trace."
42— King.
" Thy counsel is lying, thou musical bard,"
Out spoke the king, wrathfully, hatingly,
" Because a third part of what is there (seen)
Thou hast never beheld in Eirinn."
43 — Feene,
* Then spoke Garaidh of the glens : (^)
" If you will take my counsel, Fhinn,
Let submission be given on the sea.
That for ever under his sway you may be."
* Here tlie action changes from one camp to the other.
A MHUILEARTACH BHUIDHE. I 3 7
38
Gad a gheibheadli rigli Lochlann siud,
Agus borbraidh na h- Eirioim uile,
Choidlicli' cha stadadh e le 'shluagh
Gus am biodh Eiriiin 'na torr ruadli.
39
Thuirt filidh freagarrach, fior-ghlic,
An gille fhreagradh gii li-eolach —
'S labliair e gu fromhaidli, fàdh,
Eis an rigli, gu 'n robli ro tlirath.
40 — Filidh.
" Ge matli leibbs' an Fhinn uile
An tus cath agus comhraig ;
Thig sibh 'n 'ur Leombana trom, gUas,
Airneo ni sibh uil' 'ur n-aimhleas.
41
B' fbearr 'ur faigliinn air aona bhall,
Na 'bbitb 'g ur sireadh 0 tbuinn gu tuinn."
42— PtlGH.
'S breugach do bbeacbd f bilidh bhinn,
Thuirt an righ gu fuathach, feargach ;
" Agus trian na 'bheil an sm
Nach fhaca tu rianih an Eirinn."
43
An sin labhair Garaidh nan Gleann,
" Ma ghabhas sibh comhairl, Fhimi,
Rachadh geill a thoirt air sail,
'S gu 'm biodh sibh gu bràth fo iona."
138 west highland tales.
44 — Bard.
Up rose lollain with a hero's tread,
And each one followed him side by side,
To give a leathering to GaraicUi from the wild,
Who the service of man could not abide.
45 — FiONN.
" Stay thou, lollain, as thou mayest be,"
Said MacChumhail, the prince so high,
"Though evil the counsel of the man,
Stalwart his hand when the strife began."
46 — OSGAR.
Said Osgar, as he felt the pain,
" Whatever ship is of loftiest sail.
Shall swim in blood beneath her keel,
If there be enough within her hull."
47— Bard.
Then raised they, and they were not scarce.
Their slender pennons on their slender shafts
The standard of MacChumhail of Victories,
" Sun's brightness," above the trees.
48.
There were nine chains fi'om it downward fell
Of the yellow gold, of no lustre dull,
A hero at every chain of these.
That was holtUng them against the stays.
49.
In the camp there was many a thousand of men.
Many a one with blades and spears so keen,
Many a trunkless head was there.
Many a neck there was swept bare.
From the first of the sun tiU the same evening.
A MHUILEARTACn BHUIDHE. I 39
44
Dh' eiricli lollainn, 's bu cheum laoich,
'S gach ti lean e taobh ri taobh,
Thoirt leadairt air Garaidh o 'n f liasach,
'S cha b' aill leis duine 'ga f hasdadh.
45 — FiONN.
"Stad ort lollainn mar a ta tliu ;"
Arsa Mac Chiunliail an ard fhlatha,
" Ge b' olc impidli an fhir,
" Bu teom' a lamb arms an iorgiiiU."
46 OSGAR.
Thnirt Osgar, 's e 'gabhail leon,
" Ge b' e long a 's airde seol,
Snamhaidh i 'm foil fo' a driom,
Ma tba na h-urad 'na colainn."
47 FiLIDH.
Thog iad an siud, 's cha bu gbann,
An caol slirolt, air an caol clrroinn ; —
Bratach Mhic Cbumliail an aitUi,
Gile-glireine, as cionn chrainnaibk
48
Bha naoidb slabbraidbean aisde sios
De 'n or bhuidbe gim dall-sgiamh ;
Laoch air gach slabhraidh dhiu sin
A bha 'gan cumail ris na slàithean.
49
Bu lionar 's a' chrò mile fear ;
Bu Uonar fear gheur lann 's sleagh ann ;
Bu honar ceann ann gun chora iona ;
Bu lionar muineal ann air maoladh,
0 thus greine gu cou-fheasgar.
140 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
50
Those heroes the greatest of the tribe
That came to us with an army (of pride),
To them the camp was the narrowest
Ere their rough vapouring was dispersed.
51
In the thick of the i)eople Osgar sleAv
One hundred sj^earmen for the first time,
Another hundred of the people by three,
Seeking a way to their Ai'd Eigh.
52
Another hundred of the hosts of men
On the further side of the king of Lochlann,
Until he slew, in the thick of the host,
The king for all his great honour's boast.
53
"WTien they saw that the king had fallen.
Their courage failed them, and in great swiftness.
They went all in ranks to the sea ;
And the battle poet was driving them.
54
Amongst the warriors in turn,
It was the Osgar that was urging them.
After he had given the war
Came succour to the hero of bright arms.
55
For through the spear-holes there might go
The sickles f) through the back of Osgar.
A MHUILBARTACH BHUIDHE.
50
'All laocli sin bu mho dhe 'n t-slioclid
A tliaiiiig tliugainn le 'mhor f heachd ;
'Sann daibhsan bu chiiing' an crò
Ma'n do sgaoileadli an garbh sgleo.
51
IVIliarbh Osgar, an tiugb an t-shiaigh,
Ceiid fear sleagba mar cheud uair,
Ceud eil' as a' phobidl a tri,
Ag iarraidh thun an ard righ.
52
Ceud eile de shluagh nam fear
An taobh tball de rigb Locblann,
Gus an do mliarbb e, 'n tiugb an t-sluaigb,
An righ air mheud onaracb.
53
Nuair cbunnalc iad gun d' thuit an righ
Threig am meanmna iad 's am mor luathas
Cbaidli iad 'nan sreathan gu sail,
'S a' cbliar cbatha 'gan iomain.
54
Eadar na saoidhean mu seacb
'S e'n t-Osgar a bha 'gan iomain ;
An deis a bhitb tabhairt a' bhlair,
'S ann thainig cobhair gu laoch arm-ghil.
55
Oir rachadh, roimb thollaibh nan sleagh,
Na còrran roimb dbriom Osgair.
WEST HIGHLAXD TALES.
56.
Wliatever that day miglit hap to be
On the battle steep side of Beinn-Eudainn,
Such Hke great peril was not there found
Prom the first of the Finne till one day
On the day when the Fhinn were on Oirill's Mound.
Wrote down this poem from the recitation of Angus MacDon-
ald, Staoine-breac, South Uist, September 1860, and again from
that of Allan MacPhie, tailor. MacDonakl gives the same
authority for it as for the " Great Fool,'' and MacPhie says he
learnt it from one Donald Maclntyre, who has gone to America,
and if living is now about 80 years of age. In Barra, I heard it
from Alexander MacDonald, Burgh ; and from Donald MacPhie,
smith, Brembhaig, who learnt it from an uncle of his. Hector
MacLaine, also a smith. Some versions have lines which are
wanting in others, and in some lines there are a few slight varia-
tions. I have inserted those lines and words which I thought
best when differences occurred. H. M'L.
(1) Maclean translates this brushwood, but the carlin was bald,
and I have heard the word used to express a picture on a shield
of some large bird, like an eagle, which is often mentioned in
stories as " Creveenach." The word may have something to do
with GrifBn, or Tree Lion.
(-) This warrior is said to have given the name to Glengarry.
There are legends about him still current in that neighbourhood.
(^) Herons is the more evident meaning, but corr means any
crooked instrument. The line occurs elsewhere.
[In translating this, I have aimed at giving the
meaning of each line, at imitating the rhythm of the
original, as well as I could, and at giving the same amount
of rhyme, where I was able to hit upon rhymes that would
not alter the meaning. MacLean's manuscript is not
divided into quati-ains, but I have heard this chanted,
and the measure, and the music, and the meaning, all
A MHUILEARTACH BHUIDHE. I 43
56
Ge b' e bliitheadh an latha sin
Air taobh uclid-catlia Bheinn Eudainn ;
A leitbid de bhaoghal elm d' f huaras anu,
0 thus na Finne gus an aon latba,
'S latha dha 'n Fhinn air tnlach Oirill.
point to a division into quatrains. I am indebted to
the collector for a literal translation, which has been of
the greatest assistance ; but I have here and there fol-
lowed Armstrong's Dictionary, which contains many
rare words, avowedly taken from the Ossianic poems.
If there be errors in the translation, I hope they may
be overlooked.
MacDonald, who sang this and two other poems to
me in Barra, September 10, 1860, did it with only one
mistake. He forgot something near the beginning,
and stopped short, and uttering several expressions of
strong disgust at his own forgetfulness, he turned
back to the first line and began again, and got
over the difficulty with a rush that reminded me of a
man taking a running leap over a stiff hedge. With
that one mistake he recited a whole poem ; and so far
as I can judge, from hearing such crabbed Gaelic once,
it was the same poem wliich is here given, but we made
out tliat there were foiu'score verses in it, whereas there
are but fifty-five incomplete in MacLean's manuscript.
I observed that, two or three times, in reciting this
and other poems, MacDonald repeated a couple of lines
to fill up the time and complete a quatrain.
The poem was attributed to Oisean, and whoever
composed it, clearly did so in the character of that old
half mytliical bard, for he speaks like an eye-witness,
and dwells on the prowess of his son Osgar. I am
144 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
not sufiflciently acquainted with early Norwegian and
Irish history, to be able to guess at the event which is
celebrated, or at a date, but I suspect the poem was
composed in remembrance of some real invasion of Ire-
land by the sea rovers of Lochlann, in which they got
the Avorst of the fight, and that it has been preserved
traditionally in the Hebrides ever since. Could it
be Brian's famous battle, a.d. 1014. MacLeau has
named his authorities; one of them, MacDonald, is
referred to above. He is a workman who cannot read,
and who speaks no langiiage but Gaelic. He is a fine
intelligent man, with a clear gray eye and smooth dark
hair, very fond of the old poetry of his native country,
and charmed to recite it to an audience able to take an
interest in it. The audience was a numerous one on
the 10th of September, and we were highly attentive.
One woman was industriously weaving in a corner,
another was carding wool, and a girl was spinning dex-
terously with a distaff made of a rough forked birch-
branch, and a spindle w^hich was little better than a
splinter of fir. In the warm nook behind the fire sat a
girl with one of those strange foreign faces which are
occasionally to be seen in the Western Isles, and which
are often supposed by their neighbours to mark the
descendants of the Spanish crews of the wrecked
armada — a face which, at the time, reminded me of the
Nineveh sculptures, and of faces seen in St. Sebastian.
Her hair was as black as night, and her clear dark
eyes gUttered through the peat smoke. Her com-
plexion was dark, and her features so unlike those who
sat about her, that I asked if she were a native of the
island, and learned that she was a Highland ghl. Old
men and young lads, newly returned from the eastern
fishing, sat about on benches fixed to the wall, and
smoked and listened : and MacDonald sat on a low
A MHUILEARTACH BHUIDHE. I 45
stool in the midst, and chanted forth his lays amidst
suitable remarks and ejaculations of praise and sym-
pathy. One of the poems was the Lay of Diarmaid,
much the same as it appears here ; as I had got it from
]\IacLean, "who had written it from the dictation of
another man elsewhere. " Och ! och ! — aw ! is not
that sad 1 " said the women when Diarmaid was expir-
ing. One of the audience was a stranger from the
south, a Campbell, who had come to Barra from some
other place, and who, as usual, hailed me as a kins-
man, claimed Diarmaid as our common ancestor, and
MacCalain Mor as the head of his family. His hair
was yellow, though tinged with white; and amongst
the short, dark natives of Barra, he looked large, and
gaunt, and bony. He gave me his prose version of
the escape and pursuit of Diarmaid and Graidhne, and
brought the fugitives from Ireland to the Isle of Skye.
The main incidents were similar to those already given,
but in detail they differed entirely, as all versions
Avhicli I have, do from each other. The house where
our meeting was held was one of those which are
only to be found in the far west, and this may serve
to give a notion of the people, who still jDreserve and
delight in this old Gaelic poetic lore.
May 11, 1861. — Since this was printed, I have found a version
of " Duan a Mhuirearteach" in a collection of Gaelic poetry, made
by Hugh Gillies, and printed in 1786 at Perth. I am indebted
to the Eev. Mr. MacLauchlan for a loan of the book, which is
rare, and which I had sought in vain at the British Museum and
elsewhere. There are 112 lines arranged in stanzas in the pub-
lished version ; 213 in the traditional version here given.
The story, and some lines of the poetry, also appear in the
proceedings of the antiquaries of Scotland (vol. iii., part ii. 1861),
these are taken from a MS. collection made in Lewis. It appears
that the heroine was wife of a superhuman Celtic sea smith, who
is a kind of Neptune, and who had been maltreated by the Feen.
L
146 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
Another version of the poem was written from the dictation of
a man at Gairloch ten years ago ; and another has lately been
written by Mr. Torrie in Benbecula, from the recitation of an old
beggar wife.
LXXIV.
THE STOEY OF THE LAY OF THE
GREAT FOOL.
Written by Hector MacLean, September 13, 1860. Eecitec
by Angus MacDonald (constable) at Stoney Bridge, South Uist,
who styles himself Aonghas, Mac Iain, Mhic Aonghais, Mhi(
Dhomhnuill, Mhic Thormaid, Mhic Iain, Mhic Neill, Mhic Cha
lain, Mhic Eoghain, Mhic Aonghais oig, Mhic Aonghais Mhoir
Mhic Sheann Aonghais, a He 's tha iad ag radh nach robh e cli
That is to say, Angus, the son of John, and up to the thirteentl
ancestor, " Old Angus from Islay ; and they say he was not weak.'
MacDonald says he learnt this poem fifty-eight years ago fron
Aonghas, Raothaill bhàin, Mhic Iain, Mhic Dhomhnuill, Domh
nullaich, Mhic Ghilleaspaig, Mhic Iain, Mhic Uisdean, Mhii
Aonghais, Mhic Eaothaill, H. Earaich (that is to say, Angus
white Ronald, the son of John, and up to the tenth ancestor), wh(
lived in North Uist, at Baile RàthaiU, and who died more tha
fifty years ago, about seventy years of age.
He could neither read nor write, and he learnt this and othei
stories from his mother, who died about seventy years ago, at the
age of one hundred years.
He (MacDonald) says that the song —
A Nighean bliuidh bhàin nam falbhadh tu leom.
Gun ceaunachain Gùnn de 'n sioda dhuit.
Thou fair yellow girl, if thou'dst go with me,
That I'd buy a gown of the silk for thee,
was composed by her.
The poem is, as usual, preceded by a short prose story, which
is as follows : —
There were two brothers once in Eirinn, and one of
them was a king and the other a " ridire." They were
both married. On the knight there was a track (that
THE STORY OF THE LAY OF THE GREAT FOOL. I 47
is, the knight had children), and there were no chil-
dren at all to the king. It was a source of insult to
the knight and his lot of sons, that the king shoiUd
have the realm at alL The thing that happened was,
that they gathered armies, both of them, on each side.
On the day of the battle that they gave, the knight and
his three sons were slain.
The Avife of the knight was heaAy, and the king
sent word that if she were to have a babe son to slay
him, but that if it were a baby daughter to keep her
alive, and keep her. It was a lad that she had, and
there was a kitchen wench within who had a love son.
BraomaU was her name, and Domhnidl was the name
of her son.
"When the son of the knight was born, this one
fled with the two, the knight's son and her own son.
They were being fed at the cost of the knight's ^A-ife.
She was there on a day, and for fear they should be
hungi-y, she Avent to a toAvn land to seek food for them.
They Avere hungry, and she was not coming, and they
saAv three deer coming towards the bothy. The
knight's son was where the other Avas, and he asked
what creatures were there. He told him there were
creatures on which there was meat and clothing.
" If Ave were the better for it I would catch them,"
said he.
He ran and he caught the tluee deer, and they
were before his " muime" when she came. She flayed
them, and they ate, and she made a dress for him of
the deer's hides.* Thus they were in a good Avay till
the deer ftiiled, and hunger came upon them again,
and she went again to the tOAvn land. There came a
great horse that belonged to the king — a Avild horse —
* I have several versions of a long very -wild story called the
" Lad of the Skinny husks."
I 48 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
to the place where they were. He asked of Donald
what beast was that.
" Tliat is a beast on which sport is done, one is
upon liini riding him."
" If we were the better for him I would catch
him," said he.
" Thou ill-conditioned tatterdemalion ! to catch
that beast ! It would discomfit any man in the
realm to catch him." He did not bear any more
chatter, but he came round about, and he struck his
fist on Donald, and he drove his brauis out. He put
an oaken skewer through his ear, and he hung him up
against the door of the bothy. " Be there thou fifty
beyond the Avorst," said he.
Then he stretched out after the horse, and the hides
were trailing behind him. He caught the horse, and
he mounted him; and the horse that had never borne
to see a man, he betook himself to the stable for fear.
His father's brother had got a son by another wife.
When he saw the palace he went up with wonder to
look at the palace of his father's brother.
His muime never had called him anything but
"the great fool" and " Creud orm." When he per-
ceived the son of his father's brother playing sliinty, he
went where he was, and, " Creud orm," said he.
"Who art thou," said the king's son — "of the
gentles or ungentles of the realm, that has the like
of that speech Ì"
" I am the great fool, the son of the knight's
wife, the nursHng of the nurse, and the foster-brother
of Donald the nurse's son, going to do folly for my-
self, and if need were, it is I that could make a fool
of thee also."
"Thou ill-conditioned tatterdemalion ! make a fool
of me Ì " said the king's son.
THE STORY OF THE LAY OF THE GREAT FOOL. I 49
He put over the list and he drove the brain out of
him. "Be there, then, thou fifty over worse, as is
Donald tlie nurse's son, with an oaken skewer through
his ear."
He went in where the king was. " Creud orm,"
said lie.
" Wlio art thou," said the king — " of the gentles or
ungentles of the realm, that hast such a speech Ì "
" I am the great fool, the son of the knight's wife,
the nursKng of the nurse, and the foster-brother of the
nurse's son, going to make folly for myself, and if need
were, it is I that could make a fool of thee also."
"Well, then, it is not thou that made me that, but
my counsellor, on the day that I slew thy father, and
did not slay thy mother."
Then the king went with him. Every one, then,
that he fell in with in the town, they were going with
him, and that was their blessing, " Creud orm."
There was a splendid woman in the realm, and
there was a great "Fachach" that had taken her
away. The people thought, if they could bring him to
the presence of this woman, that he would set his head
upon her, and that he would let the people away ; that
it was likely they would come between himself and the
Fachach, and that the Fachach would kill him. That
time he was an utter fool.
[Of the poem, MacLean remarks: — "Some of the phrase-
ology and pronunciation is such as is considered Irish ; for ex-
ample, the particle ni for cha, dho for dhà, cos for cas ; but these
forms of expression were common in the Highlands ; add to
which, a cultivated dialect was probably common to both coun-
tries. The versification is exceedingly harmonious iind varied.
In some lines the number of syllables is shorter, to give room
for the emphasis and slow utterance required by the sense. In
reciting the poem, the pronunciation of the reciter was peculiar,
and differed widely from that of his conversational dialect.
150 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
" It appears tbat this Lyric was considered by the Gael their
best, for it is said, ' Gach dan gu dan an Deirg ; ' ' Gach laoidh
gu laoidh an amadain mhoir;' 'Gach eachdraidh gu eachdraidh
Chonnail.' Each poem to the poem of the Red ; each lay to the lay
of the great fool ; each history to the history of Conned (ts to be re-
ferred as a standard). In Dr. Smith's ' Sean Dana,' there is a
laoidh an amadain mhoir quoted, entirely different from this
one."— H. MacL.]
The lay is in " Sean Dana " as part of Cath
Mhanuis. Another long poem was published under
the name of " Laoidh an Amadain Mlioir," which I
have failed to get at the British Museum. The lan-
guage of the version here given is difficult, and it differs
in construction and in sound from the spoken modern
Gaelic of the district. There seems every reason to
consider it as a fragment. It seems to describe a single
adventure only, and there must have been a prelude
and a sequel to it.
Perhaps Gillmliin (Fairfine) was the lady wdiom the
Fachach had taken away, and who made an entire fool
of the mighty simpleton.
There is something allegorical in the adventure.
There is a mystic valley in which the hero is tempted,
and yields to a cup of pleasure, but when he perseveres,
his punishment is lightened, and he gets to tlie golden
city. There he yields to sloth, but when he holds to
his promise, and resists temptation, and fights manfully,
he is delivered from all his woes. If this view be
correct, this may be part of the same tradition which is
interwoven with the romances of Arthur and his
knights, which were certainly founded on Celtic tradi-
tions, and which pervade all Europe.
The story of Peronnik LTdiot, in the "Foyer
Breton," is of the same class. The hero is an orjihan,
and a simpleton, and proves himself a hero with sharp
THE STORY OF THE LAY OF THE GREAT FOOL. I 5 I
wits. He takes service as a herd at a farm, and there
sees knights going to Kerglas to seek the golden basin,
and the tliamond lance. The one is filled with any
food which the owner desires, cures diseases, and raises
the dead ; the other crushes all that it touches, and
sliines like a flame ; both belong to a giant magician
who lives at Kerglas. Now Kerglas might be Cathair
Glas, the gray or mystic city. The golden basin,
though it has more virtues, has the same properties as
the GaeUc Ballan iochshlaint (vessel of balsam), and
the shining lance is own brother to Claidheamh geal
Soluis, the white glaive of hght.
Kerglas was surrounded by an enchanted forest,
in which rivulets seemed to be torrents, and shadowy
rocks and vain shows terrified the wanderer. Beyond
that, a dwarf korrigan guarded an apple tree, which
was the same which grew in Eden ; further on, a lion
with vipers for a mane, guarded a magic flower, which
dissolved enchantments ; still further, a shoal of
dragons watched the lake in which they swam; and
lastly, a terrible black man, with many eyes, guarded
a fearful valley. He was chained to a rock, and armed
with an iron bullet, which returned to him when he
had thrown it, and he at least is a common character
ill GaeHc tales (see page 15). Wlien all these dangers
were passed, temptation assailed the adventurer in the
shape of delicious food, pleasant drinks, and fair
women, and if he yielded he fell.
All these dangers Peronnik the Breton idiot over-
comes by wily stratagems. The Gaelic Amadaii Mor
overcomes temptation also, but he conquers by valour
and dogged perseverance, rather than by wiles.
Peronnik, the half-starved idiot, catches a colt of
thirteen months, rides through the wood, and at last,
by the help of a yellow lady who turns out to be the
I 52 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
plague, kills the magician, and acquires the magic
basin and lance. He appears on the side of the Bretons
in a war with the French at Nantes, kills his foes with
the lance, brings his friends to life when killed, and
feeds them when alive with the magic basin; and
finally, he goes to Palestine, where he destroys armies,
forces the Emperor of the Saracens to be baptized, and
marries his daughter, " by whom he had one hundred
children."
By some accounts he still lives with all his family.
Tlie great fool does not go to Palestine, but Connal
Guilbeinach does, and he there acquires a magic shining
sword, and a talisman, which brings the dead to life.
I am inclined to rank " the Great fool" with " Peronnik
the idiot," to place the golden city on the same magic
hill of the imagination as Kerglas, and to consider the
" lay " as one episode in the adventures of a Celtic
hero, who in the twelfth century became Perceval le
chercheur du basin. He, too, was poor, and the son of
a widow, and half starved, and kept in ignorance by his
mother, but nevertheless he got a horse and venison,
and acquired knowledge from King Arthur's knights,
and joined them ; and in the end he became possessed
of that sacred basin le Saint Graal, and the holy lance,
which, though christian in the story, are manifestly the
same as the Gaelic talismans which appear so often in
GaeHc tales, and which have relations in all popular
lore, — the glittering weapon which destroys, and the
sacred medicinal cup which cures.
May 18, 1861. — The fourteen verses numbered with an (•)
are inserted from a version written down for Sir Kenneth Mac-
kenzie, in 1850, at Gairloch, chiefly from the recitation of John]
MacPherson, then eighty-eight years old, and thus headed— "Howl
the might (neart) of the Great Fool got the victory over the 1
Glamour (druigheachd) of Mananan (mhananain), and how
THE STORY OP THE LAY OF THE GREAT FOOL. I 53
took his legs back again from him by his might." I am indebted
to Mr. Nicholson of Edinburgh, who had the MSS.
The twelve verses numbered with (f) are not in the Gairloch
version. The remaining thirty-seven verses are common to both.
No two verses, hardly two lines are identical ; but the variations
are slight, and the phonetic value of the words is preserved in
almost every instance. This seems a strong argument for the
traditional preservation of these poems.
2 and 3, which are not in my version, and 4, which is not in
the other, together lead me to suspect either that this was com-
posed to imitate an older poem, and to teach a moral lesson ; or
that some one has tried to give an old poem a moral turn. The
language of 2 and 3 is biblical ; 4 is magical, and so is the bulk of
the poem ; and the rhythm of 3 and 4 is different from the rest.
The bearing of this on "Welsh tradition is referred to elsewhere.
154
WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
Deek and Hound. — From a stone at Kirriemuir. — Sculptured Stones of
Scotland, PI. xlvi. See Stanza 15.
THE LAY OF THE GKEAT POOL.
1 — Bard.
Tale of wonder that was heard without lie,
Of the idiot to whom hosts yield,
A haughty son who yields not to arms,
Whose name was the mighty fool.
2*
The might of the world he had seized
In liis hands, and it was no rude deed.
It was not the strength of his blade or his shield,
But that the mightiest was in liis grasp.
Od his falling on a hidden glen,
Wherein he never hef'ore had staid,
Of loveliest strath and grass and plain,
And sound of the waves 'gainst each bright stone. (See 5.)
LAOIDH AN AMADAIN MHOIR. I 5 5
Elk. — From a stone in the churchj'ard of Meigle. — Sculptured Stones of
Scotland, PI. Ixxii. See note (2).
LAOIDH AN AMADAIN MHOIE.— (1.)
1
Sgeul uamharr a chualas gim bhreug,
Air òinid dli'an geill na sloigh ;
Mac meanmnacli uach dearg le airm,
D'am b'ainm an t-Amadan mor.
Neart an domhain. gii'n glilac e
'Na lamhaibh 's chu Idu ghniondi borb.
Cha be neart a sgeith no lainn,
Acli an treine bh' ann a blii na dliorn.
Air tachairt a'n gleann cliomhair dhò
Anns nach robh e fos roimli riamh,
A b' ailte srath a's fear a's fonn,
Fuaim nan toun ri slios gacli leug. (Gairlocli 4.)
56 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
3*
Lasting long ere we had come,
Many a chief is beneath his sway ;
Another little tale I'd tell,
Be it there discerned, and it is strange.
4t
A day when the mighty fool
Was in Lochlan's bounds in a magic cloud,
Himself and one beauteous dame,
As a woman her beauty sufficed.
Meeting in a vast shore-glen,
As a rose ever growing through it,
Floods, and strife, and grass, and sound,
Ptoar of waves on shore of sea.
6 GiLVEEN.
" There was seen," said Gilveen young,
" A gruagach of the yellowest cloak in the way,
A new coloured vessel in his grasp,*
Like to a cup in which was drink."
7t — Fool.
It was then the great hero spoke,
"Is it an empty flower I see Ì
It is, wlien gi-eatest is my thirst,
That it's coming were best for health."
8 — Gilveex.
" An earnest entreaty I make to thee,
Drink not his draught, take not his food,
Till tliou knowest what is the glen
"Wherein thou wert never before."
* Of flaming gold.
LAOIDH AX AJIADAIX MHOIR.
3*
A leantuin fad air dliuine teachd
'S iomadli ceud a tlia fu 'smaclid ;
Sgeul beag eile' dh' innsean aim
Tuigear thall 's gu blieil e ait.
4t
Latha do'n Amadan mlior,
An criochan Loclilann fo cheo draodli,-
E f hein agus aona ruhaca mna ;
Bu leoir a h-ailleaclid mar inlmai.
5
Tachairt an gleann diomliair, rodli,
Mar ròs fas roimhe rianih,
Sionan, streubh, a's feiir, a's fonn,
Stoirm nan tonn ri stios na lei.
6
" Chiinnacas," arsa Gilmliin og,
" Gruagacli 'san rod a's buidh brot,
Soitheacii ui', daite 'na dorn*
Coltach ri corn am biodh deoch.
7t
Sin nuair labhair Macabh mor,
" An e ròs fòs (') tha mi a reir ?
'San uair a's motba mo thart,
'S gii'm b' fliearr a tbeachd gu beatha.
8
" Achanaich a dh' iarrams' art,
Ka ol a dheocb 's na gabh a bhiadh,
Gu fiosraich gu de 'n gleami
Nach robh thu ann roimlie riandi."
* A dh' or laiste.
5» WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
9t — Gruagach.
After that had been spoken to him,
Out spoke the Gruagach of the Cup,
" Be not downcast stalwart youth,
Be merry and quaff thy draught."
10— Bard.
In the like commune with him
Out spoke he, and it was no wise speech.
He gave a haughty clashing dart,
And there was no drop in the cup but lie drank
11
Away went the Gruagach of the Cup :
Unlucky was the cup to drink,
The tw^o legs down from the knee
Were wanting to the mighty fool
12 GiLVEEN.
Then it was young Gilveen spoke,
" Great is this woe has befallen thee,
Scarce are thy friends in the great world ;
Unliked by them is thy Avant of feet.*
1 3 — Fool.
" Hist ! now thou Gilveen young,
Cease thy woe and be thou still,
No leg shall be under one in the land,
Or I myself will get my two feet."
Ut— Bard.
Tliere they wended the pair,
The woman and the hero of heaviest tread,
Swifter was he on liis two knees
Than six at their swdftness of foot.
* They'll not weep tby want of feet.
LAOIDH AN AMADAIX MHOIR. I 59
9t
All deigli sill fhoclachaclh cUiò
Gu 'u do bheaiinaicli gruagacli a' cliuirn,
" Na bi dubliacli oglaich mhoir ;
Bi subhacli as ol do dbeocL"
10
Air a' chomain chiadlma dhò,
Labliaii- esau 's cha b' e 'ghloir glilic ;
Thug e sitlieadli bruaisgneach borb,
'S cha robh braon 's a' chorn nach d' ibli.
11
Gu '11 d' imich gruagach a' chuirii,
Neo-bhuadhach a' chuirn ri ol ;
All da chois, fo'ii gliluin-shios,
Bha 'dhitli an Amadain mhoir.
12
'Sin nuair lab hair Gibnhin og,
" 'S mor am bron seo thainig ort,
'S tearc do charaid 'san domlian mhor,
'S ni neo-oil leo thu 'bhith gun chois."*
13
" Uist a nis a Ghihnhin og,
Sguir ad' bhron, a's bi nad' thosd ;
Cha bhi cas fo f hear as tir
Neo gheibh mi fliin mo dha chois."
14t
Dh' iinich iad an siud 'nan dis,
A bheaii 'san laoch bu truime trosd ;
Bu luaithe esan air a dha ghluin
Na seisear air luathas an cos.
* S cha bhron leo thu bhi gun chos.
;6o WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
15
They heard the hunt in the glen,
The voice of the hound and music sweet,
Eapidly chasing the elkf)
On the moorland that suited best.
IG
On the moorland that suited liest
Was seen the deer from the mountains wild,
The red eared and very white hound
Keenly baying upon his track.
17
Swiftly he gave a dart,
That sudden cast with his keen blade.
There was driven by force of the hero's hand
The sp'ear through the deer's two sides.
18— Fool.
They caught hold of the white stag-hoiuid,
And out of hand put him on leash,
" Be there making music by me,
Till one comes after thee from the chase."
19— Bard.
There was seen descending a glen
A Gruagach in full splendour of gold,
Hand on blade on his left side,
And his two spears and his shield in his grasp,
20
Certes they asked a tale from him,
Or what road the stranger used.
* They took an alternate tale about
* What was the land where they used to be.
LAOIDH AN AMADAIN MHOIR. I 6 1
15
Chual iad an fliagliaid 's a' ghleann ;
Guth gadhair ann a 's biiiii ceol
A' ruith na li-eilid gu dian
Air an f hireacli a b' iliearr doigh.
16
Air an f hireach a b' fhearr doigh,
Chimnacas fiadli o blieanuaibh l^orb,
'S gadhar cluas-dearg gle glieal
A' tabhann gu geur 'na lorg.
17
Thug esan sitheadh gu grad ;
An urchair chlis ud le lann geur ;
Thartadh, le neart lamh an laoich,
An t-sleagh roimh dha thaobh an Fheidh.
18
Blieir iad air a' ghadhar bhàn,
'S air a laimh gu 'n chuir air eilL
" Bi tu agam deanadh ciuil
Gu 'n d' thig fear o 'n iuil a' d' deigh."
19
Chunnacas a' tearnadh le gleann
Gruagach ann Ian dearsadh òir,
Lamh air lann air a thaobh cli,
'S a dha shleagh 's a sgiath 'na dhorn.
20
Dh' fhoighneachd iad sgeul deth gu beachd,
Na co'n rod a chleachd an aoidh ì
* Gabh iad sgeula dheth niu seach,
* Ciod i 'n tir a'n do chleachd a bhi.
102 west highland tales.
21 — Gruagach.
" Kidire Corcair is my name,
And on each sjiot I have victory won.
I am the Gruagach of the white stag-hound
That has fallen into tlaine hand."
22— Fool.
" Thou Gruagach of the handsomest mien,
I will give thee assurance of this,
That Gruagach of the white stag-hound
Shall not henceforth be said to thee.
23
" Will't not suffice thee, mighty son,
A make-weight or two to he in the scale Ì
As the whole of the hunt is beneath thy power
To leave the wliite stag hound with me.
24 — Gruagach.
" It is I, indeed, who made the hunt.
As the idiot is wrathful and fierce,
Whichever one is of strongest hand.
His be the white stag-hoimd and the deer."
25*
" Since my stag- hound has fallen to thee,
And thy feet are awanting,
Food and clothing take thy desire ;
I would give that to thee and thy wife.
26 GiLVEEN.
" Accept that, said Gilveen young,
And give the white stag-hoimd to him,"
" r 11 give him, and a speckled hound,
And if it pleased thee, a greater tiling."
* There seems to be some description of a figlit wanting lien
unless the Gairloch version is right.
" It is I myself who made the hunt,"
So said the fool fiercely.
LAOIDH AN AMADAIN 5IH0IR. I 63
21
" Ridire Corcair b'e m' aimn,
'S air gach ball gu 'n d' thug mi buaidk
'S niise gruagach a' ghadhair bliàin
A tharladli aim an laimli tliu ; ''
" A Gruagach ud a 's ailne dealbh
Bheir mise 'dhearbhadh sin duit,
Nach bi gruagach gadhair bain
As an seo ri radii riut."
23
" Nach fhoghainn leatsa 'jMhice mhoir
Leatrom no dha 'bliith 'san roinn,
'S an t-seUg uile 'bhith fo d' bhinn,
'S an gadhar ban a leiginn learn."
24
" 'S mise siu a rinn an t-seilg;
Mar tha'n t- Amadan garg, dian ;
'S ge b' e neach a's treise lamh
'S leis an gadhar ban 's am fiadli."
25
" 'S 0 tharUadh mo ghadhar ort,
Agus do chosan gu d' dhith,
Biadh a's aodach, gabli d'a reir,
Bheirinn dliuit f hein 's do d' mhnaoi
26
" Gabh siud," arsa Gihiihin og,
'S an gadhar ban a thoirt dhò."
" Bheiream agus gadhar breac,
'S 11a' b' aUl leat na bu mho."
164 west highland tales.
27— Bakd.
Then wended they on the three,
Under the guidance of the man.
He raised in the hollows of his sliield
The sUng-shaft ('), and the woman, and the deer.
28
Then was seen, appearing aside,
A still city fiUed with the glitter of gold,
And there was no hue that eye hath seen
That was not in plenty the court within.
29 — Fool.
Then asked the mighty fool,
" "Wliat was the city of gold by the way,
Of noblest form and most beauteous mien.
Shall I find out from whence it came Ì "
30 — Gruagach.
" Gold Yellow City is its name,
From Mount Modest and glens of gloom,*
And there are in it of guileful men.
But I only and my single dame.
31t
" Yonder glen that thou camest through.
Full of glamour it is always.
But Little it has taught to me
But to behold the worth of my dame.
32t
" A youiTg wife that I found in the tower,
The sight of an eye no better was,
Whiter than very snow is her form,
Gentle her eye, and her teeth like a flower."
* Perhaps " Glannasmoil," in the county of Dulilin, wliei'e
Fenian legends are localized.
LAOIDH AN AMADAIN MHOIR. I 65
27
Dli' imich. iad, an sin 'nan triair,
Anns an iuil a rinn am fear ;
Thog e 'n crannagaibh a sgiath
An crann-tabhuiU, 's am liadli, 's a' bhean.
28
Chminacas a' tighinn ri taobh
Cathair chaomh 's Ian dearsadli oir ;
'S cha robh datb a chimnaic suil
Nach robh anns a' chuirt na 's leoir.
29
Dh' f hoighneachd an t-Amadan mor,
" Co i 'cliathair oir, ri 'h-iiiil,
A's breagli crutli 's is ailne dreach Ì
'S am faigh mi mach co dbetli a tùs ?"
30
" 'Chatbair orbbuidh gii 'm b' e 'h-ainm
0 Dhun Tuirbb 's o gbleantna Smol,
'S cha 'n 'eil innt' a dJi'fbearaibb foil
Ach niise fòs a's m' aona bhean.*
31
" An gleann sin roimh d' thainig thu trid
Lan de dhraodhachd tha e 'glinath ;
'S beag a dh' f haogUiiim e dhomh f hein
Ach 'bhith 'g amharc beus mo mhna.
32t
" Bean og a f huair mi 'san tur
Nach robh amliarc sùl na b' f hearr ;
'S gile na gach sneachd a corp,
'S mall a rosg, 's a deud mar bhlath."
* A chatliair orruidli, and Dungarbli (Gairloch version), coiniiin
chrois ; a name incomprehensible.
1 66 west highland tales.
33* — Lady.
The dame of exceeding beauty blessed
Tlie Gruagach so lovely and brown.
" Who is the lady stately and young,
Or the big man thou hast yielded to?"
34* — Gruagach.
" The mighty Fool is his name,
And his wife is the yoimg Fairfine;
The men of the world are at his beck,
And the yielding to him was mine."
35*— Lady.
" I think marvellous what thou say'st,"
So said the young Fairfine ;
" If the men of the world are at his beck,
That he'd let his legs go with them."
36* — Gruagach.
" I '11 give thee my word, oh dame,
That the men of the Avorld are at his beck ;
And were it not glamour of Comain cross,
He'd not let his legs go with them."
37
" And now that I may go to the chase,
To the ruddy mountains and glens of gloom,
Do thou watch, my brother of love.
My house, my wife, and my store of gold !
38
" So long as I am without.
Do thou nor slumber or droop thy head.
Let never a man "nathLu
Or a man out, if one come in."
LAOIDH AN AMAD.UN MHOIR. I 67
33*
Bhearmaich a bhean a b f hearr snuagh
Do na Gruagach alumn donn.
" Co macan steudgheal og
No 'm fear mor d'an d' tlmg thu geill? "
34*
" An t amadan mor gur e ainm
'S a gheilbhirm og gur i 'bhean
Fir an domliain tha gu 'mhein
'S mise fein gu'n glieill da."
35*
■' 'S ioglmadh learn na tha thu agradh,"
'Se labhair a Gheilbhinu og ;
" Fir an domhain gu bheil gu' mhein
S gu leigeadh e a chasan leo."
36*
" Bheil- mise mo bhriathra' bhean
Fir an domhain gu bheil gu mliein ;
'S mar b' e druidlieachd Chomaia chrois
Cha leigeadh e a chasan leo."
37
Gu'n d' theid mise 'nis a shealg
A bheanntai dearg 's a ghleanntai smol ;
Mathaich thusa, 'bhrathair ghraidh,
Mo theach, 's mo mhnai, 's mo chuid oir.
38
Cho fad 's gu'm bi mise muigh
Ka deansa lochd 's na crom do cheann ;
Na leig duin' idir a steach ;
Na duine 'mach ma this ann."
[68 west highland tales.
39— Bard.
They went to the chase the three,
The clog, and the Gruagach, and the white stag-hound.
The two fair ones and the great son
Stayed waiting within the city of gold.
40— Fool.
Then outspoke the hero large,
" Gilveen young, here at my head,
A heavy sleep is enticing me.
We did not yield up in the glen."
41*— Bard.
He was not long in his sleep
A Gruagach came in from the way.
And gave a kiss to the Gruagach's dame.
And the lady was not ill pleased that he came.
42t — Bard and Gilveen.
The young wife sat beneath his head ;
In her mien she pictured a sun,
And said she to the stalwart youth,
" Thou hast slumbered, but not for thy good.
43
" Thou hast slumljered, but not for thy good.
There came a mighty warrior in
And gave a kiss to the Gruagach dame ;
Unlucky it is that the stranger came."
44 — Bard.
Up rose the mighty fool,
To the doorway went he,
Never struck blacksmith, tinker, or wright
A door more strongly than the angry wight.
LAOIDH AN AMADAIN MHOIR. 1 69
39
Dh' imicli iad a shealg 'nan triuir
An cu, 's an gruagaeh, 's an gacUiar ban ;
An dithis ban 's am macabh mor
Dh' flian 's a' cliathair oir ri h-iuil.
40
Sin do labbair Macabh mor,
" Ghilmhin og seo aig mo cheann
Tha 'n cadal trom 'gam bhuaireadh ;
M 'n òbamaid suas 's a' ghleann."
41*
Cha b' f hada bha e na shuain
Thainig Gruagacli a' rod a steach
'S do bhean a Gruagaich thug e pog
'S cha b' fhuathach leis un oigh a theachd.
42t
Gu'n shuidh an og-bhean fo 'cheann ;
Mac samhlaidh dealbha i ri grain ;
'S thuirt i ris an oglach mhor,
" Rinn thu suaimhneas, 's cha b' e t' f heum.
43
" Einn thu suaimlmeas, 's cha b' e t' f heum ;
Thainig gaisgeach treun a steach,
'S do 'n mhnaoi ghruagaich thug e pog ;
'S neo-bhuadliach an aoidh a theachd."
44
Dh' eirich an t-Amadan mor;
Thun an doruis a ghabh e.
Cha d' bhuail gobha, ceard, na saor,
Comlila, 's treise na 'n laoch borb.
i 7 o west highland tales.
45*— Fool.
" Unless I were sound enough
He liad not come in from the road,
Till comes tlie Gruagach of the golden doon,
With my will he goes not out."
46 — Gruagach.
Up rose the Avarrior straight and broAvn,
And the arms were seized by grasp.
" Leave the doorway, stalwart youth,
Thou art there instead of right."
47t — Fool,
Thus answered the warrior great
To the hero of the firm speech,
" Till he comes, the Gruagach who is out,
Thou shalt be in or thy head."
48*
" Still will I give my vows,
Though thou thinkest much of thy speech ;
When comes the Gruagach of the golden doon
He will repay thee for his wife's kiss."
49* — Gruagach.
" Wilt not suffice thee, thou mighty man,
Seven vats full of glittering gold.
Cattle and horses, and untaxed land,
Plain of the plains and the woman's doon V
50*
" Thou mayest get that, and to boot
My tissue vesture and horse,
WTio 's as ready on sea as on land,
If thou wilt but let me go out."
LAOIDH AN AMADAIN MHOIK. I 7 I
45*
" Mur bhithiim a' m' sliuain gn leor
Cha tigeadh e a' rod a steach
'S gus an tig Gruagach dun an oir
Le mo dlieoin cha teid e mach."
46
Dh' eirich an gaisgeach deas, donn,
S' ghlacadh leis na h-airm 'na dhorn,
" Fag an dorus oglaich mhoir ;
An àite coir a bhiodh tii ann."
47t
Air freagairt do Mhacabh mor,
Air a' ghaisgeach na gloir theann,
" Gu 'n d' tliig an gruagach. tha muigh
Bidh tusa steach no do chearux"
48*
" Bheir mise mo bhriathra fos
Ge mor leat na bheil thu ag' radh ;
Nuair thig Gruagach dun an oir
Gu'n diol e ort peg a mhna."
49*
" Nach foghnadh leatsa mliic a mhoir
Seachd Ian dabhaich 'a dli'or glan
Crodh a's eich fearann saor
Eaon nan raon a's dun nam ban."
50*
" Gheibheadh tu sin a's ni 's mo
Mo chulaidh shroil agus m' each
'S CO deas leis muir agus tir
A chionn mo ligeadh a mach "
172 west highlais'd tales.
51*— Fool.
" Still will I give my vows,
Though thou thinkest much of thy speech ;
Wlien comes the Gruagach of the tissue cloak,
He wiU rejiay thee for his wife's kiss."
52 — Gruagach.
" From the Gruagach of the Cup I got
Thy one foot to let me in ;
I '11 blow it beneath thee with joy
If thou leave the way to go out."
53 — Bard.
"With his own magic he blew
His one foot beneath him as ever it was,
And said the Gruagach, who was wise,
" It is time for me now to depart."
54_FooL.
Thus answered the warrior great,
" A Httle stay yet for a slow space,
The other foot for a stui-dy step,
I'll take from thee or thy head."
55 — Gruagach.
T\Tien the hero was in hard straits.
He suddenly sprang to the breast of his dame
" My comeliness I throw upon thee.
Guard me my feet and my hand "
56t— Fool.
" K death be a terror to thee.
For the dear wife of most beauteous mien.
The other foot thou wouldst give away
A refuge in that hour for thy head."
LAOIDH AN AMADAIN MHOIR. I 7 3
51*
" Bheir mise mo bhriathra fos
Ge mor leat na blieil tliii ag'radh
Gu'n tig Gruagacli a bhrait shroil
'S gu'n diol e ort pog a mhna."
52
" Fliuair mi o gliruagach a' cliuirn
Do leitli clios a m' leig a steach ;
Seideam fodliad i' gu m' dheoin,
'S ma leigeas an rod a mach."
53
Sheid esan le dhraodliachd fhein
A leitli-chos foidli mar bha i riamh ;
'S thuirt an gruagach a bba glic,
" Gut tim dhomli bliith nis a triall."
54
Ail" freagairt do Mhacabh mor,
" Stad beag fathasd gu foil mall ;
A cbas eile gu ceum cruaidh
Bheir mise uait no do cheann."
55+
Nuair a bha 'n gaisgeach an eàs cruaicUi,
Duibh leum gu luath ri uchd na mnai,
" Tilgidli mi mo ehuimriii {*) ort ;
Dion domli mo chosan 's mo lamh."
56t
" Ma 's h-eagal leat am bàs,
Do 'n ghraidli-bhean a 's ailne dealbh
A' chas eile bheireadh tu uait ; —
Didean, air an uair, dho d' cheann."
174 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
57t — Bard.
He was not allowed to come to words,
When the great one was uj^on him,
And unless t' other foot was given him
Slice in two ! ere he could cry for Fionn.
58* — Gruagach,
Then with his own glamour he put
His two legs under him as they were,
And said the Gruagach, who was wise,
*' It is time for me now to begone."
59 — Fool.
" These feet I have now got below
I yield not to thee nor to them,
Tlie day will not come that thou goest out,
Till comes the Gruagach of the golden doon."
60 — Gruagach.
" I am the Gruagach of the golden doon,
And great is my boast of thy good will.
And (I am) the Gruagach of the wliite stag hound
That fell into thy hand,
61t
" And that took these feet off thee
To try thy courage and thy force ;
I blow them beneath thee again,
Eight as straight as thou wert."
62*
" Youth of most beauteous mein,
I esteem thee great in each thing ;
It was I took thy legs off thee
To try thy valour and mind."
LAOIDH AN AMADAIX MHOIR. I 7 5
57t
Cha d' leigeadli gu focail dliò
Nuair bha 'm fear mor as a chionn ;
'S gun a chos eile tlioirt dliò,
Sgiol na dliu ma 'n goii-ear Fionn.
58*
Cliuir e'n sin lè dliruddlieacM fein
A dha chos fodha mar blia iad riamh
S thu' irt an Gruagach a bha glic
" 'S mitliicli a nis a bhi tiiall."
59
" Na casan seo flmair mi fodham
Cba leig mi leat iad na leo.
Cha d' tliig an la a theid tbu macli
Gus an d' tliig gruagach. Dhun an oir."
60
" 'S mise gruagach Dhim an oil-,
'S bu mhor mo bhosd os do riun,
Agus gruagach gadhair bhcàin
A tharladh arm an lamh thu.
Git
" 'S a thug na cosan ud diot
A dhearbhadh do ghniomh a's do lugh ;
Seideam fodhad iad a ris
Cheart cho direach 's a bha thu."
62*
" Oganaich is ailte dreach
Gur mor mo bheach ort 's gach cuis ;
'S gur mi bhiin do chasan d' iot
A dhearbhadh do ahniomh 's do thurn."
176 west highland tales.
63— Bard.
Then they laid hold hand on hand,
Love on love, and good will on good will,
One little tale on the dames,*
A wondrous tale heard without a lie.
* Together, like the fellowship of the Fane.
And so the tale passed away. — (Gairloch.)
(^) Fas, empty. Ròs, a flower — probably the cup is called a
flower.
C) The word is translated hind, roe, etc. It is the same word
as elk, but it means a stag here.
O Crann tabhail is translated "sling" in Armstrong; but
tabhail, according to the same authority, is " catapult ; " " Crann"
is a tree. It seems, then, that the word means some instrument
made partly of wood, and used iu the chase ; and I suspect it
means cross-how. Men are represented on the sculptured stones
of Scotland shooting with cross-bows. See p. 100.
(*) Cuimeir, neat, trim, well formed, elegance ; cuimrin, my
elegance, my elegant self
LAOIDH AN AMADAIN MHOIR. 177
63
Rug iad an sin lamli air lamh ;
Gaol air ghaol a's minn air mliinn ;
Aona sgeul beag air na mnai,
Sgeul uamharr' a chualas gun bkreig.
* Araon mar chomunn na Feinne
'S dh imich an sgeul mar sin.
Caogad, fifty. Ibh, to drink.
SiONAN, I do not know this word, unless it is a corruption of
sithean, a knoll. Stkedbh, I do not know unless it is strath, a
strath. The line might be read this way —
Sithean, srath, a's feur a's fonn.
Knoll, strath, grass, and land.
Stios na lei, I think is slios na lei. Lia, an old name for a
stream : on the side of the stream. Eòdh, I suspect, is " very
extensive." Maca mna, is, I think, a superior woman.
SÒITHEACH UR DAiTE na dorn, should be, I think, 'na dhorn.
H. M'L.
On the authority of Armstrong, and taking similar words, I
have put a meaning on the doubtful line, but I am not sure that
it is correct. See various readings, footnote. J. F. C.
178 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
LAOIDH AN AMADAIN MHOIR.
Bha dithis bhraithrean uair an Eirinn, 's fear dhiu 'na righ 's fear na
ridire. Bha iad posda le cheile. Air an ridire bha sliochd, 's cha
robh sliochd air an righ idir. Bu tamailteach leis an ridire 's le 'chuid
mac an riogbachd a bhith aig an righ idir. 'Se an ni a bh' ann
chruinnich iad arm le cheile air gach taobh. An latha blair a thug
iad mharbhadh an ridire 's a thriuir mac.
Bha bean an ridire trom, 's chuir an righ fios na 'm bu leanabh
mic a bhiodh aice a mharbhadh, ach na 'm bu leanabh nighinn a
bhiodh ann a chumail beo 's a ghleidheadh. 'Se gille a bh' aice ; 's
bha searbhanta cidsin a staigh aig an robh mac diolain ; 's e Braomall
a b' ainn di, agus 's e DomhnuU a bh' air a mac. Nuair a rugadh
mac an ridire theich i seo leis an dithis, mac an ridire 's a mac fhein.
Bha iad 'gam beathachadh air taillibh bean an ridire. Bha i 'n sin
latha 's eagal gu 'm biodh acras orra dh' fhalbh i gu baile a dh' iar-
raidh bklh dhaibh. Bha 'n t-acras orra, 's cha robh ise a' tighinn,
's chunnaic iad tri feidh a' tighinn ionnsuidh na botha. Bha mac an
ridire far an robh am fear eile 's dh' fhoighneachd a de na creutairean
a bha 'n siud. Dh' innis e dha gu'n robh creutairean air an robh
biadh agus aodach.
•' Na 'm b' f heairde sinne e bheirinn orra," ars' esan.
Ruith e 's rug e air na tri feidh, 's bha iad air coinneamh a
mhuime nuab- a thainig i. Dh' fheann i iad, 's dh' ith iad, 's rinn i
deise dhasan de cliraicinn nam fiadh. Bha iad mar seo gu doigheil
gus an do theirig na feidh 's an d' thainig an t-acras orra a rithis, 's
chaidh ise an sin thun a' bhaile. Thainig each mor a bheanadh do'n
righ de dh dh' each fiadhail far an robh iad. Dh' foighneachd esan
de Dhomhnull de 'm beathach a bha 'n siud.
I'Tha 'n siud beathach air am biotar a' deanadh spors; biotar air
a maiun ga mharcachd."
"Na'm bfheairde sinn e bheirinn air," ars esan.
" Thusa a luidealaich dhona a bheireadh air a bheathach 'ud ! dh,
fhairtlich e air duine s' an riogbachd breitb air." Cha d' fhulaing e
tuilleadh seanacbais, ach thainig e mu 'n cuairt 's bhuail e dorn air
Domhnull, 's chuir e 'n t-eanchainn as. Chuir e stob daraich roimh
a »rh1iiaia 's chroch e ri dorns na botha e.
"Bi an sincaogad thar mhiosa," ars' esan.
Shin e air an each an seo 's na craicinn slaodadh ris. Rug e air
an each 's chaidh e air a mhuin ; 's an t-each nach d' fhulaing duine
riamh fhaicinn thug e'n stabuU air leis an eagal. Bha brathair 'athar
LAOIDH AN AMADAIN MHOIR. I 79
an deigh mac fhaotainn o mhnaoi eile. Nuair a chunnaic esan am
paileas ghabh e suas le ioghnadh a choimhead paileas bhrathair 'athar.
Cha d' thubhaiit a mhuinie ris riamh ach an t-amadan mor agus
' Creud orm." Nuair a mhothaich esan mac bhrathair 'athar ag
iomain chaidh e far an robh e 's, " Creud orm," urs' esan.
"Co thusa," arsa mac an righ, "de dh' uaislean na de dh' an-
uaislean na rioghachd aig am bheil a leithid sin de chaint ? "
" Tha mise, an t-amadan mor, mac bean an ridire,dalta na banal-
trum, 's comlidhalta Dhomhnuill, mac na banaltrum, a' falbh a' dean-
adh amadanachd domh fliein, 's na b' (heudar e 's mi a dheauadh
aniadan diotsa cuideachd "
'■ Thusa a luidealaich dhona a dheauadh amadan dhiomsa," arsa
Mac an Righ.
Chuir e thairis an dorn 's chuir e 'n t-eanchainn as.
•' Bi thusa an sin caogad thar mhiosa mar a tha Domhnull mac
na banaltrum agus stob daraich roimh a chluais."
Ghabh e staigh an sin far an robh an righ, " Creud orm ; ars' esan.
"Co thusa," ars' an righ, "de dh' uaislean na de dh' au-uaislean
an rioghachd aig am bheil a leithid sin de chomhradh ? "
" 'Se mise an t- Amadan mor, mac bhean an ridire, dalta na banal-
trum, 's comhdhalta Dhomhnuill, mac na banaltrum, air falbh a"
deanadh amadanachd dhomh fhein, 's na 'm b' fheudar e 's mi a
dheanadh amadan diotsa cuideachd."
" Mata cha tu a rinn diomsa e ach mo chomhairleach an lath, a
mharbh mi t' athair nach do niharbh do mhathair."
Dh' fhalbh an righ an sin leis. A' h-uile h-aon an sin a bha ag
amas air 's a bhaile bha iad a' falbh leis, 's b' e siud am beannachadh
" Creud orm." Bha boireannach riomhach anns an rioghachd, 's bha
fachach mor an deigh a toirt air falbh. Smaointich an sluagh na'n
d' thugadh iad am fianuis a' bhoireannaich a bha 'n seo e, gu 'm gab-
hadh e cean urra, s' gu 'n leigeadh e'n sluagh air falbh ; gur docha gu
'n d' tiiigeadh iad eadar e fnein 's am fachach; 's gu 'm marbhadli
am fachach e. Leig e a chead do'n t-sluagh 's mharbh e am fachach.
Bha e 'n uair sin 'na Ian amadan.
i8o
WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
An Ox "the Points of whose Horns were ì>ai Ku-Aiir« instead of
BEING Forwards." — From a stone at Fowlis Wester, near Crieft'. — Sculptured
Stones of Scotland, PI. Ix. The sculjiture probably represents a procession
; an ox to be sacrificed.
LXXV.
GUAIGEAN LADHEACH S' LOIREAN
SPAGACH.
From Kate MacFarlane, as early as 1810, John Dewar,
October 1860.
THERE was at some time a king in Albainn wliose
name was Cumhal, and he had a great dog that
used to watch the herds. When the cattle were sent
out the dog would lead them to a place where there
might be good grass ; and the dog would herd them
there for the day, and in the evening he would bi-ing
them home.
There were certain people dwelling near to the
GUAIGEAX LADHRACH S LOIREAN SPAGACH. I b I
King's house, and they had one son, and they used to
send the son on matters to the king's house every even-
ing. There was one beautiful sunny evening, and the
boy was going to the king's house on a matter, and he
had a ball and a shinny, and he was playing shinny
forwards on the way to the king's house.* A dog
met him, and the dog began to play with the ball ; he
would hft it in his mouth and run with it. At last
the boy struck a blow on the ball while it was in the
dog's mouth, and he drove the ball down the dog's
throat ; he stuffed it down with the shank of the
shinny, and he choked the dog ; and since he had
choked the dog, he himself had to go and keep the
king's cattle instead of the dog. He had to drive out
the cattle in the morning, to drive them to good grass,
and to stay and herd them all day, for fear they should
be stolen, and to bring them home in the evening as
the dog used to do. So since he killed the dog, and
since it was in the place of the king's dog that he was,
it wag " Cu Chumhail " (Cual's dog) that they used to
say to him ; and afterwards they altered the name to
" Cuthullain." t
On a day of the days Cuchullin put out the cattle,
and he drove them to a plain that was there, and he
was herding them ; and he saw a giant who was so
big that he thought he could see the lift between his
legs, coming to the side where he was, and driving a
great ox before him ; and there were two great horns
on the ox, and their points were backwards instead of
being forwards. The giant came forward with the ox
where CuchulHn was, and he said,
* This is a common practice among Higliland laddies now.
t The writer means the Ossianic hero, commonly called
CuchulHn ; so I have followed the usual spelling rather than
Dewar's, which is but another way of expressing the same sound.
102 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
" I am going to take a while of sleep here, and if
thou seest any other man of the giants coming after
me, awaken me. It may be that I will not easily he
wakened, but waken thou me if thou canst."
" What is waking to thee ] " said Cuchullin.
" It is," said the giant, " to take the biggest stone
thou canst find and strike me on the chest with it, and
that will Avake me."
The giant lay and slept and his snoring was as
loud as thunder. But sleep was not long for him, till
Cuchullin saw another giant coming,' who was so big
that he thought he could see the lift between his legs.
Cuchullin ran and he began to awaken the first
giant that came, but waken he Avould not. Cuchullin
was shoving him, but his wakening could not be done ;
but at last he lifted a great stone, and he struck the
giant in the chest with it. The giant awoke, and he
rose up sitting, and he said, " Is there another giant
coming ] "
" There is ; yonder he is," said Cuchullin, as he
held his forefinger towards him.
The giant struck his two palms on each other, and
he said, "Ach, he is !" and he sprang on his feet.
The other giant came forwards, and he said, " Yes !
Ghuaigean làdhraich,* thou hast stolen my ox."
" I did not steal it, Loirean Spàgaich,"t said he, " I
took it with me in the sight of every man as my own."
Shamble Shanks seized one horn of the ox to take
it with him, and Crumple Toes seized the other.
Shamble Shanks gave a swift jerk at the horn Avhich
he had in his hand, and he took it off the bone ; he
threw it from him with all his strength, and he drove
* Crump-footed, toe-ish.
f Straddling tracker, or shambling shanks. A band^-legged
man is spagach.
GUAIGEAN LADHRACH s' LOIREAN SPAGACH. I 8 3
it into tlie earth, point foremost, and it went down into
the earth to the root. Then he seized the bone, and
the two hauled at the ox to drag it from each other.
At last the head of the ox split, and the ox tore
asunder down through his very middle to the root of
the taU. Then they threw the ox from them, and
they began at wrestling ; and that was the wrestling !
there was no knowing which of them was the stronger.
Cuchullin came to bring aid to Crumple Toes ; he
could not reach up aloft to give a blow to Shamble
Shanks with a sword which he had, but he began to
cut at the back of his legs to try to make a stair up
the back of the giant's legs, up wliich he might climb
to give him a blow of his sword.
Shamble Shanks felt something picking the back
of his legs, and he put down his hand and he threw
CuchuUiu away ; and where should Cuchullin go but
foot foremost into the horn of the ox, and out of the
horn he coidd not come. But at the time that Sham-
ble Shanks was throwing CuchulHn away, Crumple
Toes got a chance at him and Shamble Shanks was
levelled, and Crumple Toes got him killed.
'\^^len that was done he looked about for CuchuUin,
but he could not see him ; and he shouted, " Where
art thou now, thou little hero that wert helping me ?"
Quoth Cuchullin, '' I aili here in the horn of the
ox."
The giant went to try to take liim out, but he
could not put his hand far enough down into the
horn ; but at last he straddled his legs and he drove
his hand down into the horn, and he got hold of
CuchulUn between his two fingers, and he brought him
up. CuchullLu went home with the cattle at the going
down of the sun, and I heard no more of the tale.
John Dewar.
184 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
I have not given the Gaelic of this, because there is nothing
peculiar in the language. It is curious as having a general resem-
blance to the adventures of Jack the Giant Killer and Tom Thumb,
Thor, and other such worthies; and as showing two well-known
Ossianic heroes in a nursery tale, as "early as 1810." Curahal the
father of Fionn ; and Cuchullin.
I have another version of th^se incidents in a story dictated by
Neil Macalister, Port Charlotte, Islay, and written by Mr. Carmichael
at the request of my old friend, John MacLean, of Coulabus.
The Feinn were all in Islay to drive away the Lochlanners, and
when they had succeeded, Cuchullin fell in with a fairy sweetheart,
who had flocks and herds, and he staid, while the rest went north to
fight the Lochlanners in Skye. The fairy sweetheart bore a son, and
by desire of his father, called him Conlaoch. There was a neighbour
called Garbh Mac Stairn, who was far stronger than Cuchullin, and
one day he went to take his fine light-coloured bull. Cuchullin dis-
guised himself as herd, met the giant, told him his mistress was ill in
bed, and then ran round, and got into bed behind her. The wife said
she had got a baby, and the giant poked his finger into his mouth, to
see if he would make " fisean Cuin," a whelp of Conn, and the hero
bit him to the bone. The wife complained of the draught from the
door, lamenting her husband's absence, for he would turn the house
away from the wind. The big man tried, but could not, so he made
oflf to the cattle. The seeming herd got there before him, and they
seized the bull by the horns, and tore him in two. Then they try
the feats which Cuchullin could do. The giant carries a millstone
which the herd cannot lift, to a hill top, and the herd rides it to the
bottom. The giant tries, and gets many a hard fall. They go to a
rock more than a hundred fathoms high, and perform a feat which
used to be attributed to Islay boys ; they " measure two feet and two
fists " over the edge. The giant puts one heel on the edge, the other
against his toe, stoops, and places his clenched hands on each other, on
the other toe ; and tumbles headlong into the " fierce black green sea."
Cuchullin gives a feast, and then goes to Skye to help Fionn>
leaving a ring for his son. He grows up and follows, and his mother
swears him never to tell his name till forced. Conlaoch finds
the Feinn fighting at " Thaigh Mheile aun an Dura." Fionn
sends to find out his name. Conan goes ; they fight, and Conan is
beat. Cuchullin goes, and the son keeps him off with his sword.
They go out into the sea, to the bands of their kilts, to try "cath
builg," and they cast their spears at each other, but the son casts shaft
THE STORY OF COXALL GULBAN. I 6 5
foremost. At last he is pierced by his father, and discovers himself;
and they curse the fairy mother. The last few lines are fragments of
a poem, and make sis verses. " The death of Conlaoch " is told in an
undated quarto MSS. in the Advocates' Library, the action is partly
in Scythia, and there is much more incident. The poem of
" Carthon," is founded on the incidents, but the names are different.
This then is old, Ossiauic, mytliological, and Celtic ; it is common to
Scotland and Ireland ; to MSS., print, and tradition.
See Carleton Irish stories, Dublin, 1846, p. 107, etc.
LXXVI.
CONALL GULBAjS^; OE GUILBEmACH,
OE GULBAIENEACH.
In translating tliis I have departed from my first jilan,
which was to give in all cases exactly what I got from
one man, and abstracts of other versions. In this case
the longest version was translated ; and to it passages
and notes were added from tliree other written versions :
and from two of which I took notes myself. Where
the same incidents are given by two men in different
words, the passage which seemed best has been selected.
Where one version has an additional incident which
the rest have not, it is inserted in its order. Where
versions vary, the variation is given in a note. Thus
many passages are substituted and inserted, but I have
carefully avoided adding anytliing of my own invention.
At the earnest request of the pulDlishers, the Gaelic
of this long story is omitted, to make room for other
matter ; but the manuscript is preserved, and some
few curious passages are given in foot notes.
The chief "author," as the scribe calls him, is
John MacNair, who lives at Clachaig, near the powder
mills at Dimoon. The scribe is John Dewar, a labourer
now working in the woods at Eosneath, and their ver-
1 86 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
sion fills sixty foolscap pages. I find that there is a
tendency to change dialogue into narrative in writing
a story, as is the case here ; but when these men tell
stories, dialogue predominates.
MacNair, who is a shoemaker, got the story about
thirty-five years ago from an old man named Duncan
Livingston, who lived in Glendaruel, and was then
about sixty -five. Dewar says that he was a shoemaker,
and grandfather to another old shoemaker, James
Leitch, who Hves at Eas klachain in Glendaruel, and
from whose dictation Dewar has taken down several
long and curious stories which I have. Leitch says
that his grandfather " had Ossian's Poems by heart,"
and many tales " sgeidachd ;" and a list of those Avho
still know the latter is given.
Of Livingston, MacNair says —
" I have an interesting story about that old man. In the time
of the American war, the laird was pressing the tenants to go,
and this old man seemed not willing ; so they pursued him
through a deep river or burn, as we call it ; and when he saw he
could not escape, he placed his leg between two stones and
snapped it in two, so they had to carry him home."
The second version was written by Hector Mac-
Lean, and fills twenty-five pages. The reciter was
Alexander MacNeill, who hves in Barra, and who
names as his authorities several old men. He also
recited No. XXXVI.
The third was also written by MacLean, from the
telling of John MacGilvray, labourer, Colonsay, in
July 1860. It fills fourteen pages, and has tMs tra-
dition attached to it, — " Two ministers, long ago,
desirous of trying the powers of the Gaelic language,
composed this story and the Knight of the Eed Shield
(No. LIL). MacLean suggests two Monks of lona.
The fourth was written by Mr. Fraser of Mauld,
THE STORY OF CONALL GULBAN. I by
near Beaulay, Inverness-shire, and fills six pages. It
was told by Dugald Martin in Crochal.
I have heard the story told by various reciters,
particularly by Donald MacPhie in South Hist, and
Charles Maclntyre in Benbecula. The latter spoke
for an hour. I did not time the former, but he spoke
for a long time, and I thought his version the most
consistent and the most complete story which I had
then heard.
The story then is very widely spread in Scotland
— from Beaulay on the east, to Barra on the west, and
Dunoon and Paisley in the south. No two give it in
the same words, or give exactly the same incidents ;
but MacXair's version written in Dunoon, and Mac-
Neill's in Barra, -WTitten independently by different
scribes, so far as they go together, closely resemble each
other.
Dewar, who is a very intelligent man, suggests
that the story is " purely Irish," and that " it was
composed about the time of the crusade, as it tells
about the Turks invading the Idng of lubhar's country."
He thinks the Green Isle is one of the Orkneys.
" Imise terrain, the isles of noise. Ossian's poem
on Cathul," so called because covered with fir trees
and with large rocks facing the sea, against which the
waves make a great noise." (There are no trees in
Orkney.) Dewar does not think this tale so old as
many of the others which he has written for me.
My own opinion is that the story is mixed with the
adventures of the Norse sea rovers who frequented the
Western Isles ; and that it is impossible to say whether
it was composed in Ireland or in Scotland ; but it is
clear that it was composed a long time ago, and by some
one able to imagine and carry out an elaborate plot.
There are many old men in Scotland, widely separated,
1 88 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
and who cannot read, who know the story and can
remember the plot, in whole or in part ; so it must be
old. It is also known in Ireland. I have traced the
incidents amongst Irish labourers in London. One
man, a bricklayer, had " seen Conall Gulban in an Irish
manuscript ;" and a story so called is mentioned in the
transactions of the Ossianic Society of Dublin.
THE STOEY OF COXALL GULBAN.
npHERE was at some time a young king in Eirinn,
-*- and when he came to man's estate the high coun-
sellors of the realm were counselling him to marry ;
but he himself was inclined to go to foreign countries
first, so that he might get more knowledge, and that
he might be more instructed how the realm should be
regulated ; and he put each thing in order for matters
to be arranged till he should come back. He staid
there a while till he had got every learning that he
thought he could get in that realm. Then he left
Greece and he went " do'n Eheadailte," to the Italy to
get more learning. When he was in that country he
made acquaintance with the young king of " an lubh-
air," and they were good comrades together ; and when
thej'' had got every learning that they had to get in
Italy, they thought of going home.
The young king of the lubhar gave an invitation
to the young king of Eirinn that he should go to the
realm of the lubhar, and that he should stay a while
there with hun. The young king of Eirinn went with
him, and they were together in the fortress of lubhar
for a while, at sports and himting.
The king of Iixbhar had a sister who was exceed-
ingly handsome ; she was " stuama beusach," modest
THK STOEY OF CONALL GULB.VN. I »9
and gentle in her ways, and she was right (well) in-
structed. The young king of Eirinn fell in love with
her, and she fell in love Avith the young king of Eirinn,
and he was willing to marry her, and she was willing
to marry him, and the king of lubhar was willing that
the wedding should go on ; but the young king of
Eiriun went home first, and he gathered together the
high coruisellors of the realm, and he told them what
he desired to do ; and the high counsellors of the
realm of Eirinn counselled their king to marry the
sister of the Idng of lubhar.*
The king of Eirinn went back and he married the
king's sister ; and the king of the lubhar and the king
of Eirinn made " co-cheanghal " a league together. If
straits, or hardship, or extremity, or anything counter
should come upon either, the other was to go to his aid.
"When they had settled each thing as it should be,
the two kings gave each other a blessing, and the king
of Eirinn and his queen went home to Eirinn.
At the end of a little more than a yeart after that
they had a young son, and they gave hiin Eobhan as a
name. Good care was taken of him, as should be of a
king's son. At the end of a little more than a year
after that they had another son, and they gave him
Claidliean as a name. Care was taken of this one as
had been taken of liis brother ; and at more than a
year after that they had another son, and they gave
* This seems to shew that Celtic kings did not act without
the consent of their chiefs ; and this appears in other places, in
this, and in many other stories. lubhar is a name for Newry
but the story is not consistent with the supposition that Newry
is meant. I suspect Jewry is the word, and that the Holy Land
is meant.
t The island reciters always say, " at the end of three quar-
ters," etc.
190 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
him Conall as a name, and care was taken of him as
had been taken of the two others.*
* The parentage and education of Conall are differently given,
in a very good though short version, written by Mr. Fraser of
Mauld. It is called the tale of Conall Guilbeanach, sou of the
King of Eirinn, and Gealmhaiseach mhin (fair, beauteous, smooth)
daughter of the King of Lochlann.
A king of Eirinn was fond of the chase, and on a fine spring
day he chased the deer till he lost his dogs, and his people. In
the gray of the evening he sat on the side of a green knoll, be-
hind the wind and before the sun, and he heard a voice beside
him say, " Hail to thee, King of Eirinn." " Hail to thyself thou
old gray man," said the king.
The old man took him into the mountain, and there he saw
what he had never seen before ; such food and drink, meat and
music, and dancing, and the old man had a beautiful daughter.
He slept that night ; and when he arose in the morning he heard
the cry of a child ; and he had to stay for the christening of his
son, and he was named Conal Guilbeanach.
The king sent him venison from time to time, and he grew up
to be a stalwart youth, swift and strong.
Then war sprung up between the King of Eirinn and the King
of Lochlann ; and the king sent Caoilte (one of the Feine), the
swiftest man in the realm, for Conall, and be could not keep up
with Conall on the way home.
The old gray man gave him a sword, and he said, " Here is
for thee, Conall, A Gheur Ghlas (the keen gray), that I got myself
from Ossean MacOscar na Feinne, etc.
An old man in Benbecula, Donald Maclntyre, told me this
story in 1859. It lasted about an hour, and I did not take notes,
but his version was the same as Mr. Fraser's, so far. A king of
Eirinn gets lost in a magic mist, is entertained by a giay old
man, stays in his house for a night, sees the man's daughter,
" and wheresoever the girl slept, it was there the king rose in the
morning." He had been there a year and a day. Conall was
born, and when the king went home he said nothing about his
adventures.
The man who was sent for Conall, when war broke out with
THE STORY OF CONALL GULBAX. I9I
T&ey were coming on well, and at the fitting time
a teacher was got for them. A\Tien they had got about
as much learning as the teacher could give them, they
were one day out at play, and the king and the queen
were going past them, and they were looking at their
clanm
Said the C[ueen, " This is well, and well enough,
but more than this must be done for the children yet.
I think that we ought to send them to Gruagach Bhein
Eidinn to learn feats and heroes' activity (luth ghaisge),
and that there is not in the sixteen realms another that
is as good as the Gruagach of Beinn Eidinn.*
The king agreed with her, and word was sent for
the Gruagach. He came, and Eobhan and Claidhean
were sent Avith him to Beia Eidinn to learn feats and
the Turks, and the king's two sons refused to stay, was so swift
that he could cover seven ridges at a stride ; but Conall beat him
at all feats of agility, and when he came home with him he was
seven ridges before him ; and as he went he kept a golden apple
playing aloft with the points of bis two spears, etc.
Old Donald MacPhie, in South Uist, also told me the story.
Like all versions which I have heard, it was full of metrical prose
passages, " runs " as they are called. His version agreed with
Maclntyre's as to the parentage of Conall.
The correct reading then seems to be, that Conall's two bro-
thers were the sons of the queen, but that the hero was the son
of the daughter of Gruagach (?the Druid) of Beinn Eudain, an
old gray man, who lived in the mountain, and who had been a
comrade of Oisean and the Feine.
Conall had the blood of the ancient heroes in his veins, and
they helped their descendant.
• * Dewar says, " a master of arts and sciences, a title, old
Gaelic;" but he says so only on the authority of his stories. I
suspect the word to be the same as Druidhach, a Druid or magi-
cian ; and that this relates to some real school of arms and warlike
exercises. What the sixteen realms may mean I don't know.
192 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
activity, and what thing so ever besides the Gruagach
could teach them.
They thought that Conall was too young to send
him there at that time. When Eobhan and Claidhean
were about a year by the Gruagach, he came with them
to their father's house ; they were sent back again, and
the Gruagach was giving every learning to the king's
childi-en. He took them with liini one day aloft up
Beinn Eidinn, and wlien they were on high about half
the mountain, the king's children saw a round brown
stone, and as if it were set aside from other stones.
They asked what was the reason of that stone being
set aside so, rather than all the other stones on the
mountain. The Gruagach said to them that the name
of that stone was Clach nan gaisgeach, the stone of the
heroes. Any one that could lift that stone till he
could place the wind between it and earth, that he was
a hero.
Eobhan went to try to lift the stone ; he put his
arms about it, and he lifted it up to his knees ;
Claidhean seized the stone, and he put the wind be-
tween it and eaith.
Said the Gruagach to them, " Ye are but young
and tender yet, be not spoiling yourselves with things
that are too weighty for you. Stop till the end of a
year after this and you will be stronger for it than you
are now."
The Gruagach took them home and taught them
feats and activity, and at the end of a year he took
them again up the mountain. Eobhan and Claidhean
went to the stone ; Eobhan lifted it to liis shoulder
top, and set it doAvn ; Claidliean lifted the stone up to
liis lap, and the Gruagach said to them, " There is
neither want of strength or learning with you ; I will
give you over to your father."
THE STORY OF COXALL GULBAX. I 93
At the end of a few clays after that, the Gruagach
Avent home to the king's house, and he gave them to
their father ; and he said that the king's sons were
the strongest and the best taught that there were in
the sixteen reahns. The king gave thanks and reward
to the Gruagach, and he sent Conall -udth him.
Tlie Gruagach began to teach Conall to do tricks
and feats, and Conall pleased him well ; and on a day
he took Conall -n-ith him up the face of Beinn Eidinn,
and they reached the place Avhere the round brown
stone was. Conall noticed it, and he asked as his
brothers had done ; and the Gruagach said as he said
before. Conall put his hands about the stone, and he
put the Avind between it and earth ; and they went
home, and he was with the Gruagach getting more
knowledge.
Tlie next year after that they went up Beinn
Eidinn where the round broA\Ti stone was. Conall
thought that he would try if he was (na bu mliurraiche)
stronger to lift the heroes' stone. He caught the stone
and he raised it on the top of the shoulder, and on the
faggot gathering place of liis back, and he carried it
aloft to the top of Beion Eidinn, and ào^Yn to the
bottom of Beinn Eidinn, and back again ; and he left
it where he found it.
And the Gruagach said to him, " Ach ! thou hast
enough of strength, if thou hast enough of SAviftness."
The Gruagach shewed Conall a black thorn bush
that was a short way from them, and he said, " If thou
canst give me a bloAV with, that black thorn bush
yonder, before I reach the top of the moimtain, I may
cease giving thee instructions," and the Gruagach ran
up the hill.
Conall sprang to the bush ; he thought it would
take too much time to cut it with his sword, and he
194 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
pulled it out of the root, and he ran after the Gruagach
with it ; and before he was but a short way up the
mountain, Conall was at his back striking him about
the backs of his knees with the black thorn bush.
The Gruagach said, " I will stop giving thee in-
structions, and I wiU go home and I wiU give thee up
to thy father."
The Gruagach wished to go home with ConaU, but
ConaU was not willing tiU he shoidd get every know-
ledge that the Gruagach could give him ; and he was
with him after that more than a year, and after that
they went home.
The king asked the Gruagach how ConaU had
taken up his learning. " It is so," said the Gruagach,
" that Conall is the man that is the strongest and best
taught in the sixteen realms, and if he gets days he
will increase that heroism yet."
The king gave full reward and thanks to the
Gruagach for the care he had taken of his son. The
Gruagach gave thanks to the king for the reward he
had given liinu They gave each other a blessing, and
the Gruagach and the king's sons gave each other a
blessing, and the Gruagach went home, and he was
fuUy pleased.*]
The young King of Eirinn and the king of
Laidheann were comrades, and fond of each other;
and they used to go to the green mound to the
* So far, I have followed MacNair's version, which is the only
one with this part. I have shortened it hy striking out repeti-
tions ; but I have followed Dewar's spelling of the names. The
next bit may be but another version of the education of the war-
rior, but it seems as if something were wanted to complete it. It
is the beginning of the story as told in Barra, and I give it as
part of the same thing. It agrees with the mysterious origin of
♦I'onall.
THE STORY OF CONALL GULBAX. I 95
side of Beinn Eudain to seek pastime and pleasm*e of
mind.
The King of Eirinn had three sons, and the King
of Laidheann one daughter ; and the youngest son that
the King of Eirinn had was Conall. On a day, as they
were on the green mound at the side of Beinn Eudain,
they saw the seeming of a shower gathering in the
heart of the north-western airt, and a rider of a bkck
filly coming from about the shower ; and he took (his
way) to the green moimd where were the Eang of
Eirinn and tlie Iving of Laidheann, and he blessed
the men, and he inquired of them. The King of
Eirinn asked what he came about ; and he said that
he was going to make a request to the King of Eirinn,
if it were so that he might get it. The King of Eirinn
said that he should get it if it should be in his power
to give it to him.
" Give me a loan of a day and a year of Conall
thy son."
" I myself promised that to thee," said the King
of Eirinn ; " and unless I had promised thou shouldst
not get him."
He took Conall A^àth him. Xoav the King of
Eirinn went home ; he laid do'mi music, and raised up
woe, lamenting his son ; he laid vows on himself that
he would not stand on the green mound till a day and
a year should run out. There then he was at home,
heavy and sad, till a day and a year had run.
At the end of a day and year he went to the green
moimd at the side of Beinn Eudain. There he was a
while at the green mound, and he was not seeing a
man coming, and he was not seeing a horseman com-
ing, and he was imder sorrow and under grief. In the
same airt of the heaven, in the mouth of the evening,
he saw the same shower coming, and a man upon a
196 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
black filly in it, and a man behind Mm. He went to
the green mound where the man was coming, and he
saw the Iving of Laidlieann.
" How dost thou find thyself. King of Eirinn Ì "
" I myself am but middling."
" What is it that lays trouble on thee. King of
Eh-inn V
" There is enough that puts trouble upon me.
There came a man a year from yesterday that took
from me my son ; he promised to be with me this day,
and I cannot see his likeness coming, himself or my
son."
" "Wouldst thou know thy son if thou shouldst see
him?"
" I think I sliould know him for all tlie time he
has been away."
" There is thy son for thee then," said the lad who
came.
" Oh, it is not ; he is unlike my son ; so great a
change as might come over my son, such a change as
that coidd not come over him since he went away."
" He is all thou hast for thy son."
" Oh, you are my father, surely," said Conall.
" Thanks be to thee, king of the cliiefs and the
mighty ! that Conall has come," said the King of
Eirinn ; " I am pleased that my son has come. Any
one thing that thou settest before me fn- bringing my
son home, thou shalt get it, and my blessing."
" I will not take anything but thy blessing ; and
if I get thy blessing I am paid enough."
He got the blessing of the King of Eirinn, and
they parted ; and the King of Eirimi and his children
went home.]
After the sons of the King of Eirinn had gotten
their learning, they themselves, and the king and the
THE STORY OP CON ALL GULBAN, I 97
queen, were in the fortress ; and they were full of
rejoicing with music and joy, when there came a mes-
senger to them from the King of lubhar, telling that
the Turcaich were at war with him to take the land
from him ; and that the realm of lubhar was sore be-
set by the Turks ; that they were (lionar neartmhor
s' bore) numerous, powerful, and proud (ra gharg),
right fierce, merciless without kindUness, and that
there were things incomprehensible about them ;
though they were slain to-day they would be alive to-
morrow, and they would come forward to hold battle
on the next day, as fierce and furious as they ever
were ; and the messenger was entreating the King of
Eirinn to go to help the King of lubhar, according to
his words and his covenants.* The King of Eirinn
must go to help the King of the lubhar, because of
the heavy vows : if strife, danger, straits, or any hard-
ship should come against the one king, that the other
king was to go to help liim.t] JiacNa
They put on them for going ; and when they had
put on them for going away, they sent away a ship
with provisions + and with arms. There went away
right good ships loaded with each thing they might
require ; noble sliips indeed. The King of Eirinn and
the King of Laidheann gave out an order that every
man in the kingdom should gather to go.
* All versions agree that there was war between Eirinn and
the Turks.
t This is the fullest version. MacNeill gives the same inci-
dents in a very few words. The Colonsay man, MacGilvray,
begins here. " The King of Eirinn thought that he would go to
put the Turks out of the realm of the Emperor — Impire.
Another version also says that the king had gone to put the
Turks out of the realm of the Emperor.
* The word provGOshon has been adopted by reciters.
198 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
The King of Eirinn asked, " Is there any man
about to stay to keep the wives and sons of Eirinn,
till the King of Eh'inn come back] Oh thou, my
eldest son, stay thou to keep the kingdom of Eirinn
for thy father, and thine is the third part of it for his
life, and at his death."
" Thou seemest light minded to me, my father,"
said the eldest son, " when thou speakest such idle
talk ; I would rather hold one day of battle and com-
bat against the great Turk, than that I should have
the kingdom of Eirinn altogether."
" There is no help for it," said the king. " But
thou, middlemost son, stay thou to keep the kingdom
of Eirinn for thy father, and thine is the half for his
life, and at his death."
" Do not speak, my father, of sucli a silly thing !
Wliat strong love should you have yourself for going,
that I might not have V
" There is no help for it," said the King of Eirinn.
" Oh, Conall," said the king, " thou that hast ever
earned my blessing, and that never deserved my curse,
stay thou to keep the wives and sons of Eirinn for thy
father until he himself returns home again, and thou
shalt have the realm of Eirinn altogether for thyself,
for my life, and at my death."
" Well then, father, I will stay for thy blessing,
and not for the realm of Eirinn, though the like of
that might be."*]
The king thought that Conall was too young for
the realm to be trusted to him ; he gathered his high
counsellors and he took their counsel about it. The coun-
* The Colonsay version and MacNair's give the same incidents ;
and Conall says that if the others get as much as Eirinn, they
will be well off. "Thou art wise, Conall," said the king; and
Conall was crowned King of Eirinn before they staited.
THE STORY OF COXALL GULB.VX. I 99
sellors said that Conall was surely too young, but that
was (faillinn a bha daonan a dol am feobhas) a fail-
ÌDg that was always bettering ; though he was young,
that he would always be gro-^ing older ; and that as
Eobhan and Claidliean would not stay, that it was best
to trust the realm to Conall.] siacXair.
Then here went the great nobles of Eirinn, and
they put on them for going to sail to the realm of the
Tuirc, themselves and the company of the King of
Laidhean altogether.*] MacNeiu.
They went aAvay, and Conall went along with them
to the shore ; he and his father and his brothers gave
a blessing to each other ; and the King of Eirinn and
his two sons, Eobhan aud Claidhean, went on board of
a ship, and they hoisted the speckled flapping sails up
against the tall tough masts ; and they sailed the
ship fiulpandet fiullandet. Sailing about the sandy
ocean, where the biggest beast eats the beast that is
least, and the beast that is least is fleeing and hiding
as best he may ; and the ship would spht a hard oat
seed in the midst of the sea, so well would she steer ;
and so she was as long as she was in the sight of
ConalL
And Conall was heavy and dull when his father
and brothers left him, and he sat down on the shore
and he slept ; and the wakening he got was the one
wave sweeping him out, and the other wave washing
him in against the shore.
Conall got up swiftly, and he said to himsel:^ " Is
this the first exploit I have done ! It is no wonder
my father should say I was too young to take care of
the realm, since I cannot take care of myself"
* The other versions do not say that the company cf the King
of Laidhean went, but it is implied.
t Bounding. + Seaworthy.
2 00 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
He went home and he took better care of himself
after that.]
There was not a man left in the realm of Eirinn
but Conall ; and there was not left a man* in the
realm of Laidheann, but the daughter of the King of
Laidheann, and five hundred soldiers to guard f her.
Anna Diucalas, daughter of the King of Laidheann,
was the name of that woman, the very drop of Avoman's
blood that was the most beautiful of all that ever stood
on leather of cow or horse. Her father left her in his
castle, with five hundxed soldiers to keep her ; and she
had no man with her in Laidheann but the soldiers,
and Conall was by liimself in the realm of Eirinn.
Then sorrow^ struck ConaU, and melancholy that he
should stay in the realm of Eirinn by himself j that he
liimself Avas better than the people altogether, though
they had gone away. He thought that there was nothing
that would take his care and his sorroAV from off him
better, than to go to the side of Beinn Eudainn to the
green mound. He went, and he reached the green
mound ; he laid his face downwards on the liillock, and
he thought that there was no one thing that would suit
himself better, than that he shoidd find his match of
a woman. Tlien he gave a glance from him, and what
should he see but a raven sitting on a heap of snoAV ; }
* A man, duine, means a human being.
t Guard, this is an English word which has crept into Gaelic
stories ; saighdair probably meant archer ; it means soldier.
I This incident, with variations, is common. It is clear that
the raven ought to have been eating something to suggest the
blood ; and so it is elsewhere.
Mr. Fraser of Mauld, Inverness, East Coast.
He had gone to see his grandfather, the mysterious old gray
man.
" When he got up in the morning ttiere was a young snow,
THE STORY OF CONALL GULBAN. 20I
ami he set it before him that he would not take a wife
forever, but one whose head should be as black as the
raven, and her face as fair as the snow, and her cheeks
as red as blood. Such a woman was not to be found,
but the one that the King of Laidheann left within in
his castle, and it would not be easy to get to her, for
all the soldiers that her father left to keep her ; but he
tliought that he could reach her.
He went away, and there went no stop on Iris foot
nor rest on his head, till he reached the castle in which
was the daughter of the King of Laidlieann.] MacNeiii.
He took (his burden) upon him, and he went on
board of a skiff, and he rowed till he came on shore on
the land of the king of Laidheann.* He did not know
ami the raven was upon a spray near him, and a bit of flesh in
his beak. The piece of flesh fell, and Conall went to lift it ; and
the raven said to him, that Fair Beauteous Smooth was as white
as the snow upon the spraj', her cheek as red as the flesh that
was in his hand, and her hair as black as the feather that was in
his wing."
MacPhie, Uist.
On a snowy day Conall saw a goat slaughtered, and a black
raven came to drink the blood. "Oh," says he, "that I could
luarry the girl whose breast is as white as the snow, whose cheeks
are red as the blood, and whose hair is as black as the raven ; "
and Conall fell sick for love.
(Benbecula) Macintyre gave the same incident.
The Colonsay version introduces an old nurse instead.
MacNair simply says that Conall heard of the lady.
* It seems hopeless to try to explain this topography. Laid-
heann should be Leinster, and lubhar might be Newry, and
Beinn Eudainu or Eideinn is like the Gaelic for Edinburgh,
though the stories place the hill in Ireland ; and here are the
king of Eirinn and his son rowing and sailing about from realm
to realm in Ireland, and the Turks at Newry a foreign land. If
lubhar mean Jewry, and this is a romance of the crusades, it is
more reasonable.
202 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
the road, but he took a tale from every traveller and
walker that he fell in Avith, and when he came near to
the dun of the king of Laidheann, he came to a small
strait. There was a ferry boat on the strait, but the
boat was on the further side of the narrows. He stood
a Uttle while looking at its breadth ; at last he put his
pahn on the point of the spear, and the shaft in the
MacNair. sea, he gave his rounded spring, and he was over.]
Then here he was on a great top that was there, and
he w^as looking below beneath him, and he saw the very
finest castle (luchau-t) that ever was seen from the
beginning of the imiverse till the end of eternity, and
a great wall at the back of the fortress, and iron spikes
within a foot of each other, about and around it ; and
a man's head upon every spike but the one spike.
Fear struck him, and he fell a shaking. He thought
that it was his own head that would go on the head-
MacGiivray, less spike.] The dun was guarded by nine ranks of
soldiers. There were nine warriors (curaidhnean) at
the back of the soldiers that were as mighty as the nine
ranks of soldiers. There were behind the warriors six
heroes (gasgaich) that were as mighty as the nine war-
riors and the nine ranks of soldiers. There were
behind these six heroes tliree full heroes (langasgaich)
that were as mighty as all that were outside of them ;
and there was one great man behind these three, that
was as mighty as the whole of the people that there
were altogether, and many a man tried to take out Ann
luchdaris,* but no man of them went away alive.
* This name is variously spelt : — 1, as above ; 2, Anna Diu-
calas; and 3, An TJchd Solais. The first is like a common
French name, Eucharis, the second MacLean thinks has some-
thing to do with the raven black hair. The third was used by
the Colonsay man and means bosom of light. All three have a
MacNair. similar sound, and I take Breast of Light as the most poetical.]
THE STORY OF CONALL GULBAN. 203
He came to near aljout the soldiers, and he asked
leave to go in, and that he would leave the woman as
she was before.
" I perceive," said one of them, " that thou art a
beggar that was in the land of Eirinn ; what worth
would the king of Laidheann have if he should come
and find his daughter shamed by any one coward of
Eirinn."
" I will not be long asking a way from you," said
Conall.] MacNeill.
Conall looked at the men who were guarding the
dun, he went a sweep round about with ears that were
sharp to hear, and eyes rolling to see. A glance that
he gave aloft to the dun he saw an open window, and
Breast of Light on the inner side of the window comb-
ing her hair. Conall stood a little while gazing at her,
but at last he put his palm on the point of his spear,
he gave liis roimded spring, and he was in at the win-
dow beside Breast of Light.
" Who is he this youth that sprang so roundly in
at the window to see me ? " said she.
"There is one that has come to take thee away,"
said Conall.
Breast of Light gave a laugh, and she said —
" Sawest thou the soldiers that were guarding the dun ? "
" I saw them," said he ; " but they let me in, and
they will let me out."
She gave another laugh, and she said — " Didst thou
see the warriors that are witliin the soldiers?"
" I saw them," said he ; " they let me in, and they
will let me out."
She gave another laugh, and she said — " Many a
one has tried to take me out from this, but none has
done it yet, and they lost their luck at the end ; my
counsel to thee is that thou try it not."
204
WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
Couall put his hand about her very waist, he raised
her in his oxter, he took her out to the rank of sol-
diers, he put his palm on the point of his spear, and he
leaped over their heads ; he ran so swiftly that they
could not see that it was Breast of Light that he had,
and when he was out of sight of the dim he set her on
the ground.] (Was not that the hero and the u-orthy
wooer ! that his like is not to he found to day .')]
Breast of Light heaved a heavy sigh from her
breast. " What is the meaning of tliy sigh 1 " said
ConaU.
" It is," said she, " that there came many a one to
seek me, and that suffered death for my sake, and that
it is (gealtair) the coward of the great world that took
me away."
" I little thought that the very coward of Eirinn
that should take me out who staid at home from
cowardice in the realm of Eirinn, and that my own
father should leave five hundred warriors to watch me
without one drop of blood taken from one of them."]
" How dost thou make that out 1 " said Conall.
" It is," said she, " that though there were many
men about the dun, fear would not let thee tell the
sorriest of them who took away Breast of Light, nor to
what side she was taken."*
{That's it — the women ever had a torturiwj tomjue,
teanga ghointe.) ]
Said Conall — " Give me thy three royal words,
and thy three baptismal vows, that thou wilt not
move from that, and I will still go and tell it to them."
" I will do that," said she.]
Conall turned back to the dun, and nothing in the
world, in the way of arms, did he faU in wdth but one
* Macgilvray also gives this incident, but omits the next. She
kilted her gown and followed hira.
THE STORY OF CON ALL GULBAN. 205
horse's jaw whicli he found iu the road ;] aud when MacNeiii.
lie arrived he asked them what tliey would do to a
man that should take away Breast of Light.
" It is this," said they, " to drive off his head and
set it on a spike."
Conall looked under them, over them, through,
and before them, for the one of the biggest knob and
slenderest shanks, and he caught hold of the slenderest
shanked and biggest knobbed man, and with the head
of that one he cbove the brains out of the rest, and the
brains of that one with the other's heads. Then he
drew his sword, and he began on the nine warriors, and
he slew them, and he killed the six heroes that were
at their back, and the three fidl heroes that were l^ehind
these, and then he had but the big man. Conall struck
him a slap, and drove his eye out on his cheek, he
levelled him, and stripped his clothes off,] and he left Mar Nair.
no one to tell a tale or wear out bad news, but the one
to whom he played the clipping of a bird and a fool,
and though there should be ten tongues of a true wise
bard in that man's head, it is telling his own exploits,
and those of his men that he would be ; the plight
that the youth who had come to the town had made of
them.*] He asked him where was the king of Laid- MaoNeiii.
heann, and the big man said that he was in the hunt-
ing hill with his court and his following (dlieadliachail)
of men and beasts.
Said Conall to liim — " I lay it on thee as disgrace
and contempt (tair agus tailceas) that thou must go
stripped as thou art to tell to the king of Laidlieann
that Conall Guilbeanach came, the son of the king of
* This is common to many stories. Beaarradh coin us
amadain, means shaving and clipping and stripping one side of
a man, like a bird with one wing pinioned.
From a Stone in the Cemetery of Inch Brayoc, in the South Eslv.
SciUptured Stones o/ Scotland, PI. Ixviii.
THE STORY OF COXALL GULBAN. 207
Eirinn, and that he has taken away Ms daughter Breast
of Light.*
When the big man understood that he was to have
his life along Avith him, he ran in great leaps, and in a
rough trot, like a venomous snake, or a deadly dragon ;t
he would catch the swift March wind that was before
him, but the smft March wdnd that was after him
could not catch liim. The King of Laidlieann saw him
coming, and he said, " 'V^^lat evil has befallen the dun
this day, when the big man is coming thus stark naked
to us ? " They sat down, and he came.
Said the king, " Tell us thy tale, big man ?"
" That which I have is the tale of hate, that there
came Conall Guilbeanach, son of the King of Eirinn,
and slew all that there were of men to guard the dim,
and it was not my OAvn might or my own valour that
rescued me rather than the sorriest that was there, but
that he laid it on me as disgrace and reproach that I
should go thus naked to tell it to my king, to tell him
* The spirit of this is like the Icelandic code of honour
described in the Njal Saga. It was all fair to kill a man if it was
done openly, or even unawares if the deed were not hidden, and
here the lady was offended because the swain had not declared
his name, and quite satisfied when he did.
f Na leumanan garbh 's na gharbh throte mar nathair nimh,
na mar bheithir bheumanach.
What the artist meant who sculptured the stone from which
this woodcut is taken is not clear, but the three lower figures
might mean Conall knocking out the big man's eye with a jaw
bone, and the lady looking on. It might mean Samson slaying a
Philistine. The upper part might represent the king hunting,
but there is a nondescript figure which will not fit, unless it be
the monster which was slain at the palace of the King of Light.
The date and origin of stone and story are alike unknown, but
they are both old and curious, and may serve as rude illustrations
of past customs and dresses and of each other.
208
WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
that there came Conall Guilbeanach, son of the King of
Eirinn, and he has taken away Breast of Light thy
daughter."
" Much good may it do him then," said the Iving of
Laidheann. " If it is a hero Hke that who has taken
her away he will keep her better than I could keep
her, and my anger will not go after her."*]
Conall returned, and he reached the woman after
he had finished the hosts.
" Come now," said he to Breast of Light, daughter
of the King of Laidlieann, " and walli witli me ; and un-
less thou hadst given me the spiteful talk that thou
gavest, the company would be alive before thy fatlier,
and since thou gavest it thou slialt walk thyself. Let
thy foot be even with mine."
{My pie fellow Conall, thafs the way with Aer.)]
She rose well pleased, and she went away with
him ; they reached the narrows, they put out the ferry
boat, and they crossed the strait. Conall had neither
steed, horse, nor harness to take Breast of Liglit on,
and she had to take to her feet.
"When they reached where Conall hatl left the cur-
rach they put the boat on the brine, and they rowed
over the ocean. They came to land at the lower side
of Bein Eidin, in Eirinn. They came out of the boat,
and they went on forward.]
They reached the green mound at the foot of Bein
Eidin.]
Conall told Breast of Light that he had a failing,
every time that he did any deed of valour he must
sleep before he could do brave deeds again.-}]
• The king's company had started for the wars ; it is to be
assumed the king followed,
t MacNair also gives the next passage in different words,
THE STORY OF CONALL GULBAN. 209
" There now, I will lay my head in thy lap."
"Thou shalt not, for fear thou should'st fall
asleep."
" And if I do, wilt thou not waken me ?"
" What manner of waking is thine Ì "
"Thou shalt cast me greatly hither and thither,
and if that will not rouse me, thou shalt take the breadth
of a penny piece of flesh and hide from the top of my
head. If that will not wake me, thou shalt seize on
yonder great slab of a stone, and thou shalt strike me
between the mouth and nose, and if that will not rouse
me thou mayest let me be."
He laid liis head in her lap,* and in a little instant
he fell asleep.
He was not long asleep when she saw a great
and with the variation, that a joint of his little finger was to be
cut off.
Macgilvray, the same in different words. According to the
introduction to Njal Saga, there were in Iceland long ago gifted
men of prodigious strength, who, after performing feats of super-
human force, were weak and powerless for a time. While en-
gaged in London about this story, an Irish bricklayer came to
mend a fire-place, and I asked him if he had ever heard of Conall
Gulban, "Yes sure,'' said the man with a grin, "he was one of
the Finevanians, and when he slept they had to cut bits off him
before he could be wakened. They were cutting his fingers off."
And then he went away with his hod.
Tlie incident is common in Gaelic stories, and Conall is men-
tioned in a list of Irish stories in the transactions of the Ossianic
society.
* And he laid his head in her lap, and she — dressed— his
hair. (MacPhie, Uist.) This is always the case in popular
tales of all countries, and the practice is common from Naples to
Lapland. I have seen it often. The top of his little finger was
to be cut off to rouse him, and if that failed, a bit from his crown,
and he was to be knocked about the ribs, and a stone placed on
his chest.
2IO WEST HIGHLjUSTD TALES.
vessel sailing in tlie ocean. Each path was crooked,
and each road was level for her, tiU she came to the
green mound at the side of Bein Eidin.
There was in the ship but one great man, and he
would make rudder in her stern, cable in her prow,
tackle in her middle, each rope that was loose he would
MacNeiii. tie, and each rope that was fast he would loose,] and
the front of each rope that was on board was towards
MacNair. him,*] till he came on shore at the shoulder of Bein
Mac.Neiii Eidin.] He came in with the ship at the foot of Bein
Natr'^'"^ Eidin, and the big man leapt on shore ; he caught
hold of the prow of the ship,t and he hauled her her
own nine lengths and nine breadths up upon green
grass, where the force of foes could not move her out
without feet following behind them.
He came where Breast of Light was, and ConaU
asleep, with his head on her knee. He gazed at Breast
MacNair. of Light, and she said, — ]
" "What side is before thee for choice ? Or where
art thou going Ì "
" Well, they were teUing me that Breast of Light,
daughter of the Kmg of Laidheann, was the finest woman
in the world, and I was going to seek her for myself."
" That is hard enough to get," said she. " She is
in yonder castle, with five hundred sokUers for her
guard, that her father left there."
"Well," said he, "though she were brighter than
the sun, and more lovely than the moon, past thee I
will not go."
" Well, thou seemest silly to me to think of taking
me with thee instead of that woman, and that I am
not worthy to go and untie her shoe."
MacNeiii. " Be that as it will, thou shalt go lìàtli me.] I
* MacGilvray gives the incident in different words,
f Long means a large ship.
THE STORY OF CONALL GULBAX. 2 I I
know that it is thou by thy beauty, Breast of Light,
daughter of the king of Laidheann."
" Thou hast the wishing knowledge of me," said
she ; " I am not she, but a farmer's daughter, and this
is my brother ; he lost the flock this day, and he was
running after them backwards and forwards throughout
Bein Eudain, and now he is tired and taking a while
of sleep."] MacNair.
" Be that as it will," said he, " there is a mirror
in my ship, and the mirror will not rise up for any
woman in the world, but for Uchd Soluisd, daughter
of the King of Laidheann. If the mirror rises for thee,
I will take thee with me, and if it does not I will
leave thee there."
He went to the mirror, and fear would not let her
cut otf the nttle finger, and she could not awaken
Conall. The man looked in the mirror, and the mirror
rose up for her, and he went back where she was.] Macgiivri
Said the big one, " I will be surer than that of my
matter before I go further." He plucked the blade of
Conall from the sheath, and it was full of blood
" Ha ! " said he, " I am right enough in my guess.
Waken thy champion, and Ave will try with swift
wrestUng, might of hands, and hardness of blades,
which of us has best right to have thee."*
" Who art thou ?" said Breast of Light.
" I," said the big man, " am Mac-a-Moir MacEigh
Sorcha (son of the mighty, son of the King of Light).
It is m pursuit of thee I came."t] MacNair.
* A good illustration of the law of the strongest, which seems
to have been the law of the Court of Appeal in old times in Ice-
land, and probably in Ireland and Scotland also.
t Here, as it seems to me, the mythological character of the
legend appears. Sorcha is ligiit, in opposition to Dorcha, dark ;
and further on a lady is found to match the king of Sorcha,
212 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
" Wilt thou not waken my companion," said she.
He went, and he felt him from the points of the
thumbs of his feet till he went out at the top of his
head. ''I cannot rouse the man myself; I like him
as well asleep as awake."]
Breast of Light got up, and she began to rock
(a chriothnachadli) Conall hither and thither, but he
would not take waking.
Said Mac-a-Moir — " Unless thou wakest him thou
must go with me and leave liim in his sleep."
Said she — " Give thou to me before I go wdth thee
thy three royal words and thy three baptismal vows
that thou wilt not seek me as wife or as sweetheart till
the end of a day and a year after this, to give Conall
time to come in my pursuit."
Mac-a-Moir gave his three royal words and his three
baptismal vows to Breast of Light, that she should be
a maiden till the end of a day and a year, to give time
to Conall to come in piirsuit of her, if he had so much
courage. Breast of Light took the sword of Conall
from the sheath, and she wrote on the sword how it
had fallen out. She took the ring from off the finger
of Conall, and she put her own ring on his finger
in its stead, and put Conall's ring on her own finger,
and she went away with ]\Iac-a-Moir, and they left
Conall in his sleep.] He took the woman with him
on his shoulder and he went to the sliip. He shoved
out the ship and he gave her prow to sea, and her
stern to shore ; he hoisted the flapping white sails
who is in a lofty turret whicli no man could scale, but which the
great warrior pulled down. So far as I know there is no place
which now goes by the name of Sorcha, unless it be the island
of Sark. According to Donald MacPhie (Uist), this was Eigh-
an-Domhain, the King of the Universe, which again indicates
mythology.
THE STORY OF CONALL GULBAN. 2 I 3
against the mast, tall and enduring, that would not
leave yard unbent, sail untorn, running the seas,
ploochkanaiche plachkanaiche, blue clouds of Loch-
lanach, the little buckie that Avas seven years on the
sea, clattering on her floor with the excellence of the
lad's steering.
When Conall awoke on the green mound he had
but himself, a shorn one and bare alone. Glance that
he gave from him, what should he see but herds that
the king of Eirinn and Laidheann had left, dancing for
joy on the point of their spears. He thought that
they were mocking him for what had befallen hint
He went to kill the one with the other's head,] and MacNeui.
there was such a (sgi'ann) grim look upon him that
the little herds were fleeing out of his way.
He said to one of them — " What fleeing is on the
httle herds of Bein Eidin before me this day, as if they
were mad ; are ye mocking me for what has befallen
me 1 " *] MacNair.
" We are not," said they ; " it was grievous to us
(to see) how it befell thee."
" What, my fine fellow, did you see happening to
me Ì "] MacNeill.
Said the little herd — " Thou art more like one who
is mad than any one of us. If thou hadst seen the
rinsing, and the sifting, and the riddling (an Luasgadh,
an cathadli, 'as an creanachadh) that they had at thee
down at the foot of the hill, thou wouldst not have
much esteem for thyself I saw," said the Httle herd,
" the one who was with thee putting a ring on thy
Conall looked, and it was the ring of Breast of
light that Avas on his finger.
* Macgilvray awakens him by a troop of school-boys who were
playing tricks to him.
2 I 4 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
Said the little herd — "I saw her writing some-
thing on thy sword, and putting it into the sheath."
Conall cbew his sword, and he read — " There came
Mac-a-Moir, the king of Sorcha, and took me away,
Breast of Light ; I am to be free for a year and a day
in his house waiting for thee, if thou hast so much
courage as to come in j^ursuit of me."
Conall put his sword into its sheath, and he gave
three royal words.*] " I lay it on myself as spells and
as crosses, that stopping by night, and staying by
day, is not for me, tiU I find the woman. Where I
take my supper, that I will not take my dinnei", and
that there is no place into which I go that I will not
leave the fruit of my hand there to boot, and the son
that is unborn he shall hear of it, and the son that is
unbegotten he shall hear tell of iff]
Said the little herd to him — " There came a ship to
shore at the port down there. The shipmen (sgiobe)
went to the hostelry, and if thou be able enough thou
mayest be aw^ay with the slaip before they come back."§
Conall went away, and he went on board of the
* He also gives the following passage, but less fully.
f It was a common practice, according to the Njal Saga, for
the old Icelanders to bind themselves by vows to perform certain
deeds, and, according to Irish writers, a like practice prevailed in
Ireland. It seems that the custom is remembered and preserved
in these stories. The fruit, tokadh, rather means a harvest;
he will leave a harvest of dead reaped by his hand.
g Mr. Fraser, Invernesshire. " His grandfather took him to
the side of the sea, and he struck a rod that was in his hand on a
rock, and there rose up a long ship under sail. The old man put
' a gheur ghlas,* the keen gray (sword) on board, and at parting
he said, in every strait in which thou art for ever remember me."
— MacPhie. He wished for his grandfather, who came and said,
" Bad ! bad ! thou hast wished too soon,'' and raised a ship with
hitì magic rod.
THE STORY OF CONALL GULBAN. 2 I 5
ship, and he was out of sight with her before the mari-
ners missed him.] He gave her prow to sea, and herMacNair.
stern to shore, helm in her stern, rope in her proAv,
that each road was smooth, and crooked each path, till
he went iiito the realm of Lochlann*] at a place which MacNeUi.
was called Cath nam peileirn (Battle of bullets), but he
did not know liimself where he was.
He leaped on shore, and he seized the prow of the
ship, and he pulled her up on chy land, her own nine
lengths and nine breadths, where the foeman's might
could not take her out without feet following be-
hind.
The lads of the realm of Lochlann, were playing
shinny on a plain, and Gealbhan Greadhna, the son of
the King of Lochlann, working amongst them.t] He MacNeiu.
did not know who they were, but he went to where
they were, and it was the Prince of Loclilann and his
two scholars, and ten over a score; and the Prince of
Lochlann was alone, driving the goals against the whole
of the two-and- thirty scholars.
Conall stood singing " iolla" to them, and the ball
came to the side where he was ; Conall struck a kick
on the ball, and he drove it out on the goal boundary
against the Prince of Lochlann. The prince came
where he was, and he said, "Thou, man, that came
upon us from off the ocean, it were little enough that
would make me take the head off thee, that we might
have it as a ball to kick about the field, since thou
wert so impudent as to kick the ball. Thou must
hold a goal of shinny against me and against the two-
and-thirty scholars. If thou get the victory thou shalt
* The only variation here is the words.
t I have never seen the game of shinny played in Norway,
but there is mention of a game at " ball" in Icelandic sagas.
2l6 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
be free ; if we conquer thee, every one of us will hit
thee a blow on the head with his shinny."*]
"Well," said Conall, " I don't know who thou art,
great man, but it seems to me that thy judgment is
evil. If every one of you were to give me a knock on
my head, you would leave my head a soft mass. I
have no shinny that I can play with."
" Thoushalt haveashLiuiy,"said Gealbhan Greadhna.
Conall gave a look round about, and he saw a
crooked stick of elder growing in the face of a bank.
He gave a leap thither and plucked it out by the root,
and he sliced it wdth his sword and made a shinny
of itf]
Then Conall had got a shinny, and he himself and
Gealbhan Greadhna (cheery fire) went to play.
Two halves were made of the company, and the
ball was let out in the midst. On a time of the times
Conall got a chance at the ball ; he struck it a stroke
of his foot, and a blow of his palm and a blow of his
shinny, and he drove it home.
" Thou wert impudent," said Gealbhan Greadhna,
" to drive the game against me or against my share of
the people."
" That is well said by thee, good lad ! Thou shalt
get two shares (earrann) of the band with thee, and I
will take one share."
" And what wilt thou say if it goes against thee ? "
* lomhair Oaidh MacEigh na Hiribhi, Iver, sod of the King
of Bergen, is the person who plays this part in the Inverriess-shire
version. He was a suitor, and he was thrashed, but he afterwards
plays the part of the King of Sorcha, and is killed. MacPhie
makes him a young man, and a suitor for the Princess of Norway.
f According to MacPhie (Uist), he wished for his grandfather,
who appeared with an iron shinny, and said, " Bad, bad, thou
hast wished too soon."
THE STORY OF CONALL GULBAX. 2 I 7
" If it goes against me with fair play there is no
help for it, but if it goes against me other-\\dse I may
say what I choose."
Then divisions were made of the company, and
Gealbhan Greadhna had two divisions and Conall one.
The ball was let out in the midst, and if it was let out
Conall got a chance at it, and he struck it a stroke of
his foot, and a blow of his palm, and a blow of his
shinny, and he drove it in.
" Thou wert impudent," said Gealbhan Greadhna a
second time, " to go to drive the game against me."
" Good lad, that is well from thee ! but thou shalt
get the whole company the third time, and Avliat wilt
thou say if it goes against thee ? "
" If it goes by fair play I cannot say a jot ; if not,
I may say my pleasure."
The ball was let go, and if so, Conall got a chance
at it, and he all alone ; and he struck it a stroke of his
foot, and a blow of his palm, and a blow of his shinny,
and he drove it in.
" Thou wert impudent," said Gealbhan Greadhna,
" to go and drive it against me the third time."
" That is well from thee, good lad, but thou shalt
not say that to me, nor to another man after me,"
and he struck him a blow of his shinny and knocked
his brains out.*] MacNeill.
He looked (taireal) contemptuously at them; he
threw his shinny from him, and he went from
them. ^
* This description of a game of shinny is characteristic, and
the petulance of Prince Cheery Fire, with his two-and-thirty
toadies, and the independence of the warrior who came over
the sea, and who would stand no nonsense, are well described.
MacNair's version is not so full, nor is the catastrophe so tragic,
but otherwise the incidents are the same.
2 I 8 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
He was going on, and he saw a little man coming
lauglaing towards liim.
"What is the meaning of thy langhing at me?"
said Conall.
Said the little man, " It is that I am in a cheery
mood at seeing a man of my country."
"Who art thou," said Conall, " that art a country-
man of mine Ì "
"I," said the little man, " am Duanach Mac-
Draodh (songster, son of magic), the son of a prophet
from Eirinn. " Wilt thou then take me as a servant
lad."*
" I will not take thee," said Conall. " I have no
way (of keeping) myself here without word of a gillie.
What realm is this in which I am, here Ì"
" Thou art," said Duanach, " in the realm of Loch-
lann."
Conall went on, and Duanach with him, and he
saw a great town before him.
" Wliat town is there, Duanach?" said Connal.
" That, said Duanach, " is the great town of the
realm of Lochlann."
They went on and they saw a big house on a high
place.
"What big house is yonder, Duanach?"
" That," said Duanach, " is the big house of the
King of Lochlann ;" and they went on.
They saw another house on a liigh place.
* From the Njal Saga it appears that the Northmen, in their
raids, carried off the people of Ireland, and made slaves of them.
Macgilvray called this character Dubhaii MacDraoth, blacky, or
perhaps crook, the son of magic, and he explained, that draoth
was one who brought messages from one enemy to another, and
whose person was sacred.
THE STORY OF CONALL GULBAN. 2 I 9
" What pointed house (biorach with points ? palli-
sades or what) is there, Duanach V said ConalL
" That is the house of the Tamhasg, the best war-
riors that are in the realm of Lochlann," said DuanacK
" I heard my grandfather speaking about the
Tamhaisg, but I have never seen them ; I will go to
see them," said Conall.
" It were not my counsel to thee," said Duanach.*] MacNair.
On he went to the palace of the King of Loch-
lann (bhuail e beiun sgeithe) and he clashed his shield,
battle or else combat to be sent to him, or else Breast
of Light, the daughter of the King of Laidheann.
That was the thing he should get, battle and com-
bat ; and not Breast of Light, daughter of the King
of Laidheann, for she was not there to give him ; but
he should get no fighting at that time of night, but he
shoidd get (fardoch) lodging in the house of the amh-
usg, where there were eighteen hundred amhusg, and
eighteen score ; but he would get battle in the mor-
row's morning, when the first of the day should come.
'Twas no rmi for the lad, but a spring, and he
would take no better than the place he was to get.
He went, and he went in, and there were none of the
amhuish within that did not grin. When he saw that
they had made a grin, he himself made two.] MacNeiU
" What was the meaning of your grinning at us?"
said the amhusg.
""Wliat was the meaning of your grinning at meV
said Conall.
Said they, " Our grinning at thee meant that thy
* Here my two chief authorities vary a little in the order of
the incidents. MacNair sends him first to this house, the other
takes him there later; they vary but little in the incidents.
Macgilvray takes him at once to the palace, where he finds a
great chain which he shakes to bring out the foe.
220 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
fresh royal blood will be ours to quench our thirst,
and thy fresh royal flesh to polish our teeth."
And said Conall, " The meaning of my grinning is,
that I will look out for the one with the biggest knob
and slenderest shanks, and knock out the brains of the
rest with that one, and liis brains with the knobs of
the rest.]
Every one of them arose, and he went to the door
and he put a stake of wood against the door. He rose
up and himself, and he put two against it so tightly,
that the others fell.
" "WHiat reason had he to do that ? " said they.
" Wliat reason had you to go and do it ?" said he.
" It were a sorry matter for me though I should put
two there, when you yourselves put one there each,
every one that is within."
" Well, we will tell thee," said they, " what reason
we had for that : we have never seen coming here (one),
a gulp of whose blood, or a morsel of whose flesh could
reach us, but thou thyself, except one other man, and
he fled from us ; and now every one is doubtmg the.
other, in case thou shouldst flee."
" That was the thing that made me do it myself
likewise, since I have got yom^selves so close as you
are." Then he went and he began upon them. " I
feared to be chasing you from hole to hole, and from
hill to hill, and I did that." Then he gazed at them,
from one to two, and he seized on the one of the slen-
derest shanks and the fattest head ; he drove upon the
rest sHochd ! slachd ! till he had killed every one of
them ; and he had not a jot of the one with whom he
was Avorking at them, but what was in his hands of
the shanks.*
* Amhas, a madman, a wild ungovernable man ; also, a dull
stupid person (Armstrong). Amhasan, a sentry (ditto) ; also, a
THE STORY OF CONALL GULBAK. 2 2 1
He killed every man of them, and though he was
such a youth as he was, he was exhausted (enough-i-
fied, if I might coin a word). Then he began redding
up the dwelling (reitach na h araich) that was there, to
clean it for liimself that night. Then he put them out
in a heap altogether, and he let himself (drop) stretched
out on one of the beds that was within.*
There came a cbeam (Bruaduil)t to him then, and
he said to him, " Else, oh Conall, and the chase about
to be upon thee."
He let that pass, and he gave it no heed, for he
was exhausted.
He came the second journey, and he said to him,
" Conall, wilt thou not arise, and that the chase is
about to be upon thee."
He let that pass, and he gave it no heed ; but the
third time he came to him, he said, " Conall, art thou
about to give heed to me at all ! and that thy life is
about to be awanting to thee."
He arose and he looked out at the door, and he
saw a hundred carts, and a hundred horses, and a hun-
wild beast, according to the Highland Society Dictionary. Per-
haps these may have something to do with the Baresarks of the
old Norsemen, who were " public pests,'' great warriors, half
crazy, enormously strong, subject to fits of ungovernable fury,
occasionally employed by saner men, and put to death when done
with. The characters appear in many Highland tales ; and an
Irish blind fiddler told me a long story in which they figured. T
suspect this guardhouse of savage warriors has a foundation in
fact. Macgilvray gives the incidents also.
* He made himself a bed of rushes at the side of the house. —
Macgilvray.
t This word, thus written, is in no dictionary that I have,
but it is the same as brudair ; and, the other version proves that
a dream is meant. It is singular to find a dream thus personified
in the mouth of a Barra peasant.
22 2 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
dred carters, coming with food to the amhusg ; sup-
posing that they had done for the youth that went
amongst them the night before ; and a piper playing
music behind them, with joy and pleasure of mind.
They were coming past a single bridge, and the
bridge was pretty large ; and when Conall saw that
they were together (cruin round) on the bridge, he
reached the bridge, and he put each cart, and each
horse, and each carter, over the bridge into the river ;
and he dro'wned the men.
There was one little bent crooked man here with
them behind the rest.
" My heart is warming to thee with the thought
that it is thou, Conall Gulban MacNiall Naonallaich ;
the name of a hero was on his hand a hundred years
ere he was born."
" Thou hast but what thou hast of knowledge, and
the share that thou hast not, thou wilt not have this
day," said Conall Gulban.
He went away, and he reached the palace of the
King of Lochlann ; and he clashed his shield, battle
or else combat to be given to liim, or else Ereast of
Light, daughter of the King of Laidheann.
That was the thing Avhich he should have, battle
and combat ; and not Breast of Light, for she was not
there to give him.*]
(So he went back and slept again.)
Word reached the young king of Lochlann, that
the big man who came off the ocean had gone to the
house of the " Tamhasg j" that they had set a combat,
and that the " Tamhasgan " had been slain. The
young king of Lochlann ordered four of the best war-
* MacNair has not got this adventure of the carts ; and
MacNeill has not the next adventure, unless it be the same con-
siderably varied. I give both upon chance.
THE STORY OF COXALL GULBAX. 223
riois that were in his realm, that they should up to
the house of the Tamhasg, and take off the head of
the hig man that had come off the ocean, and to
bring it up to him before he should sit down to his
dimier.
The warriors went, and they found Duanach there,
and they railed at him for going with the big man that
came out of the outer land,* for they did not knoAV
who he was.
" And why," said Duanach, " should I not go with
the man of my own country ] but if you knew it, I
am as tired of him as you are yourselves. He has
given me much to do ; see you I have just made a
heap of corpses, a heap of clothes, and a heap of the
arms of the " Tamhaisg ; " and you have for it but to
hft them along with you."
" It is not for that we came," said they, " but to
slay him, and to take his head to the young king of
Lochlann before he sits to dine. Who is he ?" said
they.
" He is," said Duanach, " one of the sons of the
king of Eiiinn."
" The young King of Lochlann has sent us to take
his head off," said they.
" K you kill one of the children of the King of
Eirinu in his sleep you will regret it enough after-
wards," said Duanach.
"What regret will there be Ì" said they.
" There is this," said Duanach. "There ^vill be
no son to woman, there will be no calf to cow, no
grass nor braird shall grow in the reahn of Lochlann,
* " An fhoirs tir ;" this word is now commonly applied to
the furthest ground known, such as the outermost reef or even
fishing bank ; it is also written oirthir, edge-land.
224 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
till the end of seven years,* if ye kill one of the clan
of the King of Eirinn in his sleep, and go and tell that
to the young King of Loclilann."
They went back, and they told what Duanach had
said.
The young King of Lochlann said that they should
go back, and do as he had bidden them, and that they
should not heed the hes of Duanach.
The four warriors went again to the house of the
"Tamliasg," and they said to Duanach, —
" We have come again to take the head off the son
of the King of Eirinn."
And Duanach said " He is yonder then, over there
for you, in liis sleep ; but take good heed to yourselves,
unless your swords are sharp enough to take off his
head at the first blow, all that is in your bodies is to
be pitied after that ; he will not leave one of you alive,
and he will bring (sgrios) ruin on the realm."
Each of them stretched his sword to Duanach, and
Duanach said that their swords were not sharp enough,
that they should go out to the Tamhasg stone to sharpen
them. They went out, and they were sharpening their
swords on the smooth grinding-stone of the Tamhasg,
and Conall began to dream (again).
It seemed to him that he was going on a road that
went through the midst of a gloomy wood,t and it
seemed to him that he saw four lions before him, two
on the upper side of the road, and two on the lower
side, and they were gnashing their teeth, and switching
» Cha bhith mac aig bean ; cha bhith laogh aig mart ; 's cha
chinn fear na focban, ann an rigbacbd Locblaun, gu ceann seachd
Bliadhna, etc.
f Coille udlaidh, lonely, morose, cburlish, gloomy. Pr. ood-
lai. Compare outlaw, outlying.
THE STORY OF CONALL GULBAN. 225
their tails,* maldng ready to spring upon him, and it
seemed to him that it was easier for the hons that were
on the upper side of the road to leap down, than it was
for the Ho]is that were on the lower side to leap up ;
and it was better for him to slay those that were on
the upper side first, and he gave a cheery spring to be
at them ; and he sprang aloft tlirough his sleep, and
he struck his head against a tie beam (sail shuimear)
that was across above him in the house of the " Tam-
hasgan," and he drove as much as the breadth of a
half-crown piece of the skin off the top of his head,
and then he was aroused, and he said to Duanach, —
" I myself was dreaming, Duanach/' and he told him
his dream.
And Duanach said, " Thy dream is a dainty to
read. Go thou out to the stone of the Tamhasg, and
thou wilt see the four best warriors that the King of
Lochlann has, two on each side of the stone round
about it, sharpening their swords to take off thy head."
Conall went out with his blade in his hand, and he
took off their heads, and he left two heads on each side
of the stone of the Tamhasg, and he came in where
Duanach was, and he said, " I am yet without food
since I came to the realm of Lochlann, and I feel in
myself that I am growing weak."
And Duanach said " I will get thee food if thou
wilt take my counsel, and that is, that thou shouldst
go to court the sister of the King of Lochlann, and I
myself will go to redd the way for thee.t] MacXair.
Tliere were three great warriors in the king's
palace in search of the daughter of the king of Loch-
lann, and they sent word for the one who was the
* A casadh am fiacall s' a sguitse le n" earball.
t He has not got the next adventure, which I take from Mac-
Neill.
226
WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
most valiant of them to go to combat the youth that
had come to the town. This one came, and the
Amhus Ormanach was his name,* and he and Conall
were to try each other. They went and they began
the battle, Conall and the Avas Ormanach. The
(laughter of the king of Lochlann came to the door,
and she shouted for Duanachd Acha Draohd.t
" I am here," said Duanach.
"Well, then, if thou art, it is but little care thou
hast for me. Many calving cattle and heifers gave my
father to thy father, though thou art not going down,
and standing beliind the Avas Ormanach, and giving
him the urging of a true wise bard+ to hasten the head
of the wretch to me for my dinner, for I have a great
tliirst for it."
" Faire ! faire ! watch oh queen," said Duanach ;
" if thou hadst quicker asked it, thou hadst not got it
slower."
Away went Duanach down, and it was not on the
side of the Avas Ormanach he began, but on the side
of Conall. " Thou hast not told it to me for certain
* Amhus, the savage, or wild man, Ormanach is not so clear ;
written from ear it might be a word beginning with an aspirated
silent letter, such as th, which would make the word " noisy," or
it may be some compound of or gold, such as or-mheinneach,
gold-ore-ish, which would make him the wild man of the gold
mines, or armour, or hair, or something else. Macgilvray called
him an Amhas Orannach, the wild man of songs.
t Songstership of magic field, which is MacNeill's name for
the character.
I Brosnachadh file fiorghlic. It is said that the bards from
the earliest of times sang songs of encouragement to the warriors.
The old Icelanders, as it is asserted in their sagas, sung them-
selves in the heat of the fight, and here is a tradition of something
of the kind. In Stewart's collection, 1804, is the battle song of
the Macdonalds for the battle of Harlaw.
THE STORY OF CONALL GULB.VN. 227
yet if it be tliou, when tliou art not hastening thine
hand, and making heavy thy blow ! And to let slip
that -NYi-etch that ought to be in a land of holes, or in
crannies of rock, or in otter's cairns ! Though thou
shouldst fall here for slowness or slackness, there would
neither be wife nor sweetheart crying for thee, and that
is not the like of what would befall him."
Conall thought that it was in good purpose the
man was for him, and not in evil purpose ; * he put
his sword under the sword of the Avas Ormanach, and
he cast it to the skies, and then he himseK gave a
spring on his back, and he levelled him on the ground,
and then he began to take his head off.
" Still be thy hand, 0 ConaU," said Duanach Acha
Draodh, "make him the binding of the tlu-ee smalls
there, until he gives thee his oaths under the edge of
his set of arms, that there is no stroke he will strike
for ever against thee."t
"I have not got strings enough to bind him," said
Conall.
* Deogli run, droch run. Bdn has many meanings — love,
etc. ; purpose, etc. ; a person beloved; a secret, a mystery; and,
according to Armstrong, it is the origin of " runic." The man
who told this story clearly meant "purpose" by run ; but per-
haps the original meaning of the passage which comes repeatedly
in this story was that Songstership of Magic field sang " good
runes for the victory of his countrymen." It must be remem-
bered that Barra was in the way of Norsemen, and that their
ways of life throw light on Gaelic traditions. According to Mac-
gilvray — another islander — Dubhan MacDraoth was the Draoth
(? herald) of the king of Eirinn when he went to put the Turk
out of the realm of the emperor, and the king of Lochlann brought
him home thence, and he was his draoth. As there was a guard
of Norsemen in Constantinople this looks like a possible fact.
t " The d 1 has sworn by the edge of his knife." — Carle
of Kelhjhurn Braes, Old Song.
228 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
"That is not my case,"* said Duanach ; "I have
of cords what will bind back to back all that are in the
realm of Lochlann altogether."
Duanach gave the cords to Conall, and Conall
bound the Avas Ormanach. He gave his oaths to
Conall under the edge of his set of arms, that he was a
loved comrade to him for ever ; and any one stroke he
might strike that he would strike it with him, and that
he would not strike a stroke for ever against him ; and
MacNair. lie left his life with the Avus Ormanach.] " Thou
shalt have that woman whom thou art courting and
making love to (a suridh s a seircanachadh), the daugh-
ter of the king of Lochlann," said the Amhus Ormanach.
" Thou shalt have that woman for thyself," said Conall;
JiaoGiivray. t« j^ {g j^ot her that I am courting and making love to."]
The daughter of the king of Lochlann was right
well pleased that he had left Ms life witli the Avus
Ormanach, so that it might be her own ; but what
should she do but send for Conall. t
* Clia D e sin domh 's e. — It is not tliat to me it is.
t MacNair gives the following incidents more in detail, and
more as matter of fact. The bard, to get food for the warrior,
persuades the lady that he has come to court her, and with her
consent, takes him food, and guides him to her chamber. He
places a drawn sword between them, and never speaks. The
bard sleeps on the stair outside ; the king's men seek in vain for
Conall ; and in the morning the bard explains the mystery of the
drawn sword to the lady, who is content. And so it happens
thrice, when Conall feels able to fight the lady's brother, and the
lady finds that the warrior is faithful to his first love, and the bard
a cunning deceiver. This incident is very widely known in popu-
lar tales. See the " Arabian Nights,'' Grimm, etc. " Gu de am
fath ma 'n do rinn se c mata? " orsa ise. " Tha," orsa Duanach,
" tha e a los ma bhitheas leanabh gille eadar sibh gu am be e na
fhear claidheamh cho math ris fein." Thuirt ise, " Ach na an
saoillinn sin dheanainn a bheatha ciod air bhith doigh air an
tigeadh e."
THE STORY OF CON ALL GULBAN. 229
What should the daughter of the King of Lochlann
do but send word for Conall to pass the evening
together with the Queen and with herself, and if it
were his wiU that she would not give him the trouble
of taking a step with his foot, but that she would take
him up in a creel to the top of the castle. Conall
thought that much reproach should not belong to one
that was in the realm of Lochlann, against one that was
in the realm of Eirinn, that he should go to do that.
He went and he gave a spring from the small of his
foot to the point of his palm, and from the point of his
palm to the top of the castle, and he reached the woman
where she was.*
" If thou art now sore or hurt," said the daughter
of the King of Lochlann, " there is a vessel of balsam
(ballan fiochslilaint), wash thyself in it, and thou wilt
be well after it."
He did not know that it was not bad stuff that was
in the vessel. He put a little twig into the vessel, so
that he might know what thing was in it. The twig
came up full of sap (snodliach) as it went down. Then
he thought that it was good stuff", and not bad stuff.
He went and he washed himself in it, and he was as
whole and healthy as he ever was. Then meat and
drink went to them, that they might have pleasure of
mind while passing the evening, and after that they
went to rest ; but he drew his cold sword between
himself and the woman. He passed the night so, and
in the morning he rose and went out of the castle.
He clashed his shield without, and he shouted battle
or else combat to be sent to him, or else Breast of
Light, daughter of the King of Laidheann. It was
* Thug e leum 0 chaol ca clioise go barr a bboise, 's 0 barr a
bboise go mullach a cbaisteil.
230 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
battle and combat be sbould get, and not Breast of
Light, for she was not there to give him.
Then the daughter of the King of Lochlann called
out, "Art thou there, my brother]*
" I am," said her brother.
" Well," said she, " it is but little count that thou
hadst of me. That man who has made me a woman
of harrying and hurrying, to whom I fell as a wedded
wife last night, not to bring me hither his head to my
breakfast, when I am greatly thirsting for it."
" Faire ! faire ! watch, oh queen," said he, " if
thou hadst asked it sooner thou hadst not got it slower.
There are none of men, small or great, in Christendom,
who Avill turn back my hand."
He went, and before he reached the door, he set
earthquaking seven miles from liim. At the first
(mothar) growl he gave after he got out of the castle,
there was no cow in calf, or mare in foal, or woman
with child, but suffered for fear. He began himself
and Conall at each other, and if there were not gasgich
there at work it was a strange matter.]
They drew the slender gray swords, and they'd
kindle the tightening of grasp, from the rising of sun
till the evening, when she would be wending west ;
and without knowing with wliich would be loss or
winning. Duanach was singing iolladli to them, and
when the siui was near about west, t
* According to MacNeill it was her father ; and as the young
king goes away afterwards and is married, I follow MacNair.
MacNeill killed a brother at landing. MacNair left him alive to
be introduced further on, so I have altered one word in MacNeill's
account of the fight, and assume that Prince Cheery fire was a
younger brother of the young king.
t Tharruing iad an claidheamhaimn caola glas-adh a's dh
fhadadh iad teaneacha dorn, 0 na dh eiridh a ghrian gus am
feasgar tra bhithidh i a dol siar.
THE STORY OF COXALL GULBAX.
231
Then the daughter of the King of Lochlann cried
out for Duanach acha , 1
I y
Draodh that he should
go down to give the
ui'ging of a true-wise
bard to her brother, to
bring her the head of
the wretch to her
breakfast, that she was
thirsting greatly for it.
Duanach went, and
if he did, it was not at
the back of the King
of Lochlann he went,
but behind ConalL
"Oh, Conall," said
he, "thou hast not told
me yet if it be thou.
When thou art not
hastening thine hand,
but making heavy thy
blow ! and level that
wretch that ought to
be in a land of holes, or in clefts of rock, or in otters'
cairns ! Though thou shouldst fall, there would be no
wife or sweetheart crying for thee, and not so with
him."*
Conall thought that it was in good purpose the
man was for him, and that it was not in bad purpose.
* As this is a kind of chorus, and probably old, I give the
original. Nur nach eil thu luaireachadh do laimh, ach a trom-
achadh do bhuille, agus a bhiast sin a bo choir a bhi 'n talamh
toll, na 'n sgeilpidh chreag na 'n earn bhiasta dugha leagail ! gad
a thuiteadh tusa, cha bhiodh bean na leannan a glaoidheadh air
do shou, cha b ionann sin a's esan.
-From a cross near
Dupplin.
232 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
He put his sword under the sword of the King of
Lochlann, and he cast it to the skies ; and then he
gave a spring himself on his back, and he levelled him
on the ground, and he began to take off his head.
" Still thy hand, Conall," said Duanach achaidh
Draodh," little is his little shambling head worth to
thee.*] You are long enough at that game, throw away
youT swords and try another way. They threw away
their swords, and they put the soft white fists in each
other's breasts ; but they were not struggling long till
Conall gave the panting of his heart to the young
King of Lochlann on the hard stones of the cause-
way, t
Said Conall to Duanach, " Eeach hither to me my
sword, that I may take off' his head."
" Not I, indeed," said Duanach. " It is better for
thee to have his head for thyself as it is, than five
hundred heads that thou mightest take out with strife.
Make him promise that he will be (diles duit) a friend
to thee."
Conall made the young King of Lochlann promise
with words and heavy vows, that he would be a friend
to Conall Guilbeanach, the son of the Kmg of Eirinn,
in each strait or extremity that might come upon him,
whether the matter should come with right or un-
right ; and that Conall should have the realm of Loch-
lann under cess.t
* MacNeill, who goes on to repeat the binding of this warrior
in the same words. For variety, I substitute MacNair's descrip-
tion of the same fight, which he, like the other, repeats several
times as a kind of chorus.
f Chuir iad na duirn bhogadh ghealladh an cneasadh a cheile,
ach cha bu fhada a gabh iad do an ghleachd gus an tug Conall
cneadhaiseach a chridhe do righ og Lochlann air clach'n cruaidh
a chausair. As written by Dewar.
I Fo chis, tribute or subjection. It seems almost a hopeless
THE STORY OF CONALL GULBAN. 233
When the King of Lochlann had given these pro-
raises, Conall let him up, and they caught each other
by the hand, and they made peace and they ceased.
And the young King of Lochlann gave a bidding
to Conall that he should come in with him to liis
great house, to dine with him ; and the young king
set a double watch upon each place, so that none
should come to disturb himself or the young son of the
King of Eirinn, while they were at their feast.] AMacNair.
churchman was got, and the Amhas Ormanach was mar-
ried to the daughter of the King of Laidlieann.] Macgiivray.
When each thing was ready the royal ones sat
at the great board ; they laid down lament, and they
raised up music, with rejoicing and great joy,] and theyiiacNair.
were in great pleasure of mind. Meat was set in the
place for eating, drink in the drinking place, music in
task to raake romance reasonable, and yet I am convinced that
these are semi-historical romances. When it is certain that
Norse sea-rovers were actually settled in the Hebrides, and wan-
dered from America to Constantinople, and levied tribute wher-
ever they could ; when it appears from their sagas, which are be-
lieved to be almost true history, that these raids were often made
in single ships, and when simple Icelanders fought with Orkney
earls and Norse kings, and Norman adventurers conquered Eng-
land ; it seems possible that one of the body guard from Constanti-
nople might become "Emperor of the world" in the Hebrides, and
a voyager from Greenland " king of the green isle that was about
the heaps of the deep ;" and that such exploits as these men per-
formed might be magnitied, and applied to a Celtic warrior by
Celtic bards ; or that a Celtic warrior may have done as much. It
is admitted that Irish priests had found their way to Iceland be-
fore the Norsemen went there, and if so, perhaps Irish warriors
may have been pirates or varan gians, and successful in forays on
the Vikings, as Vikings were in Irish forays. We believe the
Sagas, so far as they are reasonable ; why should not truth be
sifted from these romances also.
'34
WEST HIGHLAND T.U:.ES.
the place for hearing ; and they were plying the feast
with great sport in " cm dining-room " of the King of
Loclilann,] and tliey so lildng and loving about each,
taking their feast.
The soldiers were without watching, to guard the
big house of the king, and they saw a great tasba-
rltach* coming the way ; they had such fear before
him that they thought they could see the great world
between his legs. As he was coming nearer, the watch
were fleeing till they reached the great house, and into
the passage, and from the passage into the room where
were the young King of Lochlann and the young son
of the King of Eirinn, at their feast ; and the great
raw bones that came began to fetter and bind the men,
and to cast them behind him, till he had bound every
one of them ; and till he reached the young King of
Lochlann, and he and the big man wrestled Avith each
other.] He drew his fist and he strack the King of
Loclilann between the mouth and nose, and he drove
out three front teeth, and he caught them on the back
of his fist ; +] but the end for them was, that the young
King of Lochlann was bound and laid under fetters,
and thrown behind together with the rest ;] and the
big man gave a dark leap and he seized the bride, and
he took her with him.]
Conall gazed on all the company that was witliin,
to try if he could see any man rising to stand by the
king. When he saw no living man arising, he arose
himself] "Let that woman go," said he; "thou hast
no business Avith her." That he would not do.] He
gave a spring, he caught the slender black man be-
tween the two sides of the door (bhith), and he levelled
* Large, lean boned, savage and swarthy. — Dewar.
f MacNeill, who says he was a slender black man.
THE STORY OF COX ALL GULBAN. 235
him ; and when he had levelled him, he let the weight
of his knee on his chest.
" Has death ever gone so near thee as that?" said
Conall.
" It has gone nearer than that," said the slender
black man.
He let the weight more on him. " Has he gone
as near as that to thee 1"
" Oh, he has not gone ; let thy knee be lightened,
and I will tell thee the time that he went nearest to
me."
" I will let thee ; stand up so long as thoii art
telling it," said Conall.*] MacNeUi.
Conall loosed the young King of Lochlann and his
men from their bonds and from their fetters, and he
sat himself and the young King of Lochlann at the
board, and they took their feast ; and the big man was
cast in under the board. Again when they were at
supper the king's sister was with them, and every
word she said she was trying to make the friendship
greater and greater between her brother and ConalL
The big man was lying under the board, and Conall
said to him, " Thou man that art beneath, wert thou
ever before in strait or extremity as great as to be
lying under the great board, under the drippings of the
waxen torches of the King of Lochlann and mine Ì "
Said he, " If I were above, a comrade of meat and
cup to thee, I woidd tell thee a tale on that."
At the end of a while after that, when the drink
was taking Conall a little, he was willing to hear the
tale of the man who was beneath the board, and he
* MacNair's versioD is almost the same in different words.
This has some resemblance to the story of Conall, Nos. V. VI.
VII. ; but the adventures of this man are quite different. Mac-
gilvray gives the same story.
236 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
said to him, " Thou that art beneath the board, if I
had thy name it is that I would call thee ; wert thoii
ever in strait or extremity like that Ì"
And he answered as before.
Said Conall, " If thou wilt promise to be peaceable
when thou gettest up, I Avill let thee come up ; and if
thou art not peaceable, the two hands that put thee
down before, will put thee down again."
Conall loosed the man who was beneath, and he
rose up aloft and he sat at the other side of the board,
opposite to Conall ; and Conall said,
" Aha ! thou art on high now, thou man that wert
beneath. If I had thy name it is that I would call
thee. Wliat strait or extremity wert thou ever in that
was harder than to be laid under the board of the young
king of Lochlann, and mine ] "
Story of the King op Spain.
Said he — "My name is Garna Sgiathlais Eigh na
lospainde Garna Skeealace, king of Spain.* Let me
tell you the hardest strait in which I ever was.] I
was once a warrior, and the deeds of a warrior were on
my hand well enough, and I was on my way to the
dun of the king of Laidheann to take out Breast of
Light with right strong hand ; and I saw Mac-a-Mor,
son of the king of the Sorcha, and the most beauteous
drop of blood that I ever saw upon his shoulder. I
never saw a woman that I would rather wish to have for
myself than that woman. I was working with my
* It is not easy to put a meaning on these names ; there are
two Gaelic words which are like Sgiathlais, and which have
appropriate meanings ; one means winging about, the other
story-telling. MacNeill gives neither name nor country. It
might mean "Cut of the tale-telling,'' because the episode cuts
the story in two. Old MacPhie did not give it.
THE STORY OF COX ALL GULB.iJN^. 237
own sword at him as high as the band of his kilt.
He had but the one duan (song) for me — ' Wilt thou
not cease, and wilt thou not stop '? ' but I gave no heed
to him.*] He fell upon me, and he bound me, and fet- MacNeiU.
tered me, and set me on the horse before him, and he
took me to the top of a rock. The rock was high, and
he threw me down the rock, and if I had fallen to the
bottom I had gone to little morsels, but so it was that
I fell into the nest of a dreagan.t When I came to
myself I looked about me, and I saw tliree great birds
in the nest, and I held my hands and my feet to them
as they were bound, until they loosed them ; the mon-
sters ! that they might tear me asunder.] I saw a Macgiivray.
cave at the back of the nest, and I dragged myself into
the cave, and when the old dreagan would come and
leave food for the young ones, I would stay till the old
dreagan woidd go, and then I Avould come out and I'd
take the food from the young cbeagans, that was all I
had to keep aUve upon. But at last the young dreagans
found death for want of food. The old dreagan under-
stood that something Avas eating their food, and she ran-
sacked all about the nest, and she went into the cave.t] MacXair.
She seized me then in her talons ; she sailed to the
back of the ocean with me ; and she sprang to the
clouds with me, and I was a while that I did not know
wluch was heaven or earth for me, nor whether she
would let me fall in the drowning sea, or on rocks of
* Mac^air mounts him on a horse. MacE^ilvray makes him
the king of the universe.
f MacNeill says, Cro mhineach, which is a vast hird like an
eagle to be found in stories all over the world. Macgilvray says
Ghri Mhineach greeveen-each, and I have no doubt the word is
the same as Griffin.
X The other version is the same, less the cave, and there was
but one chick.
238 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
hardness, or on cairns of stones ;] she "was lifting me
and letting me down, till she saw that I was soon
dead, on the breast of the sea. Though I was not
heavy, when I took the brine I was heavy indeed ;
and when she was lifting me she was spent. She
lifted me with her from the surface of the sea as I \vas
dead, and she sailed with me to an island, and the sun
Avas so hot ; and she put me myself on the sun side of
the island. Sleep came upon herself, and she slept.
The sun was enlivening me pretty well though I was
dead.] She had come down at the side of a well, and
when she awoke she began at working herself about in
the well. I understood that there was iocshlaint, heal-
ing in the w^ell, because of how the side of me that was
nearest to the well was healing with the splashes of
water that the dreagan was putting from her. And I
moved the other side of me towards the well, till that
side was healed also. Then I felt for my sword ; my
sword had always stuck by me ;* and I got it, and I
rose up and I crept softly (eallaidh mi) to the back of
the dreagan, and with the sword I struck off her head.
But it was but simple to strike off her head, by keep-
ing it off. The balsam that was in the well was so
strong that though the head should be struck off her,
it would spring on again, till at last I got the sword
held between the head and neck, till the hag's-marrow
froze, and then I got the head and neck driven
asunder.] I did not leave a thong of her uncut, and
that is the death that went nearest to me, till the blood
dried throughout the island,] and when the blood dried
I put the dreagan into the well, and I went and I
washed myself in it, and so it was that it seemed to
myself that I grew stronger and more active than I had
* Claidlieamh beag cliorr na sgeithe, the little sword of the
crook of the shield, according to MacNeill.
THE STORY OF CONALL GULBAN. 239
ever been before. And the first exploit (gaisge) that
I tried to do after that, was to try to contend against
the king of Lochlann ; and it would have gone with
me liadst thou not been here. And my being cast into
the nest of the di'eagan, and what I bore before I got
out, is a harder strait and a worse extremity, in my
esteem, than to be under the board of the king of
Lochlann and thine."
When Garna Sgiathlais had finished his tale, he
said to Conall, " jS'ow, thou man that art yonder, I
should like to have thy tale, thy name, thy land, and
what is the reason of thy journey to Lochlann." And
Conall said — " My name is Conall Guilbeanach, son of
the king of Eirinn." And he told his own tale.*
The sister of the king of Lochlann was listening ;
she grew sorrowful, and the drops rained from her
eyes when she understood that Conall had another
sweetheart. She arose, and she left the room, and she
was heavy and sad. Duanach followed her to console
her, and put her in order as best he might. She took
a ring from her finger, and she sent it to Conall by
Duanach.
Conall tm-ned Duanach back with it to herself
agam. He said that he had a ring from another on
his finger already, since he had got no gift (tabhartas)
to give it to her, as eiric.t
She sent Duanach back again with the ring to
Conall, and she asked him to wear it for her. Conall
took the ring and put it i;pon his finger.] MacNair.
"Thou must go with me," said Conall to Garna
Sgiathlais, " in search of that woman Breast of Light."
* Here the heads of all that has gone before are given in the
original,
t This gives eiric the meaning of a forfeit or fine.
240
WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
" It is easier for me to bear death than to go to
meet that man any more."
"Thou wilt find death where thou art, then," said
ConalL
" It is certain that if I am to suffer death Avhere I
am that I will go with thee," said the slender black
man."]
" The young king of Lochlann said that he would
go too." Said Conall,
" Who will be a guide to us to take us the shortest
Avay ?"
Said Duanach — " I will make a guide for you (ni
mise lull d' uibh).
Conall and his warriors made ready. The king of
Lochlann's sister wished Duanach to stay with her till
the rest should come back, but Duanach Avould not
stay.]
Away went Conall, and he rigged a ship, and when
the ship was rigged he took with him the slender black
man, Duanach acha Draodli, the king of Lochlann, and
the Amhus Ormanach ; they sailed, and crew enough
with them, and they reached the realm of the Sorcha.*]
When they reached, Duanach went in to the house
of Mac-a-Moir, and he said — "Hospitality from thee, A
Mhic-a-Mhoir."
" Thou shalt have that A Dhraoth aoith."
" Champions to fight fi'om the great warrior."
"Thou shalt have that, thou Druid."
"A sight of Breast of Light," said Duanach.
"Thou shalt have that, Druid," said Mac-a-Moir.
Duanach got a sight of Brea.st of Light, and he
told her that Conall had come with his warriors to take
board.
According to MacNair tbere were but two cliampions on
THE STORY OP CONALL GULBAX. 24I
her from Mac-a-Moir, and Breast of Light was pleased,
for she was tired of being kept there.
Duanach came out, and he told it to Conall, and
the next day Conall came to the landmark of Mac-a-
Moir. He clashed his ftliield — "Yielding or battle
upon the fieltl"
" Yielding thou gettest not in this town," said Mac-
a-Moir ; " Though it were but speech it was a mark to
Mac-a-Moir to come out to try a combat -with ConalL"*]^^'"^'^''"''
"I should go up to seek the thing I want," said
Conall.
" Well, indeed, thou shalt not. There promised
to fall first none but me," said the slender black man.
I will go up before thee, and I will come to thee -with.
word how the place is up before thee."
The slender black man went up, and he shouted
battle or combat, or else Breast of Light, daughter of
the King of Laidhean, to be sent out. That he should
have battle and combat, but not Breast of Light,
daughter of the King of Laidlieamt
* Geill ua comhrag air an fhaiche Geill cha 'n fhaighe tu
ann sa bhaille so orsa Mac-a-Moir Ga d' b' e bu chainnte b' a bu
chomhra do Mhaea-Moira tighinn a macb dhfeuchainn comhrag
ri Conall ; as written by Dewar.
f The Barra version (MacXeill's) here varies considerably
from the Cowall version (MacNair's). There is more incident in
the latter, which I have followed ; but the language of the former
is more curious. It is wilder altogether, and savours more of an
old Bardic composition. It is, in fact, the version of a practised
narrator, who cannot read. All the fights, are described by both
the men in nearly the same words ; but each has a different set
of phrases, though sometimes they are very like each other.
When these are rapidly given, the effect is that of a kind of
chant ; something which, with music, would almost be a rude
chorus, and might be so uttered as to express the battle.
The Barra battles are thus arranged, and they have that
R
242
WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
They stood, Conall, the young King of Lochlann,
and Garna Sgiathlais, opposite to the house of Mac-a-
Moir, and they clashed their shields for battle. Mac-a-
kind of symmetry which pervades Gaelic popular tales, as they
exist in the islands.
Ist, The slender, dark man, who, according to MacNair, is
the King of Spain, says that he will not let Conall go first on
shore, because he has promised to be the first to fall. He lands.
These strange figures may represent warriors of the period to which
these romantic Gaelic stories chiefly belong. They are copied from plate |
Ivii., Sculptured Stones of Scotland, which represents a curious cross near j
Dupplin Castle. Tliey are consequently waniors who lived after the intro- j
duction of Christianity into Scotland, and beyond that I believe the date to i
be as uncertain as that of Conall. A great number of animals, knots, men, j
and monsters, are sculptured on the same cross, and it is manifestly vei7 old. j
THE STORY OF CONALL GULBAN. 243
Moir sent out the three best warriors that were in hits
realm to battle with them. They drew their slender
gray swords, and they went to meet each other, but
and strikes his shield. Five hundred Lughghaisgeach, and as
many Treanghasgeach are sent out ; he slays them all, and lies
down amongst them.
2d, Conall, in the ship, says that he has fled, and offers again
to go himself ; but the Amhas Ormanach has sworn to fall first,
and he goes. He finds the dead hosts, and thinks the plague is
in the place, and keeps to windward ; but his comrade is alive,
and tells him that he must do as much as he has done ; so he
clashes his shield, and there come 500 lughghaisgeach, 500
treanghaisgeach, and 500 langhaisgeach (a larger number, and
the last of higher rank, full heroes) — these he slays, and lies
down.
'òd, The scene on board is repeated, and the King of Loch-
lann goes, and repeats the scene on shore ; slays 1500, and lies
down. To complete the symmetry, the first should have killed
500; the second, 1000 ; and the third, 1500.
4</*, Conall says he was wrong to trust his matter to any
other, and goes himself, followed by Duanachd acha Draodh,
repeats the scene on shore, and is told by his comrades that the
King of Sorcha has none alive now, but his " beag chuideachd,"
small company, and that he will rather come out than send
them. They will not interfere unless Conall flees.
So far, then, the whole goes on increasing to the grand
climax — which is the drawing of the great foe, the victoiy of the
hero, the death of the villain, and a happy wedding ; and this is
no solitary instance of such an artificial arrangement, but is the
principle on which a whole class of similar tales are arranged.
From this symmetry, and the rhythmical jingle which pervades the
language, I feel convinced that the island versions are the oldest,
and that the mainland versions, though better preserved as to
incident, have lost somewhat of their original shape. There is as
much diflerence in the stories, as there is in the manners of
mainlanders and islanders, and that difference is very much
greater than is generally known.
Mac-a-Mor Mac Righ Sorcha comes out to answer Conall
2 44 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
the combat did not last long tiU the three heroes were
slain.
On the next day Mac-a-Moir sent the Eidire Leidire,
"and the step of Conall was back, and not forwards;" but
Duanacb stands behind, and urges him with the words given
above, perhaps words which have really been spoken by bards in
real fights — and Conall casts up the sword of his foe to the skies.
"he leaped on his back, and struck oiF his head." Then the
head was aiming straight at the trunk ; but Conall, by the advice
of Duanach, put the iron on the neck, and the head played
" gliong " on the sword, and sprang up again to the skies. Then
Duanach shouted, "step on one side; the head is aiming at
thee ;" and he did so, and the head went seven feet into the earth
with the force that it had ; and here the narrator remarked,
" was not that a head ! did not Conall escape well! "
Then Conall took the lady from the castle, and the narrator
exclaimed triumphantly, " "Was he the dastard of Eirinn now !,"
The hero and his three comrades, and the rescued lady get into
their ship, and reach an island called Na h Otolia.
Old MacPhie told this part better than I have ever heard a
story told ; it was exceedingly symmetrical, full of " ruithean "
(runs), and very original.
Conall sails to the realm of the King of the Universe, and
strikes his shield blow. Soldiers came out, and he slew them ;
nobles came out, and he knocked their brains out with one of
their number ; then came the king's son, and he bound his wrists
and ankles to the small of his back. He promised to serve him,
and they sailed on to some realm, and challenged. The house of
the Tamhasg here came in, and Duanach appeared, but he was the
son of the King of Lochlann, wounded, and a prisoner. He cured
his wounds with white sugar, and another fight took place, nearly
the same as the last. They go on with the new king and the
half-starved wight, and sail to Sorcha.
Conall lands as a poor man, and learns that the lady is to be
married to the king of Sorcha's son, so, on the morrow he chal-
lenges. He hears men coming, and he says, "Look out; who
comes ; is that himself?" There came a company in a particu-
lar dress (I think the dresses were red, green, and blue), but I
THE STORY OP CONALL GULBAN. 245
1
j the knight, the mangier, his brother, out to try a com-
I bat with any one of Conall's warriors who had the
I heart to try against him.
did not note it, and I forget. These, said he, are but the ser-
vants ; go out and slay them. Then came the first of the nobles
' in another dress, and the same was repeated ; then the last of
I the nobles in another dress. Then came the son of the King of
j Light himself, and then a fight indeed. Conall conquers, and is
; about to sail back to Eirinn, when an old man appears in a boat,
, and challenges. The warriors go one by one, and are slain, all
: but Conall ; then he thinks for the third time of his grandfather,
who appears and says, that old man was with me a student of
the black art (then a lot of queer words, which I could not catch,
and have never heard since), but he could beat him at one art,
80 they try, and the grandfather wins. After that Conall goes to
Turkey, and rescues the King of Eirinn ; and by the help of a
magic ring he forces the queen-mother to confess that her two
I sons are not the king's children, and Conall reigns. It will be
seen from these abstracts that the version which I have followed
I is much more reasonable than the common versions. For
; example —
The Colonsay version, which varies here from all the rest.
■ When they set off from Lochlann to take Breast of Light
from the King of the universe, Conall remembers that his father
■ told him that he might get aid in extremity from Righ na
: lorramhaich (the King of the Boat-songsters ?). That personage
f says, I have twelve sons, and thou shalt get them. I have
( thirteen sons, but Cod is just married, and Cod has counsel him-
! self. Eeach Cod."
! The Counsellor Son, whose name may be translated " 'What,"
. agrees to go if he has two-thirds of his counsel, till they come
back, and away they go, with a kind of Rhyme-list, which is re-
peated several times.
Dh fholbh an seo Conall Gulbairneach
S 'an t Amhas Orannach Mac Righ bharragh nan sgiath.
S am Macabh Mor Mac Righ na Sorcha
S tri Mic dheag righ na h lorramhaich
Cead a's Cod a's Michead.
246 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
" Who will go to battle with this hero of exploits
to-day Ì " said Conall.
Dubhan Mac Draodh a'a Mac Righ Sigil
A dh iarraidh Uchd sbluisd nigliean Eigli Laidhean
Then went Conall Curlew,
And the Savage of Songs, son of the King of Splitting the
Shields ;
And the great warrior, son of the King of the Light ;
And the thirteen sons of the King of the Boat-songsters ;
Leave, and "What, and Refusal.
Hook, son of Herald, and the King of Seegeel,*
To seek Breast of Light, daughter of the King of Leinster ;
Going past a castle, there cried out
The great man whose the castle was,
Co sibh a dh haislean nan tri rann ?
Na ce ur n-ainmeanan ?
Na 'ur n eachdraidh a niotar ?
Who are ye of the gentles of the three divisions ?f
Or what are your names ?
Or (who) will your histories make ?
Conall Gulbeirneach gum be m ainms' e
Mac Righ Eirinn bu mhor airm
A cheile comhraig fo leon
A shleaghau cha d' fhuair an t-ath-bheo
Conall Curlew, it is my name.
Son of Eirinn's King of Great Arms ;
His battle spouse (adversary), under wounds
Of his spears, never got the next life.
* Stripe making siogail means streaked, striped,
t This would seem to indicate a date earlier that the discovery
of the 4th division, America.
THE STORY OF CONALL GULBAK 247
" Myself," said Garna Sgiathlais, " because of how
his brother threw me into the nest of the dreagan."
They went to meet each other ; they drew their
slender gray swords, and the two battled with each
They reached the house of the King of the Universe, and the
herald went in, and there he found the most beautiful woman
that ever was seen from the beginning of the universe to the end
of eternity, with two drops of blood on every eye, weeping for
Conall.
The herald repeats the list, and she says, " Every Draoth I
ever saw was telling lies ; if it were Conall he would come in."
Accordingly Conall sprang in, and gave her na tri poga milisde
blasda, the three sweet tasty kisses, and sprang out again.
The King of the Universe yields the lady without a struggle,
comes home from his hunting, and asks them all to a feast ; a
" minister " was got, and they were married.
In the midst of the festivities, a shout was raised that the
King of the Universe had fallen in combat with a monster on the
strand. Conall got up to help, but Cod bade him sit still ; and
the king was seen in his chair.
This happened a second time; and the third Cod had no
share of the counsel, so Conall took his own, and went out.
He found the monster and the King of the Universe dead,
sole to sole ; and there came a dove from the east, and she was
stooping down to the monster with a leig (a pebble possessed of
medicinal virtues, a chrystal, a talisman), which she had, and
the creature was stirring, and opening its eyes. He sprang, and
took hold of the leig, and took it from the dove.
"Give me my leig," said the dove, "and I will bring thy
father and brothers alive in the Tuirk."
" If thou wilt do but that, I will do it myself," said ConaU.
He seized the dove, and pulled his head off; and who came to
meet him but Cod. Then Conall and Cod and Dubhan and the
lady went to Turkey, and found out the graves of the king and
the rest, and brought them alive, and took them home ; and the
descendants of these people are yet in Eirinn —
Said John Macgilvray, labourer, Colonsay, July 9, 1860.
248 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
other ; but long before the suii went west, the Eidire
Leidire was slain.
Garna Sgiathlais took off his head, and he opened
the mouth, and he cut the tongi;e out, and he spht the
tongue, and he struck it three slaps against liimself ;
and he said to Mac-a-Moir —
" There, that is for thee, for how thou didst cast
me into the dreagan's nest."
At night Duanach went into the house of Mac-a-
Moir, and he said —
" Hospitality from thee, Vic-a-Voir."
" Thou shalt get that, thou Druid."
" Warriors to combat Conall to-morrow," Vic-a-voir.
" Thou shalt get, thou Druid."
" A sight of Breast of Light ?" said Duanach.
"Thou shalt get that, thou Druid," said Mac-a-
Moir.
Duanach got a sight of Breast of Light, and he told
her each thing as it was going on outside of the dim,
and she was sorrowful that so much blood was being
spilt for her ; and Duanach came out, and he gave the
tale of Breast of Light to Conall.
On the next day Mac-a-Moir himself came out to
try a combat with any one who had the heart to go
to try him.
" Who will go to battle with the hero of exploits
to-day]" said Conall.
" MyseK," said Garna Sgiathlais, " for the day that
he cast me down the rock to the dreagan's nest."
They came in front of each other ; they drew their
slender gray swords, and they kindled a fire of fists
with their swords, from the rising of the sim till she
was going west ; but at last it went with Mac-a-Moh
to level Garna Sgiathlais, to bind bim and fetter him ;
and he took him with him, and he cast him into a den
THE STORY OF CONALL GULBAN. 249
of lions that he kept for pastime for himself, and
Mac-a-MoLT ■would not come out again till the end of
two days.
When the night came Duanach went into the
house of Mac-a-Moir, and he said —
" Hospitality from thee, Vic-a-Voir."
" Thou shalt get that, thou Druid."
" A sight of Breast of Light Ì " said Duanach.
" Thou shalt not get that," said Mac-a-]\Ioir ; and
then Breast of Light was put into a dark chamber,
where she could not hear voice of friend, and where
she could not see light of suru
"Wlien the battle-day of Mac-a-Moir came, he came
out, and he clashed his shield.*
" AVho will go to battle Avith the hero of exploits
to-day Ì " said Conall.
" Myself," said the Young King of Lochlann.-J-
They came in front of each other ; they drew their
hard thin swords, and they went to battle with each
other. But long before the sim went west, the yoimg
King of Lochlann was levelled, bound, and fettered,
and taken away, and cast into the den of lions, where
Garna Sgiatlalais was ; and Mac-a-jMoir would not
come out any more to hold battle till the end of five
days.
Duanach went in every night of these to seek
food, and he got it ; and on a night of these nights he
asked for warriors to hold battle against ConaU.
* There seems to be a regular system in this series of battles.
The victor in the last battle now comes out, and gives the chal-
lenge.
t Here there is a hole in the story. The King of Lochlann
ought clearly to have some quarrel to avenge, but he has none ;
and the King of Spain had two fights for the same quarrel, which
is entirely against regularity and order.
5°
WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
" Thou slialt get that, thou Druid," said Mac-a-
Moir. A hundi'ed full heroes were set in order before
the great house on the next day.
It seemed strange to Conall to see the host going
into order at the front of the big house ; and he asked
if there was any knowing what was the meaning of
that host going into order, in ranks, at the front of the
big house this day.
Said Duanach, " I thought thou wert finding the
time long here, not doing anything, and I asked for
warriors to combat with thee."
" I have no wish myseK to be slaying men without
knowing why ; and, besides, how should I contend
against a hundred full heroes, and I alone Ì " said
Conall.
" So many as thou dost not slay with thy sword I
will kill with my tongue," said Duanach.*
They went to meet ConalL]
The smooth lad looked from one to two ; and
where they were thickest, there they were thinnest ;
and where they were thinnest, there were none at all
there.]
He struck them under, and over, through, and
throughout ; and those who were thinnest, were most
ill scattered ; and as many as were dead of them were
lying down ; and as many as were hurt, they sat ; and
the rest that were alive of them ran away.t
* This is like a sly allusion to the romantic and untrue side
of the tale, and to the poetical license of bards such as Duanach.
f Sheall an gille min o h-aon go dha 's far am bo tiughe eud
's an a bo tainn' eud 's far am bo tainn' eud cha robh gin idir
ann,] Bhuail e iad fodh-pa tharta trid us rompa s a chuid a bu
tainne dhiubh gu am b ia bha a bu mhi-sgaoltiche, s' a mhead a
marbb dhiubh bha iad nan luidh 's a mhead 's a bha leointe
dhiubh bha iad nan suidh agus an corr a bha beo dhiubh theich.]
THE STORY OF CONALL GULBAX. 2 5 I
And when the five days of delay that Mac-a-Moir
had were gone past, Conall went to the fence of liis
house.
Mac-a-Moir had a bell on the top of his house, and
he was a warrior, any one who could strike a blow on
the bell ; and when a blow was struck on the bell,
unless Mac-a-Moir should come out, then he was a
dastard (cladhah'e). Then when Mac-a-Moir was eat-
ing his breakfast, Conall went up upon the top of the
house, and he struck a blow on the bell, and he drove
the tongue out of the bell ; and the tongue fell down
through the house, and down through the board at
which Mac-a-Moir was taking his food ; and Mac-a-
Moir said, " Ha, ha ! comrade, it was easier to hold
battle against thee on the day of Bein Eidinn than on
this day."*
Mac-a-Moir came out to hold battle. Conall
clashed his shield, and he said, " Yielding, or battle on
the fielcL"
"Yielding thou gettest not in this town," said
Mac-a-Moir. Though it Avas but speech, it was a sign
Mr. Fraser, Inverness. — Thoisicli è air an arm Loclilannach
a sgathadh air an darna ceanu gus an deacli e macli air a cliean
eille. Far am bu tiugh cud, san a bu tainn end, s far am bu
tainn eud san a bu luaidh shiulacb eud ; far am bo luaidh sbiul-
ach eud, san bo luaidli a mharbbadh eud ; gus nach d' fbag e
ceann air conn, acb aon fhear cbloain ruaidb.
He began at slicing at one end of the army of Lochlann till
he went out at the other end ; where they were thickest they
were thinnest ; where they were thinnest they were swiftest ;
where they were swiftest they were soonest slain, till he left no
head upon hound, but on one gleed old man.
* Compare the battle chain of the giants in No. 58, vol. iii.
In old romances there is always a horn, or some other instrument,
for making a noise, hung up at the door of the castle, for the
challenger's special convenience. Compare St. Patrick's bell.
252 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
for Mac-a-Moir to come out, to try a battle witli
Conall.
They drew their slender gray swords, and they
kindled a fire of fists, from the rising of the sun till
the evening, when she would be going west ; without
knowing with which of them the victory would be.
Duanach was singing " iolla " to them, and he said,
" You are long enough at this play ; tlu'ow from you
yoiu' swords, and try it another way. They threw
from them their swords, and they put their soft white
fists in each other's breasts, and they wrestled, but
they did not take long at the wrestling, till Conall
give the panting of his heart to Mac-a-Moir on the
hard stones of the causeway. " Stretch hither my
sword," said Conall, " until I reap the head off him."
" I will not stretch it," said Duanach. It is better
for thee that thou shouldst have his head for thyself as
it is, than five hundred heads that thou mightest take
out with strife," said Duanach ; " take a pledge of him
that he will be faithful to thee."
Conall made him promise that he would be faithful
to Conall Guilbeanach, son of the King of Eirinn,
whether the matter should come under right or un-
right ; and that the realm of Sorcha should be under
cess to the realm of Eirinn ; and Mac-a-Moir gave
these pledges to Conall, and he bound liimself with
words, and with weighty vows. Conall let him aloft ;
they caught hold of each other's hands, and they made
peace with great friendship, and they were quiet.*
Then the first thing that Conall did was to go to
the den of lions, to see if his two comrades were alive,
* According to the Barra version, the Amhas Ormanach here
went home to his own country ; and as he does not appear again,
it is to be hoped that he went home to his wife, the Princess of
Norway.
THE STORY OF CONALL GULBAN. 253
and they were ; for it is as left with the lions that they
will not touch, and that they will not do any hurt to
kings, or to the clan of kings.*
And Conall took Garna Sgiathlais and the young
King of Lochlann out of the lion's den, and he loosed
each bond and fetter that was upon them, and they
were free and whole.
The next thing that Conall did was to take Breast
of Light out of the dark jilace in which she was, and
she was j^leased and joyful coming out.
]Mac-a-Moir gave a bidding to Conall, and to Ereast
of Light, to the King of lospainde, and the young King
of Lochlann, to come into his house to take a feast. They
went there. They raised music, and they liid sorrow ;
word was sent for a priest, and Conall was wedded to
Breast of Light, and they made a wedding that lasted
for the six days of the week, and the last day was no
worse than the first,] and that was the wedding that MacNair.
was cheery. ]\Ieat was set in the place for using, and
drink in the drinking place, and music in the place for
hearing. They plied the feast and the company with
joy, and pleasure of mind, and long was there mind of
the wedding of Conall and Breast of Light.] MacNeSii.
But there Avas much envy (farnaite) with the
young King of Lochlann, Garna Sgiathlais, and Mac-
a-Moir at Conall, to see liim married to one so beautiful,
modest, and learned, and that they themselves should
be wifeless, and they thought her like was not to be
found. Each one of them Avas as anxious as the rest
* Oir tha e mar fliagail aig na leomhainn nacli buin iad agus
nach deann iad dolaidli air bith air Kighreanna air clan Eiglire.
(As written by Dewar.)
Here, according to Macgilvray, Conall acquired a talisman
from a mysterious pigeon, and fell in with a monster which slew
and was slain by the King of the Universe. (See page 247).
i2 54 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
that her like should be his as a wife, and they left it
to Breast of Light to say who was the other one that
would come nearest to herself in look, learning, and
modesty. She said that there was AiUidh, daughter of
the King of Greece, but it was by mighty deeds that
she would be got (sar ghaisge).
The three kings made it up that they would go to
seek Aillidli, daughter of the King of Greece. Breast
of Light was unAviUing that Conall should go with the
rest, but the rest would not go without him, and when
she saw that she consented.
It was left to Conall to say which of them was to
get Aillidh, and Conall said, " Since the King of
Lochlann was the first king who had come under cess
to him, that he was the first for whom he would get a
wife." Duanach wished to go with them, but Conall
left him to be a king, and to take care of Breast of
Light tiU he should come back.
Away went ConaU, young son of the King of
Eirinn, Mac-a-Moir, son of the King of Sorcha, and
Garna Sgiathlais, King of the Hispainde, to get Aillee
(Beauty), daughter of the King of the Grayke (Greece),
for the young King of Lochlann to wife, and they
reached Greece.*
* This, at first sight, appears utterly extravagant, if only from
the distances, but the story is not more improbable than similar
romances in other languages. It is far less improbable in Gaelic
than it would be in French or German. A glance at the story of
Burnt Njal will shew that in the eleventh century locomotion was
not the difficulty for the Western Islanders ; for example, Audun,
an Icelander, before lOGO, and within two years, sailed from Ice-
land to Norway, and thence to Greenland, back to Norway, and
thence to Denmark, to give the king a white bear. He made a
pilgrimage to Rome, and returned to Denmark and Norway again,
and went home to Iceland with a big ship, having conversed on
equal terms with the Kings of Denmark and Norway, and this
THE STORY OF CONALL GULBAN. 255
An old man met them that was their guide. He
gave them a tale about the realm of Greece, the desire
of the hosts, the battle ; the form of the arms, and the
customs of the country (miann sloidh, feachd ; s' rian
nan arm, agus cleachdanan na ducha), and he told
them the tale of the King of Greece, and how his
daughter was kept in the dun, and that no one at all
was to get Beauty, daughter of the King of Greece, to
marry, but one who could bring her out by great
valour ; and the old man told them about the wall that
was for a bulwark (daingneach) roimd about the dun,
how many heroes and soldiers there were in the inside
of the ramparts ; and besides, that there was no way to
get Beauty but by strong battle, brave deeds, and
ruse (feachd làdir, sàr ghaisge, agus seoltachd).
Conall went, and the three other kings, aloft up a
mountain that was above the dun of the big town of
the king, so that they might see what was going on
below beneath them. They lighted upon himting
bothys (bothain sheilg) in the mountain, and they went
in into them, and they were there all night, and on
the next day they foimd old clothes in the hunting
huts.
Conall put on some of the old clothes which they
found, to go in the semblance of a poor lad, to try if he
could get to the inside of the gates (cachlaidhean) of
story is believed to be true. The countrymen of Audun fought
in Ireland in 1014, and got the worst of it, and one who was at
the battle went to Rome, and returned to Iceland. In short, sup-
posing this to be a romance of that period, nothing is more in
accordance with probability than that a lot of warriors should set
out in search of kingdoms and princesses along the sea-coast of
Europe, and that their adventures should be woven in with the
romances of the Western Islands of Scotland, which the Norse-
256 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
the dun of the king's town, and he said to the other
kings if they should hear on the third day a hunting
cry, or any terror (faoghaid na fuathas), that they
should run swiftly to help him. He went, and he
reached one of the gates (geata) of the dungeon (daing-
neach), and he was as a shy boy, ill-looking, without
the look of a man, without the port of a lad, or a dress
of armour (mar bhallach moitire mi sgiamhach, gun
aogosg duine gun dreach gille, na culaidh armachd).
He reached the gate-keeper (fear gleidh a gheata),
but that one would not let him in. He asked him
what he sought, and Conall said that he had come to
see if he could get teaching in feats of arms, nimbleness,
and soldier-craft (ionnsach ain iomairt arm, luth chleas,
's gaisge). The gate-keeper sent word for the ruler of
the fort (fear riaghladli an duin), and he came and he
asked Conall whence he was. Conall said that he had
come from the neighbourhood (iomal) that was furthest
off of the realm. The high ruler asked him what customs
the people of that place had, and if they tried to do
any feats ?
Conall said that they used to try casting the stone
of force (clacli neart), and hurling the hammer.*
The high ruler asked Conall to come in, and he set
some to try putting the stone against Connal. Conall
could throw the stone further than any of them, and
* I myself once tried a match witli a small Greek sliepherdin
a sheep-skin capote, in a glen near the top of Mount Parnassus.
He had guided me there, and we were waiting in hopes a mist
would clear away. To keep ourselves warm we fell to at putting
the stone, leaping, and hop-skip-and-jump. Such games pre-
vailed in ancient Greece long ago, as they still do in the High-
lands and Lowlands of Scotland. The hitch in romances is in
the language. Heroes must have been great linguists, but even
that hitch is here met, for the old Irish king was educated in
Italy and Greece.
THE STORY OF COXALL GULBAN. 257
they saw that he had no want of strength if there were
enough of coiu-age in liim.
A stick sword was given him, and they were teacli-
ing him swordsmanship, and Conall was coming on
well But it was little they knew about the teaching
that Conall had got from the Gruagach of Beinn
Eidinn before then. Conall made himseK acquainted
with the keeper of the arms, and he was exceedingly
anxious to get a sight of theii" arms-house, but the
armourer said that could not be done, for fear of the
high ruler of the dun. But on the morning of the
third day, when the governor was eating hLs breakfast,
the armourer said to Conall, that if he were able enougli
now, that he might get a sight of the armoury before
the high man who ruled the dun should come out
from his morning meal.
Conall went with him swiftly, and the man who
was keeping the arms opened the armoury (taisg airm).
Conall went in and he looked amongst the arms, and
he spied great glaives at the furthest off end of the
armoury. He went where they were, and he began to
try them, he would raise them in his hand, and
brandish them, and some he would shake out of their
hilts (ceana bhairt), and others he would break The
man who had the care of the arms began to shout to
him that he should come out, but Conall was not pre-
tending that he heard hinx Conall would look at the
swords, and some were rusted, and some were not.
At last he found a sword that pleased him.*
He was going the way of the door of the arms-
house with it, and the man who had the care of the
* This incident is told in Uist of a man whose grave ia shewn
there still. The "armoury" is a "barrel," but it is the same
incident told as a fact. I believe it to be a bit of popular lore of
unknown antiquity, for it is common in stories.
S
258 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
arms was begging him to put it from him, but Conall
gave him no heed, and the man who had charge of the
armoury said —
" If the high governor of the dun comes he will
take the head off me for letting thee in."
When Conall was at the door the governor came
in, and he desired Conall to put away that sword. If
he knew the name of the man who had had that sword
that he would not be long putting it from him ; that
his name was Mor ghaisge na mor ghleadh. Great
valour of the great tricks.
" You may give it that name still," said Conall.
Tlie high governor said that he would drive the
head off the man who had the care of the arms for
letting Conall into the armoury, and off Conall for
taking the sword out.
"Take thou care that it is not tliine own head
that ■will be down first, comrade."
The high governor called for his men. Conall
struck the head off the high Governor, and he gave a
hunting whistle {fead fhaoghaid), and the people
gathered with their arms about Conall.
He struck them, under them, over them, through,
and tliroughout them ; where they were thickest there
they were thinnest ; where they were thinnest they
were most scattered.
The king came out, and he said to Conall, " Thou
man that came on us a-new ; hold on thy hand, and thy
blade.*
The three other kings came to the gate, but they
were not getting in. Conall ran to the gate, and he
struck it a kick, and he drove it into splinters. Then
came the King of Lochlann, and the King of Light,
* Fhir a thainaig oirn as uir cum air do laimh as do lanii.
THE STORY OF CONALL GULBAN. 259
and the King of tlie Hispainde, in with their arms. The
people of Greece fled hack, and the King of Greece
said —
" Ouhh hhonhh ouv vouv ! " ""V^liat a wonderful
turn has come on the matters ! It was in the pro-
phecies that a son of a king of Eirinn would come, and
that he would lay the realm of Greece under cess, and
instead of that is an awkward fellow t)f an ill-looking
boy, that came and put the realm under cess."*
Said Conall, with a high voice, Thou King of
Greece, take not thou each man according to his seem-
ing.-{- I am Conall Guilbeinach, son of the Eling of
Euinn, but it is not to put the reahn of Greece under
cess I am come, but to take out Beauty, thy daughter.
Said the King of Greece, " Thou shalt have Beauty,
my daughter, and two-thirds of my realm wliile I my-
self am alive, and the whole after my death."
Conall asked that AilKdh should be brought out,
and she came, and she was right willing to wed Conall,
but Conall told her he was married already to Breast
of Light, daughter of the King of Laidhean ; and the
King of Greece said —
" If thou hast got Breast of Light, it is no wonder
though thou shouldst not take my daughter."
Conall told Beauty that she had her two choices, to
take the King of Lochlann, or be Avithout a husband ;
and she preferred to marry the young King of Loch-
lann.
And word was sent for a priest ; and Aillidli,
daughter of the King of Greece, was wedded to the
* This is the idea which, in No. 58, has expanded into
another shape. The King of Greece and the first giant were
clearly once the same personages.
f This is the very foundation of all popular tales ; the most
despised is the most worthy.
26o WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
young King of Lochlanii, and they made a wedding
that lasted for the six days of the week, and the last
day was no worse than the first day.
And when they "w^ere at the Avedding, they asked
Aillidli, the bride of Loclilann's Bang, who was the
next one that was nearest to her in beauty and come-
liness, virtue and learning. And she said that there
was Cuimir,* daughter of the King of Na Frainge
(the Franks, France).
Conall asked Garna Sgiathlais if he were willing to
take that one as a wife, and he said that he was.
Conall asked Aillidh where Cuimir was dwelling, and
Beauty told that she was in the great royal house, and
that there was a great fortress wall about the great
house, and that there was a lion on either side of the
gate, that was in through the wall, and that there was
the house of the Tarahaisg, the best warriors that the
King of France had, a little further on ; and the
Tamliaisg were proud and merciless to any over whom
they might gain victory.t
The valiant kings made ready to go to France, but
Aillidh was not -ndlling to part with her new married
husband, but the other warriors would not part from
him ; he must needs go with them, till they should
put an end to all the valorous deeds they had to do,
before they could get wives for Garna Sgiathlais, King
of Hispania, and Mac-a-Moir, son of the King of
Sorcha.
The four valorous kings put each matter in order
in Greece as best they might, and they left Beauty in
the care of her father till the King of Lochlann should
come back. They went to France and when they reached
* Well formed, neat, trim. Carbad cuimeir Chuchullin.
f " Gu borb aniocbdmbor ri feadbainn air bitb air am faighe
iad buaigh.
THE STORY OF CONALL GULBAN. 26 I
France they took a tale from eacli traveller that met
them by the way, and so they got gaiidance to the great
royal house, and when they reached the gate, that was
without in the fortress wall, there was a great lion at
either side of the gate, but that put neither fear nor
sorrow upon them,* because it is as a charge left Avith
lions that they will not injure kings, or the clan of
kings. And Conall went on past the Hons, and no one
of them stuTed his head at him. He reached on for-
ward to where the Tamhasgan were, and they began
gnasliing their teeth,t making ready to spring upon
him. He took sm-e notice of them, for the thick knob-
biest one and the thinshankiest of them. He com-
passed them, under them, over them, through and
throughout them ; and he seized on the two shanks of
the thinshankiest one amongst them, and he was driv-
ing out the brains of the rest, with the knob of that
one, and the brains of that one with the knobs of the
rest, till the part that was thickest of them was tliinnest,
and the lot that was thinnest they were the most ill-
scattered.
The King of France came out, and he said to
Conall.
" Thou man that hast come on us from a strange
land, withhold thy blade and thine hand ; slay not my
warriors wholly ; these are the Tamhaisg, the best war-
riors I have to guard the great royal house ; but they
are but as reeds in the fi'ont of a meadow before thee.
How camest thou past the lions ? "
" Thou and thy Hons ! " said Conall ; " I will go
down past thy lions, and I will come up past thy lions,
and they -will not touch me ; and I will bring up three
other warriors, that are do^vn here, and the lions vn.\\
not touch them."
* Eagal na smuairean. f A càsadh am fiacall.
202
WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
Garna Sgiatlilais Mac-a-Moir and the King of Loch-
lann came up past the lions, kings were they, and a
clan from kings all together, and the Uons did not stir
their tongues against them.
The ELing of France asked whence they were, and
Conall told that he was Conall Guilbeanach, son of the
King of Eirinn, and he shewed the young Iving of
Lochlann, and Mac-a-Moir, son of the King of 8orcha,
and Garna Sgiathlais, king of Hispania ; and he told
him that it was not to disturb France they had come,*
but to take out Cuimir, daughter of the King of France,
to be wife to Garna Sgiathlais King of Hispania.
Said the King of France, " He shall get that."
Cuimir was brought out, and the matter was hidden,
and it was Conall she would ratlier take, for it was he
that had done the bravest deeds ; but Conall told her
that he was wedded already to Breast of Light, daughter
of the King of Laidhean, and that the young King of
Lochlann was wedded to Aillidh, daughter of the King
of Greece, and that it was Garna Sgiathlais, King of
Hispania, she was to have. Cuimir was willing to
take the King of Hispania, so that she might be a
queen in a realm that was near the realm of her
father. Word was sent for a priest, and the wedding
was done, and they made a wedding that lasted for the
six days of the week, and the last day was no worse
than the first day.
When they were at the wedding they were talking
about who they should get for a wife for Mac-a-Moir ;
and they left it to be said by Cuimir, the young Queen
of Spain. Who was the one that was fittest, in her
esteem, to be wdfe to Mac-a-Moir. And she said
that there was Deo Greine nighean righ an Eilean
* A chungais-each Da Frainge.
THE STORT OF COXALL GULBAN. 263
Uainc* They asked her if that one was to be got.
She said that she was not, but by exceeding valour ;
that there was a fortress wall round about the dun of
the king, and that it discomfited the heroes ; that
Deo Greine would be in a turret that was on the top
of the dun, and that none but a valiant warrior could
get her ; but if IMac-a-Moir should get her, that he
had no cause to regret that he was the last of the kings
who had got a wife.
Mac-a-Moir was longing to begone in pursuit of
Deo Greine, and the rest were as willing and well
pleased as himseKt When they were at the feast,
the King of France was setting a ship in order for
them. Cuimir, daughter of the King of France, was
not willing to let her new married husband, Garna
Sgiathlais, away with the rest, but when the rest saw
that, they would not go without him. When Cuimir
understood that, slie agreed to let him go with them.
The King of France set his slender ship in order
for them, with a crew of disciplined, active, strong,
hardy men, and the four honourable kings went on
board, and the Frenchmen sailed with them to the
shore of the Green Island.+
* Sunbeam or breath, daagbter of the Kiug of the Green
Island. Who this mythical personage may be, I cannot make out.
The Green Island occurs continually, and is the land of wonders,
beyond the sea. I have surmised that it might mean America.
That the Son of Light should marry the daughter of the mythical
.Green Isle in the west, where the sun sets, seems all right, and
the warriors are working westwards. I had imagined that Sorcha
might possibly be same as Sarkland of Icelandic Sagas, but that
is identified with Africa, Saracen land, and would not fit this
story, here, at all events.
\ Togarach aighearach.
:j: Chuir High na Frainge a chaol loingeas air doigh air an
son, le sgioba do dhaoine foghluinte, easgaidh, ladir, cruadalach ;
s chaidh na ceithir righrean uramach air bord.
264 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
They brouglit the ship to port,* and they put Mac-
a-Moir and the three gallant kings who were with
him on shore, and they themselves sailed hack, home
to France.
They went on forwards to the dun of the town of
the King of the Green Island, taking a tale from each
traveller and journeyer that might fall in with them.
They got on till they reached the fortress gate of the
dun of the king's town. Conall struck . at the gate,
and the gate-keeper asked what they sought. Conall
answered that they came to seek Sunbeam, daughter of
the King of the Green Isle, to be wife to one of them.
Word was sent for the high Governor of the dun, and
he came, and he asked them who they were, and what
they sought. Conall told him that they were kings,
and they had come to seek Sunbeam as a wife for one
of them. The high Governor said that they should
not get her but by exceeding valour ; that they must
hold a battle against the warriors of the dun, and gain
victory over them.
Conall asked who was the sturdy hero that would
go first to battle against the warriors of the dun.
" Myself," said Mac-a-Moir. " If I am to get the
daughter of the King of the Green Island as a wife, I
wiU shew that I am worthy to have her."
They were asked in, and they went.
Warriors were got to combat Mac-a-Moii', son of
the King of Sorcha. They drew theh' blades, and
Conall, and Garna Sgiathlais, and the yoimg King of
Lochlann were singing ioUa to theuL But they had
not taken long of the contest, when Mac-a-Moir struck
the head off the champion of the King of the Green Isle,
Said Mac-a-Moir to the Governor, " Pick up the
champion's head, and get me another one."
* Calla. Compare Calais.
THE STORY OF CONALL GULBAN. 265
Another was got ; but they had not taken long at
the combat when Mac-a-Moir struck the head off that
one too. He asked for another, and another was got,
but it was not long till the head went off that one in
like manner.
The King of the Green Isle was taking sport at
them, and he said —
" I see, my hero, that thou wouldst slay my men
altogether, one after another, if thou hadst chance of
arms. I am not for spilling more blood ; I will try
it another way.
My daughter is in a turret, that is at the top of the
dun, and the man that can take her out shall get two-
thirds of my realm while I live, and the whole of my
realm when I die ; I am but an old man, and it is not
hkely that I will be long aliye now, at all events.*
The Avay was shewn them to the turret, in which
was the king's daughter, at the top of the dun.
" Who is the first man that will try to take the
king's daughter out of the tim-et ]" said Conall.
"Myself," said Mac-a-Moir.
The tm-ret was aloft, on the top of three carraghan
aid, lofty pillars.
Mac-a-Moir went, and he did his very best, but he
could not get aloft ; he thrust the pillars hither and
thither ; he tried every way he knew, but it discom-
fited him.
"Wlio will try it again V said Conall.
" Myself," said the young King of Lochlann. He
Avent, and tried as well as he could, but he could not
* This is a very common saying amongst old Highlanders
here put into the mouth of the king. Cha neil anam ach sean
duine an nis, s chu'n eil a coltach gu' m hi mi fada beo a nis co
dhiubh.
2 66 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
level one of the posts that ivas beneath the turret, but
it beat him.
Said the King of the Green Isle, " I perceive, my
men, that it will not go with you to take my daughter
out of the turret. Many a man has striven to take
her out, but it went with none of them, and I see that
it will not go with you any more ; you may be off
home."
" Well, then, if it does not go with us to bring her
out, it is a great disgrace to us," said Conall.
He went and he struck a kick on one of the posts
that was keeping the turret aloft, and the post broke,
and the turret fell, but Conall caught it between his
hands before it reached the ground. A door opened,
and Sunbeam came out, the daughter of the Ivhig of
the Green Isle, and she clasped her two arms about the
neck of Conall, and Conall put liis two arms about
Sunbeam, and he bore her into the great house, and he
said to the King of tlie Green Isle, " Thy daughter is
won."
Sunbeam was very willing to stick to Conall, but
Conall told her that he was married already to Ereast
of Light, daughter of the King of Laidheann, and the
King of Lochlann was wedded to Eeauty, daughter of
the King of Greece, and that Garna Sgiathlais, King
of Hispania, was married to Comely, daughter of the
King of France, and that Great Hero, son of the King
of the Light, was the only one of them that was un-
married. The King of the Green Isle was pleased
when he understood that they were honourable kings
altogether, and that his daughter had been taken out
with honour ; and he said that he would give two-thirds
of his realm while he was alive, and the whole after
his death, to the one that his daughter should have,
and that he was an old man, and that he would not be
THE STORY OF COXALL GULBAN. 267
long alive altogetlier. Every one of thena Avas married
but Mac-a-Moir, and he was the most unblemished
amongst them. Sunbeam took a look around at each
one of them. Though Mac-a-Moir was not so hand-
some as the rest, he was a stately, comely, personable
man ; and Sunbeam said that he was the husband she
would have, and word Avas sent for a priest, and Sun-
beam, the daughter of the King of the Green Island,
was wedded to Mac-a-Moir, son of the King of Light,
and they made a wedding that lasted for the six days
of the week, and the last day was no worse than the
first day, and if there were better there were, and if
not let them be.
A\^ien the other heroes found that ]\Iac-a-Moir was
married, they were in great haste to go home to see
theh oAvn wives.*
The King of the Green Isle set in order a great
high masted Avliite-sailed ship. There was a pilot in
her prow, and a steersman in the stern, and men
managing the rigging-ropes in the middle. Each meat
and each drink as was seemly for kings was put on
board.t
When each thing was ready, and each matter
arranged as it ought to be, Conall, son of the King of
Eirinn, Garna Sgiathlais, King of Hispania, and the
King of Lochlann left a blessing with the King of the
Green Isle, with Mac-a-Moir, and Deo Greine, and they
went on board of the ship. The shipmen sailed with
the ship, and they sailed to realm of Sorcha, with
* Here I omit a recapitulation of the wives, aud their coun-
tries.
+ Long ard-chranach bhreidgheal air doigli. Bba iull na
toiseach, i'ear-stiurr aig a deireadh, 's fir iomairt na' m ball beart
na buillsgain. Chaidh, gach bidh, s dibb, mur bu chubhraidh do
rigbre a cliuir air bord.
268 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
Conall, the son of the King of Eirinn.* Conall reached
the drni of the big town of Sorcha, came to Breast of
Light and^Duanach, without their having hopes of him,
and they rejoiced with great joy to see him. Conall
and Breast of Light were a while merry, and joyously,
and fontUy about each other, and Duanach was bhthely
and cheerily with them,t and when Conall had spent a
while cheerily joyously with Breast of Light and
Duanach, he began to think it long that he was not
hearing from the realm of lubhar how the fight was
coming on between liis mother's brother and the Turks,+
or if his father or brothers were yet aHve. He thought
that he would go to the realm of the lubhar to see.
He wished to leave Duanach, as he was before, to take
care of Breast of Light and the realm, but Duanach
would not stay. If Conall would go to the realm of
lubhar, Duanach would go with him. Breast of
Light wished Conall to go first to Eirinn to see if
each tiling were right in Eirimi, but his own counsel
was best with Conall, and he -wished Duanach to stay.
But this is what Duanach said, " If thou goest, Conall,
to the realm of lubhar thou wilt fight, and I will be
needful enough for thee."
And so it was agreed that ConaU should take
Duanach as a servant and counsellor.
Breast of Light, and Conall, and Duanach, went
away.§]
* MacNair here sends the two kings home, but, according to
MacNeill and the rest, Conall and two comrades sailed to the
realm of the Turk. So I leave out a paragraph.
t Gu aighearach aobhach speiseil ma cheile 's Duanach gu
sundach sodanach comhla riu.
I If lubhar were a corruption for Jewry, then the geography
would be right, and this might be a romance founded on some-
thing to do with wars in the Mediterranean.
§ This is shortened.
THE STORY OF COXALL GULBAN. 269
Then he took with him the woman on board of the
ship, and when he and his men were returning he was
iTinning out of provisions. There was an island
here which they called Eilean na h Otolia. The man
who was over the island was (so) that if he was for
giving food it could be got for money, and if he were
not he had three big dogs, and he would let them out,
and they woidd kill them all.
Said the slender dark man to Conall, " I would
rather myself thou wouldst stay out of it, than go
into it."
" I myself would not rather stay than go, I will
go and I will get it ; but if you see that he is not -\W11-
ing to give it to me, you will leave me the front, and
you will stay behind me, if so be that he hounds the
dogs at us," said Conall.
He went up to the house, and he asked if he could
get food. He said that they should not, that plenty
were asking for it who were more likely to get it than he.
He let out the dogs. Every one of the company
stood at the back of Conall, and he himself went to the
front, he caught a napkin and put it about his fist.
Each one as he came, he was seeing his hver clown
through his mouth, from the rage that he had towards
the men. He thrust his hand into the mouths of the
dogs, one after another, and he took the heart and the
liver out of them, and he killed them.
" Come now and you shall get food," said the man
who was over the island.
" Thou mayest give that now, but I -will not give
thee one ' sgillinn ' for it ; unless thou thyself hadst
been a ' Trusdar,' a stingy filthy -RTetch, thou hadst
got papnent ; but since thou wert so dirty, thou shalt
not get payment, and we shall get meat in spite of
thee."
270 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
" That is easy enough for you now," said he. " But
hast thou heard how it has befallen the King of Eirinn
and the King of Laidheanj they were fighting the
Turk?"
" Well then I have heard how it has befallen these
doubtless ; the battle went with the Turk, and aU the
company that the King of Eirinn and the King of
Laidhean had, have been slain ; and the Great Turk
has the King of Eirinn, and the King of Laidhean bound
back to back, iinder cats, and dogs, and men's spittle,
and with shame and insult on themselves and on their
hosts, that came to give battle and could not do it."
" That story is sad for me to hear, but though it
is, keep thou tliis woman for me till I come back from
these men."
" Well, then," said he, " I will not keep her, I have
no way of keeping her. The thing that I had myseK
for that, thou thyself hast put me in want of it."
" Unless thou hadst been such a Trusdar of a man
as thou wert, I had not put thee in want of it, but
thou must keep this woman, or else there will not he
much of the world for thee, after letting her go," said
Connal.]
He went and he left the woman, and wdien they
reached the realm of lubhar the fighting was going on,
Conall and Duanach did not go to the house of the
king but to a hostelry. They got their supper that
night and they went to bed. On the next morning
Conall's waking was to hear shouts of hosts and clash
of armour ;* heroes starting, commanders arraying sol-
diers to go to give a day of battle to the Turks.
Conall arose and Duanach, they put on them their array
* Oighich sliiaidli 's gleadhraich arm, clisg air gaisgich,
cumandairean a cuir an ordugh shaighdearar, gu dol a thobhairt
lathd blair do na Turcaicb.
THE STORY OF CONALL GULBAN. 2 7 I
and their armour of battle, and they went to the fight
on the side of the peojile of the lubhar. The fighting
began and Conall was mowing do^vn the Turks as though
: it were a man who was cutting down sow-thistles.
[ There was one big man amongst the Turks, and he was
I mowing down the people of the lubhar in the same
i way. It was not going with any one to slay him, and
[ they thought that no arms could touch him. He and
Conall met each other in the fight. They tried their
, nimble feats upon each other, and Conall slew the big
i Turk When the Tiu'ks saw that their champion was
i slain they fled ; and the people of the lubhar followed
! the rout,* and they thought that they had not left many
I of the Turks alive. In the night the people of lubhar
I returned back, and they thought they would have peace
1 on the next day ; and no one of them could understand
1 who he was, the hero that had slain the big Turk, that
\ had done them so much skaitki"
As on the other days ConaU and Duanach went to
, the hostelry where they were the former night, they got
! food and bed, and they thought, by the number of
I Turks that had been killed, that the war was at an end,
and they went to sleep.
The King of the lubhar had never seen Conall
: before ; but it seemed to him, by the look of his face,!
'1 that he was of the people of Eirinn. They went to
; rest that night full of joy, thinking that the Turks
would not bring any more trouble upon them. But
' no matter. "\¥liat they got in the morning was, the
tale of horror that the Turks were coming forward as
: numerous as they ever were. They had for it but that
they must arise, and put men in their harness, to go
■ to give a day of battle to the Turks again ; and
* An ruaig. f Dolaidh.
[ i Fiamh a gnuis might mean terror of his countenance.
272 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
Conall's morning waking was to hear the shout of the
cliiefs calling out their soldiers to give a day of com-
bat to the Turks*
Conall sprang out of his hed and he put on his
array and armour,t and he went with the host of the
lubhar to battle against the Turks. When the two
hosts met each other, Conall saw the big Turk that he
had slain the day before coming forward that day
again, and mowing down the people of the lubhar as
he used to do.
Conall was mowing down the Turks till he and the
big Turk met each other, and tried their agile valour
upon each other that day again ; and the big Turk was
killed again that day by Conall. When the Turks saw
that their champion had been slain, they fled, and the
people of lubhar followed the rout, and killed so many
(jf the Turks, that it seemed to them there were not
many of them to the fore, and they returned joyfully,
cheerily, thinking that there was an end of the war.
When Conall returned to the hostelry, he ate his supper
and lay down to sleep.
It seemed to the King of lubhar, that the man
who had done the great feats of valour was his sister's
son Conall, and he went to inquire about him. He
heard that it was in the hostelry that the gallant man
was dwelling, and the king reached the inn.
Duanach knew him, and the king asked Duanach
if his master were in.
" He is," said Duanach, " but he is in liis sleep,
and I will not wake hinL"
" I am anxious to see him," said the king.
" K thou choosest thyself to go to wake him,"
* Eigh nan ceannairdean, a gairm a macli na'n saigbdearn, gus
latlia comlira g a tboirt do na Turcaicli.
f Eididh a' s armachd.
THE STORY OP COX ALL GULBAN. 273
said Duauach, " thou mayest, but I will not wake
liim."
""VVlaat is thy country ?" said the king.
" It is," said Duanach, " the country from which
my master came."
" What is the country * whence came thy mas-
ter ?"
" That," said Duanach, " is the realm whence came
the King of Eirinn."
" What is his name Ì" said the king.
" It is," said Duanach, " Conall Guilbeanach Mac
do Eigh Eirinn."
" Tell Conall, when he wakes, that his mother's
brother came to visit him, and that he wishes to
see liim at the house of the King of lubhar to-
morrow."
" I will do that," said Duanach. t
On the next day the Turks were coming on to
drive the battle as they used, against the host of
lubhar ; and it was rustling of plumes, and shouting
of hosts, I that awoke Conall. Then there were chiefs
setting soldiers in order to go to hold battle against
the Turks. Conall arose and put on his armour, and
as soon as he could, and he went with the people of
* Co i an duthaich. Who she, the country ?
t This is a good instance of the strange jumble of ideas which
are found in popular tales. Here is Conall, the hero of romance,
lodging at an inn, supping and going to bed like a Highland drover,
while the king walks down in the evening, and calls and leaves a
message with a gille, to invite the warrior to the palace, exactly
as a hospitable Highland farmer often does when he hears of a
stranger at the country inn, and asks him to his house. Accord-
ing to MacNair, this was the King of Eirinn, but as he was a
prisoner or slain according to the others, I have substituted the
uncle for the father.
I Is b'e fuaim dhos, is eidhich sluaigh.
T
274 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
Inbhar to the battle. Conall saw the big Turk coiu-
ing opposite to bim the third time ; they met, and
Conall killed the big Turk the third time, and the
rout went over the Turks. The people of lubhar
followed them, and they slew the Turks vnih a great
battle ;* and when no more of the Turks were to be
seen, the host of lubhar returned.
It seemed to Conall that there was something that
was to be imderstood going on in the field of battle in
the night ; and he ordered Duanach to go to the
hostelry to take his sleep, and that he himself would
stay to Avatcli the slain, f Duanach went a little Avay
from Conall, and he stayed to watch Conall.
When the night grew dark there came a great
Turkish Carlin, and she had a white glaive of light
with which she could see seven miles behind her and
seven miles before her ; and she had a flask of balsam t
carrying it.
And Avhen she would reach a corpse, she Avould put
three drops of the balsam in his mouth ; she would
strike tliree slaps on their hurdles, and she would say,
" Get up, and go home ; thy kail will be cold," § and
they would rise and go.
She was going from one to one, and bringing
them ahve, and they woidd be ready to come to fight
again on the next day. At last she came where ConaU
was himself ; she put three drops of balsam into his
mouth, and hit him three slaps, and she said, " Get up,
and go home, thy kail will be cold."
Conall sprang up suddenly, and she knew that he
was not of the dead Turks, by his sudden rising, and
she fled. Conal stretched out after her ; she threw
away the flask of balsam that she had, and the white
* Il-ar. t Na ilh-raice. + Buideal Ian iocshlaint.
^ Eiricli 's rach dacLaidli bithidh do chal fuar.
THE STORY OF CONALL GULBAN. 275
glaive of liglit, but Conall ran till he was up with her ;
he gave a stroke of his sword, and he made two halves
of her. He turned back, and he found the white
glaive of light, but he could not find the flask of bal-
sam. He was seeking it back and forwards, and
hither and thither, and at last he saw Duanach, and
he shouted.
" Is that thou ? " Duanach.
" It is I," said Duanach ; " and it is well for thee
that I am here."
" Hast thou got the flask of balsam Ì " said
Conall.
"I have," said Duanach.
Duanach took the flask of balsam where Conall was,
and ConaU gave the white glaive of light to Duanach
to lead the Turks who had been brought alive out of
the field, and Conall went to sleep since he could do
no more good till he should sleep ; and he put the flask
of balsam under his head, and he slept. Duanach
went away with the sword^ and he led the Turks out
of the field ; he led them through mosses and bogs,
and when he found that they were in a dangerous
place he would put the sword out of sight, and the
Turks could not see, and they would fall into holes,
and they would go down into marshes (criathraichean),
and into well-eyes (suiltean cruthaich), and they would
be drowned. And again, he would bring the sword
in sight, and the sword would shine, and the Turks
that had not been drowned would follow, and Duanach
would lead them through places where there were many
scaurs, and Duanach would put a covering on the
white glaive of hght, and darkness would come, and
many of the Turks would fall amongst the scaurs ; and
when they were out of that peril Duanach would bring
the white glaive of light into sight to let them see, and
276 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
he -would lead them amongst crags ; and he would hide
the sword, and the Turks would lose their way, and
they would go over the crags. It was thus that
Duanach followed on till he had put an end to all the
Turks by leading them over crags, and thi"ough scaurs,
and amongst bogs. Then Duanach turned back to
where Conall was, and he staid near him till he had
got his sleep over. When Conall awoke, Duanach
told him how he had done with the Turks, and Conall
Avas pleased that the war was over.*]
Then Conall brought the people that were slain to
life with the balsam. He went about the field, and he
found one of his brothers there levelled, and he said to
Garna Sgiathlais, " Come thou and take this one with
thee, and take care of him till I come back." He
looked, and he searched about, and he found another
of his brothers, and he j^ut him on the back of the
King of Locldann, and he asked him to take liim with
him.t] He went in where his father was, and the
Great Turk came out on his hands and knees.] He
found liis father and the King of Laidheann bound
He loosed liis father and the King of Laidheann, and
he seized nobles as honourable as there Avere witliin,
and he bound them instead of his father and the King
of Laidheann.
Then he asked what death the Great Turk was
threatening for his father and the King of Laidlieann.
They said that he was threatening to hang them to an
oaken beam that was within, and to thrust two iron
darts through the bodies of each one of them. " The
* Here tbere is a hole in MacNair's version. No use is made
of the balsam. It is evident that it ought to be used, and so I
follow MacNeill and the Colonsay version.
t These were the Amhas Ormanach, and the slender black
man, King of Spain, according to MacNeill.
THE STORY OF CON.U:.L GULBAN. 277
very death -natli which, he threatened you I will give to
him," said ConalL
He seized the Great Turk and he hanged him, and
he thrust the darts tlu'ough his hody, and he did the
very same to another great noble.*] MacNem.
The King of Eirinn was right well pleased, and
that day they had peace. Tlie King of Eirinn took
Conall before the King of the lubhar. The King
made great rejoicings at seeing Conall, and because
Conall had given peace to the realm of the lubhar.
Ko less woidd suffice the brother of Conall's mother
than that Conall should be crowned King of the realm
of lubhar. The nobles of the reahn (flathan na Eiog-
hachd) were gathered, a great feast was made, and
Conall was crowned King over the lubhair ; but
though he was he did not stay in that realm. He
was in haste to see Breast of Light.] He took hisMacNair.
father with him and the King of Laidheann and they
sailed to the island (na h otolia). They took Breast of
light on board out of that realm and they put the
young King of Lochlann on shore in a fitting place
for going to Greece, and Garna Sgiathlais on shore in
France.] Tliey sailed to Eirinn,] and they sent a gille MacXair.
on foot, and a giUe upon the top of a horse, and
another gille swifter than that, to tell the Queen of
Eirinn that the king was coming home, and that Conall
was married, and that he and his wife were coming
home with the king. When the message came to the
Queen of Eirinn, that was the joyfid tale for her. She
made a great preparation that she might have a feast
ready for them, and a cheery company gathered to give
them a royal welcome, and when the King of Eirinn,
Conall, and Breast of Light came home, there were
there to welcome them, Duncan MacBrian, ]\luxdoch
* MacPbie's version agrees.
278 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
MacBrian, Frenzy, and Whitebelly, red men from
Mull, boatmen from Lorn, the brave blinding band of
the King of Eirinn, and the great gentles of the realm,
together as many as there were of them at the time.*
They had a hearty feast, with joy and solace ; they
raised music, and laid down lament, and each one was
content, they never saw such rejoicing before ; and
when the people thought the time fitting to go home,
each one went to his own place, and there was peace
and quiet in Eirinn.
Conall and Breast of Light thought that they
would go to the realm of Laidlieann to see her father.
They made ready a ship, they went on board, and they
sailed ; they reached the realm of Laidheann, and the
king had no hope or expectation of them at the time,
but he saluted them, and made them welcome.] Each
thing was set in order to make Conall and Breast of
Light happy and merry. ■]•
And Conall and Breast of Light stayed in the realm
of Laidheann till they had their first son, and they were
happy and pleased together, but that she had had a cut
slicing tongiie at odd times, as happed to many of the
women, and sure am I that Duanach Achaidh Draodh
stuck to Conall, and that his counsel was ever truly
* Donacha MacBhrian, Muracha MacBlirian Taoig a's Tarra-
gheal fir dherag o mliuile fir clironaig ea Latharna Buidheann
chròdhalanda a righ Eirinn. Agus mor maithean na rioghacbd
gu leir mhead a's a blia leis diubh san am.
I am not sure of the whole of this translation ; the spelling of
the scribes being somewhat independent of rules, these quaint old
passages are not easily rendered. Cronnag, means a kind of
basket. Crannag has the meaning of a boat, and this may mean
the corracle men of Lome. Their passage from Eirinn was early
enough to have been made in such vessels, and the name may
have stuck to them.
f Gu sonadh aiteasach.
THE STORY OF COXALL GULBAX. 279
. wise and truly moderate.] And again, their son was MacXeiii.
j crowned Emperor of Eirinn, and King over the realm
j of Laidheann, and over the reabn of lubhar, and he
I had the realm of Lochlann, the realm of Sorcha, the
! realm of Greece, France, and Hispania, under cess, and
j so be they left.] MacXair.
According to MacPhie and others, Conall was the king's
son, by a girl, who was daughter of a mysterious old man, and he
was a comrade of the Finne, and lived underground ; he is a
magician always. Conall, at the end, puts a ring on the Queen's
finger, it tightens, and forces her to confess that her sons are not
the king's children, and Conall reigns as the king's only son.
This incident ends several long Gaelic stories of the same stamp
as this long-winded history of Conall Gulban, which has the
name of being the best of its kind.
June 1861, — Mac]N"air tells me that his authority,
Livingston, was an old tailor, not the shoemaker men-
tioned by Dev/ar ; and he adds, that several passages
in which his story seems to vary from MacXeill's, are
mistakes made by the scribe.
There were tliree champions on board when they
sailed from Lochlann, and two sailed to the realm of
the Turk, so that all my authorities agree.
The Gaelic passage, page 278, is one of those which often give a
clue to other stories and traditions ; which are clearly old, easily
remembered, and hard to explain. Wishing to get all I could out of
it, I asked several men to translate the passage and the names, and
to give any reasons for the epithets. The variety in these transla-
tions will perhaps be the best excuse which I can giv^e for my own
shortcomings, so I give a few examples.
First, Scribe who wrote down what he heard according to my
special request: — "Duncan MacBrian and Murdoch MacBrian,
Passionate, and White Belly ; Dearg's men from Mull, and Fortress
men from Lorn ; the King of Eirinn's valiant band, and the great
chieftains of the realm, altogether all that were \\i;h him at the time
(at the wars)."
This gives the sound "derag" as the proper name "Dearg,"
2 bo WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
which "translators" made "Dergo," and which means Eed ; and it
localizes an Ossianic hero in Mull. It gives " chronaig " (genitive
of cronag), the value of " fortress," and suggests the wattled forts
found in lakes and mosses, which are, I believe, called cranogues by
the learned in such matters. This is the simple country translation
of an intelligent man, and it throws light upon the traditions and
antiquities of his country.
Second, from a gentleman who for a quarter of a century has been
occupied about Gaelic books and translations; a native Highlander,
who is an authoritj' in Gaelic writings, and lives in a city, but who
had nothing to guide him but the words before him : — " Duncan, son
of Brian; Murdoch, son of Brian; Thadeus and Whitebelly, ruddy
men from Mull, swarthy men from Lorn, a valiant band from the
King of Ireland, and all the nobles of the kingdom, as many as were
with (or adhered to) him at the time."
The same authority informs me that there is a place in Lorn
called Gill a chronaig, and another in Mull called Derbhaig.
This simply translates the Gaelic names into their modern Eng-
lish equivalents; Taoig into Thadeus, Murcba into Murdoch, Donacha
into Duncan, and so on. It gives the passage reasonably, and as it
were historically or geographically ; and it differs from the others in
the meaning of "chronaig," which it renders " swarthy," from cron,
brown ; and this is the usual method of translating doubtful Gaelic
into English :— freely. I also had translated the passage freely. I
was uncertain of the meaning of " Taoig," but as it is the genitive of
Taog, a fit of passion, I gave it that meaning rather than assume
that it meant Teague, Thaddy, or Thadeus ; names which had some
meaning once. It is established that a sound like Donacha shall
mean Duncan ; and Muracha Murdoch, so I too followed the stream;
but I should have done better to translate the names, for every
Gaelic proper name has a meaning, which may be dimly seen in
Gaelic, but is utterly lost in its English equivalent. The passage
fully translated, as I understand it by the help of my peasant autho-
rities and Armstrong's dictionary, would run thus— " Donacha," *
Brown of battle ; " Mac," son of the judge (or ruler, or king ; the
man of words of authority. "Brian,"f Breean, Brethon, Bren).
" Muracha,"! wall of battle ; " Mac," son of Brian the ruler ; Fury and
Whitebelly ; the men of the Red, from " Muile," the bluff; Wattle-
* Donn-a-chath. f Brian. t Mur-a-chath.
The first might also mean Brownfield. The second might be
Murrach-a-chath, able of battle ; or Murcach, murky, gloomy. The
third means " a word, a composition, a warrant, an author ; and it is
THE STORY OF CONALL GULBAN. 2 « I
fort, or boat-men from the grounds or settlements (from lar, a floor,
the ground, etc. ; or lathar, an assembly, from Larne, a loch in Ire-
land ; or Latharna, a district of Arfryll, now Englished " Lome ").
The camp-winnowing, or blind-valiant, or brave-blinding (chro or
chrodha-dhallan-da, from cro, a circle or fold, or enclosure, or cattle.
Or from crodha, active, valiant, etc. ; and dallan, a blind man, also a
large fan for winnowing ; from dall, because of the blinding dust)
band of the king of the western island or islands (of which Ireland is
one, and Great Britain another), and the great good ones of the king-
dom altogether, as much as w^ere with him in the time.
Dewar understands "gabhail iolla " to mean, "taking notice of
without joining in what was going on." The first word is the only
one used for singing or reciting a tune, a song or story ; and it has
the meaning of taking, and many other meanings besides. The
second is not in dictionaries, and I did not know it ; but iuladh and
ioladh have nearly the same sound as iolla, and mean fun, sport ;
lolach is a shout, mirth : liilach, guiding, directing; and from the
context I believe the words to mean sometimes, that the lookers on
were enjoying the fight, "taking sport ;" and at others, that they were
shouting or singing to the combatants. Singing "iolla," a loud-
directing or guiding song, such as the words of Duanach to Conall.
If I am right, this is a new Gaelic word ; if I am wrong I cannot
help it, but this will, I hope, excuse mistakes in my translations, for
it shews that authorities may differ, and that dictionaries are bad
guides. It will also shew the object which I had in view in gene-
rally translating as closely as I could, in utter disregard of English
composition, rather than freely and according to precedent.
Dewar translates " Dos, a sounding horn ;" and for "feet following,"
he gives " rapid pursuit, toir chas." He says, " There is an Irish poem
about Conall Ghulbain coming to war against the Fiauds ; he killed
many of them, at last Oscar fought him, and it was doubtful for a
long time which of them would have victory; at last Oscar struck
Connal's head off and threw it off the battle-field. Music was got to
cheer Oscar from his weariness, but the music that was best with
Fionn was what happened. It is evident that this tale was composed
a long time after the Fiand's time." Dewar does not himself under-
stand Irish of some kinds, for I tested him with an Irish blind fiddler
whose dialect I could only partially understand myself. 1 know
nothing more about this poem ; unless it be " ConuU Ghulbuinn,"
published by MacCallum, 1816, which is Gaelic taken down in Scot-
land (162 lines). In this, " ConuU " is slain by " Oscar."
close to Breith, a judge, to judge ; and to the word Brethon, which is
applied to a code of Irish laws, and suggests Bren, holy, and our old
school acquaintance Brennus.
282 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
LXXVIL
JOHN, SOX OF THE KING OF BERGEN.
From Angus Mackinnon (tailor), South Uist.
1 COMHRAG.
" ' Tis the track of the youth beside the ford,
And the great impetuous stride.
2
" ' Tis not the daughter of Locha Luin,
And ' tis not Diarmaid of the clear eye.
3
" It is not one of the band of Fionn
That wended last night in the heavy glen.
4
" I gathered my garments, and wended forth ;
The gathering was hard throughout the moss.
5
" I was rushing and bounding.
And the big man hard striding.
G
" Then at the time I caught him.
And the precious woman between two scaurs.
7
" I asked so quietly of him,
Great man, whence comest thou thus?"
8 — Seathan.
" But little one, there, little man,
Thouffh thou asked, it w^as not -wise.
SEATHAX MAC RIGH BEIRBH. 283
SEATHA]^ MAC EIGH BEIEBH.
1
' S lorg an oga seach au t-atli ;
' S an ceum rodli a tha ro dhian ;
2
Clia 'u i nighean Loclia Liiin ;
' S cha ' n e Diarmaid an ruisg glilain ;
3
Cha ' n e li-aon a chnideachd Fhinn ;
A dh' imicla an raoir 'san troma ghleann.
4
Tkruis mi m' aodach ' s thar mi as ;
Feadh na mointich bu gharbh truis.
5
Bha mise nam' ruith 's nam' leum,
' S am fear mor ' s e ' na chniaidh clieum.
6
An sin an uair a rug mi air,
'S a' bhean leig eadar da sgoir.
7
Gn 'n d' fhiosraicli mi dheth gxi foil,
" Fliir mhoir ciod as mar seo ?"
" Acli fliir btiig sin — ach. fliir bliig,
Gad a dh' fharraid cha bu shlic.
284 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
9.
" Tliou hadst need bring the whole of the Een
To find out the race of a single man."
10 COMHRAG.
" If I should bring the whole of the Een,
A Avhole bone woidd n 't be thy body within.
11.
" Tliat which they would not crush with theh- hands,
Sure with their breath they would consume.
12.
" That was the time, when liis weapon he cast,
The mighty spear that w^as in his grasp.
13.
" That he cast it beyond me, behind,
Seventeen feet into the ground."
1 4 — Seathan.
" Thy trimmed shaft has touched my heart.
And the leech will not make my healing.
15.
" Farewell, and arise to thy house,
Yellow-haired youth of the curling locks."
1 6 COMHRAG.
" For thee, it is all the worse,
That thou didst not declare thy race.
17.
" That the head huntsman of Fionn
Gave thee battle in the heavy glen."
18 — Seathan.
" I am John, son of Bergen's king,
Son of the fierce one of the sturdy tread."
SEATHAN MAC RIGH BEIRBH. 285
9
" Cha b' uilear dhuit an Fhinn uile
'Tlioirt gu sloinneadli an aon duine."
10
"An Fhinn uile na 'n d' thugainn ann
An cnaimh slan cha bhiodh a'd' cholainn ;
11
" A ' chuid nach pronnadh iad le ' n lamhan,
'S dearbh gu 'n loisgeadh iad le 'n anail."
12
An sin an uair a thilg e arm,
An t-sleagh mhor a bha ' na dhorn.
13
Gu 'n d' chuir e i tharuna siar
Seachd troidhe diag anns an talamh.
14
" Bhoin do chiann gleusta do m' chri,
' S cha dean an ligliich mo leigheas."
15
" Beannachd dhuit ' s eirich gu teach,
Oganaich bhnidhe 'chuil chlannaich.
16
" Gur h-ann duitse 's measa sin,
Xach d' rinn thu do shloinneadli a dlieanadh.
17
" Gu 'n d' thug gille cinn Choin Fhinn
Com brag diots' anns an troma glileann."
18
" Mise Seathan, Mac Eigh Beirbh,
Mac an f hir shairg bu mlior trosd.
286 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
1 9 COMHEAG.
" My name shall be, on coming home,
Combat of five hundred hounds."
I have not found this fragment anywhere else.
This seems to describe a raid made by the son of the
King of Bergen, who carried off a woman, and was
tracked and overtaken, and slain in a rift, by Comhrag
of the five hundred hounds, Fionn's head huntsman.
I am responsible for the division into stanzas of two
lines. Siar generally means west ; here it means behind,
probably, for the same reason, that south and to the
right are synonynious. A man facing the rising sun
has his back to the west, and his right hand to the
south (deas). The left hand (lamh thosgail), to the
north, and the sun (air a Bheultaobh), on his mouth side,
on Baal's side. This may be fancy, but unless some
explanation is found, it does not appear how a man
can have a north and south hand, and a western back.
J. F. C.
From Angus MacKinnon, tailor, Dallabrog, South
Uist, who is a little dark-haired man, with quick-
moving grey eyes, and lively, kindly manner. He
wears neither shoes, nor stockings, nor bonnet, and
seemingly never has. He sings these pieces with con-
siderable pathos, and has a tolerably good voice. He
appears to me to be about seventy years of age.
Beirbhe. Dictionaries translate Beirbhe, Copenhagen, but it
is more probably tbe Gaelic form of Bergen, whicb was formerly
the capital of Norway, which is part of the Gaelic Lochlann, as
well as Denmark. How Bergen may have 2)assed into the Gaelic
Beirbhe, may be illustrated by the frequency with which bh passes
into g, or gh, and vice versa ; thus, ubh or ugh, an egg; dubh,
or dugh, black, etc. , oovoog, doo. H. M'L.
September 16, 18G0.
SEATHAN MAC RIGH BEIRBH.
19
" Gur h-e b' aimn dhomli ligliimi gu teacli
Comlirag nan coig ceudan con.
287
Hounds and Hdntsmen, Ornaments and Characteristic Symbol. —
Copied from the "Sculptured Stones of Scotland." At Kirriemuir, PI. xliii.
and xlv. ; near Dupplin, PI. Iviii. ; Standing Stone of Sauchope, Crail,
PI. lix. ; Fowlis Wester, near Crieff, PI. Ix. ; Crail, PI. Ixiv. ; Largs,
PI. Ixvi. ; Meigle, PL Lxxii. ; near Aberlemno, PI. Ixxx.
2 00 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
LXXVIII.
THE MASTEE AND HIS MAK
From John Dewar.
rPHEEE were at some time ere bow bad times, and
-^ there were many servants seeking places, and
there were not many places for them.
There was a farmer there, and he would not take
any servant but one who would stay with him till the
end of seven years, and who would not ask for wages,
but what he could catch in his mouth of the seed corn,
when he should be thrashing corn in the barn.
None were taking (service) with him. At last he
said that he would let them plant theii' seed in the
best ground that he might have, and they should get
his own horses and plough to make the thraive, and his
own horses to harrow it.
There was a young lad there, and he said, " I will
take wages with thee," and the farmer set wages on
that lad, and the bargain that they made was that the
wages which the lad was to have were to be as many
grains of seed as he coidd catch in his mouth when
they were beating sheaves in the barn, and he was to
get (leave) to plant that seed in the best land that the
farmer had, and he was to keep as much as grew on
that seed, and to put with it what seed soever he might
catch in his mouth when he was thrashing the corn,
and to plant that in the best land wliich the farmer had
on the next year. He was to have horses, and plough, or
any other " gairios " * he might want for planting or
* Apparatus ; also spelt goireas and gairaois.
THE MASTER AND HIS MAN. 289
reaping from his master, and so on to the end of the
seven years. That he should have seven winters in the
barn thi-ashing, seven springs to plant, seven summers
of growth for the crop, and seven autumns of reaping,
and whatsoever were the outcomiug that might he in
the lad's seed, that was the wage that he was to have
when he should go away.
The lad went home to his master, and always when
he was thrashing in the barn his master was thrashing
with him, and he caught but three grains of seed in his
mouth on that winter; and he kept these carefully
till the spring came, and he planted them in the best
land the carle had.
There grew out of these three ears, and there were
on each ear threescore good grains of seed.
The lad kept these carefully, and what grains
soever he caught he put them together with them.
He planted these again in the spring, and in the
autumn again he had as good as he had the year before
that.
The lad put his seed bye carefully, and anything
he caught in liis mouth when he was tlirashing in the
next winter he put it "with the other lot ; and so with the
lad from year to year, till at last, to make a long story
short, the lad planted on the last year every (bit of)
ploughing land that the carle had, and he had more
seed to set, and the carle was almost harried. He had
to pay rent to the farmer who was nearest to him, for
land in which the lad might set the excess of seed
which he had, and to sell part of his cattle for want of
ground on which they might browse, and he would not
make a bargain in the same way with a servant foi-
ever after.
290 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
This story only wants a moral to be a regular fable,
and the meaning is so clear that to express it by a
moral would be waste of words. Scotchmen, all over
the world, are noted for frugality, and here is the les-
son taught by a Celtic peasant to Ms son. I suspect
there has been a numerical puzzle upon the numbers 3,
7, and 20, which is lost. Words relating to agri-
culture are interesting, and this gives a number of them.
I subjoin an attempt at phonetic spelling.
Siol, sited; seed, the young offish, oats, etc. etc.
Crann, kvAn ; a tree, a plough, a mast, etc. etc.
Cliathadh, KleeAug ; harrowing, from cliath, basket
work of any kind, a liush harrow, from which it fol-
lows that ploughs an<i harrows were made of wood.
Treabh, Treo; to till, plough, probably from
troimh, through, a thraive, a furrow. Sanscrit root,
Tra, an instrument of any kind, a plough.
Biceannan, Eeeganan; grains, beag, small, diminu-
tive, Bigan.
Bualadh, BooAlug ; thrashing, beating, striking,
hitting.
Sabhal, SavuI or Sa-uI ; a barn.
Arbhar, Atav ; corn as reaped, standing corn.
Sanscrit root, Ar, to plough, to cut open ; to plough
tlie sea. Gaelic, Eithir, a boat.
Ire, Eere ; land, also produce. Sanscrit, Ira,
earth.
Earrach, Yarach ; spring, earing time.
Cur, Coor; to plant, to put, to set.
Cinneas, Keenyas ; growth, also kin.
Bar, Bav ; top, point, crop.
Buain, Booain ; to gather, pluck, reap.
Toradh, Tcmrug ; increase, probably from tor,
heap, a heaping.
Màl, MaI ; mail, rent.
Tuathannach, TooAUAch ; a farmer.
AM MAIGHISTIR AGUS AX GILLE. 29 I
AM MAIGHISTIR AGUS AN GILLE.
Bha uaireiginn roimh so 'droeh thimannan ann agus bha mòran de
sheirbhisich ag iarraidh aiteachaiin, agus cha robh meran de aite-
acbann ann d" aibh. Bha tuathannacb an sin, agus cha gabhadh e
gille sara bith, ach gille a dh' fhuireadh leis gu ceaun seachd
bliadhna, agus nach iarradh de thuarasdal ach na ghlacadh e na
bheul de'n t-siol, tra bhiodh e a bualadh an arbhair anns an t-
fabhaL
Cha robh gin a gabhail aige. Ma dheireadh thubhairt e, gun
leigeadh e leo an siol a chur anns an ire a b f hearr a bhiodh aige,
agus gum faigheadh iad na h-eich, s an crann aige fein a dhean-
arah an treabh, agus na h-eich aige fein thun a chliathadli.
Bha gille òg an sin, agus thubhairt e, " Gabhaidh mise tuarasdal
agad ■' S chuir an tuathanach tuarasdal air a ghille sin. Agus se
am bargan a rinn iad, gum b'e an tuarasdal bha gu bhith aig a
ghille, na ghlacadh e de bhiceannan siol na bheul, tra bhitheadh e a
bualadh an arbhair, anns an t-sabhal. Agus bha e gus faotuinii
an siol sin, a chur anns an ire b' f hearr a bh' aig an tuathanach,
agus bha e gus na chinneadh air an t-siol sin a ghleidh, agus ciod
ar-bhith an siol a ghlacadh e na bheul, tra bhitheadh e a bualadh an
arbhair, a chuir comhla ris, a^ius sin a chur anns an ire a b' fhearra
bh' aig an tuathanach an ath bhliadhna. Bha e gu eich 's crann, na
gairaois air bith eile a bhiodh feumail d'a air son cur na buain,
fhaotuinn o mhaighistir ; agus mar sin gu ceann nan seachd bliadh-
na. Gu 'm bitheadh aige, seachd geamhraidhean san t-sabhal a
bualadh, seachd earraich gu cur, seachd samhraidhean cinneas do'n
bharr, agus seachd fogharadh'n buain, agus ciod air bhith an tighinn
a mach a bhiodh an siol a ghille 's na seachd bliadhna, b'e sin an
duais a bha gu bhith aige tra dh' fhalbhadh e.
Chaidh an gille dachaidh thun a mhaighistir agus daonnan tra
bhiodh e a bualadh anns an t-shabhal, bhitheadh a mhaighistir a
bhualadh leis. Agus cha do bheir e na bheul, ach air tri bigeannan
sil, re a gheamhraidh sin. Agus ghleidh e iad sin gu ciiramach, gus
gu'n d' thainig an t-earrach, agus chuir e iad anns an ire b' fhearr
a bh' aig a bhodach.
Chinn asda sin tri diasan, agus bha air gach dias, tri-fichead
bigeannan matha sil.
292 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
Ghleidh an gille iad sin gu curamach, agus ciod air bhith big-
eannan sil air an do bheir e, chuir e còmhla riu iad.
Chuir e iad sin a rithis aig an earrach. Agus aigh an fhogharadh
a rithis'd bha toradh aige, clio math is a bh' aige a bhliadhna roimh
sin.
Chuir an gille seachad a shiol gu curamach, agus ciod air bhith a
ghlac e na bheul, tra bha e a' bualadh san ath gheamhradh, chuir e
leis a chuid eile a.
Agus mas sin do'n ghille, o bhliadhna gu bliadhna gus ma dheir-
eadh, a dheanamh sgeul fada goirid ga'n do chuir an' gille, air a
bhliadhna ma dheireadh na h-uile ire threabhaidh a bh' aig a bhod-
ach. Agus bha corr sil aige ri chuir agus cha bu mhòr nach robh
am bodach air a chreachadh. B' fheudar d'a mal a phaidh do'n
tuathanach b' fhaigse dha, air son ire sa 'n cuireadh an gille an corr
sil a bh' aige, agus pairt de "n spreidh aig a chreic, a chion gruinnde
air an ionaltraidh iad ; agus cha deanadh e baraga air a cheart doigh
ri gille gu brath tuille.
From my father more than forty years ago. — John Dewak.
THE PRAISE OF GOLL. 293
LXXIX.
THE PEAISE OF GOLL.
From Donald MacPhie, Breubhaig, Barra.
There came a stranger the way of the Finne, and
he asked what sort of man Goll was, and Fionn said —
1 High mind of Goll, Fionn's man of war,
2 Broad, burly* hero, dauntless and hardy ;
3 Fair generous hero, of sweetest speech.
4 His mildness mild, harmless his grace.
5 Of brightest mood,t teacher of schools.
6 King-like is Goll, hide it not Fionn.
7 Might of the waves, by valour bright. J
8 Lion like hind, vahant in deed
9 Powerfid his hand, choice of the kings.
1 0 Man friendly kind, forsakes not his ùiend.
11 In strife of kings, not slack his hand.
12 Crushing his shout, hound- Hke|| his might.
13 Youthful and soft, warlike and great.
294 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
MOLADH GHUILL.
Thainig coigreach an rathad na Finne a dh' fheor-
aicli de 'n saeorsa duine a bha ann an Goll 's thuirt
Fionn.
1530 1787 1860
MS. Gillies. Oral.
71 lines 18 lines 13 lines
Ard aigne Ghuill fear cogaidh
Fhinn ;
Laocli leothar, lonn,* fulangach
nacli tim ;
Laoch fionn, fial, a 's misle
gloir ;
A-mliine mm; sgèimh gun chron.
'S c 's glaine gean,t oide na
sgoil.
Amliuil righ a's Goll na ceil ort
Fliinn ;
Treise nan tonn ; air ghaisge
grinn.|
Leomham mar agh ; crodha 'na
ghniomh ;
Neartar a lamli ; rogha nan
righ.
Fear daimheil, caomh, nach
treig a dhaimli ;
An cogadli righ nach lag a
lamh.
* Lonn, strong,
t Perhaps Gein, a sword, of brightest sword, or of purest kin.
J Grinn, means excellent and beautiful, and is the superlative
' praise, applicable to anything.
1
1
1
2
2
2
9
3
3
12
5
6
4
5
26
7
6
27
8
7
36
9
8
37
10
9
551
15
10
56
11
11
OSGAR, THE SON OF OISEIX. 295
30 17 12 Pronntacli a ghair ; conach * a
threoir ;
31 18 13 Fiuranta miu ; mileanta mor.
From Donald MacPhie, Breubhaig, Barra, who
says he learnt it from his uncle, Hector MacLaine,
Breubhaig, Barra. October 1, 1860. — H. M'L.
This is a tratlitional fragment of the poem given
at page 29 of the selections from the Dean of Lis-
more's, MSS. 1530. Of the thirteen lines here given,
nine are ahnost identical with the Gaelic, as given by
Mr. MacLauchlan. There are seventy-one lines in the
oldest version. The corresponding numbers are here
placed opposite to the lines for reference. Another
version is printed in Gillies' collection, 1784. Page
34, there are eighteen hnes, of which tliirteen appear
here slightly modified, and in a different order. There
are considerable variations in several of the lines, for
example, damhail, friendly, is deud-gheal, white-toothed.
A fourth version, eighteen lines, was published by
MacCallum, 1816, and has five lines which I have not.
LXXX.
OSGAPv, THE SOX OF OISEIX.
WHEX Osgar was a boy he was sent to a school.
AMien they used to get out at the mid-day, they
used to go to play shinny on to a strand that was
there. At the time when he was sixteen years of age,
* Conach, canine. The old stag-hounds were powerful, large
active animals, and they are constantly represented on old stones
in Scotland. (See page 287.)
296 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
there would be a like number of the lads working on
each side, and the side on which Osgar might be, that
was the side wliich would hold-
He became exceedingly big, so that there was no
one of his cotemporaries that he was not twice as much
as he. At last there used to be two divisions against
him, and one division with him. At last there would
be no man with liim but liimself, and the rest alto-
gether against him.
They were there on a day of these days playing
shinny, and they saw a boat coming in, and one man
in her, and they never saw a man equal to him. The
scholars took great fear before the man when they saw
him coming, and they gathered about Osgar, every be-
gotten one of them, to make a protector of him, and
this wild man that was here came down where they
were, and not a bit of him to be seen but the eyes,
with blue-green scales of hardening upon him.*
He came towards them, and every one on whom
he would strike his pahn he would level him on the
strand. He struck Osgar and put him in a faint. It
was but scarcely that he could rise ; but he thought
that it was best for him to lie still ; if he should get
up again that he would slay him utterly.
Then he seized on Osgar, and he put him on the
end of a withy, and sixteen of the scholars on top of
him. He put the withy on his shoulder, and he be-
took himseK to the boat with it. He put in the withy,
"and it's I that was under altogether," said Osgar.t
* Probably " tempered scale armour;" here a scaly monster.
The phrase is not in Gaelic dictionaries, but it occurs pretty
often sligneach chruadhach.
f This idea is taken from the common method of carrying
fish, viz., on " gad," a withy. A hook is left at the large end of
a supple stick, and the small end is run through the gills of
OSGAR, THE SON OF OISEIN. 297
" I am saying to you," said Osgar, " that was as
sore a blow as I have had, when he struck my ribs
against the boat's floor, and the rest on top of me."
Then he rowed the boat away for the length of a time,
and he reached an island, and then he caught hold of
the withy again, and he put it out. Then he took
with him the withy on his shoulder, and I below. He
reached a castle, and he went in. He left the withy
there, and he went up to the end of the house, and
there was a fine woman there. He said to her that he
was going to take a nap, and when he should wake
that the best hero who was there should be cooked
before him."*
" She went where the withy was, and she began to
feel them. And I was the biggest there. I caught
her by the hand, and said to her to let me be for the
present. She went and she took with her the best one
she found of the others. She put the roasting stake
through loim, and she roasted him on the fire. Then
he got up, and he asked if she had got him cooked.
She said that he was. Then he said, " There was a
better boy than this there ; I am going to sleep, and
unless thou hast him cooked when I awake, I will
have thyself in his place." f
a lot of cuddies or trouts. Consequently, the first has all the
others upon him, and he often has a rough time of it, for the
hoys do not trouble themselves to kill their prizes.
* That is to say, the castle was in the mind of the narrator a
building like his own dwelling ; a long room, with the wife at the
end of it, beside the fire ; and the fine lady was to cook a warrior
as his wife would roast a herring.
t With proper audience and emphasis, with fish broihng on
a peat fire, and a string of cuddies in a corner ; with a ruddy
light within, and a winter's night outside, this must be a thrilling
passage.
298 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
She went down then again and said, " I must take
thee with me now."
" That is not best for thee, but leave me alive.
Art thou liis wife ?"
" Not I. It is (so) that he stole me here seven
years ago, and I in dread that he will slay me every
day. Do thou help me, and I will help thee, and
may be that we might put an end to the monster.
Put thou the poker in the fire, and when it is red give
me notice."
She did this, and when it was red she gave him
notice.* Osgar went up then when she loosed lum,
and he took the poker with him to where he was in
his sleep. There was no part of his face bare, with
scales of hardness, but his two eyes. He put the
poker down through his eye to the ground ; and she
caught hold of his sword, and she struck off his head.
They went away then, and they took with them
silver and gold enough, and Osgar hit upon the spot
where they had left the httle boat. He did not know
to what side he should turn her prow, but they began
to row, and they reached the very spot from which
they had gone, on the strand. Then he reached the
king of the Finne. They took exceeding good care of
the woman that was there.t
The heroes of the Finne went one day to the hunt-
* It is curious how often in this and in other cases the nar-
rator identifies himself for a time with his hero. A story so told
becomes a kind of dramatic representation, and the more untu-
tored the narrators the more dramatic they are.
t This first adventure is like part of Nos. V. VI. VII. and of a
vast number of other stories which I have. It is at least as old as
Homer ; but as the Gaelic versions invariably introduce a woman.
I do not believe that the stories come from Homer. See notes,
Vol. I. 154.
OSGAR, THE SON OF OISEIN. 299
ing-hill, and they parted from each other. They went
to a glen that was there, and they did not know that
they had eA'er been in the glen before. They hit upon
a kind of burgh there, and a great Avild savage of a
giant in the upper end of the house.
" What's the news of the warriors of the Finne ?"
said he.
" Well, then, we have the news that we had no
knowledge of ever having been in this place before."
He arose, and he put a caiddi'on on the fire, and
a stag of a deer in it.
" Sit," said he, " and burn (fuel) beneath that
cauldron, but unless the deer be cooked when I awake,
you shall have but what you can take off his head,
and by all you have ever seen do not take out the
head."
They were tonnented by hunger, and they did not
know what they shoidd do. They saw a little shaggy
man coming down from the mountain. " Ye are in
extremity," said he, himself ; " why are ye not tasting
what is in the caxildron ?"
" We are not," said they ; " fear will not let us."
They took the lid out- of the end of the caukbon,
when they thought it was boiled, and so it was that
there was frozen ice came upon it.
The old carl got up so wildly, and when he saw
the little shaggy man, he laid the one great grasp upon
him.
The carle went down, and he asked battle or combat
from them. Caoilte rose in front of him, and they
began ujDon each other. He was about to have got
Caoilte under him now, and the little shaggy man got
up, and he shook himself
" Take notice that I am here," said he to the giant.
He took to the tuft of (fell upon) the giant, and he kept
300 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
back Caoilte. Tliey arose against each other now, and
the little shaggy man slew the giant.
" Go now, and be going home." They went, and
they were going before them, but they were not liitting
upon the proper road. They saw the very finest man
they had ever seen coming to meet them, and he met
them, and he asked what was their wish.
They told him that they were seeldng (to get) home
to the Finne.
" It were right for me, Osgar, son of Fionn," said
he, " to tell the way to thee. I am the ugly man
whom ye saw coming through the moimtain, and that
slew the giant. He has had me under spells for eight
years there, and I shoidd have been there for ever,
unless thou hadst come to help me to kill him. I am
the son of the Iving of Greece, and it was a sister of
mine that thou tookest from the other giant in the
island."
They reached the Fhinn, and the son of the King
of Greece and his sister knew each other. He kissed
her, and he himself and she herself went, and Fionn,
and Osgar, to Greece ; and before they came back,
Osgar married her.
The Gaelic is omitted to make room.
This then gives part of the early adventiu-es of
Osgar. If any reliance is to be placed on early Irish
history, he was a real personage ; and if so, this,
stripped of the marvellous element, would seem to
shew that he was carried off by a mail-clad warrior ;
that he escaped, and made liis way to Greece. The
reasonable explanation would be that this is part of
the history of a sea rover, who wandered, as the Ice-
landers did in the ninth century, from Labrador to
OSGAR, THE SON OF OISEIN. 3OI
Constantinople. The caldron that froze, the more it
was boiled, indicates a cold climate. But wliile there is
a reasonable exj^lanation for the story, there is a mythi-
cal element which cannot be reasonably explained ; and
probably the name of Osgar has attracted a lot of float-
ing myths whose origin cannot be discovered
The following poem relates the death of Osgar, and
is more reasonable ; it certainly relates to some real
event in Irish history. The first volume of the trans-
actions of the Ossianic Society of Dubhn (1853)
contains an Irish poem on the " Battle of Gabhra,"
which embodies the main incidents, such as : — War
between Cairbre, the red-haired, and the Feen ; the
death of Cau-bre and liis son, by the hand of Osgar ;
the wounding of Osgar by a spear-thrust from the
hand of Cairbre ; the arrival of Fionn on the field
after the battle ; the placing of Osgar on a mound ;
the examination and nature of the wound, which had
been foretold ; the weeping of Fionn, who never wept
but for Osgar and for Brann ; the death of Osgar, and
the lament for hiim There is enough resemblance to
shew clearly that the two poems relate to the same
events. There are several stanzas which seem to indi-
cate a common origin, but there the resemblance ends.
The two poems are wholly distinct, and probably
separated from one another by centuries ; and yet they
must have had a common origin, unless they are inde-
pendent accounts of a real event. At page 75 is this
stanza, —
"When we marched from Binn Eadair.
" The bands of the Fians of Alba,
And the supreme King of Britain,
Belonging to the order of the Fian of Alba,
Joined us in that battle."
302 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
Beinn Eadair, say the Irish authorities, is the Hill
of Howth. It is the haunt of the Feen and of Conal
Gulban, according to Gaelic stories, if it be Beinn Eudain
or Eidain. In the introduction to the Irish poem, which
was taken as it appears from a comparatively modern
MS., a fragment is quoted, taken from an ancient
Irish MS., now preserved in the College Library, and
supposed by good authority to have been written prior
to A.D. 1150. This contains the incidents of the death
of " Oscar" by the hand of " Cairpre," the grandson
of " Conn," and the death of Cairpre by the hand of
Oscar, " by a mighty spear, on a white horse's back."
It seems, then, that this traditional poem, written
from the dictation of a peasant in Barra in 1860, relates
to a battle fought prior to 1150, near the Hill of
Howth, at which the " Fenians " of Alba were present,
and that the battle was called the battle of Gabhra in
Ireland. The Scotch Gaelic word used means corpses.
The Irish explain Gabhra to mean Garrystown, near
DubUn.
At page 25 of the selections from the Lismore
MSS., a Scotch poem on the same subject is given. It
is attributed to Allan MacRuaraidh, and was written
at least three centuries ago. The incidents are much
the same, and several lines are common to this tradi-
tional version. Another version is quoted as written
down in 1856, from the dictation of an old woman in
Caithness. It is therefore beyond a doubt that this is
one of many poems relating to the same ancient event,
some of wliich are orally preserved and still recited, and
others are found in MSS. of various ages.
A poem, almost identical, was printed in 1787, at ,
page 313 of Gillies' collection ; another version of 120 I
lines is given at page 167 of the same book ; another [
version, 247 lines, is at page 154 of MacCallum, j
OSGAR, THK SON OF OISEIN. 303
181G. The incidents are the opening of Macpherson's
Temora, and I have heard of several other versions
orally collected. Here, then, are seven Scotch versions
— one orally collected in 1860, one in 1856, one in
1816, two before 1786 — Macpherson's versions, of
doubtful authority, 1760, and Dean MacGregor's MS.
version of 1530, besides an Irish book of 1853, and an
Irish fragment of some date before 1100 ; nine Gaelic
poems, all different, yet aU teUing the same story, and
there are many other versions.
The conclusion which I would draw is, that this was
a Celtic popular ballad, composed to celebrate a real
battle between an Irish usurper named Cairbre, and a
band of warriors who spoke Gaelic, who were headed
by the Osgar (the bounding warrior), who went from
Scotland to Ireland on this occasion, whatever his
native country may have been ; who was the grandson
of Fionn, the chief of the Finne, who on this occasion
came from Scotland after the battle ; and the son of
Oisein, in whose person the poet sjieaks, and who is
supposed to be addressing " Padruig." He would
be an illiberal Celt Avho claimed tliis for Scotland
or for Ireland alone, and a very prejudiced critic who
could now attribute Temora wholly to Macpberson.
This ballad is later than St. Patrick and earlier than
1530. The battle was earHer than 1100 ; I will not
attempt to fix the date of either.
304 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
Lxxxr.
THE LAY OF OSGAE.
From Donald MacPhie, Smith, Breubhaig, Barra ; and others.
"FT was said at that time that Eirinn was the better
-■- chase than Albainn ; that there were many great
beamed deer in it, rather than in this Albainn. It
was this which used to cause the Fhinn to be so often
in Eirinn ; but true Albanian Gaul (Scotch liighland-
ers) they were.
The red-haired Cairbre came in as king over the
fifth part of Eirinn, at the southern end. The Fhinn
were now over in Eirinn, and Fionn had dwelling-
houses in every place in wliich it was most usual for
them to stay.
The ord Fhiann (hammer of Fionn) was a bell. It
was not to be struck but in time of great rejoicing, and
in time of hard straits, and it could be heard in the
five-fifths of Eirinn.
They had a house on the land of the red-haired
Cah'bre, and they came on the northern side of Eirinn
to hunt.
Padruig was asking Oisean —
" Would their set of arms be on them when they
went to hunt ?"
Oisean said to him —
" Without oiir armour and our arms ;
We woidd not go to hunt like that.
There would be arms, and stout headgear,
And in each man's grasp were two great spears."
When the Flxinn went to hunt to the northward)
they left Osgar to keep the house, and tliree hundred
of the old warriors with him, for they were heavy for
walking. Said Oisean, when he was going to tell the
old story to Padruig (a).
LAOIDH OSGAIR. 305
LAOIDH OSGAIE.
Bha e aij a radii 'sau am ud gu 'm b'e Eirinn a b'
thearr sealg na Albainn ; gu 'n robh moran de dh'
f heidli chabrach inbor innte seacli an Albainn seo. 'Se
sin a bliiodb a' toirt do 'n Fliinn gai 'm biodh iad cho
trie an Eirinn ; acli 'se fior Gliaidlieil Albannach a bha
annta.
Tliainig an Cairbre ruadh a stigh 'na righ air a'
choigeauih cuid de dh' Eirinn air a' cheann deas. Bha
'n Fhinn 'san am seo thall an Eirinn, 's bha tighean
comhnuidli aig Fionn anns a' h-uile h-àite a bu trie
leo a bhith stad ann.
Clag a bha anns an ord Fhiann ta. Cha robh e ri
'bhualadli aeh an am toil-inntinn mhoir, 'san am eigin
ehruaidh, 's chluinnt' ann an coig choigeamh na h-
Eirionn e.
Bha tigh aca air fearann a' Chairbre ruaidh, 's
thainig iad air an taobh mu thuath de dh' Eirinn a
shealgaireachd.
Bha Padruig a foighneachd de dh' Oisean,
" Am biodh an ciiid arm orr' uile nuair a rachadli
iad a shealgaireachd Ì "
Thuirt Oisean ris,
" Gun ar n-eideadh, 's gtm ar n-airm,
I Cha rachamaid a shealg mar siud ;
Bhiodh ah-m, agus ceannabheart ehorr,
'S da shleagh mhor an dorn gach fir."
Nuair a chaidh an Fhinn a shealgaireachd do'n taobh
tuath dh' fhag iad Osgar a' gleidheadh an tighe 's tri
cheud de na seami laoich comhla ris, 0 bha iad trom
gu coiseachd.
Thuirt Oisean nuair a bha e 'dol a dh' innseadh an
t-seanachais do Phadruig. (a)
X
306 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
1 OlSEAN,
" I will not style my strain, ' my Prince,'
How sad is Oisean to-niglit.
Osgar and the Cairbre stalwart
Ebb away in strife of corses. (')
" The venomous spear in the hand of Cairbre,
In anger's hour, how baneful was it ;
The raven would iitter wdth fear.
That with it should be slain the Osgar."
3 — Eaven.
" It is worse," to himself he'd say
That black raven in his craze,
" These five to be washing about a trough,
Than blood of men to be gorging us."
4 — Osgar.
" Why should our own blood choke us ?
What weakness is on oiu' eyehds ?
Tliat we for such small cause should weep."
5 — Washerwoman.
" The raven will croak to-morrow early
Upon thy cheek in the field of battle ;
From the socket thine eye shaU be forced ;
Out of this thus much will come."
Said one of the old warriors, as he saw the hue of
the blood on the water that she had washing the clothes
of Osgar.
LAOIDH OSGAIR. 307
" Cha 'n abair mi, mo thriath, ri m' cheol,
Cia V oil le Oisean e nochd ;
Osgar agus Cairbre calma,
Traghar iad aim an cath cairbhre. C)
" An t-sleagh nimhe, 's i'n laimh Chairbre,
Gu'n craidhteach i ri uair feirge ;
Theireadb am fitheach ri 'gbiomh,
Gur h-ann leatba 'mharbht' an t-Osgar."
" 'S miosa theireadli e ris f hein, —
Am fitbeacb dubh 'na mhi-cheill ;
A' choigear a' taLseadh. mil (b) 'n chlar,
Acb foil fir a bbith 'gar tacadb.
" Com' an tacadli ar foil fhein,
De gbiamb a tb' air ar rasgabb ;
Nuair a cbaoineamaid cbaol reacbdaibb.
5 — Bean Nighidh.
" Gairidli am fitheacb, mocb a inaireacli,
AÙ- do gbruaidh-sa anns an araick
Cuireadar do sbuil a gbicbd ;
As an sin a tbig na b-uiread."
Arsa fear de na seann laoicb, 's e 'faicinn datb na
fala air an ixisge a bb' aice a' nigbeadli aodacb Osgair.(')
308 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
6
" Surely it is a shroud thou washest,
Eed is the look that is upon it,
But until this day had come,
Hiat shroud's sj^aeing was not evil."
7 OSGAR.
" Thou witch there thy clothes that washest,
Make for us a sure soothsaying ;
By us shall a man of them fall.
Ere that we all go to nothing V
8— She.
" Five hundred by thee shall die ;
Wounded by thee the king's self ;
Thus much, and a man of law (cut) oif,
Off the world all that came (c)."
9 OSGAR.
" Let him not hear thee, Easg MacEuaidh,
ISTor one that belongs to his people ;
Let not the Een hear thee this night,
Lest we be spiritless alL"
10— OlSEAN.
" Heard ye of the raid of Een,
The time he wended to Eirinn ;
There came the fierce Carbre of spears,
And grasped all Eirinn under sway.
11
" Away went we with eager hurry.
As many Feen as were of us ;
We laid our army and our people
On the northern side of Eirinn.
LAOIDH OSGAIR. 309
" 'S dearbh gur u-aobli sin tha tliu nigheadli
'S dearg an t-aogasg a tha orra ;
Ach gus an d' thainig an diugh
An aobh sin clia b' olc a h-inneal.
7 — OSGAE.
" A bhaobli sin, a niglieas t' aodach,
Dean-sa dhuinne faisneachd chinnteach ;
An tuit aon duine dhiu leinn
Ma'n d' theid sinn uile do neo-ni ?
8 ISE.
" Marbhar leatsa coig ceud,
A's gonar leat an rigli fhein ;
Mar sin a's fear Lagha dhethf)
Bhar saogliail uile gu 'n d' thainig. (')
9 OSGAR.
" Xa cluinneadh e thu, Easg MacEuaidh,
Xa duine 'bheanas dh' a shluagh ;
Na cluinneadh an Fhinn thu nochd,
Ma 'm bi sinn uile gun mhisneach.Q
10— OlSEAN.
" An cuala sibhse turas Fhinn
An uair a ghluais e gu h-Eirinn ?
Thainig an Caii'bre sleaghach, garg,
A's ghlac e Eirinn fo aon smachd
11
" Dh' f halbh sinne le dian damhair, — f)
A lion de'n Fhinn 's a bha dhinn ;
Leagalli leinn ar feachd, 's ar sluagh,
Air an taobh mu thuath de dh' Eirinn.
3IO WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
12
" There was sent down by Cairbre
Word for Feene's hardy Osgar,
To go down to the Feen's carousal,
And he would get his cess according.
13
" He rose who never baulked a foeman,
The beauteous Osgar to the king's hearth,
Three hundred stalwart men with him,
To answer his will and need.
14
" We found honour, we found food,
As we ever before had found ;
We were merrily within,
With Cairbre in the house of the king."
1 5 — Cairbre.
" Upon the last drinking day,"
Said the Cairbre with a voice so high,
" An exchange of spear-shafts I 'd hke from thee,
Thou brown Osgar of the Alba."
16 — Osgar.
" What shaft's exchange wouldst thou wish.
Thou red-haired Cairbre of the ports of ships ?
Oft were my spear and myself with thee,
In the day of battle and combat (free)."
1 7 — Cairbre.
" I'd need no less than cess and kain
From any warrior your shores withm.
And I'd need no less for my hfe's term,
Than to get as I ask for it every arm."
LAOIDH OSGAIR. 3 I I
12
" Chuireadh le Caii'bre 'nuas
Fios air Osgar cruaicUi na Finne,
A dhol a dh' ionnsnidh fleadli na Finne,
'S gu'm faiglieadh e cis a reir sin.
13
" Dh' eirich, o nacli d' ob e naniliaid,
An t- Osgar aluinn gu Leac Eigli ;
Tri cheud fear treun dh' imicli leis
A f hreasdal dh' a thoil 's dh' a fheum.
14
" Fhuair sinn onair, f huair sinn biadli,
Mar a fhuair sinn roimhe rianili ;
Bha sinn gu subhach a steach
Maille ri Cairbre 'san Teanihraidh." (")
15 — Cairbre.
" An latha mu dheireadh dh' an ol"
Thuirt an Cairbre le guth mor.
" lomlaid croinn sleagh b' aill learn uait
Osgair dhuinn na h-Albann."
1 6 — Osgar.
" Gu de an iomlaid croinn a bhiodh ort,
A Chairbre ruaidh nan long-phort Ì
A's trie 'bu leat mi f heiu 's mo shleagh
An latha oath agus comhraig."
17 — Cairbre.
" Cha b' uilear leamsa cis a's cain
Bhar aon seoid a bhiodh 'nar tir ;
'S cha b' uilear learn ri m' linn a bhos,
Gach send a dli' iarrainn mi 'm faishinn."
WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
1 8 OSGAR.
" In sooth, there's nor gold, nor precious thing,
That might be asked from us by the king,
Without dishonour or disgrace.
That were not thine, oh Tjeearnai's."
19
" But exchange of shafts without head's exchange,
Tliat Avere unjust to demand from us ;
The reason thou hast asked it is.
That I am without Een and father."
20 — Cairbre,
" Although the Feene and thy father
Were as good as they were ever ;
I'd need no less for my life's term.
Then to get as I ask for it every arm."
21 — OsGAR.
" Were but the Feene and my father
As well in life as they were ever ;
That thou scarcely .shouldest win
Thy dwelling's breadth in Eirinn."
22— OlSEAN.
" Coldness fell on the warrior's keen.
At hearing the skirmishing ;
There were rough vows bandied there,
Between the Cairbre and the Osgar."
23 — Cairbre.
" I will give a lasting vow,"
So would say the red-haired Cairbre,
That he 'd plant the seven-edged spear (d)
Between his reins and his navel.
LAOIDH OSGAIR. 3 I 3
18— OSG.VR.
" Cha n-'eil or, na earras, ga fior,
A dli' iarradh oirnn an righ,
Gun tair, na tailceas dliuinn e,
!N'ach bu leatsa 'tliighearnais."(')
19
" Acli nialairt croinn, gun mhalairt cinn,
B' eucorach sind iarraidh oirnn ;
'S e'm fath mu 'n iarradh tu oirnn e
Mise bhith gun Fliinn, gun athair."
20 — Cairbre.
" Gad a bhiodli an Fhinn a's t' atliair
Co math 's a bha iad riamh 'nam beatba,
Cha b' uilear leamsa ri m' hnn,
Gach send a dh' iarrainn gu'm faigliinn."
21— OSGAR.
" Na 'm biodh an Fhinn agus m' athair
Cho math 's a bha iad riamh 'nam beatha,
'S teann air am faigbeadh tu sin, —
Lend do thaigh ann an Eirijin."
22 OlSE^VN.
" Lion fuarrachd na laoich loin
Ei claistinn na h-iomarbbaidh : —
Bha briathran garbha, leith mar leith,
Eadar an Cairbre 's an t-Osgai'."
23 — Cairbre.
" Bheireamsa briatbar buan,"
'Se 'theireadli an Cau-bre ruadh ;
Gu'n cuireadh e sleagh nan seachd seang (d )
Eadar 'airnean agus 'imleag.
3 I 4 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
24
" Another vow against that,"
So would say the Osgar valiant,
That he'd plant the nine-edged spear
About the shaping of face and hair.
Eeciter.
The Cairhre had a place made in a pillar of rock,
and there would not be a bit of him out but his face.
25
"That lasting vow, then ; that lasting vow,"
So would say the red-haired Cairbre,
That he would bring chase and sorrow
To Albainn upon the morrow.
26
" Another vow against that,"
So would say the Osgar valiant,
That he 'd plant the nine-edged spear
About the shaping of face and hair.
27
" That night we were without aid,
Hither and thither about the river ;
There was an isthmus in the midst ; (/)
There was a great isthmus betwixt us.
" An olla was heard with a soft voice,
On a sweet-toned harp, bewailing death ;
Up rose Osgar in heavy wi'ath.
And seized his arms in his mighty grasp.
LAOIDH OSGAIR. 315
24
" Briathar eile 'n agliaidli sin,"
'Se 'tlieireadh an t-Osgar calnia ;
Gru'n cuireadh e sleagh nan naoi seang
Mu chumadli fliuilt agiis aodainn.
Bha ait aig a' Cliairbre, air a dlieanadh ann an
carragh creige, 's clia bhiodli niir a mach deth ach an
t-aodenn.
25
" Briathar buan sin, — briathar buan,"
'Se 'theireadh an Cairbre ruadh ;
Gu 'n d' thugadh e sealg agus creach,
Do dli' Albainn an la'r na nihaireach.
26
" Briathar eile 'n aghaidh sin,"
'Se 'theireadh an t-Osgar calma ;
Gn 'n cuireadh e sleagh nan naoi seang,
Mu chumadh f huilt agus aodainn.
27
" An oidhche sin duinne gun chobhair
Thall agus a bhos mu 'n amhainn ;
Bha doirlinn leith mar leith, — (/)
Bha doirUnn mhor eadaruinn.
28
" Chualas 011a, le guth tim.
Air chlarsaich bhinn a' tuireadh bais.
Dh' eirich Osgar ann am feirg, —
'S ffhlac e 'airm 'na dhornaibh aidli.
3 1 6 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
29
" Uprose we upon the morrow,
The whole of our people, as many as we Avere ;
We raised a raid upon Sliabh Goill,
So swiftly, actively, strongly.
30
" Wlien we arrived there within
The pass of combat of the narrow glen ;
Then warmed the Cairbre high,
Brandisliing, and coming to meet us.
31
" Fivescore of Gaidheal fierce.
That came to land in time of storm ;
These fell yonder by the hand of Osgar,
'Tis a rousing for the "King of Eirinn.
32
" Fivescore of men of bows
That came to Cairbre's succour ;
These fell yonder by the hand of Osgar,
'Tis a rousing for the King of Eirmn.
33
" Seven score of men of war,
That came from the snowy shore ;
These fell yonder by the hand of Osgar,
The shame is for the king of Eirinn.
34
" Seven score men of gray glaives,
That never went backAvards a single pace,
There fell yonder, by the hand of Osgar —
The shame is for the King of Eirinn.
LAOIDH OSGAIR.
29
" Dh' eirich sinn an la'r na mhaireach, —
Ar sluagh uile, — sin na 'bha dliinn,
Thog sinn creach. air Sliabh Goill
Gu luath, lasgara, lugliar.
30
" Nuair a rainig sinn ann, —
Bealach comhraig nan caol ghleann,
'S ann a bhlath an Cairbre ard,
A' lannaireachd a' tighinn 'nar comhdhail.
31
" Coig ficheud Ghaidlieal garg(^)
A tbainig do 'n tir an uair gharbh ; — -
Thuit siud le laimb Osgair thall,
'Se 'mosgladh gu righ Eirionn.
32
" Coig fichead de dh' f hearaibh bogha
Thainig air Cairbre g' a chobhair ; —
Thuit siud le laimh Osgair thall,
(')'Se mosglacUi gu righ Eiroinn.
33
" Seachd fichead de dh' f hearaibh feachdC")
A thamig a tir an t-sneachd ; —
Thuit siud le lainili Osgair thall,
Tha 'mhasladli gu righ na h-Eirionn.
34
" Seachd fichead fear claidlieamh glas
I^ach deach aon troidh riamh air 'n ais,
Thuit siud le laimh Osgair thall ;
Tha 'mhasladh gu righ na h-Eirionn.
3 1 8 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
35
" Four huntlred of mighty men,
Tliat came to us from the Lion's land,
These fell yonder, by the hand of Osgar —
The shame is for the King of Eirinn.
36
" Five score of a royal breed,
Whose birthright was valour and great deeds,
These fell yonder, by the hand of Osgar —
The shame is for the King of Eirinn.
37
" Mangan MacSeirc,(") who was a foe
That could combat a hundred gray glaives,
That one fell yonder, by the hand of Osgar —
The shame is for the King of Eirinn.
38
" Tlie five who were nearest the king
Of great valour and deeds.
These fell yonder, by the hand of Osgar —
The shame is for the King of Eirinn.
39
" When the red-haired Cairbre saw
Osgar a-hewing the people.
The envenomed dart in his hand
He let it off to meet him.
40
" Osgar fell on his right knee,
And the deadly spear tlirough his waist ;
He gave another cast thither,
And the King of Eirinn was slain by him.
LAOIDH OSGAIR. 3 1 9
35
" Ceither cheucl de dh' fhearaibh mora,('')
Thainig airnn o tliir nan leomlian ; (")
Thuit siud le laimh Osgair thall,
Tha 'mhasladli gu righ na li-Eirionn.
36
" Coig fichead de chlannaibh righ
D' am bu dual gaisge 's mor ghniomh ;
Tbiiit siud le laimh Osgair thall,
Tha 'mhasladh gu righ na h-Eirionn.
37
" Mungan MacSeirc a bu namh,
A chomhraigeadh ceud claicUieamh glas ;
Thuit siud le laimh Osgair thall,
Tha 'mhasladh gu righ na h-Eirionn.
38
" An coigear a b' f haisge do 'n righ,
Bu mhor gaisge' agus gniomh ;
Thuit siud le laimh Osgair thall,
Tha 'mhasladh gu righ na h-Eirionn.
39
" An uair a chunnaic an Cairbre ruadh,
Osgar a suaidlieacUi an t-sluaigh ;
A' claraosach nimhe 'bha 'na laimh,
Gu 'n do leig e i 'na chomhdhail.
40
" Thuit Osgar air a ghluin dels,
'S an t-sleagh nimhe roimh a chneas ;
Thug e urchair eile null,
'S mharbhadh leis righ na h-Eirioun.
320 west highland tales.
41 — Cairbre.
" Arise Art, and grasp thy glaive,
And stand in the place of thy father ;
And if thou get'st thy due of the world,
I'll think that thou art a king's son."
42 OlSEAN.
" He gave another cast aloft,
Its height appeared to us sufficient ;
There fell by him, by his aim's greatness,
Art MacCairbre at the next spear cast."
Eeciter.
The Cairbre was dead, and Osgar was upon his
knees, and the spear through liim. Cairbre had a
ceap made against the rock, and they put the ceap
(helmet) on the crag, so that Osgar might think he
was alive.
43 — Oisean.
" Tliey set about the king his ceap,
Cairbre's people, rough in fight.
That they might reap the fruit of the field,
When they saw that Osgar was woimded.
44
" He lifted a slab from a hard plain.
From off the earth of the ruddy side ;
He broke the pillar on which was the ceap,
The last deed of my worthy son."
45 — Osgar.
" Eaise me now with you, Eeanna,
Never before have you lifted me ;
Take me now to a clear mound.
That you may strip off me my armour."
laoidh osgair. 3 2 i
41 — Cairbre.
" Eiricli Art a's glac do clilaklheamli,
A's seas aim an àite t' athar ;
'S ma gheibh thu do dhiol saoghail,
Saoilidh mi gur mac rigli tliu."
42
" Thug e urcliair eile 'n airde ; —
Air leiime gu 'm bu leoir a h-airde,
Leagadli leis, aig meud a chuimse,
Art MacCliairbre air an atli urchair."
Bha Cairbre marbb, 's bha Osgar air a ghluiueau.
'san t-sleagh roimhe. Bha ceoj; aig Cairbre air a
dheanadh ris a' chreig, 's chuir iad an ceap air a chreig,
air dhoigh 's gu 'n saoileadli Osgar gu 'n robh esan
beo.
43
" Chuir a chum an righ mu cheajj
Sluagh Chairbre bu gharbh gleachd,
An los gu 'n buinte leo buaidh larach,
Air faicimi daibh Osgair gu craidhteach.
44
" Thog e leac a comlmard cruaidh,
Bhar na tabnhuinne taobh-ruaidh ;
Bhrisd e 'n carragh air an robh 'n ceap,
Gniomli mu dheireadh mo dlieagh mhic."
45 — Osgar.
" Togaibh leibh mi nis Fhiaima,
Xior thog sibh mi roimhe riamh ;
Thugaibh mi gu tulaich ghlain,
Ach an 'm buin sibh dhiom an t-aodach."
322 WEST HIGHLxVND TALES.
46 — OlSEAN.
" There was heard at the northern strand,
Shouts of people and edge of arms ;
Our warriors suddenly started,
Eefore that Osgar was yet dead."
47 — Osgar.
" Death's shrouds be about thee, thou victory's son,
A second time wilt thou lie to us ;
These are my grandsire's ships,
And they are coming with succour to us."
48 OlSEAN.
" We all gave blessing to Fionn ;
What though he saluted not us
Until we reached the hillock of tears,
Where was Osgar of the keen arms."
Eecitee.
Fionn could heal any wound that might be on any
being in the Een, unless there should be poison in it.
49 — Fionn.
" Worse, my son, wert thou for it,
The battle day of Bein Eidinn ;
The sickles might float through thy waist,
It was my hand that made thy healing."
^0 OSGAR.
" My healing does not increase,
No more shall it be done for ever ;
The Cairbre planted the seven-edged spear
Between my reins and my navel. (")
LAOIDH OSGAIR. 323
4G OlSEAN.
" Chualas aig an traigh mu tliuatli
Eibheach sluaigh a's faobhar arm,
Chlisg ar gaisgich gu luath
Ma 'n robh Osgar fhathasd marbh."
47 — Osgar.
" Marbhphaisg ort a mhic na buaclha,
Ni thu breug an darna uair dhuinn ;
Luingeas mo sheanar a tli' ann,
'S iad a' teachd le cobhair tbugaiun."
48 OlSEAN.
" Bheannaich sinn tdle do db' Fhionn,
Gad tha cha do bheannaich dhuinn ;
Gus an do rainig sinn tulach nan deur,
Far an robh Osgar nan arm geur."
Leighseadh Fionn creuchd sam bith a bhiodh air
neach san Fhinn, ach gun puinsean a bhith ann.
49 — Fionn.
" 'S miosa 'mhic a bhiodh tu dheth,
An latha catha air Beinn Eudainn ;
Shnandiadh na corran roimh d' chneas,
'S i mo lanihsa rinn do leigheas."
50— Osgar.
" Mo leighas cha n 'eile e 'fas,
'S cha mho a niotar e gu bràch ;
Chuir an Cairbre sleagh nan seachd seang
Edar m' imleag agus m' airnean.
324 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
51
" I planted the nine-edged spear
About the shaping of his face and hair ;
The deep sting in my right side,
The leech has no skill to heal it."
52 — FiONN.
" Worse, my son, wert thou for it,
On the battle day of Dun Dealgan ;
Tlie geese might iloat tlu'ough thy waist, (")
It was my hand that made thy healing." (r/)
53 OSGAR.
" My healing does not increase,
No more shall it be done for ever ;
The Cairbre planted the seven-edged spear
Between my reins and my navel.
54
" I planted the nine-edged spear
About the shaping of his face and hair ;
The deep sting in my right side,
The leech has no skill to heal it."
55 OlSEAN.
" That was the time that Fionn went
Up to the mound above him ;
The tears streamed down from his eyelids,
And he turned liis back to us."
56 — Fionn.
" jVIy own calf, thou calf of my calf.
Thou child of my fair tender child.
My heart is bounding like an elk,
Kot tiU the last day, rises Osgar.
LAOIDH OSGAIR. 325
51
" Chuir mise sleagli nan naoi seang
Mu cliuniadh fhiiilt-san agns aodainn ;
An gath domhainn am' thaobli deas
Cha dual do'n leigh a leigheas."
52 — FioxN.
" 'S miosa 'nihic a bhiodli tu dlieth,
Latha catha sin Dhun Dealgain ;
Shnamhadh na geoidli roimli d' chneas,
'Si mo lanihsa rinn do leigheas."
53 OSGAR.
" Mo leigheas cha n-'eil e 'fas,
'S cha mho a dh' eireas mi gu bràch ;
Chuir an Cairbre sleagh nan seachd seang
Eadar m' imleag agus m' airnean.
54
" Chuir mise sleagh nan naoi seang
Mu chumadh f huilt-san agus aodainn :
An gath domhainn a' m' thaobh deas
Cha dual do 'n leigh a leigheas." ('")
55 OlSEAN.
" 'Sin an uair a chaidh Fionn,
Air an tulaich as a chionn ;
Shruthadh na deoir sios o 'rasgaibh,
'S thionndaidh e ruinn a chvd."
56— F:oxx.
" Mo laogh f hein thu — 'laoigh mo laoigh,
A leinibh mo leinibh ghil chaoimh
Mo chridhe 'leunu'aich mar Ion ;
('■) Gu lath bhràch cha 'n eirich Osgar !
326 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
57
" Tlae whining of the hounds by my side,
And the waihng of the ancient warriors,
The crying of the women in turns —
These were the things that pierced my heart-strings.
58
" So it was that I ever thought
No fleshly heart was in my breast ;
But a heart of the holly spikes,
All over-clad with steel.
59
" Pity it was not I that fell
In the battle of Corses, not scarce in deeds ;
And thou in the east and the west ward,
Thou'dst be before the Fiantan Osgair."
60— CONAN.
" Although it had been thou that fell
In the battle of Corses, not scarce in deeds ;
Alas ! in the east or the west ward,
Groaning for thee would not be Osgar."
61 OlSEAN.
" We raised with us lovely Osgar,
On shoulders and on lofty spear-shafts ;
We had a glorious carrying
Until we reached the house of Konn.
62
"Xo wife would weep her own son,
Xo man bewail his brother kind ;
As many as we were about around the house.
We were all bewailing Osgar."
LAOIDH OSGAIR. 327
57
" Donnalaich nan con ri m' thaobh,
Agus buirich nan seann laocli ;
Gaiiich nam ban mu seaeh ; (^)
Siud an rud a gbon mo chridhe.
58
" 'S ann a shaoil mi roimlie riamh, (")
Nach cridlie feola 'blia'nn a' m' cliliabh ;
Acli cridlie de gbuin na cuilinn
Ail- a cliomlidachadh le stailinn.
59
" 'S truagli nach mise thuiteadh ann
An catli Cairblire, an gnionih nach gann
A's tusa, 'n ear agus an iar
A bliiodh roimli na Fiarmtan Osgair."
60 CONAN.
" Gad a bu tusa 'thuiteadh ann
An cath Cairbhre an gniomh nach gann,
Ochon ! an ear na 'n iar
A' t' iargain cha bliiodh Osgar."
61 — O1SE.ÌN.
" Thog sinn leinn an t-Osgar aluinn
Air ghuaillibh 't air slileaghaibh arda ;
Thug sinn as iomchar ghrinn
Gus an do rainig sinn taigh Fhinn.
62
" Cha chaoineadh bean a mac f hein,
'S cha chaoineadh fear a bhrathair caomli,
'S cia lion 's a bha sinn mu 'n teach ;
Bha sinn uile caomeadh Osgair."
328 WEST HIGHLAKD TALES.
63 FlONN.
" Death of Osgar that tortured my heart,
Eirinn's men's lord, our mighty loss ;
Where in thy time was ever seen,
One so hardy behind a Wade."
64 OlSEAN.
" Fionn never gave over trembling and woe,
From that day till the day of for ever ;
He would not take, and he would not desire,
A third of his life though I should say. (^'')
(') Cairbhre, abounding in carcases, producing carcases ; from
cairbb, a carcase. H. M'L. Gabbra, in Gillies. J. F. C.
(^) Araon 's am fear a (laghadh Laoidheadb) dh'e. J. F. 0.
(') Together, and one wbo would sing of it (a reading in
Gillies). J. F. G.
(*) This introduction is given in Gillies ; it varies somewhat
from this, but it is not a whit more comprehensible. J. F. C.
(*) Damhair, hurry.
(*) Teamhradh, a royal residence ; from tàmh righ, king'i
dwelling, or rest, " Temora."
(') Tighearn, a lord, or proprietor of land ; from ti fhearani
person of lands. In this line tighearnas is used in the sam<
sense as majesty. Tighearn was evidently synonymous wi
Righ, king, at one time, and is no doubt the same word as th(
Greek, turannos, a king, H. M'L.
(^) From this line it might be inferred that the Gaels at som(
period were not the native race in the south of Ireland. H. M'Ij
(^) Tha mhasladh gu righ na h-Eirionn. — Patrick Smith
This seems to me to be the better line, as the one inserted hard]
makes sense. H. M'L.
(") The Scandinavian race. H. M'L.
(*^) Bear, son of Love.
(*^) This stanza is from Patrick Smith, who, in the enumera
tion of the heroes, invariably uses ceithir ceud, four hundred.
PI. M'L.
LAOIDH OSGAIR. 329
63— FlOXX.
" Bàs Osgair a chraidli mo chii,
Triath fear Eiriomi 's nior g' ar dith ;
Cait am facas riamh ri d' linn,
Aon cho cniaidh riut air cid laiim.
G4 OlSEAN.
" !N^ior cliuir Fionn detli crith a's grain
O'n latha sin gii la bhi-ach ;
Cha gliabhadli, 's cha L' f heairde leis
Trian de 'n bheatha gad dh' abruinn.
Q^) The PhcEnician or Carthaginian race. H. M'L.
(^*) Here Osgar exults in having given the nobler wound.
H. M'L.
(>=) (?) The winds.
(^^) Na 'n ruigeadh nio dhuirn a chneas,
Cha deanadh an leigh a leigheas.
(") 'Se mo chreach nach eirich Osgar,— Patrick Smith.
C^) Gul a' bhannail 'caoidh mu seach. — Donald MacPhie.
(") These lines are put in the mouth of Oscar by some re-
citers, and in the version published by MacCallum, which would
imply that Oscar's fortitude gave way from the pain of his wounds ;
but this is altogether inconsistent with the character ascribed to
Oscar in all Fenian tales and poems, while, on the contrary, when
uttered by Fionn, the loftiest heroism that can be conceived is
represented ; the steel-encased holly heart overpowered by deep
feeling; the stern, indomitable old captain completely subdued
by the tears of warm and generous affection. H. M'L.
Part of this poem was recited to me by Patrick Smith, South
Boisdale, South Uist, September 17, 1860. The whole of it as
written here, excepting a few lines peculiar to Smith's version,
was got from Donald MacPhie, smith, Breubhaig, Barra, October
1, 1860. It seems to be a fragment of a much larger poem, some
peculiar ancient drama. The commencement is rather obscure,
and it is not easy to make sense of some of the lines. H. M'L.
(-") This abrupt termination seems to indicate more to follow,
or a repetition of the first line, which seems to be the usual ter-
mination of these poems. J. F. C.
23° WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
(a) This introduction is curious. The Irish tradition is, that
Scotland was the hunting ground of Fionn. The lay is part of
a dialogue between the old poet and St. Patrick, which savours
of Irish exti-action ; but Barra is a Roman Catholic district.
(b) Moistening, Taiseadh. This seems to refer to some ancient
method of soothsaying connected with washing clothes. In broad
Scots it is mentioned in an old song, which I quote from
memory —
" My droukit sark sleeve I was waulking,
His likeness cam ben the house stalkin'."
The verra grey breeks o' Tam Glen."
In Britany (Foyer Breton, vol. i., 144), the night washerwomen
(kannerez-noz) were a troop of ghosts, which appeared on a certain
night in November. They washed, they dried, and they sewed
the shroud of the dead who yet walk and talk, singing, —
" Till there come Christians' saviour,
We must bleach our shrouds,
Under the snow and the wind."
They asked passengers to help to wring the wet sheets, and if
a man turned the clothes with them it was well, if he turned
against them he was crushed, and died.
Taisbean, s.m., means a vision, an apparition.
Taisbein, v. a., to reveal.
Taisgeal, s.m., the finding of something lost, and I have heard
" an Taistear " used as a term of opprobrium. The collector is
unable to explain the passage, but this seems to be an imperfect
explanation of it. The raven has been a soothsayer time out of
mind.
(c) This 8th stanza seems imperfect, and it is very hard to
make any sense of it as it stands, but supposing that I am right
in my explanation, this might be an exclamation of the mystic
washerwomen previous to their disappearance. See note (2),
page 328.
(d) 'Seang probably refers to the slender, sharp, tough,
qualities of a spear. Three slender points and throe thin edges
make a barbed head, and a tough springy shaft makes a spear of
seven " seang,'' add to that a couple of slender cords for throwing
HOW THE EBN WAS SET UP. 3 3 I
the weapon, of which there are traces in Irish stories ; and we
have a spear of nine "seang,'' slenders, and a phrase similar to
the "binding of the three smalls."
(/) This line is given in Armstrong's dictionary under the
word doirlinn.
{fj) The geese might float. This, taken literally, is absurd, and
is at variance with the spirit of the rest of the poem. I suspect,
therefore, that the word which now means geese, and nothing else
must have had some other meaning, as the word which means
herons in verse 49 also means any crooked cutting instrument.
It might be gaoithe, winds, and suggest the idea of the breath
escaping from the wound.
LXXXII.
HOW THE EEX WAS SET UP.
From Angus MacDonald, Stoneybridge, South Uist.
rpHERE was a king on a time over Eirinn, to whom
the cess which the Lochlanners had laid on Alba
and on Eirinn was grievous. They were coming on
his own realm, in harvest and summer, to feed them-
selves on his goods ; and they were brave strong men,
eating and spoiling as much as the Scotch and Irish
(Albannaich and Eirionnaich ; Alban-ians Eirin-ians)
were making ready for another year.
He sent word for a counsellor that he had, and he
told him all what was in his thought, that he wanted
to find a way to keep the Scandina^nans (Lochlannaich ;
Lochlan-ians) back. The counsellor said to him that
this woidd not grow with him in a moment ; but if he
would take his counsel, that it would grow with him
in time.
332 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
" Marry," said he, " the hundred biggest men and
women in Eirinn to each other ; marry that race to
each other ; marry the second race to each other again ;
and let the third kindred (ginealach) go to face the
Lochlaners."
This was done, and when the third kindred came
to man's estate they came over to Albainn, and Cum-
hal at their head.*
It grew with them to rout the Lochlaners, and to
drÌA^e them back. Cumhal made a king of himself in
All3a that time with these men, and he would not let
Lochlaner or Irelander to Alba but himself This
was a grief to the King of Lochlann, and he made up
to the King of Alba that there should be friendship
between them, here and yonder, at that time. They
settled together the three kings — the King of Loch-
lann, and the King of Alba, and the King of Eirinn —
that they would have a great "ball" of dancing, and
there should be friendship and truce amongst them.
There was a " schame " between the King of Eirinn
and the King of Lochlann, to put the King of Scotland
to deatk Cumhal was so mighty that there was no
contrivance for putting him to death, unless he was
slain with his own sword when he was spoilt with
drink, and love making, and asleep.
* This seems to have a trace of probability about it. There
must have been more spoil on the more fertile and accessible J
east coasts of Ireland and Scotland to tempt invaders ;
the Celts might well assemble amongst the mountains and wild
islands of the western coasts of Ireland and Scotland to make
head against the Norsemen, who certainly were settled in Ireland,!
about Dublin and elsewhere, in historical times. Cumhal and
warlike tribe might well have risen and set up in Scotland, and this
story gives more standing ground for MacPherson's story of
king in Morven than anything which I have. This also explains!
one meaning of Cumhal, subjection.
HOW THE EEN WAS SET UP. 333
He had his choice of a sweetheart amongst any of
the women in the company ; and it was the daughter
of the King of Lochlann whom he chose.
"When they went to rest, there was a man in the
company, whose name was Black Arcan, whom they
set apart to do the murder when they should be asleep.
"\Mien they slept Black Arcan got the sword of Cumhal,
and he slew him with it. The murder Avas done, and
everything was right. Alba was under the Lochlaners,
and the Ii'elanders and Black Arcan had the sw^ord of
CumhaL*
The King of Lochlann left liis sister with the King
of Eirinn, with an order that if she should have a babe
son to slay him ; but if it were a baby daughter, to
keep her aHve. A prophet had told that Fionn Mac-
Chumliad would come ; and the sign that was for this
was a river in Eirinn ; that no trout should be killed on
it till Fionn should come. That which came as the
fruit of the wedding that was there, was that the
ilaughter of the King of Lochlann bore a son and
daughter to CumhalL Fionn had no sister but this
one, and she Avas the mother of Diarmaid. On the
night they were born his muime (nm'se) fled with the
son, and she went to a desert place with him, and she
was keeping him up there till she raised liim as a
stalwart goodly child, t
She thought that it was sorry for her that he should
be nameless -with her. The thing which she did was
to go with him to the town, to try if she could find
means to give him a name. She saw the school-boys
of the town swimming on a fresh water loch.
* Supposing this to refer to an early attack on Ireland and
Scotland by Scandinavians, the story is probable enough.
f This is manifestly the same story as that of the Great Fool
(See No. 75), and it is in Irish also.
33+ WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
"Go out together with these," said she to him,
" and if thou gettest hold of one, put him under and
drown him ; and if thou gettest hold of two, put them
under and drown them."
He went out on the loch, and he began drowning
the children, and it happened that one of the bishops
of the place was looking on.*
" Who," said he, " is that bluff fair son, with the
eye of a king in his head, who is drowning the school-
boys Ì "
" May he steal his name !" said his muime.
" Fionn, son of Cumhall, son of Finn, son of every
eloquence, son of Art, son of Eirinn's high king, and
it is my part to take myself away."
Then he came on shore, and she snatched him with
her.
When the following were about to catch them, he
leapt off his muime's back, and he seized her by the
two ankles, and he put her about his neck. He went
in through a wood with her, and when he came out
of the wood he had but the two shanks. He met with
a loch after he had come out of the wood, and he
threw the two legs out on the loch, and it is Loch nan
Lurgan, the lake of the shanks, that the loch was called
after this. Two great monsters grew from the shanks
of Fionn's muime. That is the kindred that he had
with the two monsters of Loch nan Lurgan. t
Then he went, and without meat or drink, to the
great town. He met Black Arcan fishing on the river,
* This makes the date of Fionn later than the establishment
of Christianity in Ireland.
■f This gives the clue to another story which I have not yet
got hold of, and seems to be a bit of mythology grafted on a tra-
dition of some historical event.
I
HOW THE EEN WAS SET UP. 33 5
and a hound in company with him. Bran MacBuid-
heig (black, or raven, son of the Httle yellow).
" Put out the rod for me," said he to the fisher-
man, " for I am hungry, to try if thou canst get a trout
for me." The trout laid to him, and he killed the
trout. He asked the trout from Black Arcan.
" Thou art the man ! " said Black Arcan ; " when
thou wouldst ask a trout, and that I am fishing for years
for the king, and that I am as yet without a trout for
him."
He knew that it was Fionn he had. To put the
tale on the short cut, he killed a trout for the king,
and for his wife, and for his son, and for his daughter,
before he gave any to Fionn. Then he gave him a
trout.*
Thou must, said Black Arcan, broil the trout on
the further side of the river, and the fixe on this side
of it, before thou gettest a bit of it to eat ; and thou
shalt not have leave to set a stick that is in the wood
to broil it. He did not know here what he should do.
The thing that he fell in with was a mound of sawdust,
and he set it on fire beyond the river. A wave of the
flame came over, and it burned a spot on the trout,
the thing that was on the crook, t Then he put his
* I have heard a similar story told of a saint who came to a
fisherman, and got the promise of the first fish he should catch.
The first was a large one, so he promised the next ; hut that was
larger, so he promised the next ; and so on till the thirteenth,
which was a toad. He gave that to the saint, who cursed him
and the river, saying that no more salmon should ever be caught
there. The story was told of a small river which runs out of
Loch Guirm in Islay, up which salmon cannot get for natural
obstacles, but where salmon are often seen leaping in the sea.
A similar story is told of rivers in Ireland, and I think there is some
such legend about Kent.
f This word is used for a crozier and a shepherd's crook.
336 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
finger on the black spot that came on the trout, and it
burnt him, and then he put it into his mouth. Then
he got knowledge that it was tliis Black Arcan who had
slain his father, and unless he shoidd slay Black Arcan
in his sleep, that Black Arcan would slay him when he
should awake. The thing that happened was that he
killed the carle, and then he got a glaive and a hound,
and the name of the hound was Bran MacBuidheig.
Then he thought that he would not stay any longer
in Eirinn, but that he would come to Alba, to get the
soldiers of his father. He came on shore in Farbaine.
There he found a great clump of giants, men of stature.
He understood that these were the soldiers that his
father had, and they (were) as poor captives by the
Lochlaners hunting for them, and not getting (aught)
but the remnants of the land's increase for themselves.
The Lochlaners took from them the arms when war or
anytliing should come, for fear they should rise with the
foes. They had one special man for taking theii* arms,
whose name was Ullamh Lamh fhada (Pr. oolav lav ada
oòlav long hand). He gathered the arms and he took
them with him altogether, and it fell out that the sword
of Fionn was amongst them. Fionn went after liim,
Bachal ? Baculum. Here it seems to mean the metbod of roast-
ing fish, which 1 learned from liapps, and have practised scores
of times. Wooden skewers are stuck through slices of fish, and
a long rod is spitted through these, and one end is planted in the
ground to windward of a fire of sticks.
The incident of saw-dust, as wood that grew and is neither
crooked nor straight, is proverbial in the Highlands, and common
to many stories. So is the fish which gives knowledge when
eaten. (See No. 47. Vol. II. 362). This, then, is clearly some
wide-spread myth about a fish attached to a Celtic hero. It is
given in the transactions of the Ossianic Society of Dublin in
another shape, and has very old Irish manuscript authority.
HOW TUE EEN WAS SET UP. 337
asking for his own sw^ord. When they came within
sight of the armies of Lochlann, he said —
" Blood on man and man bloodless,
Wind over hosts, 'tis pity without the son
of Luin.
" To what may that belong V said Ulamli lamh
fliada.
" It is to a httle bit of a knife of a sword that I
had," said Fionn. " You took it with you amongst
the rest, and I am the worse for wanting it, and you
are no better for having it."
" "WTiat is the best exploit thou wouldst do if thou
hadst it ? "
" I would quell the third part of the hosts that I
see before me."
Oolav Longhand laid his hand on the arms. The
most likely sword and the best that he found there he
gave it to him. He seized it, and he shook it, and he
cast it out of the wooden handle, and said he —
It is one of the black-edged glaives.
It was not Mac an Luin my blade ;
It w^as no hurt to draw from sheath.
It would not take off the head of a lamb.
Then he said the second time the same w^ords.
He said the third time —
" Blood on man, and bloodless man,
Wind o'er the people, 'tis pity without the son
of Luin."
" What wouldst thou do with it if thoix shouLlst
get it?"
" I would do this, that I would quell utterly all I
338 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
He threw down the arms altogether on the ground.
Then Fionn got his sword, and said he then —
" This is the one of my right hand."
Then he returned to the people he had left. He
got the t-ord fiannta (? Dord) of the Fian, and he
sounded it. (See illustration, page 287, for an ancient
horn, sculptui'ed on a stone in the east of Scotland.)
There gathered all that were in the southern end of
Alba of the Fiantaichean to where he was. He went
with these men, and they went to attack the Loch-
laners, and those which he did not kill he swept them
out of Alba.*
* This, then, seems to he popular historj', interlarded witli
Celtic mythology. History of a successful rising of Celts iu
Scotland, headed by a leader who was a Scandinavian by the
mother's side ; against the Scandinavians who had beaten them
twice before. Once and for a long time in Ireland, whence they
retired to Scotland, and again long afterwards, treacherously and
by the help of Irish allies in Scotland.
The mythology has to do with fish ; so has that of the two
stories which follow ; so, as an illustration, I have copied all the
fish which are figured in the " sculptured stones of Scotland,"
together with some of the characteristic ornaments which accom-
pany them.
It is remarkable that, with the exception of two, all these are
swimming from the left to the right of an observer, and that a
nondescript creature which is often figured on the same stones
with fish, heads the same way. I take the monster to be a repre-
sentation of a water animal, a walrus, by an artist who had never
seen one.
As no explanation Iftis yet been found for the symbols, as fish
clearly have to do with Celtic mythology, and as Celtic mytho-
logy appears to have been mixed with solar and well worship,
it seems worth considering whether these symbols may not
have an astronomical meaning. One of the signs of the
Zodiac is and has been for many a day Pisces ; and the symbol is
K. The sua passes northwards through the constellation in
now THE EEN WAS SET UP. 339
the spring, and when the sun is travelling north "the fish" are
swimming south. South and to the right are expressed by the
same word in Gaelic — " deas." Fish swimming to the right are
swimming south (deas). The sun crosses the equator at the vernal
equinox ; and one of the emblems here associated with fish con-
sists of circles, which still stand for the sun in our almanacks ;
joined by two crescents which in like manner stand for moons or
months, and separated by a line. Another consists of a circle
34° WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
MAR A CHUIREADH SUAS AN FHINN.
Bha righ aon uair air Eirinn leis am bu duilich cis a leag na Loch-
lannaich air Alba 's air Eirinn. Bha iad a' tighinn air a riogbachd
fheiii an am fobhair agus sanihraidh 'gam beathachadh fliein air a
chuid, 's iad 'nan daoine calma, laidir ; ag itheadh 's a' milleadh 'na
'blia na h-Albannaich 's na h-Eirionnaich a' deanadh ri bliadhna eile.
Chuir e fios air comhairleach a bh' aige 's db' innis e dha na 'bha 'na
bheachd ; gu 'n robh toil aige air doigh fhaotann air na Lochlann-
aich a chumail air an ais. Thuirt an comhairleach ris nach cinneadh
siud leis an gradaig, ach na'n gabhadh e chomhairle-san gu 'n cinn-
eadh e leis ri uine,
" Pos," ars' an comhairleach, " an ceud fear agiis an ceud bean a's
mo an Eirinn air a' cheile ; pos an sliochd air a cheile a rithis ; leig
an treas ginealacb an coinneamh nan Lochlannach." Cbaidh seo a
dheanadh, 's nuair a thainig an treas ginealach gu h-inbhe dhaoine
thainig iad a nail a dh' Albainn agus Cumhal air an ceann. Chinn-
ich leo na Lochlannaich a sgrios 's a chur air an ais. Rinn Cumhal
righ deth fhein an Alba an uair sin leis na daoine seo, 's cha leigeadh
bisected by a double line, which also cuts two smaller circles,
touching it on either side. May not all these symbols refer to the
sun of winter and the summer sun ; to the sun crossing the line at
the vernal equinox ; and may not these rude sculptured stones be
erected to mark spots for celebrating festivals. A sword, a mirror,
and a comb, or things like them, accompany the fish ; and at
first sight they would appear to have nothing to do with this
supposition.
But the sword may be the bright shining mystic Sword of
Light of Gaelic stories, and an emblem of the sun, and it points to
the left or north. The sun is the God of the long yellow bright
hair everywhere, and the comb may be another of his emblems ;
and the looking-glass, if it be one, might be a third emblem for
its brightness.
This is but conjecture thrown out for the consideration of the
learned. I am quite prepared to believe that the emblems repre
sent the frying pans, gridirons, cauldrons, and spits on which
ancient North-Britons cooked the fish whose portraits they drew
so well.
MAR A CHUIREAUH SUAS AN FHINN. 34 1
e Lochlannach na Eirionnach a dh' Albainn ach e fhein. Bha seo
'na dhoilgheas le righ Lochlann, 's rinn e suas ri righ Albann gu m
biodh cairdeas eatorra thall 's a bhos an uair sin. Chuir iad ri cheile,
na tri righean, righ Lochlann, 's rigli Albann, 's righ Eirionn, gu 'm
biodh bail mor damhsaidh aca, 's gu 'm biodh cairdeas agus reite
eatorra.
Bha sgeira eadar righ Eirionn agus righ Lochlann righ Alba a
chur gu bks. Bha Chumhal cho treuu 's nach robh innleachd air a
chur gu biis, mar am marbhta le a chlaidheimh fhein e, nuair a
bhiodh e diolta oil agus mnatha, 'na chadal. Bha 'roghainn aige de
dh' aona bhoireannach a bha 's a' chuideachd, agus 's i nighean righ
Lochlann a ghabh e mar roghainn. Nuair chaidh iad a luidhe bha
duine anns a' chuideachd d' am b' ainra Arcann dubh a shonraieh
iad airson am mort a dheanadh nuair a bhiodh iad 'nan cadal. Nuair
a chaidil iad fhuair Arcan dubh claidheamh Chumhail 's mharbh e
leis e. Bha 'm mort deanta 's bha 'h-uile cuis ceart. Bha Alba fo
na Lochlannaich 's fo na h-Eirionnaich, 's bha claidheamh Chumhail
aig Arcan dubh.
Dh' fhag righ Lochlann a phinthar aig righ Eirionn, 's ordan aige
na 'm bu leanabh mic a bhiodh aice a mharbhadh, ach na 'm bu
leanabh nighinn a bhiodh ann a cumail beo. Bha faidheachd ag
innseadh gu 'n d' thigeadh Fionn Mac Chumhail, 's gur h-e 'n comh-
arra a bha air seo, amhainn a bha an Eirinn, nach marbhta breac
urra gus an d' thigeadh Fionn. 'Sea thionndaidh a mach a thor-
adh na ceud oidhche a bha 'n sin gu'n d' rug nighean righ Lochlann
mac agus nighean do Chumhal. Cha robh pinthar aig Fionn ach i
seo, 's b' i mathair Uhiarmaid. An oidhche a rugadh iad theich a
mhuime leis a' mhac, 's chaidh i do dh' kite fasail leis, 's bha i 'ga
bheatliachadh 's 'ga chumail suas an siu gus an do thog i 'na leanabh
foghainteach, tlaclidar e.
Smaointich i gu 'm bu duilich leatha e 'bhith gun ainm aice. 'S
e 'n ni a rinn i dh' fhalbh i leis thun a' bhaile feuch am faigheadh i
innleachd air ainm a thoirt air. Chunnaic i sgoilearan a' bhaile a'
snamh air loch uisge.
" Falbh a mach cuide riutha siud," ars' ise ris, " 's ma gheibh thu
greim air h-aon cuir fodha e 's bath e, 's ma gheibh thu greim air
dithis cuir fodha iad 's bath iad."
Ghabh esan a mach air an loch 's thoisich e air bathadh na
cloinne. Thuit gu 'n robh fear de dh' easbuigean an àite ga
choimhead.
" Co," ars' esan, " am Mac Maol Fionn 'ud, s rasg righ 'na che;mn
a tha a' bathadh nan sgoilearan ?"
342 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
" Gu meal e ainm/' ars' a mhuime,
Fionn Mac Chumhail Mhic Fhinn MHc Uile-bbeurais,
Mhic h-Art, Mhic Ard-righ Eirionn,
'S tha uams' a bhith 'gam thoirt fhein as."
Tbainig esan, an sin, air tir agus sgriob ise leatba e. Nuair a bha
'n toil- gu breitb orra leum e bhar muin a mhuime, 's rug e air cbaol
da chois urra, 's chuir e mu amhaicb i. Chaidh e staigh roimh
choille leatha, 's nuair a tbainig e mach as a' choille cba robh aige
ach an da lurga. Thachair loch ris an deigh tighinn a mach as a'
choille 's tbilg e 'n da chois a mach air an loch. 'S e Loch nan Lur-
gann a theirte ris an loch as a dheigh seo. Dh' fbas da bheist mhoir
a da lurgann muime Fhinn. 'S e siud an cairdeas a bb' aige ri da
bheist Loch an lurgann.
Dh' f halbh e 'n seo, 's e gun bbiadh gun dibh, 'ionnsuidh a' bhaile
mhoir. Choinnicb Arcan dubh, ag iasgach air an amhainn, e, agus
cu air cuideacbd ris. Bran Mac Buidheig.
" Cuir a mach an t-slat air mo shonsa," ars' e ris an iasgair, " 's
an t-acras orm, feuch am faigb thu breac dhomb.
Luidh am breac ris, 's mbarbh e 'm breac. Dh' iarr e 'm breac
air Arcan dubh.
" 'S tusa 'm fear," ars' Arcan dubh, " nuair a dh' iarradh tu 'm
breac, 's mise 'g iasgach o cheann bhliadhnaichean do 'n rigb, 's gun
breac agam da fhathasd."
Dh' aithnich e gur h-e Fionn a bh' aige. Gus an sgeul a churan
aithghearr mbarbh e breac do 'n righ, 's d'a mhnaoi, 's d'a mhac, 's
d'a nighinn, ma 'n d' thug e gin do dh' Fhionn. Thug e 'n sin
breac da.
" Feumaidh tu," ars' Arcan dubh, " am breac a bhruich an taobh
thall de 'n amhainn, 'san teine 'n taobh seo di, ma 'm faigh thu mir
deth ri 'itheadh ; 's cba 'n fhaigh thu cead maide 'tha 's a' choille a
chur a 'bhruich."
Cba robh fios aige 'n seo de a dheanadh e. 'S e an ni a thachair
air torr min sliaibb, 's chuir e 'na teine i thar na h-amhann. Tbainig
tonn de 'n lasair a nail 's loisg i ball air a' bhreac, ni a bha air a
bhacail. Chuir e 'n seo a mheur air a' bhall dubli a tbainig air a
bhreac, 's loisg e i, 's chuir e 'n sin 'na bheul i. Fliuair e 'n seo fios
gur h-e Arcan dubh seo a mharbh 'athair ; 's mar am marbhadh esan
Arcan dubh, 's e 'na chadal, gu 'm marbhadh Arcan dubh esan an
uair a dhuisgeadh e. 'Se 'n ni a bha ann mharbh e 'm bodach.
Fhuair e 'n sin cu 's claidheamh ; 's e b' ainm do 'n cbu Bran Mac
Buidheig.
MAR A CHUIREaDH SUAS AN FHINN. 343
Smaointich e 'n sin nach d' thoireadh e 'n Eirinn na 'b' fhaide,
ach gu 'n d' thigeadh e dh' Alba airsou saighdearan 'athar fhaotainn.
Thainig e air tir am Farbaiue. Fhuair e 'n sin meall mor a dh'
Ataich, daoine gnathasda. Thuig e gu 'm b' e na saighdearan a bha
aig 'athair a bha ann, 's iad 'nan ciomaich bhochd aig na Lochlann-
aich, a' sealg daibh, 's gun iad a' faotainn ach an t-iomall 'na theachd-
an-tir dhaibh fhein. Thug na Lochlannaich uatha na h-airm nuair
thigeadh cogadh na ni sam bith eagal eiridh leis na uaimhdeau. Bha
aon duine sonraicht, aca airson togail nan arm sin d' am b' ainm
Ullamh Lamh-fhada. Chruinnich esan na h-airm 's thug e leis iad
uile, 's thuit gu 'n robh claidlieamh Fhinn 'nam measg. Dh' fhalbh
Fionn as a dheigh 's e 'g iarraidh a chlaidheimh fhein. Nuair a
thainig iad an sealladh an airra Lochlannaich thubhairt e.
Fuil air fear 's fear gun fhuil,
Gaoth thar sluaigh, 's truagh gun Mac an Luin.
" De' a bhith g' am buin sin?" arsa Ullamh Lamh-thada. "A'
chorcag chlaidheimh a bha agam," arsa Fionn, " thug sibh leibh a
measg chaich i ; 's misde mise gum' dhith i 's cha 'n fheairde sibhse
agaibh i."
" De 'n t-euchd a b' fhearr a dheanadh tu leatha na 'm biodh i
agad?"
" Cheannsaichinn an treas cuid de 'na chi mi mu m' choinneamh
de shluagh."
Thug Ullamh Lamh-fhada lamh air na h-airm. An claidheamh
a bu choltaiche 's a b' fhearr a fhuair e ann thug e dha e. Rug e air
's chrath e e, 's thilg e as a mhaide feadain e, 's ars' e,
'S e fear dh' an ealtuinn dhuigh a th' ann ;
Cha b' e, !BIac an Luin — mo lann ;
Cha bu lochd a thoirt a truaill,
Bhar uain cha d' thugadh e 'n ceann.
Thuirt e 'n dara uair na briathra ciadhna, Thuirt e 'n treas uair,
Fuil air fear agus fear gun fhuil,
Gaoth thar sluaigh 's truagh gun Mac an Luin.
" De a dheanadh tu leis na 'm faigheadh tu e?"
" Dheanadh gu 'n ceannsaichinn uile na' chi mi."
Thilg e air lar na h-airm uile. Fhuair Fionn a chlaidheamh, 's
ars' e 'n sin, " 'Se sec fear mo laimhe deise-sa."
Thill e 'n sin 'ionnsuidh nan daoine a dh' fhag e. Fhuair e 'n t-
ord fiannta 's sheinn e e. Chruinnich na bha 'n taobh deas de dh'
Alba de na Fianntaichean far an robh e. Dh' fhalbh e leis na daoine
h
344 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
seo, 's chaidh iad am bad nan Lochlannach, 's a' chuid nach do
mharbh iad diu sgiurs iad a Alba iad.
From Angus MacDonald, Staoine-breac, Soutli Uist, Sep-
tember 14, 1860.
This story is very popular in South Uist and Barra, and is
known to the most of old people in these islands. — H. M'L.
LXXXIIT.
THE EEASOX WHY THE DALLAG (DOG-FISH)
18 CALLED THE KING'S FISH.
From Angus MacKinnon, South Uist.
WHAT but that the King of Lochlann should come
to the King of Eirinn to be a while along with
him.
Tlie King of Loclilann and Fionn went on a day
to fish, and they had a little boat, and they had no
man but themselves.
They spent the greatest j^art of the day fishing,
and they did not get a thing.
Tlien there laid a beast on (the hook of) Fionn,
and he fell to fishing, so that he put the hook into
liim.* He took in the fish ; and what fish was it but
a dog-fish. The hook of the King of Lochlann was in
her maw, under the hook of Fionn, and the hook of
Fionn was in the outer mouth. Then the King of
Lochlann fell to at taking out the dog-fish, since it
was his hook that was farthest down in her. Tliey
* This is peculiarly descriptive of handline fishing, when a
" beast" takes, it feels as if a weight had foicZ quietly on the line,
and a green hand often loses a fish by neglecting to strike, not
knowing that the fish is there.
THE KINGS FISH. 345
fell to arguing with each other, and Fionn would not
}-ield a bit till they should go to law.
Then they went to land with the boat, and thej-
went to law, and the law made (over) the fish to
Fionn ; and that there should be a fine laid upon the
Iving of Lochlann, since he had not felt the fish when
first it struck Mm.
"With the rage that the Iving of Lochlann took he
went home to Lochlann, and he told to his muime and
his oide (his foster parents) how it had happened.
The Muilearteach was his muime, and the Smith
of Songs, who was married to her, was his foster-
father.
She said that it was she who would bring out the
recompense for that.
Then she came till she reached Eirinn, and the
King of Lochlann with her, and the Smith of Songs.
The Dallag was never said after that but the
king's fish *
* A creature something like a king-fish, which is a sort of
diminutive shark, is figured on the sculptured stones of Scotland.
A version of this is already referred to, page 145. It is a kind of
introduction to the Muilearteach, and explains who that personage
was.
The Smith of Songs is probably the same as Loan Mac
Libhinn, the maker of Fionn's sword, about whom there is a long
poem, and I suspect them to be mythological, perhaps Thor and
his wife. Thor and a giant once rowed out together in a small
boat to fish, and Thor hooked, and lost the sea-serpent. Perhaps
the giant was Fionn.
The coming of the Muilearteach to Islay with the smith and
the smithy on her back, is told in another story. See No. 8.5.
346 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
THE LAY OF MAGNUS.
A poem so called is known in Ireland, and is pre-
served in MSS. in Dublin, according to writers in the
transactions of the Ossianic Society.
A poem of 172 Imes, " comhrag Fhein agus
Mhannis " was published in 1786, in Gillies' Scotch
collection. An Irish version was published by Miss
Brooke, 1789. I have compared my version with the
poem in Gillies. I find that they vary from each other;
in words, in lines, and even in whole stanzas ; but the
two might be fused so as to produce a third, perfectly
genuine, and more complete than either. The version
orallj^ collected in 1860 goes a step beyond the other,
printed in 1786, and I feel certain that it is historical.
This story is in substance the same as " Fingal," and
might be the germ of that poem. Irish writers claim
it as Irish, and assert that the Lay of Magnus was
MacPherson's original for part of Fingal. It first ap-
peared in print in Scotland, and it is still repeated
there, wherever it was composed. Irish collectors
have copies taken down orally in Scotland long ago.
Now, if Magnus can be identified, it would fix the
earliest possible date for the poem, and a later date for
the poet than is usually given to Oisein, by Scotch
and Irish writers ; and this opinion agrees with Miss
Brooke's.
The prose tale is also about Magnus ; it was written
by MacLean. I heard it recited by old MacPhie in
1860. He is failing fast, and cannot dictate slowly ; I
miss several of tlie measured prose passages, which I
heard him repeat with the utmost fluency, when he
THE LAY OF MAGNUS, 347
was allowed to go his own pace. The story is mani-
festly incomplete ; and it reminds me of one which old
MacPhie repeated a second time for me. He then
gave disjointed incidents, and broken sentences, instead
of a connected story in very good language, with iew
repetitions, with curious rythmical passages interspersed,
-«'hich he gave the first time.
It is hard to say what this story means, unless it
is Celtic mythology engrafted upon a bit of !N"orwegian
history.
I give it Avith all its shortcomings, because, if Celtic
mythology is ever to be discovered, it will be found in
some such shape.
We have here, at aU events —
The King of the World, whose life is in that of a
horned, deadly or hurtful or venomous animal ; and
his son Brodram.
The King of Light, who is conquered by a lion ;
and his son, the white long-haired one, whose hfe is
in that of three fish ; who has twelve bald ruddy
daughters ; who marry twelve men, the foster-brothers
of Manus the hero.
Balcan, the smith, who has twelve apprentices ; and
Ills son, who is a sailor, and has a wonderful spotted
ship, and twelve sailors.
In short, there are many things which suggest solar
worship and mythology — Aries, Taurus, Leo, Pisces —
12 hours of day, 12 of night, 12 months, 12 signs of
the zodiac, Light, the Smith or artificer Balcan ; the
sailor, liis son : — Vulcan and Neptune, &c. But while
there is much to suggest inquiry, there is nothing
definite.
The poem, on the contrary, is definite enough, and
in that respect it resembles other poems which I have
collected, and differs from the prose romances.
MAN us.
THE LAY OF MAGNUS. 349
I have endeavoured to restore this dress from various authori-
ties. From grave stones ; two in lona, and two in Islay, of which
I happened to have very rough sketches; and from tradition.
I leave the legs bare, because there is no indication of any
covering on the legs of the sculptured figures, and because Mag-
nus the Great was called " barelegs" when he adopted the dress of
the islands, and because there is no mention of any covering for
the legs in the traditional descriptions of dress. On the contrary,
at page 442, vol. ii., it appears that the warriors had shoes, but
that their legs were bare.
Some stones indicate that the arms were clothed in some
material, with longitudinal folds ; others indicate no covering.
The shape of the shield is from a stone at lona. On some
there are traces of armorial bearings.
The lion, snake, and griffin, are from the story as repeated to
me by old MacPhie, " His boss-covered, hindering, sharp-pointed
shield on his left arm, with many a picture to be seen thereon.
Lion and Creveenach, and deadly Serpent." A lion and a ser-
pent appear in the Welsh romance of the Lady of the Fountain,
which this story resembles in some degree.
The helmet and sword are copied from stones, some of
which are roughly carved in relief nearly six inches above the
surface.
The tippet and shirt are very like the dress commonly worn
by the Lapps of the Luleo river, and by little Scotch children at
the present day.
The Lapps wear a loose deer-skin shirt, and a belt round the
waist, and a tall conical cap. In rainy weather they slip a tippet
over their heads, which is tied round the forehead, and protects
the chin, throat, and shoulders, covering all but the face.
Scotch children wear a kilt and sleeve-waistcost in one, into
which they slip, and which, with a shirt, often constitutes tlieir
whole attire.
The warrior's outer dress was probably some such garment
made of leather, with iron scales. The same Gaelic word means
patched cloak, and coat of mail, and such a dress seems to be
meant at page 205, vol. ii. The virgin and child are from the
stone in Kilnaughtou church, Islay, and the symbol indicates
a Christian warrior and a date.
3 50 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
LXXXIV.
MANUS.
From Donald MacPliie, lochdar, South Uist.
rriHERE was a King of Lochlann, and he married,
-*- and two sons were born to him. Oireal was the
name of one, and larlaid of the other. Their father
and mother died. A "Parlamaid " sat to put "Cilead-
earachd," a regency on the realm, till the children
should come to age, and till they should take the vows
of the realm on themselves. They sent word for the
lads, and Oireal was a feeble man, and larlaid was the
bigger. Oireal said to the " Parlamaid " that he
would not have anything to do with the realm as yet.
" Clod of it you shall not have," said the Parlia-
ment, " unless you take it this day."
Said larlaid to Oireal, " take thou the one half,
and I will take the other half"
" Well, then," said Oireal ; " I will do that."
The realm was written upon the lads. In a few
years larlaid married the daughter of the King of
Greece, and Oireal married the daughter of King Sgiath
Sgial, King of the Arcuinn.*
Sgiath Sgial gave six maids of honour with his
daughter, and the King of Greece gave the very Like
with his own daughter.
Three quarters from that night the ailment of chil-
dren struck the daughter of the King of Greece ; and,
besides, the ailment of children struck the daughter of
* I have no notion what monarch or realm is meant, but the
Orkney would be appropriate.
MANUS. 3 5 I
Sgiath Sgial, and sons were born to them, and twelve
sons were born to maids of honour. Manus was given
(as a name) to the son of Oireal, and Eochaidh to the
son of larlaid. The sons began to come on ; Manus
was growing l^ig, and Eochaidli was but httle. They
were sent to school, and his own foster brethren were
together Avith each one of them.
They were playing shinny on the field, coming
from school, and Manus drove the ball agamst Eoch-
aidh.
" I will have my own ftxther's realm," said Manus.
Said the daughter of the King of Greece, " It were
my wish to put an end to Manus, of murdering and
spoihng and slaying."
" Well, then, that were the great pity to put that
(end) to the son of our brother," said the king.
" If thou wilt not do it, I will do it," said she.
She went in, and gave a slight box on the ear
(Leideag) to her own son, and she drove him out of the
house.
" Begone," said she, " and betake thyself to the
four brown boundaries of the world, and let me not
see thy sole on the same land as long as the world is
set. I Avill take Manus with me, and he shall be a
son for myself."
She took Manus in with herself, and she set her
own son on a beautiful sunny single-stemmed hill,
Avhere he could see every man, and no man him.
Manus was within wdth her, and he was not get-
ting to see his mother at all. Then his mother said
that she would go where her muime was, and that she
would take her counsel.
At the end of a year she sent word for Manus.
And in a few years the wife of his father's brother
sent word for Manus.
352 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
" What, oil Manus ! said the daughter of the King
of Greece, " art thou thinking of doing this day Ì If
thou wilt marry, thou wilt get the third part of the
realm ; land, corn-land, and treasure."
"Well, then, I am not of age to marry at all,"
said he.
" Thou needst not (say) that," said she. "There
is one man on my own land that will suit thee. Thou
shalt go to ask his daughter, and thou shalt marry her.
He is the Earl of Fiughaidh ; thou shalt marry the
daughter of the Earl of the Fiughaidh."*
She went away, and she took with her high fami-
lies, and she would take with her five huncbed men.
She reached the house of the Earl of Fiughaidh, to
give her to Manus to marry.
Said the wife of the Earl of the Fiughaidli to her,
" My daughter is not of age to marry yet, and Manus
is not of age to marry."
" Well," said the daughter of the King of Greece,
" house or heap thou shalt not have upon my land
unless thou givest thy daughter to him."
The man thought that there was no good for him
to refuse her, and Manus and the daughter of the Earl
of the Eiudliaidh were married to each other.
They lay that night in the house of his father's
brother.
" Is it thou that art here, Manus, mighty son, and
bad man ì dost thou know what wife yonder one gave
to her own son, Eochaidh 1 She gave him the swift
march wind. It was not to a worldly wife she mar-
ried him, so that he might take the head off thee.
Thou with a wife on thy bed at this time of night !
* Here, again, I am at fault. This probably is a real name,
but corrupted by transfer to another language, and by the lapse
of time.
MANUS. 353
Thou wilt be going back every day, and thou wilt not
hold battle agamst liim."
" Is it thus it is Ì " said Manus.
He went where she was.
" Be leaving the realm," said the wife of his father's
brother to him, " or else thou wilt have but what thou
takest to its end."
" It was," said he, " the third part of the realm
that thou didst promise me."
" Clod thou shalt not have here," said she. " Thy
share is under stones and rough mountains in the old
Bergen."
" Well, then, since thou art putting me away, give
me the six foster brothers of Eochaidh, that I may have
twelve."
He got that ; he went away, and he betook him-
self to the old Bergen.
When he reached the old Bergen, no man dared to
come near his castle. There were sheep in the old
Bergen, and sheep of Corrachar, is what they were
called.
They fell to making pits in the earth ; the sheep
were going into the pits, and they were catching them,
and they were killing them, and keeping themselves in
flesh thus in the old Beigen.*
" Be it from nie ! be it from me ! " said Manus ;
" it is a year since I saw my muime ; I had better go
and see her."
" It were not my advice to thee to go there," said
they ; " but if thou art going, thou hast twelve foster
brothers, and take them with thee."
* I am not aware that there are, or ever were, wild sheep in
Bergen ; but a wilder hunter's land does not exist, and wild rein-
deer, and, I believe, wild goats may yet be found in the high
mountains.
2 A
354 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
" They were no sorry company for me to be with
me," said he.
He went. The daughter of the King of Greece
was looking out of a window, and she perceived Manns
coming. She went down to where his fatlier's brother
was.
" The son of thy brother is coming here," said she,
*' with costly coloured belts on his left side, with which
might be got the love of a young woman, and the
liking of maidens ; " that it were for her pleasure to
put an end to him, of murdering, and misusing, and
slaying.
His father's brother said that were a great pity, and
that he would not be to the fore to do that to him.
" If thou wilt not do it, I will do it," said she.
She went out of the house, and she took his twelve
foster brethren from him, and she swore them to her-
self. He went back to the Old Bergen by himself,
gloomy, tearful, sorrowful, and it was late. What
should he see but a man in a red vesture.
" It is thou that art here Manus?" said he.
" It is I," said Manus.
" I think if thou hadst bad or good arms that thou
would' st get to be King over Lochlann."
" I have not that," said he.
" WeU," said he of the red vesture, " if thou
would' st give me a promise I would give thee arms."
" What promise shall I give thee ? I have not a
jot to give thee."
" WeU, I wiU not ask thee much. I was the
armourer of thy grandfather, and thy great-gi'andfether,
if thou wouldst give me a promise that I should be
armourer with thee I would give thee arms this night."
" I will give thee that (promise), if so be that I
am ever a king."
MANus. 355
Tliey went, and tliey reached the house. The man
of the red vesture took out a key, and he opened a
door, and when he had opened it the house was full of
arms, and not a jot in it but arms.
" Begin now and choose arms," said the man of
the red vesture.
Manus seized a sword, and he broke it, and every
one he caught he was breaking it.
" Don't do that Manus, don't be breaking the arms,
in case thou mightest have need of them yet. TMien
I was a young man thy grandsire had a war, and I had
an old sword, an old helmet, and an old mail shirt on,
try them," said the man of the red vestiu-e.
Manus seized the sword, and it beat him to break
it. He put the SAvord and the helmet on. Wliat
should he see but a cloth (hanging) down from the
ridge of the house. " AAHiat is the use of that cloth ? "
said Manus. "It is," said he " that when thou sj^readest
it, to seek food and drink, thou A^dlt get as thou usest.
There is another virtue in it. If a foe should meet thee,
he woidd give a kiss to the back of thy fist."
He gave the cloth to ]\Ianus, and he folded the
cloth in his oxter. VHiat should he see but an
iron chain (hanging) down from the ridge of the house.
" What is the good of that chain Ì " said Manus.
" There is no creature in the world that if yonder
thing should be put about his neck the battle of a
hundred men would not be upon him," said the man
of the red vestui-e.
Manus took the chain with him. AVIien he was
going, what should he see but two lions, and a whelp
Avitli them. The lions came in front of him to eat
him, and to put him to skaith. He spread the cloth,
and the Lions came, and they kissed the back of his fist,
and they went past him. The lion Avhelp got in
356 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
amongst the folds of the cloth, and he wrapped the
cloth about him, and he lifted him with him to the
old Bergen.*
When he reached the old Bergen the daughter of
the Earl of the Fiughaidh was within. He put the
chain about the neck of the lion whelp. The lion
whelp went, and he cleared the castle ; he did not
leave a creature or a monster ahve in it. He set fire
to the castle, "i" He was there a year, and he had no
want.
He went out one day, and he said he would go to
see his muime.
He took the lion whelp with him, and he went
away. She perceived him coming. There was a
sword at his side that day. She came out to meet
him, and she had a brown lap-dog. He went to meet
Manus with his mouth open, to put Manus to skaith,
and to eat him. Away went the lion whelp, and he
went before Manus, and he set liis paw at the back of
the throat of her " measan," and he let out his entrails
on the earth.
"There, Manus," said she, "but put thy whelp in
at the ridge of the lion's house."
He put the hon whelp in at the ridge of the house,
and he put tlie chain about his neck, and he did not
* When the old man told me the story, he described devices
on the shield of Manus, and a lion was one of them. This proba-
bly is founded on some lion on a flag. According to Gaelic poems
Fiona's people had banners with devices on them, and Icelandic
warriors had devices on their armour in the ninth century, accord-
ing to the Njal Saga. Some of the articles are amongst the gear
of King Arthur in the Mabinogion.
t It is manifest that something is wanting here. There is
nothing before said about an enchanted castle, beset by monsters,
and an imprisoned lady ; but there must have been monsters to
clear out.
MANUS. 357
leave a lion imder the ridge of the house unslain, and
laid himself (down) stretched for dead along Avith
them.*
Manus went home without whelp, without man,
that night. Wliat work should his twelve foster
brethren be set to, but to clear out the lion's house.
Wlien they were put out there was not a lion under
the ridge of the house that had not his tln-oat cut. The
lion whelp was without a drop of sweat upon him, and
the iron chaiu that Manus had put on him (was) about
liis neck. One of them said that the lion which was
yonder seemed strange to him, without a drop of sv/eat
upon him, unlike the rest.
"That is the lion whelp of the man of my love,"
said one of the company. " The Hon Avhelp of Manus."
" Well, then," said one of them, " though we are
sworn not to go out of the town, before he rises we
might go, and give a message."
" There is no man who goes out of tlris town," said
the rest, " after the coming of night that there is not
the pain of seven years upon him afterwards."
They went to the window, and Avhen they went to
tlie window the lion's Avhelp opened liis eyes, and lie
came alive.
She Avent where her husband Avas, and she said to
him to put the rough travellert in order, and five hun-
dred men in it.
He said that there would be the pain of seven
years on any being who should go out after the falling
of the night.
* This is like a bit of the story of Conall, and the house of the
Tamhasg.
t Another possible meaning for this word may be the corpse
buryer. It is often impossible to translate these names, the
reciters do not understand them, and the context gives no help.
3 5» WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
She said though there should be the pain of seven-
teen years in it, that they shoukl go to seek the head
of Manus.
The deaf halt man was what they used to call the
man who was guarding the realm at that time, and he
could not hear a jot till there should be nine nines
shouting in liis ear. He could kill nine nines back-
wards, and nine nines forwards -with his sword. What
should awake him but the stormy soimd of the rough
traveller coming, and he thought that it was a foe that
was there. He arose upon the rough traveller, and he
did not leave a mother's son of the five himdred alive,
himself and the lion's whelp, and the twelve foster
brothers of Manus went to the Old Bergen.
"Never thou mind," said she. "Though Manus
did that to me. There is the Eed Gruagach, son of
the King of Greece, and he will take the head of Manus
out of the Old Bergen."
Then went his mother here, and she sent a ship to
Manus to tlie Old Bergen to take him aAvay before the
Eed Gruagach should take the head ofi" liim. What
should his muime do but put a sea thickening on the
ocean, so that Manus might not get away. His mother
sent a pilot in the ship, and what should the ship do
but stop in the sea thickening.
" Is there a ship in the world that will take us
out of this Ì " said Manus to the pilot.
" Indeed there is the speckled ship of the son of
Yalcan Smith," said the pilot.*
They were on board, and they could not stir.
* Bhalcan. There seems to have been some Celtic divinity,
who was a smith, and a sea god — a kind of Neptune and Vulcan
in one. Bhalcan occurs in Irish poema, and modern Gaelic poets
have introduced Venus, Cupid, and other classical names into
their modern songs. See note, Gaelic below, page 377.
MANUS. 359
At the mouth of the night the lion whelp thrust
his head under the arm of Manus, and he went out off
the sliip, and Manns on liis back. He went, and he
reached a scaur. He left Manus on the scaur, and
he himself made a spring down the other side of it.
Manus fell asleep, and he would like as well to find
death with the rest, rather than be left by himself on a
rock. There came a voice to him, and it said to him
" Arise." He rose, and he saw a ship.
Who was here but the ship of MacBhalcan Smith,
and the lion whelp in the shape of pilot at the helm,
and Mac-Vic-Valcan Smith and his twelve sailors dead
on her deck. He reached the ship, and he put liis
twelve foster brethren and the daughter of the Earl of
the Fiughaidh in the ship of MacBhalcan Smith. He
fell to at sailing amongst the thickening. What
should he see but land, and when he saw the land he
saw the very finest castle he ever saw. He went on
shore, and he put MacBhalcan Smith and liis twelve
sailors on shore on a point. He reached the castle, and
he went in, and there was a fine woman there within,
and twelve bald ruddy maidens. His twelve foster
brothers sat beside the bald ruddy maidens,* and they
said that they woidd never go for ever till they should
get them to marry.
It was not long tiU there came home the White
Gruagach, son of the King of the Light, and a great
auburn clumsy woman, his mother.
" Who is here," said he, " looking my twelve
brown ruddy daughters in the front of the face ? and
that I never saw a man that might look at them that I
would not take his head off against his throat."
" These are my twelve foster brothers, and they
* Or cro^jped auburn maidens.
360 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
have taken love for thy bald ruddy daughters, and thou
must give them to them to marry," said Manus.
'' Well," said the White Gruagach, " the covenant
on which I would do that, I am sure that thou wouldst
not do it for me, that is, to put me in against my
father, and that I am out from him for seven years."
" I will do that," said Manus, " but that thou thyself
shouldst go with me."
On the morrow they went away, and they reached
the King of the Light. The King of the Light came
out, and he gave his right hand to his own son, and
his left hand to Manus.* The lion whelp went, and
he seized him, and he levelled him.
" Choke off me the monster before he takes my
life from off me," said the King of the Light.
" I will do that," said Manus, " but write with a
drop of thy blood that thy son is thy beloved heir."
" Well, it's long since I would have done that,
if he had come himself to ask it."
Then he went and he wrote, and they went away
to come home. When they were coming the daughter
of the Earl of the Fiughaidh was in a burn.
" 0," said the A^Tiite Gruagach, " I am dead."
" What ails thee ?" said Manus.
" There is a stone," said he, " in the burn, and
there are three trouts under the stone, and they are in
thy wife's apron. As long as the trouts should be
alive I would be alive, and thy Avife has one of them
now in the fire."t
* His south hand, and his northern hand.
f The word which now means trout in Gaelic means speckled,
and is sometimes translated salmon. It appears that there were
sacred salmon in Irish mythology. Fish appear on the sculptured
stones of Scotland, and salmon commonly appear as something
magical in other Gaelic stories.
36i
" Is there anything in the world," said Maniis,
tliat would do thee good?"
" The King of the Great World has a horned
venomous (creature), and if I could get his blood I
would be as well as I ever was."
From a Stone in the Churchyard of St. Vigeans.— Sculptured Stones of
Scotland, PI. Ixx. The stone has Christian symbols, but this would seem to
rejiresent the sacrifice of some fabulous animal. The people who sculp-
tured the cross, the monks, and this figure, may have intended to represent
the myths or ceremonies connected with the stone in Pagan and in Chris-
tian times.
They reached the house, and the White Gruagach
Avas dead.
Then Manus went, and the speckled sliijj was
stolen from him, and there was no knowing who in the
world had taken it from him.
One of his foster brothers said that Brodram, son
of the King of the Great World, had taken it with him.
362 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
He went away to Brodrani. He asked liim what
made him take that ship from him. He said that he
had stolen her himself hefore, and that he had no right
to her. He said that his father had a venomous
horned (creature), and that while the Beannach Nimhe
was alive that his father would be alive, and that if
the Beannach Nimhe was slain that he would have the
realm.
He went with Brodram, and the venomous horned
beast was in a park. The Hon whelp went into the
park, and he put his paAv into the hollow of the throat
of the venomous horned beast. The venomous horned
beast fell dead, and the king fell dead within.
Then Brodram was King over the Great "World,
and Manus got the blood, and he returned back, and
with it he brought the Wliite Gruagach to life.
" It may not be that thou wilt not go thyself with
me now to put me in on the realm," said he to the
Wliite Gruagach.
The White Gruagach said that he would go. He
reached Brodram, and he said that he would go with him.
Balcan and his twelve apprentices were working in
the smithy, and he revived his twelve sailors. He
asked him to go with him, and Balcan said that he
would.
There went Balcan, and the White Gruagach, and
Brodram, and the Gruagach of the Tower, son of the
King of Sigmn, with him.
They reached Lochlann,
There met them a man in a red vesture ;
Tlie Wliite Gruagach, and the Eed Gruagach began
Fearfully, hatefully proudly,
Three destructions they would drive off them.
To the cloud flakes of aether and heaven.
MANUS. 363
Tliere gathered stag hounds, savage hounds,
To take pleasure in the monsters.
They would make the sea dry up,
And the earth burst,
And the stars fall
The Eed Gruagach* was slain, and his head stuck
on a stake, and Manus was crowned King over Loch-
lann, and he did not leave a living man in Lochlann.
Here I had intended to give the " orally collected "
version of the poem of Magnus as the fitting sequel and
contrast to this story, but as there is scant room within
my limits, I give the prose stories which go with it.
The lay of Magnus has often been translated. I hope
to be believed when I say that Magnus as I found him
in 1860 resembles Gillies, 1786, very closely.
This is the opening story of Magnus.
" When the Lochlannaich came on shore, Fionn said
to the lads that they should go to hunt ; that he wished
to give them a feast that night, because it was not
nicely that they themselves had much. They went to
hunt, and when the himt was over, Caoilte was sent to
gather the game since he was the swiftest. It was
three himdred deer they killed, and twenty boars.
" Now when Caoilte had gathered the game there
went two hundred to gather heather to cook them,
a hundred and a half went to set in order the stones
under the caldron, and it was ten (deichnar) who were
burning (the fuel) beneath it. Three hundred went to
flay. Then Fionn sent Fearghus down to give a bid-
ding to the Lochlannaich, and they did not deign to
answer him. Fionn took much proud anger because
the feast had been made and they had not answered."
* The Greek personage.
364 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
Then follows the poem as repeated by Donald
MacPhie (smith), Breubhaig, Barra, October 18 GO,
who learned it from his mother, and traces it up, for
six generations, to an ancestor Avho came from Kintyre.
The poet, supposed to be Oisein, speaks as one who
was present at " Uisge Laoire nan sruth seimh," where
the scene is laid. They see a thousand barks coming
to shore. The Feinn gather from every place, and
converse. Conan, as usual, is cross grained throughout.
Feargus, the son of Fionn, the brother of the poet, goes,
and finds that it is
" Mànus fuileach am fear fial
Mac righ Beith nan sgiath dearg
Ard righ Lochlann ceann nan cliar," etc.
Blood spilling Manus, the generous one,
Beithe's king's son, of the red shields (? Bergen).
High King of Lochlann, chief of the brave, etc.
Come to seek Fionn's wife, and his famous hoimd Bran.
A battle ensues, Manus is bound, and allowed to go
home, and so it goes on for 164 lines of very smooth
good Gaelic verse.
In Gillies there are 172 lines, or 43 verses, I
have a verse wliich is not in Gilhes, and the variations
only amount to different readings, and to variations in
language and orthography. After the poem comes the
sequel of the story, also taken down from Donald
MacPhie, which is not in GilHes.
" After the battle that was here, the Lochlanners
were tlu'ee years in disgrace with their Avives. Fionn
had been before this in Lochlann, and the daughter of
the King of Lochlann had taken love for him. The
tiling which they did Avas to send Athach (a monstrous
warrior or giant) to ask him to a feast in Lochlann, to
MANUS. 365
make the arrangement of a league between them, that
there might not be disputes for ever."
" In the Athach there was but one eye, and what
was the very day that he reached the house of Fionn
but a day that Fionn had a great feast for his set of
lads. It was late that they had the feast, and when
the Athach came in they had just sat at the feast. The
Athach took (his way) up without leave or bidding,
and he sat at the right shoulder of Fionn. "WTien
Conan saw how bold he was, he arose and he smote
him, and he levelled him. Fionn got up on the instant,
and he seized his shoulder, and he raised him, and he
set him sitting where he was before. Then Fionn
asked the Athach what man he was, and he told who
he himself was. He said that he was a herald (teach-
dair) from the King of Lochlann, that came to give a
bidding to themselves to a feast in Lochlaim ; that the
daughter of the King of Lochlann was in great grief
with the love she had taken for himself, and, though
he had another wife, if he himself should lay bare one
sight of her, there was no knoA\-ing but that she would
be the better of it."
" A^Hien Fionn heard that it was a herald from the
King of Loclilann, he desired Conan to be seized, and
the binding of the three smalls to be laid on him, and
that he should be cast into a dark hole, Avhere he
should see neither night nor day till the feast should
be tinishecL Conan was there but half an hour when
Caoilte said, —
" I never saw a herald coming from the King of
Lochlann, for whose sake I would leave Conan bound,
and that there is no knowing but he did the better
deed."
" He let Conan loose, and he brought him in to the
feast. They took well and right well to the Athach
366 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
that night, and on the morrow they made (ready) for
going with him. Said Fionn to Goll, —
" It is a shame for us to carry arms to a feast. It
will not be fitting to see them, but we will take with
us knives, that we may hide under our cloaks, and do
not uncover them for ever till I give you warning."
" Then here they went, and they reached Loch-
lann."
(And here let me point oiit how exceedingly incon-
sistent all this is with the common meaning of Loch-
lann, Scandinavia, and how simjily is it all explained,
by supposing Lochlann to be the possessions of the
Lochlanners, the Scandinavians in Ireland, or in Scot-
land, or in any one of the islands.)
" When they arrived, the Athach steered them to a
great long house, with a door at its end. There was a
board there, from the door till it reached the upper end
of the house. The Avay of sitting they had was, one of
the company of Fionn was set about the board, and
two Lochlanners at his side. When the house was
filled, on each side there were two Loclilanners on each
side of the Fiantan. The feast was on the board, but
it was not to be touched till the King of Lochlann and
the Queen should come in. The king came, and the
queen, and their daughter. When the king came in,
Fionn rose up standing to salute and welcome him
(cuir failte air), and he would not take his hand. It
seems that he Avould not take his hand till every one
who had slain any of his lot of sons should tell in what
place he had left him. Every man was telling where
he left the son he had slain. It was from Osgar that
he asked the last one, and said Osgar, —
Mharbh mis e air truigh Chliabhain mu thuath.
Far an do thuit do mhor shluagh
MAXUS. 367
Gun taing do dliuin agaibh d'a chionn,
A dli' f has riamh an riogliachd Lochlann.
I slew him on the strand of Cliabhain in the north,
Wliere fell thy mighty host,
In spite of a man of you of any kin,
That ever waxed in the realm of Lochlann.
An seo nuair dh' aithnich Fionn,
Gun robh miothlachd ri blaith ami ;
Thoisich Fionn an sin,
Air deanadli ranu.
Here now when Fionn perceived,
That ill blood was to be,
Tlien Fionn began
At making rymes.
" ISTa'm bithinns' um' ghobha,
'S math a dlieanainn sgeanan,
Chuirin cruaidh 'non saidhean,*
S' chuirin siomt 'nan roinnean.+
Chuirinn casan fraoich,
Le 'n cinn bhuidlie,
Ann an cuil tliiugha,
]S"am faobhar tana."
If I were a smith.
Well I'd make knives,
I'd put temper in handles,
I'd put shimmer on points.
I'd put hafts of heather,
With their ends of yellow.
In the tliick backs
Of the keen edges.
* Saidhean. The part of a knife or sword which goes into
the haft. There is no equivalent in English, so far as I know,
f SioM. An image reflected by a blade from high polish.
i Roinn. The point of a sword, dagger, or knife.
368 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
Then they arose and they fell upon each other.
They had but their knives, and the Lochlanners were
under full arms.
Said Fionn —
" Where are they great vo-v\\s, Manus 1
They were left where they were found said Manus."
" Caite am bheil na mionnan mor a Mhanuis Ì
Dh fhagas far an d' fhuaras thar Manus."
While the rest were at work, Fionn was in a dark
corner making love to the daughter. The Fhinn beat
the Lochlanners with the knives, and Manus was slain.
Fionn took the daughter with lum, and she was a year
with him as a wdfe.
MacTiCan truly says, " this description of the manu-
facture of knives is wonderfully vivid and vigorous, and
shews the richness of the language in such terms, while
it appears to prove that the construction of warlike
weapons was well understood in past times in the High-
lands;" but the next story seems to shew that the
smith's art wa.s not known in the days of the mythical
Fionn, who got his sword from the fairy smith of
Lochlann. Archaeology seems to prove that the
ancient inhabitants of Britain were once armed wdth
bronze weapons, poor in iron, and rich in gold, and the
Feinn were armed with pointed sticks, hardened in the
fire, when they put gold rings on the fingers of warriors
whom they had slain, and wished to honour. Icelandic
.sagas speak of abundance of gold amongst the Irish ;
Gaelic stories mention gold frequently, and abundance of
gold ornaments are dug up all over the United Kingdom :
but iron s^vords are always mythical, and iron swords are
rarely found, and their pattern is often Scandinavian on
the sculptured stones, and when they are dug up.
May not the Scandinavians have been better black-
MANUS. 369
smiths than the Western Islanders, and the Celts
better goldsmiths, richer, and more civilized than the
iS^orsemen when they first met ?
MAN US.
Bha rii,^h Lochlann ann, "s phos e, 's rugadh dithis mac da. 'S e
Oireal a bha air an darna fear agus larlaid air an fhear eile. Dh'
eug an athalr "s am matbair. Shui'ili Parlamaid arson cileadaireachd
a chur air an rioghachd gus an d' thigeadh a' chlann gu h-aois, 's
gus an gabbadh iad bòidean na riogbachd orra fhein. Chuir iad
fios air na gillean ; "s bba Oireal 'na dhuine meata ; 's e larlaid a bu
mbotba. Thuirt Oireal ris a' pharlamaid nach gabbadh e gnothach
fhatbasd ris an riogbachd.
" Plocbd cha bhi agaibh di," arsa a' pharlamaid, "mar an gabh
sibh an diugh i."
Ars' larlaid ri Oireal, " Gabh thusa an dara leitb "s gabhaidh mise
an leith eile."
" Mata," ars' Oireal, " ni mi sin."
Sgriobhadh an riogbachd air na gillean. An am beagan bhliadh-
iiachan phos larlainn nigbean righ na Greige, 's phos Oireal nighean
righ Sgiath sgial, righ na h-Arcuinn. Thug Sgiath sgial seisear
mhnatban coimhideachd le a niginn 's thug righ na Greige 'leitbid
eile le a nighinn fhein. Tri raithean on oidhcbe sin bhuail anacair
cloinne nighean righ na Greige, 's cuideachd bhuail anacair chloinne
nighean Sgiath sgial, 's rugadh niic dhaibb, 's rugadh da mhacdbeug
do na mnathan coimhideachd. Thugadh Manus air mac Oireil, 's
Eochaidh air mac larlainn. Thoisich na mic air tighinn air an
aghaidh. Bha Manus a' fas mor, 's cha robh Eochaidh ach beag.
Chuireadh do 'n sgoil iad, 's bba a chomhdbaltan fhein comhla ris a'
h-uile fear aca.
Bha iad ag iomain air an fhaiche 'tighinn as an sgoil, 's chuir
Manus am ball air Eochaidh.
" Bidh rioghachd m' athar fhein agamsa," arsa Manus.
Thuirt nigbean righ na Greige, " B'e mo thoil crioch mhoirt, agus
mhillidh, agus mharbhaidh, a chur air Manus.''
" Mata b' e" sin a bu mhor am beud a chur air mac mo bhrathar
fhein," ars' an righ.
370 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
" Mar an dean thusa e, ni mise e," ars' ise.
Dh' flialbh i staigh 's bhuail i leideag air a mac fhein, 's chuir i
mach as an taigh e.
" Falbh." ars' ise, " 's thoir ceithir ranna ruadha an t-saoghail ort,
's na faiceam air do bhonn air an fhonn(«) chiadhna thu fhad 's a
bhitheas an saoghal air suidheachadh. Bheir mise learn Manua 's
bidh 6 'na mhac agam fhein."
Thug i Manus a staigh leatha fhein agus chuir i 'mac fhein air
grianan aluinn, aon chasach, far am faiceadh e a' h-uile duine, 's
nach fliaiceadh duine e. Bha Manus a staigh aice 's cha robh e a'
faighinn dol a dh' amharc a mhathar idir. Thuirt a mhathair, an
siud, gu 'u rachadh i far an robh a mhuime 's gu'n gabhadh i a
comhairle. Ann an ceann bliadhna chuir i lios air Manus. Ann am
beagan bhliadhnachan chuir bean bhrathar 'athar fios air Manus.
" De a Mhanuis," arsa nighean righ na Greige, " a tha thu a'
smaointeachadh a dheanadh an diugh ? Ma phosas thu gheibh thu
an treas cuid de 'n rioghachd ; fonn,(a) a's fearann, agus ionmhas."
" Mata cha 'n 'eil aois posaidh agams' ann," ars' esan.
" Cha ruig thu leas sin," ars' ise, " tha aon fhear air an fhearann
agam fhein a fhreagras duit. Theid thu a dh' iarraidh a nighinn
agus posaidh tu i. 'Se larla na Fiughaidh a th' anu. Posaidh tu
nighean larla na Fiughaidh."
Dh' fhalbh i 's thug i leatha corr-theaghlach, 's bheireadh i
leatha coig ceud fear. Kainig i taigh iarla na Fiughaidh a 'toirt do
Mhanus a 'posadh. Thuirt bean iarla na Fiughaidh rithe, " Cha 'n
'eil aois posaidh aig mo nighinnsa fhathasd, 's cha 'n 'eil aoi.-; posaidh
aig Manus."
" Mata," arsa nighean righ na Greige, "taigh na tulach cha bhi
agad air an fhearann agamsa mar an d' thoir thu do nighean da."
Smaointich an duine nach robh math dha a diultainn, 's phosadh
Manus agus nighean Iarla na Fiughaidh ri 'cheile. Chaidh iad a
luidhe an oidche sin an taigh bhrathar 'athar.
" An tu seo a Mhanuis, a mhic aidh agus a dhuine dhona? Am
bheil fios agad d^ a' bhean a thug i siud do dh' Eochaidh, a mac
fhein ? Thug a' gaoth luimneach Mhairt. Cha 'n ann ri mnaoi
shaoghalta a phos i e ; gus an d' thugadh e 'n ceann diotsa. Thusa
agus bean agad air do leabaidh trath oidhche!(^) bidh thu 'dol as a'
h-uile latha, 's cha chum thu cath risean."
"An ann mor seo a thaV" arsa Manus.
Chaidh e far an robh ise.
" Bi 'fagail na rioghachd," arsa bean bhrathar 'athar ris, " airneo
cha bhi agad ach na 'bheir thu g' a chionu."
MAXUS. 371
" B' e," ars' esan, " an treas cuid a gheall thu domh de 'n riogh-
aclid."
" Plochd cha bhi agad an seo,"' ars' ise ; " tha do chuid fo chlachan
agus fo gharblilach anns an t-seana Bheirbhe.'"(0
" Mata, on a th-i thu 'gam cliur air falbh, thoir dhomh seisear
chomhdhaltan Eochaidh, 's gu 'm biodh a dha dheug agam."
Fhuair e siud. Dh' fhalbh e 's thug e air an t-seana Bheirbhe.f
Nuair rainig e 'n t-seana Bheirbhe cha robh a chridhe aig duine dol
a choir a' chaisteil ; Bha caoraich anns an t-seana Bheirbhe agus 'se
na caoraich chorrachar a theirte riutha. Bhuail lad air deanadh
sluichd 'san talamh. Bha na caoraich a' dol 'san t-slochd 's iad a'
breith orra ; 's bha iad 'gam marbhadh 's a' cumail feola riutha fhein.
Bha iad bliadhna mar seo 's an t-seana Bheirbhe.
" Bhuais e ! Bhuais e ! " arsa Manus, " tha bliadhna o'n a chunnaic
mi mo muime. "S fhearra dhomh dol a 'faicinn."
" Cha b' e mo chomhairle duit dol ann," ars' iadson; ach ma tha
thu a' falbh tha da chomhdhalta dheug agad, 's thoir leat iad."
" Cha chuideachadh suarach dhomh fhein iad a bhith leam," ars
esan.
Ghabh e air falbh agus bha nighean righ na Greige ag amharc
a mach air uinneig 's mhothaich i do Mhanus a' tighinn. Chaidh i
sios far an robh brathair 'athair.
'• Tha mac do bhrathar a' tighinn an seo," ars' ise " le criosan
duinte, daite, air a thaobh cli, air am faighte gaol ban og agus gradh
mhaighdeanr.an."
Gu 'm b' ann g' a toilse crioch mhoirt, agus mharbhaidh, agus
mhillidh a chur air. Thuirt brathair 'athar gu 'm bu mhor am beud
siud ; 's nach biodh esan an lathair siud a chur air.
" Mar an dean thusa e ni mise e," ars' ise.
Chaidh i mach as an taigh "s thug i a dha chomhdhalta dheug
uaidh 's mhionnaich i iad di fhein. Dh' fhalbh esan air ais gus an
t-seana Bheirbhe leis fhein gu dubhach, deurach bronach ; 's bha 'n
t-anmoch ann. De a chunnaic e ach fear earraidh dheirg. ((')
•' An tu seo a Mhanuis ? " ars' esan.
" 'S mi," arsa Manus.
" Tha mi 'sraaointeachadh, na 'm biodh olc na mhath de dh' airm
agad, gu 'm faigheadh th 'd" righ air Lochlainn."
'' Cti 'n 'eil sin agam," ars' esan.
" Mata," arsa fear an earraidh dheirg, " na 'n d' thugadh tu
gealltanas domhsa bheirinn airm dhuit."
" De 'n gealltanas a bheir mise dhuit 'i Cha 'n 'eil dad agam ri
'thoirt duit."
372 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
" Mata cha 'n iarr mi moran ort; blia mi ann a'ni fhear pasgaidh
arm aig do slieanair 's aig do shionseanair; na 'n d' thugadh tusa
gealltanas domli gu 'm bithinn ann a' m' fhear pasgaidh arm agad
bheirinn airm duit a nochd."
" Bheir mise sin duit ma 's e gu 'm bi mi gu brach a' m' righ."
Dh, fhalbh iad 's rainig iad an taigh. Thug fear an earraidh
dheirg iuchair a mach 's dh' fhosgail e 'n dorus, 's nuair a dh'
fhosgail e e bha "n taigh sin Ian arm ; 's gun bideag ann ach airm.
" Silid a nis 's tagh airm," arsa fear an earraidh dheirg. Rug
Manus air claidheamh 's bhrisd e, 's a' h-uile fear a bha e 'breith air
bha e 'ga bhrisdeadh.
" Na dean a Mhanuis,— na bi a' brisdeadh nan arm, 's gun fhios
nach bi feum agad orra fhathasd. Nuair a bha mise ann a' m'
dhuine og bha cogadh aig do sheanair, 's bha seaua chlogad, agus
seann luireach orm. Feuch iad." Arsa fear an Earraidh dheirg.
Rug Manus air a' chlaidheamh 's dh' fhairtlich air a bhrisdeadh.
Chuir e 'n clogadh 's an claiilheamh uime. De a chunnaic e 'n sin
ach brot((') a nuas a driom an taighe. " De air am math am brot
ud ? " arsa Manus.
" Tha," ars' esan, " nuair a sgaoileas tu oirean air seilbh bidh agus
diblie, gheibh :hu e m.ir a chosgas tu. Tha buaidh eile air; na 'n
coinneachadh namhaid thu, a' gabhail seachad, bheireadh e pog do
chul do dhuirn."
Thug e 'm brot do Mhanus, 's phaisg e'm brot na achlais. De a
chunnaic e ach slabhraidh iaruinn a nuas a driom an taighe.
" De air am math an t-slabhraidh ud ? " arsa Manus.
" Cha 'n 'eil creutair, air an t-saoghal, a chuirte siud mu amhaich
nach biodh comhrag ceud fear air." Arsa fear an earraidh dheirg.
Thug Manus leis an t-slabhraidh. Nuair a bha e a' falbh de a
chunnaic e ach da leomhan agus cuilean aca. Thainig na leomhain
mu choinneamh, 's iad gus itheadh, 's gus a sgath. Sgaoil e 'm brat,
's thainig na leomhain 's phog iad cul a dhuirn, 's ghabh iad seachad
air. Dh' fhalbh an cuilean leomhain feadh a' bhruit 's phaisg e 'm
brot mu 'n cuairt air. Phaisg e 'm brot mu 'n cuairt air 's thug e
leis gus an t-seana Bheirbhee. Nuair a rainig e 'n t-seana Bheirbhe
bha nighean larla na Fiughaidh a staigh. Chuir e 'n t-slabhraidh
mu amhaich a' chuilean leomhain. Dh' fhalbh an cuilean leomhain
's ghlan e 'n caisteal, 's cha d' ffaag e creutair na uile bheist beo ann.
Chuir e teine anns a' chaitteal. Bha e bliadhna an seo ann 's cha
robh dith air. Chaidh e mach latha 's thuirt e gu 'n rachadh e dh'
amharc a mhuime.
Thug e leis an cuilean leomhain 's dh' flialbh e. Mhothaich ise
MANUS. 373
dha a' tighinn. Bha claidheamh aira thaobh an latha sin. Thainig
i mach 'na choinneamli 's bha measan donn aice. Ghabh e 'n
coinneamh Mhanuis, 's a bheul fossailte, gus Manus a sgath agus
itheadh. Dh' fhalbh an cuilean leomhain 's ghabh e air thois-
each air Manus, 's chuir e 'spog ann an cul a' bhraghaid aig a
mheasan aice-se, 's leig e 'mhionach a mach gu talamh.
" Siud a Mhanuis," ars' ise, " ach cuir do chuilean a staigh air
driom taigh nan leomhan."
Chuir e 'n cuilean leomhain a staigh air driom an taighe, 's chuir
e 'n t-slabhraidh mu 'mhuineal, 's cha d' fhag e leomhan fo dhriom
an taighe gun mharbhadh, 's leig e e fhein 'na shineadh marbh
comhla riu. Chaidh Manus dachaidh, gun chuilean gun duine, an
oidhche sin. De 'n obair gus an do chuireadh a dha chomhdhalta
dheug ach a chartadh taigh nan leomhan. Xuair a chuireadh a mach
iad cha robh leomhan fo dhriom an taighe nach robh 'sgornan air a
ghearradh. Bha 'n cuilean leomhain agus gun bhoinne falais air, 's
an t-slabhraidh iaruinn, a chuir Manus air, mu 'amhaich. Thuirt
fear diu gu 'm bu neonach leis an leomhan a bha 'n siud; gun
bhoinne falais air, seach each.
" Sin cuilean leomhain fir mo ghaoil," arsa fear de n chuideachd,
" cuilean leomhain Mhanuis ! "
" Mata," arsa fear diu, '• gad a tha mionnan oirnn gun falbh as a'
bhaile ; ma 'n eireadh esan dh' fhalbhamaid agus bbeiremaid brath
seachad."
" Cha 'n 'eil duine a theid a mach as a' bhaile seo," arsa each,
" an deigh do 'n oidhche tighinn, nach 'eil goirteas sheachd bliadhna
air as a dheigh."
Chaidh iadsan thun na h-uinneig ; 's nuair a chaidh thun iad na
h-uinneig dh' fho?gail an cuilean leomhain a sliuilean, 's thainig e
beo. Dh' fhalbh ise far an robh a fear 's thuirt i rh, an garbh-
theaghlach (/) a chur air doigh agus coig ceud fear ann. Thuirt esan
gu 'm biodh goirteas sheachd bliadhna air neach a rachadh a mach
an deigh thuiteam na na h-oidhche. Thuirt ise gad a bhiodh goirteas
sheachd bhadhna deug ann gu 'm falbhadh iad a db' iarraidh ceann
Mhanuis.
'Se 'm Bodhar Bacach a theireadh iad ris an fhear a bha a' dion
na rioghachd anns an am sin, 's cha chluinneadh e smid gus am
biodh naoidh naonar ag eubhach 'na chluais. Mharbhadh e naoidh
naonar air ais, 's naoidh naonar air adhart, leis a' chlaidhimh. De' a
dhuisg e ach stoLrm a' gharbh theaghlaich a' tighinn, agus shaoil e
gur h-e namhaid a bha ann. Dh' eirich e air a' gharbh-theaghlach,
's cha d' fhag e mac mathar de 'n choig ceud beo ; e fhein agus an
374 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
cuilean leomhain. Dh' flialbh an cuilean leomhain, 's da chomh-
dhalta dheug Mhanuis, do 'n t-seana Bheirbhe.
" Coma leat," ars' ise, " gad a rinn Manus siud ormsa tha 'n
Gruagach dearg, mac righ na Greige ann, 's bheir e ceann Mhanuis
as an t-seana Bheinne."
Dh' fhalbh a mhathair, an seo, 's chuir i soitheach thun Mhanuis
gus an t-seana Bheirm, g'a thoirt air falbh, ma 'n d' thugadh an
gruagach dearg an ceann deth. De a rinn a mhuime ach muir-
tiothachd (fj) a chur air a' chuan air alt 's nach faigheadh Manus falbh.
Chuir a mathair mairnealaiche (h) anns an t-soitheach. De a rinn an
soitheach ach stad anns a' mhuir tiothachd.
" Am bheil soitheach air an t-saoghal a bheir as an seo sinn ?" arsa
Manus ris a' mhairnealaiche.
"An leobhra tha; long bhreac Mhic BhalcainCO ghobha," ars'
am mairnealach.
Bha iad air bord 's cha b' urrainn iad gluasad.
Am beul na h-oidhche sparr an cuilean leomhain a cheann fo
achlais Mhanuis, 's ghabh e mach bhar na luinge, 's Manus air a
mhuin. Dh' fhalbh e 's rainig e sgeir. Dh' fhag e Manus air an
sgeir 's ghearr e fhein leum leis an taobh eile di. Thuit Manus 'na
chadal; agus bu mhath leis am bas fhaighinn le each, seach fhagail
leis fhein air sgeir. Thainig guth g'a ionnsuidh 's thuirt e ris,
" Eirich." Dh' eirich e 's chunnaic e soitheach.
Co a bha 'n seo ach long Mhic Bhalcain gobha, agus an cuilean
leomhain 'na riochd air an stiuir, 's Mac Mhic Bhalcain gobha, 's a
dba sheoladair deug, marbh air a h-urlar. Eainig e 'n soitheach, 's
chuir e 'dha chomhdhalta dheug, 's nighean larla na Fiughaidh ann
an long Mhic Bhalcain gobha. Bhuail e air seoladh air feadh na
tiothachd. De a chunnaic e ach fearann ; 's nuair a chunnaic e 'm
fearann chunnaic e 'n aona chaisteal a bu bhreagha a chunnaic e
riamh. Ghabh e air tir 's chuir e Mac Bhalcain gobha 's a dha
sheoladair dheug air tir air rugha. Rainig e 'n caisteal, 's chaidh
e staigh, 's bha boireannacb breagha staigh an sin 's a dha dheug
de nigheana maola, ruadha. Shuidh a dha chomhdhalta dheug
lamh ris na nigheana maola, ruadha, 's thuirt iad, nach fhalbhadh
iad gu bràch gus am faigheadh iad ri 'm posadh iad.
Cha b' fhada gus an d' thainig an gruagach ban mac righ na
Sorcha dachaidh 's buinnseachC ) ruadh 'na mathair dha.
" Co seo ag amharc," ars' esan, " air mo dha dheug de nigheana
maola, ruadha an clar an aodainn ? 's nach fliaca mi duine riamh a
bhiodh ag amliarc orra nach d' thugainn an ceann an aghaidh na
braghad deth."
MANUS. 375
" Tha da chomhdhalta dheug agamsa 's tha iad an deigh gaol a
ghabhail air do nigheana maola, ruadha, 's feumaidh tu 'n toirt daibh
a 'm posadh," arsa Manus.
" Mata," ars' an Gruagacli ban, " an cumhnant air an dean-
ainnsa sin, tha mi cinnteach nach deanadh tusa rium e; sin mise
a cliur a staigli air m' athair, 's mi muigh air o cheann seachd
bliadhna."
" Ni mi sin," arsa Manus, " ach thu f hein a dhol comlila rium."
An la 'r na mbaireach dli' fhalbh iad. Rainig iad righ na Sorcha.
Thainig righ na Sorcha mach, 's thug e 'lamh dheas d'a mhac fhein, 's
a lamh thoisgeal do Mhanus. Dh' fhalbh an cuilean leomhain 's rug
e air, 's leag e e.
" Caisg diom a' bhiasd ma 'n d' thoir e mo bheatha diom," arsa
righ na Sorcha.
"Ni mi sin," arsa Manus, " ach sgriobh le boinne de t' fhuil gur
h-e do mhac t' oighre dligheach."
" Mata 's fhada o'n a dheanainnsa sin na 'n d' thigeadh e fhein
g'a iarraidh."
Dh' fhalbh e 'n seo agus sgriobh e e 's dh fhalbh iadsan an seo
gu tighinn dachaidh. Nuair a bha iad a tighinn an seo bha
nighean larla na Fiughaidh ann an allt.
" O," ars' an gruagach ban, " tha mise marbh."
" De a th' ort ?" arsa Manus.
" Tha clach," ars' esan, " anns an allt, 's tha tri brie fo 'n chloich,
's tha iad ann an apran na mnatha agad. Fad 's a bhiodh na brie
beo bhithinn-sa beo. Tha fear aca 's an teine, an drasd aig do
mhnaoi-sa."
" Am bheil dad air an t-saoghal," arsa Manus, " a dheanadh feum
dhuit ? "
" Tha," ars' esan, " beannach nimhe aig righ an domhain mhoir
's na 'm faighinn fhuil bhithinn clio math 's a bha mi riamh."
Eainig iad an taigh 's bha 'n gruagach ban marbh. Dh' fhalbh
Manus an seo, 's bha 'n long bhreac an deigh a gold air, 's cha robh
fios, air an t-saoghal, co a thug uaidh i. Thuirt fear d'a chonihdh-
altan gu 'n d' thug Brodram, mac righ an domhain mhoir, leis i.
Ghabh e air falbh gu Brodram. Dh' fhoighneachd edheth de'athug
dha an soitheach a thoirt uaidh. Thuirt esan gur h-e gold a rinn e
fhein roimhe, 's nach robh coir aig urra. Thuirt e gu 'n robh beann-
ach nimhe aig 'athair, agus fhad 's a bhiodh am beannach nimhe beo
gu 'm biodh 'athair beo, 's na 'm marbht am beannach nimhe gu 'm
biodh an rioghachd aigesan.
Dh' fhalbh e le Brodram, 's bha 'm beannach nimhe a staigh ann
376 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
am pairc. Chaidh an cuileanleomhain a staigh do 'n phairc, 'schuir
e a spog ann an lag a bhraghad aig a bheannach nimhe. Thuit am
beannach nimhe niarbh 's thuit an righ marbh a staigh. Bha Brod-
ram an seo 'na righ air an domhain mhor, 's fhuair Manus an fhuil,
's thill e, 's thug e beo leatha an gruagach ban. " Cha 'n fhaod e
'bhith nach d' theid thu fhein learn a nis a m' chur a staigh air an
rioghachd," ars' e ris a' ghruagach bhkn.
Thuirt an gruagach ban gu 'n rachadh.
Rainig e Brodram 's thuirt Brodram gu 'n rachadh e leis. Bha
Balcan 's a dha fhaolainn (0 deug ag obair 'sa' cheardaich 's dh' ath
bheothaich e a dha sheoladair deug. Dh' iarr e air dol leis 's thuirt
Balcan gu 'n rachadh.
Dh' falbh Balcan, 's an gruag ch ban, a's Brodrara, 's gruagach
an tuir, mac righ Siginn leis. Rainig iad Lochlainn. Choinuich
tear an earraidh dheirg iad.
Thoisich an gruagach ban agus an gruagach dearg('n)
Gu fiachach, fuachach, meanmnach.
Chuireadh iad tri dithean diu
Ann an cleidibh(ft) atliair agus iarmailt.
Chruinnich mialchoin Fialchoim(o) (J. F. C.)
A ghabhail aighir air na biastan.
Bheireadh iad air an fhairge traoghadh;
Air an talamh s:;aineadh ;
Air na rionnagan tuiteum.
Mharbhadh an grua'gach dearg, 's chuireadh a cheann air stobj
's chrunadli Manus na righ air Lochlainn, 's cha d' fhag iad duine
beo ann an Lochlainn.
From Donald MacPhie, lochdar. South Uist, who learnt it from
Iain MacDhomhnuill Ic Thormaid Domhnullach, Aird a mhachair,
who died sixty years ago at the age of sixty. H. ftl'L.
I heard the man tell part of the story myself. J. F. C.
Notes for Gaelic.
(a) Fonn, land generally on a larger scale than fearann. Probably
fearann may be arfhonn, arable land, the f slipping in as frequently
happens in Gaelic words.
(6) Trath oidhche, the time of night ; different in meaning from
trath 'sau oidhciie. early in the night.
MANUS. 377
{<•) A Bheirbhe, sometimes the old man said Bheirm. This word
is translated Copenhagen by some scholars, I don't know why- The
sound is nearer to Bergen, for b and g frequently replace each other
in Gaelic ; e.g. ubh, ugh, dubh, dugh, etc.
(d) Earradh, a dress, costume. Aodach trusgan, eideadh earradh.
Aodach is any clothes good or bad; Trusgan is a good dress;
Eideadii is a distinguishing dress or uniform ; Earradh is a dress
rather distinguishing an individual from others. Eideadh gaidheal-
ach, we could never say an t-earradh Gaidhealach.
(0 Brot, same as brat.
(/) Garbh-theagblach, this seems to have been some large kind of
vehicle. It is spelt as it was pronounced. It might have been
garbh-shinbhlach or carr-shiuhlach.
(<;) Muir-tiothach, some curious thickening of the ocean so as to
prevent the ship from moving. Muir-teachd may be the same word
as this differently pronounced ; and if so, it means gelly fish.
(ft) Mairnealaiche, a pilot.
(0 Balcan. Is this the same as Vulcan ? Bailc means a plunge,
a flood. The smith constantly plunging his iron or steel in water
might receive this name in consequence ; falc is to bathe.
C^) Buinnseach, a big, strong, clumsy woman.
Q) Faolainn, same {is foghlainte or foghlaiuteach, an apprentice.
{m) An gruagach dearg, a different person from the other fear earr-
aidh dheirg.
('i) Cleid, a flake. Cleidean athair, sky flakes, clouds ; probably
the fine white clouds called cirri. May not this word be the root of
cloud. H. M'L.
(0) Fialchoin, so pronounced ; probably Fiadh-choin, deer-dogs, or
wild-dogs, wolves, probably the last. J. F. C.
378 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
LXXXV.
THE SONG OF THE SMITHY.
From Donald MacPhie, Breubhaig, Barra.
1 — OlSElN.
On a day as were on wide spread Eushes,
A valiant four of the company,
Myself, and Bound, and Grey Earth,
Fair's self was there, he was Bondage's son.
2
There was seen a coming from the plain
The big young lad on a single foot.
In liis black, dusky black skin mantle.
With his dusky head-gear so rusty red.
3
Grim was the look of the young lad.
Hideous it was, and disfigured.
With his largeheaded mighty helmet.
With his blunt ploughshare (a) that grew russet red.
4 — FlONN.
Then spoke to him Fionn MacChumail,
As a man Avho was like to faint,
" At what place is thy dwelling.
Thou lad with thy dress of skins 1 "
5 — Smith.
" Blade, son of Furbishing, 's my right name,*
If you had the knowledge of a tale of me ;
I was a while at the smith's mystery.
With the King of Lochlann at Upsala. (b)
* Gillies, 1786 . . Lun MacLiobhainn.
MacCallum, 1816 . . Luinn MacLiobhuinn.
MacPherson .... Luno.
DUAN NA CEARDACH. 379
DUAN NA CEAEDACH.
1
Latha cUminii air Luacliair leothair,
Do clieathrar chrodlia de 'n bhuidliiim ;
Mi fhein, a's Osgar, a's Daorglilas ;
Bha Fioiiii fhein aim, 's b' e Mac Cluimliail.
Chuimacas a' tighinn o'n mliagli
An t-olacli mor 's e air aona chois,
'Na mhamidal dubh, ciar-dliubli craicinn,
Le cheaniia-bheairt laclidann 's i ruadh-mheirg.
3
Bu ghruamach coslas an olaich ;
Bu ghramida sin agus bii dnaiclinidli ;
Le 'chlogada ceann-mhor, ceutach ;
Le 'mhaoil eitidli a dh' f has ruadh dhearg.
4
Labhair ris Fionn MacChumliail,
Mar dhnine 'bhiodh a' dol seachad,
" Co 'm ball am bheil do thninidli,
'lUe le d' chulaidli chraicinn Ì"
5
" Lon* MacLiobhann, b'e ni' ainm ceart e,
Na 'm biodh agaibhs' orm beachd sgeula ;
Bha mi treis ri uallach gobhainn
Aig righ Lochlann ann an Spaoili.'
* LoNN, a sword, a blade, a bar, a stake of wood, a bier pole,
anger ; a surge, a sea swell ; strong, powerful. Lonneach, bright,
etc., a blaze, a gleam. Ldnn, a smootli rolling swell, an oar
handle. Manks, LJmn, or Lhunn.
380 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
" I am laying you under enchantments,
Since you are a people in need of arms ;"
That you shall follow me, a band of quietness,
Westward to my smithy doors."
7 — FlONN.
" Upon what place is thy workshop.
Or shall we profit by seeing it Ì "
Smith.
" Do you see it, if it may be,
But see it you shall not, if I can."
8 OlSEIN.
Then they set them to their travel.
O'er the fifth of Munster in their hurrying speed,
And on yellow glens about birch trees,
Then went they into four bands, (c)
9
One band of these was the blacksmith,
Another band of them Daorghlas ;
Fionn was behind them at that time.
And a few of the chiefs of the Finne.
10
The blacksmith would cut but the one step,
On each lonely glen tlirough the desert.
But scarcely liis arms would reach to
A tuck of his clothes on his haunches.
11
Ascending the ground of the corrie,
Descending the pass of the edges ;
"A little delay," said the blacksmith,
" Shut not before me," quoth Daorghlas.
DUAN NA CEARDACH. 3 8 1
6
" Tha mise 'gur cur-sa fo gheasaibh,
O 's luchd sibh 'tlia 'm freasdal armaibh,
Sibh gum' leantail, buidlieami sliocrach,
Siar gu dorsan mo dieardacL"
7 — Fioxx.
" Co 'm ball am bheil do cheardacli Ì
Na 'm feairde sinne g'a faicinn ?"
GOBHA.
" Faiceadh sibbs' i ma dli' f baodar ;
Acli ma dli' fboadas mise clia 'ii fbaic sibk"
Gu 'n d' thug iad an sin 'nan siubbal
Air Cboige Mbumba 'nan luatb dbearg ;
'S air Gbleannan bnidhe mu bbeitbe
Gu 'n deacb iad 'nan ceithir buidbnibb.
9
Bu bbuidbeann diu sin an gobba ;
Bu bbuidbeann eile dhiu Daorgblas ;
Bba Fionn 'nan deagbainn an uair sin
A's beagan de db' uaislean na Finne.'
10
Cba gbearradh an gobba ach aona cbeuui
Air gacb gleannan faoin roimb f basacb,
'S cba ruigeadb airm acb air eigin
Cearbli db' an aodlacb sbuas air mliasan.
11
A' direadh ri urlar a' cboire,
A' tearnadli ri bealach nam faobbar,
" Fosadb beag ort" ars' an gobba ;
" Na cbuid romliam," arsa Daorgblas.
WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
12— Smith.
" Thoiid'st not be in the door of my workshop,
In a strait place, were I alone." (il)
13— OlSEIN.
Then they got bags for blowing,
The workshop was scarcely found out ;
Four men were found of the king of Bergen,
Of crossgrained men and unshapely.
14
To every smith there were seven hands.
Seven pincers light and substantial;
And the seven hammers that crushed them,
And no worse would it suit with Daorghlas.
15
Daorghlas who watched at the Avorkshop,
'Tis a certain tale that they fell out;
He was red as a coal of the oaktree,
And his hue like the fruit of the working.
16
Out spoke one of the blacksmiths
So gruffly, and eke so grimly,
" Who is that daimtless slender man
That would stretch out a bar of temper?"
17
Out spoke Fionn, who was standing,
The man of good answer at that time,
" That nickname shall not be scattered,
His name was Daorglilas till this hour."
DUAN NA CEARDACH. 383
12
" Clia bliiodh tu 'n dorus luo cheardach
An àite teaun 's nii 'nam aonar."
13
Fhuair iad an sin biiilg ri sheideadh ;
Fhuaradh air eigin a' cheardach ;
Fhuaras ceathrar dhaoine righ Meirbhe/
De dliaoine doirhhe, mi-dhealbhack
14*
Bha seachd lamhan air gach gobha ;
Seachd teanchairean leothair/ aotrom,
'S na seachd uird a bha 'gan siDreigeadli ;
'S clia bu mhiosa 'fhreagradh Daorghlas.
15
Daorghlas, fear aire na ceardach,
'S sgeula dearbha gu 'n do throid iad,
'S e cho dearg ri gual an daraich,
'S a shnuadb a thoradh na h-oibre.
16
Labhair fear de na goibhnean
Gu grimach agus gu gruamach ;
" Co e 'm fear caol gun tioma
A thairneadli a mach teinne (") cruadhach Ì '
17
Labhair Fionn a bha 'na sheasamh,
Fear a bu mhath freagairt 'san uair sin,
" Cha bhi 'n t-ainm sin sgaoilte,
Bha Daorghlas air gus an uair seo."
* This verse is not in MacCallum's version.
384 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
18
Then they got there stretched out
The arms that were straight and coloured,
The completed work that was finished,
Of finished arms for the battle.
19*
" Hiss" and "Fye" and " Make sure,"
And the " Lil^e blade's daughter the smith's shop,"
And the long blade of Diarmaid —
Many was the day that he tried it.
20
I had "the Tinker of striplings,"
Of loud rattle in the battle keen ;
And "the son of the surge," that was MacChumail's,
Which never left a shred of the flesh of man.
21
Then we took to our travel,
To take a tale from the king of Lochlann ;
Then out spoke the king so high born
With force of sweet words as became him well.
22
We would not give, by your fear,
A tale of six of our party ;
We lifted up the spears,
And it was in front of the banners.
* The following verse from MacCallum gives the names of
some more of the swords : —
The " Magic bladed " was the blade of Oscar,
And the " Hard Massacrer " the blade of Caoilte,
And the " Polisher" the blade of Diarmaid,
Many a wild man killed she.
DUAN XA CEAEDACH. 385
18
Tliuair iacl an siii 'nan smeaclh
^a li-airm a bha direacli claite,
'S an coimlilionadb. a bh' air a dheanadh
De dli' arniaibh deanta na faiche.
19*
" Fead" agus " Fuidli," agns " Fasdail,"
'S a' " Chomhlann" 'Ic na Ceardaicli,
'S an lann f hada 'bli' aig Diarmaid,
'S iomadli latha riamli a dhearbh i.
20
'S agam fliem bha " Ceard" nan gallan"
A b' ard farum 'n am nan garbh chatli ;
" 'S Mac an Luin" a bh' aig Mac Chumliail t
Nach d fhag Mgheall rianili dh' fheoil dhaoine.
21
Gu 'n do ghabh sinne mu sliiubhal
A ghabhail sgeula de righ Lochlann ;
Sin nuair labhair an righ iiasal
Le neart suairce mar bu chiibhaidli.
22
Cha d' thugamaid, air bhiir n-eagal,
Sgeula do sheisear dli' ur buidhinn,
Gu 'n do thog siime na sleaghan ;
'S gu 'm b' anil ri aghaidh nam bratock
* The following verse is from MacCallam : —
Bi n Druidh lannach laun Oscair
'S b' i Chruaidli Cosgaireach lann Chaoilte
'S gu' m b' i n Liobbanach lann Dhiarmaid
'S iomadb fear fiadhaich a mbarbh i.
t Irish, Mac an Loin.
2 c
386 WEST HIGHLAJfD TALES.
23
They were in seven battalions, (e)
And no warrior thought of fleeing ;
But on the ground of the field of Fine
"We were there but six.
24
Two of these were myself and Caoilte,
Three of them was wily Faolan,
Four of them was Fionn the foremost,
And five of them was Osgar valiant.
25
Six of them was Goll MacMorna
That brooked no shir that I can mind ;
Now will I cease fi-om the numbering,
Siace the Fhuin have gone to decay.
26
We were good in the day of the Teavrai,
In the workshop of Lon MacLiobhain ;
This day how frail is my strength,
After having numbered the band.
(a) Eite is a piece added to a ploughshare when worn, a peri-
phrasis for an old sword ? Eite is the word in Gillies.
(b) I am indebted to MacLean for this clever suggestion. The
grave of Thor is shewn at Old Upsala. The same Gaelic word
is used in Gillies.
(c) In Gillies this varies considerably.
(d) Here there is a break in Gillies also, and the meaning is
obscure. MacCallum makes it, Leave me not alone in a strait
place.
(e) This is so in Gillies also. Irish writers say that the Feinne
were a standing army of Irish warriors divided into seven bat-
talions ; this makes the men of Lochlaun to be so divided. One
Irish author says that the Feinne were Norsemen who guarded
Dublin.
DUAN NA CEARDACH. 387
23
Bha iadsan ann 'nan seaclid cathan,
'S cha do smaointich flatli air teicheadh ;
Ach air lar na Faiclie fine
Cha robli sinne ann acli seisar.
24
Bu dithis diu sin mis' agus Caoilte ;
Bu trinir diu Faolan feall ;"
Bu cheathrar dliiu Fionn air thoiseacli ;
'S bu choigear diu 'n t-Osgar calnia.
25
Bu sheisar Goll MacMorna
Nach d' f hulaing tair ri m' chuimlme ;
Sguiridli mi mis dh' an aireamli
0 chaidli an Fhinn gu sodradh.
26
Bu mhath sinn latlia na Teamluuidli
Ann an ceardacti Lonn 'Ic Liobbann ;
An diugh. is anmhunn mo cbàil
An deis a bliith 'g aireamli na buidlme.
^ Spaoili, probably Upsala.
^ Teinne, a mass, or bar of metal.
' Meirbhe, same as Beirbhe, Bergen ?
* Leothair, substantial, from leoir.
^ Ceard, any kind of smitli ; or-cheard, a goldsmith : ceard
airgid, a silversmith ; ceard copair, a coppersmith ; ceard stavin,
a tinsmith, tinker ; ceard spainean, a spoonsmith. Gipsies and
travelling tinkers are pre-eminently ceardan or smiths, because
they work in a great variety of metals. Ceard nan Gallan, the
smith of the branches or youths, so called from being well
adapted to cut down the young and strong.
° Feall here is probably yiai mispronounced.
From Donald MacPhie, smith, Breubhaig, Barra, who learnt
it from his uncle Hector MacLaine. — H. M'L3an.
Breubhaig, Barra, October 1, 1860.
30 0 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
So far this is almost the very same as the version
given in Gillies, published 1786. The number of
A^erses is the same, and the number of lines, and the
order of the story the same ; but there are consider-
able variations in a small way. In the 8th verse
they set off to travel " as chuige mugha na luimedh-
eirg," on a yellow mountain, as Beither, a dragon,
which may mean, like the fifth of Munster of
Limerick, but which I suspect refers to some other
legend, for it does not appear how Munster should run
like a dragon. In the IGth verse only one smith, he
who spoke, has seven hands. In the 20th verse
Ossian's sword is " Deire na 'n colg," the end of anger.
In the 26th, the word is teann ruith, hard running,
instead of the word pronounced teavrai ; and there are
many sHght verbal differences and changes in ortho-
graphy. The piece is without doubt the very same
which is in Gillies, and if the book is in the Long
Island it might have been learned from it. But, on
the other hand, the book professes to be a collection
made in the Highlands, its genuineness has never been
questioned, and I believe that this is but a proof of
the tenacity of popular memory for things wliich suit
popular taste.
Another version was taken down for MacCaUum,
and published in 1816; I have indicated the cliief
differences in the footnotes. There is an Irish prose
version of the story lately published (Ossianic Society's
2d vol.), which differs materially; it reduces the whole
to a race ; Fiona carried his sword with him ; the smith
is a giant with one leg, one arm, and one eye, who is
bound by Fionn ; his name is Eoc, son of Diocan.
As the Manks tradition (see introduction, vol. i. Hii.)
agrees with these Gaehc poems, I suspect the Irish
story is the tradition more fallen to decay.
DUAN NA CEAKDACH. 389
Now as an example of the way in which these
poems pervade the whole traditions of the country and
are interwoven with each other, let me give the follow-
ing account of a visit to pick up a version of the poem
in Islay. MacLean's letter seems worth preservation.
Bally grant, May 27, 1861.
Sir — I called on old MacPhail at Scanlistle last Friday ; it was
the first time I had spoken to him for at least twenty years, forit
is but lately that he has come to this parish. He left it fully
more than twenty-five years ago, and was for a long time a workman
with Doctor MacTavish. There the poor fellow got hurt, and the
result was that he lost his leg. It may be well to state that he
was a skilful and industrious workman, as there is a current
opinion that these storytellers are found among the worthless and
lazy. Before he left this parish he was a workman with old
Rounsfell at Pearsabas, and he was the person that was always
sent to kiln-dry and mill the corn at Bally grant. It was then,
while kiln-drying corn, that he amused me with these Fenian
stories. I regret to say that the verses are not so comj)lete as I
used to hear them from him. I reminded him of Sinsearrachd
Fhinn, of which he was wont to give me a long list, but of this
he could remember nothing the other day. I remember it went
this way : — Fionn MacChumhail, 'Ic Trathuil, 'Ic treun-moir,
'Ic Cham laora, but I cannot remember any other name beyond
cam laora, or crooked toes.
When I entered the house he was sitting by the fireside with
his wooden leg. The old fellow's eye brightened when he saw
me, and I told him I wished to hear some of his old lore again.
" 0," said he, " b' abhaist domh 'bhith 'gan gabhail sin achumail
toil inntinn riut '' (I used to be reciting these to thee to keep
thee pleased). " Cha bhiodh esan ach 'na phaisde an sin" (he
would be but a child then), said his brother's wife. " Bha e 'na
bhalach caol, luirgneach 'san am" (he was a slender leggy boy at
the time), a description which is not altogether inappropriate
yet. I inquired of him about the old people whom he was wont
to hear reciting these stories in his youth, and he enumerated
several, and said that the poems were long and beautiful, and that
to listen to them was the delight of all. He quotes something
39° WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
here and there of almost all I have got. " Bas Gharuidh," he re-
lated to me, "The Incident of the Pigeons;" but with respect to
Fionn, he says his thigh was cut through, and that he was worth-
less ever afterwards.
"Obulurach aneachdraidh i nuuir abhiodh i air ah-innseadh
gu ceart" (Oh that history was one of price when it was rightly
told), exclaimed he with enthusiasm. During the conversation I
gave him three glasses of good strong whisky, and you would not
know that he had tasted it, further than being in good spirits.
Verily alcohol is not always poison, as total abstainers pronounce
it to be.— I am, Sir, yours sincerely,
Hector MacLean.
The conversation is written in Gaelic, but a trans-
lation is sufficient.
I give the verses as an example of the way in
which scraps may be picked up, which might be used
in mendin" other versions.
DUAN NA CEAEDACH, Etc.
From Malcolm MacPhail, Scanlistle, aged eighty years.
Learnt it from Alexander MacQueen, Persabas, sixty years ago.
MacQueen was past eighty years of age at that time.
Chunnacas a teachd ar coir,
Fear mor agus air aona chois ;
Le a mhantal dubh ciardhubh craicinn ;
Le 'ionnar lachduinn 's le ruadh bheairt.
2 — New verse.
Aon suil mholach an clar aodainn
'Se sior dheanadh air MacChumhail,
" Co thu fhein?" arsa MacChumhail;
" Na cia as duit ? "
DUAN NA CEARDACH. 39 I
3 — GoBHA. New.
" Thainig mis' 'ur cur fo gheasaibh, —
Seisear de mhaitbibli na Feiuue,
A Lhith 'gam ruith gun easraich
Siar gu dorus mo clieardach."
4 — New.
Thug e as mar ghaotli an earraich
Mach ri beannaibh dubba 'n t-sleibbe.
10
Cha d' thugadli e ach an aona cheum
Thar gach aon ghleann fuarraidh, fasaidh ;
'S cha 'n f haiceadh tu ach air eigin
Cearb d' a eideadh thar a mhasan.
FiONN RI Caoilte.
" Freagair agus sin do chasan,
'S gabh sgeula de'n rugha." *
11
A' tearnadh aig Alltan a' chuinir,
Fosgladh gu 'n d' thug an gobha,
" Na druid romham," arsa Doorghlas.
7
Caoilte.
" A rugha cait am bheil do cheardach ?
Na 'm b' f heairde sinne g' a faicinn ? "
Gobha.
"Mo cheardach cha 'n 'eil ri fhaotainn,
'S ma dh' fhaodas mise cha 'n fhaic sibh."
14
Labhair gobha de na goibhnean,
Lo curam mor agus le gruaim ;
" A righ CO 'm fear caol gun tioma.f
A shineas an sineadh cruadhach ?"
* Rugha, a smith. Reciter.
f Sineadh, a bar of metal. Reciter. j
39^ WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
15— FiONx.
" A righ gu meal tliu t' ainm a Chaoilte !
Cha bhi Daorghlas ort o'n uair seo."
New.
A' Cliruaidh Chosgarracli lann Osgair,
An Leadarnach mhor lann Chaoilte,
Mac an Luin aig Fionn MacChumhail,
Nach fag fuigheall de dh' fheail dhaoise.
2 — Various.
There was seen nearing us
A big man upon one foot,
With his black dusky black skin mantle,
With his hammering tools, and his " steel lathe. ^
New verse — follows the 3d.
One shaggy eye in his forehead,
Making ever for MacChumhail,
" Who is tliyself," said MacChumhail,
" Or whence art thou Ì"
New verse — follows the 4th.
" 1 came to lay you under enchantments.
Six of the cliiefs of the Feinne,
To be chasing me without hurry.
West to the door of my workshop."
7 — Half new verse; follows 7 th.
He set off Hke the wind of the spring time,
Out to the dark mountains of the high grounds.
10
He would take but a single step,
O'er each single cold glen of the desert ;
Thou could'st have seen but hardly
A tuck of his clothing o'er his hurdles.
DUAN NA CEARDACH. 393
FiONN TO Caoilte. JSTew — follows 10.
Answer and stretch thy legs,
And take a tale of the blacksmith.
Ruglia is a smith according to the reciter. Eaute
is a Lajjp nickname for a smith, as I learned on the
Tana, where I took the sketch of the skin-clad smith,
whose portrait I give as an illustration.
Here the old man forgot his poem, hut remembered
a bit of his story.
" When Caoilte was at full speed, thou might' st see
tlu-ee heads on him. His two shoulders would be
rising aloft, as though there were two heads, and his
head would be croucliing down, he would be going as
it seems half bent." At vol. ii, 416, this occurs
in the tale of the white chief, and this explains what
I did not understand.
Then he went on with a few lines of verse.
11
Descending by the streamlet of the Shaper,
At the opening that the smith made,
" Shut not befere me," said Daorghlas.
7 — Caoilte.
" Oh, Eugha, where is thy workshop,
Or should we profit to see it ? "
Smith.
" My smithy is not to be found out ;
And if I may, see it you shall not."
1 4 — Various.
Out spoke a smith of the blacksmiths.
With great care and a grim frown,
" King ! who is the slender fearless man,
That will stretch the tempered bar."
394 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
1 5 FlONN
" Eang ! mayst thou snatch the name,
Thou shalt not be Daorghlas from tliis hour."
19— Partly new; follows 19.
" Victorious hardness," Osgar's blade,
" The big slasher," the blade of Caoilte,
" Mac-an-Luin" was Fionn MacChumhail's,
That never left a shred of the flesh of man.
Here this poem ends, so far as tliis old man is con-
cerned ; but enough remains to prove that he did not
borrow from Gillies or MacCallum, for there are several
lines and some verses which are not to be found in the
books.
It is also manifest that there is a great deal mis-
sing. In the Lay of Diarmaid, he says that he was
one of the party ; his sword is mentioned here, but
he is not.
MacLean writes : — " At the end of this verse Mac-
Phail relates that the arms required to be tempered in
the blood of a living person ; that the smith's daughter
took a fancy to Fionn, who had a love spot (which
was Diarmaid's property), and that she told him, un-
less he killed her father with the sword, that her
father would kill him. This Fionn accordingly did.
This is different from the usual story, according to
which the sword is tempered in the blood of the old
woman, the smith's mother. Probably the variation
may be owing to forgetfukiess on the part of Mac-
Phail, caused by old age and by having had a paralytic
stroke last winter."
" This was Avhen they got the arms they had before ;
but ' Tunnachan,' they were sticks with sharp ends
made on them, and these ends burned and hardened
in tlie fire. They used to tlirow them from them, and
DUAN NA CEAHDACH. 395
they coiild aim exceedingly with them, and they conld
drive them through a man. They used to have a
bundle with them on their shoulders, and a bundle in
their oxters. I myself have seen one of them that was
found in a moss, that was as though it had been har-
dened in the fire."
This then gives the popular notion of the heroes,
and throws them back beyond the iron period.
" There was a great day of battle between them-
selves and the Loclilanners, which was called Latha
nan Tunnachan, the day of the stakes. I have heard
old men speaking of it, and it was down thereabouts,
about Chnoc angail that they gave it. They had a
great day there."
This then iixes the period ; at the time of the
wars with Lochlann in Islay.
" It Avas in the side of a knoll at Alltan a chuirin
that the fairy smith had his smithy."
" There was a great carlin once in Lochlann. It is
Muirearteach maol ruadh that they used to say to her.
She came from Lochlann, and she brought a smithy
and the smith (ceardach agus an Gobha) with her on
her back to sharpen the spears ; she was but a witch,
but the Fheinn slew her. Said the King of Loclilann
when he heard this" — here comes in verse 23 of the
poem given already, page 130, -ttdth the EngHsh word
sink introduced, and a few variations ; and this joins
the lay of the witch to the lay of the smithy.
" Tlie Loclilanners were difficult (that is, cross and
fierce) ; and they had so much iodramanach and witch-
craft that it is thus they used to do much of their
valom\"
"GoU was the strongest man that was in the
Fheinn, and he could eat seven stags at his dinner.
Fionn was a patient worthy man, and they used always
39^ WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
to take his counsel. Fionn and Osgar, Goll and
Oisean, foiu- ' postaichean' of the Feinne, the high hxw
people, Luchd ladh."
This woiild seem to explain how three generations
fill such a large space in Celtic popular tradition. If
the names of the original warriors became the names
of offices or officers they may have been Celtic gods
at first and commanders of Irish, Scotch Scandinavian,
and British Feinne afterwards, in the third century
and in the tweKth. There were many Osgars at the
battle of Gaura, and Fionn, who is killed in one cen-
tury, is all alive in the next.
" Fionn was not a king over land, he was but a
chief over the men."
" Was there any other name said to him but Eigli
na Feinne, king of the Fane ?"
" There was not."
" It is Conan who was the weakest man that was
in the Fheinn, because they used to keep liim maol
(cropped). He had but the strength of a man, but if
the hair should get leave to grow there was the strength
of a man in him for every hair that was in his head ;
but he was so cross that if the hair should grow he
would kill them aU. He was so short-tempered
(athghoirid) that he used to be always fightmg with
them."
So all accounts agree ; and Kai, Arthur's attendant,
was of the same disposition.
" Wlien Goll would be in great rage the one eye
would come ' dorn gulban ' out, and the other eye would
go 'dorn gulban' in. I think myself that his appear-
ance would not be beautiful then."
Neither narrator, scribe, nor translator knows what
"dorn gulban" means, but Conall Gulban struck dorn
a fist on a man, and knocked his eve out on his cheek.
DUAN NA CEAEDACH. 397
" Did you ever liear," Eigh JMhor bheiiin (king of
Morven, of great liills), said to Fiorm ?
" I have heard it" (chual). This was put as an
experiment to try the effect of a leading question, and
it produced a contradiction ; hut he might have heard
the name and have forgotten it till reminded.
" They would he always staying over at Eas Laigh-
eann, at Goirtean taoid, when they were in this island
(Islay), and the place for the caldron is there yet, and
they say that the caldron is buried there. It is Eas
Laigheann nan sruth seimh that they used to call it —
lin of Laigheann of the still streams — they were so
fond of it. They had no house at all there."
This joins Gaehc to Welsh and Irish traditions,
for this caldron is often mentioned, and it upsets Scotch
and Irish topography altogether.
" There came a woman on them there once from
the westward, and they said to her —
Tha sinne 'cur mar choran 's mar gheasan ort,
Gu 'n innis tliu, co thu fhein na co do mhiunntir?
'S mise nigliean righ na Sorcliann,
Sgiath an airm ;
'S gur h-e 's ainin dlia 'm Baoidbie borb ;
'S gu 'n d' tboir e mise leis,
Cià mor bhur treis as an Fheinn.
Cia b' fhada 'n oidhche gu latha,
Cha bu ghna leinn 'bhith jun cbeol.
We lay it as a circuit and as spells on thee,
That thou tell us who thou art, or thy people.
" I am the daughter of the king of Sorchann,*
• Sorchann, MacLean suggests, may be Drontbeim or Trond-
jem. Soracban used to mean an elevation on which a shinny
ball was played to be " hit off," and it meant any other hillock.
Baoidhre, from Beithir, a large serpent or dragon, and Eigh,
a king, eo called probably from having a serpent as part of his
armorial bearings. — H. M'L.
39^ WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
Sliield of armies,
And that his name is Eaoidlu-e borb,
And that he will take me with liim.
Though great our time from the Fane,
Though long Ije the night to day,
It was not oiu' wont to be without music.
" They were in such a great (lomagain) trouble
about the man who was coming that they did not set
up any music."
" ' We will rise out in the morning,' said they, ' to
see who is coming upon us.' "
Chunnucas a' teaclid ar coir fear mor air steiid chiar-dhubh,
rionna-gheal, a' coiseachd air an fhairge, staigli as an aird an iar.
Cuireamaid ar comihairle ri clieile,
Feuch CO 'ghabhas sgeula de 'n oigear.
Labhair GoU le curam mor as le gruaim,
Co 'tbeid fo m' sgeitb-sa chumail diom nam buillean
cruadbacb.
Bhuail am fear a tbainig beum sgèitbe 's db' iarr e combrag
coig ceud laocb. Leum an deo as a' mbnaoi an an taobb eile
dbiu leis an eagal.
" There was seen coming near us a great man on
his dun black, white-haired steed, wallving on the sea,
in from the western airt.
' Let us lay our counsel together,
See who will take a tale from the youth,'
Spoke Goll, with great care, and a frown,
' Who will go under my shield to ward off the
tempered strokes.'
" The man who came struck a shield blow, and he
asked for a battle of five Inmdred heroes. The life
leaped out of the women on the other side of them for
fear.
DUAN NA CEARDACH. 399
" Tliey killed him at last.
Thiodhlaicear aig braigli an eas,
Fear mor bu mhor meas agus miadh ;
Chuir Fionn MacChumhail fainn oir,
Air gach iiieur aig an onair an righ.
They buried at the top of the Hn
The great man of gi-eat honour and esteem,
Fionn MacChumail put a golden ring
On each of his fingers in honour of the king.
" I saw a man in Goirtean taoid (in Islay), and he
found one of the rings on the point of his sock when
he was plougliing — MurchacUi j\lacXeacail. It was
one of the old Highland ploughs he had. There were
great long beaks on them. The carle got much money
for the ring."
Now this is the story of the well-known poem of
Fainesoluis, localized in Islay, and the finding of a
gold ring assumed to be proof positive of its exact
truth by the old man who tells it. I also have a gold
ring which Avas found in Islay with a lot of others. It
is said that the finder made handles for a chest of
drawers of these gold rings, and that a pedlar gave
him a fine new brass set in exchange for the old ones,
which he carried ofi" and sold. Some of them are said
to be in the museum at Glasgow, one I have, and the
rest were probably melted. I know of several dis-
coveries of gold rings, chains, etc., made in Islay.
j!^ow it is possible that tliis tradition of the Feinne
may be true. The story is in Dean MacGregor's MS.
as a poem of 161 lines, attributed to Ossian in 1530.
It is an episode in the 3d book of Fingal, 1790. It
is claimed by Irish ^vriters asMoiraBorb, 1789, in vol.
V. of the Ossianic Society's transactions, 1860.
I have tlu'ee traditionary version as poems, one
400 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
wi-itten down in September 1860, in Barra, called
MacOighre Eigli na lor-smàil ; eighty-four lines from
Donald MacPhie, Breiibhaig, who says he learned it
from Hector MacLaine (smith), an uncle of his who
could neither read nor write, and who died aged about
eighty some twenty years ago. In this, Padruig and
Oisean, and Fionn, and Fionn's four sons, and Osgar,
and the daughter of the king under the waves, and a
big man who comes in a ship, are the actors. The
language is curious, and the poetry good. I regret
extremely that I have no room for it.
The other is fi'om Patrick Smith, South Boisdale,
South Uist ; an old man w^ho learned it in his youth
from Roderick Mac Vicar, North Uist, seventy-three
lines, Macabh Mor MacEigh na Sorcha. The story
is the same, but Padruig does not appear. The burial
of the hero at the top of a Hn with rings on his fingers
is given, which is in the Dean's version. The last line,
Tba sgeul beag agum air Fionn,
is the first and last line in the Dean's, and generally
my versions and this fragment and the Dean's might
be fused so as to make a more complete story, and a
longer and perfectly genuine poem in Scotch Gaelic.
The tliird version is called dan na H ighean, and has
eighty-foui" lines, written by Mr. Torrie in Benbecula,
from the dictation of Donald Macintyre, who learned
it some fifty years ago from an old man who afterwards
went to America, John Maclnnes or Iain og Mac-
Fhionlai. This joins Scotch and Ii-ish traditions, Mac-
Pherson's Ossian, with genuine traditions and old MSS.,
and joins poetry to j)rose tales.
" There was a young lad in the Fheinn, who was
called Coireall, and he used always to be in the house
of the women, because he had not come to the age of a
DUAN NA CZÌARDACH. 4OI
man. It is Goll that had Mir morra na Feinne, the
great morsel of the Fane, that was every bit of marrow
that was in every bone to be gathered together and
brought to him. Coireall came in, and he took with
him some of the marrow, and he and Goll fell out
(went over each other). The law that Fionn made Avas,
that they should drive bones through the Avattled rods
that were dividing the house, and the one with whom
the bone should go, the marroAv to be his."
This is the common partition in Highland cottages,
rods woven into a kind of rude basket-work, and
plastered with clay. Eob Eoy's house at the head
of Glenshira, near Inverary, is so divided.
They did that, and Goll dragged Coireall through
the wattled rods with the bone.
After that they went to try each other to the
strand (cladach), and Coireall won of Goll, and he left
the woman's house."
Cluiche ri cluiche nan soc,
Cluiche nan corcan s nam liian ;
A' chulaidh chomliraig a bh' aig an dis
Cha 'n fliaca mi roimhe riamh.
Each game to the game of the ends.
The game of the whittles and skins.
The battle array that these two had,
I never before have seen.
This then paints the dwelHngs of the heroes as very
rude, and gives the clue to another poem which I have :
sixty lines of very good popular poetry, describing how
Goll slew Coireall at a merrymaking, and how Fionn
lamented over his son, and why he hated Goll thence-
forth. I have not foimd this in any book as yet.
" It must be that the Feinn were strong Ì "
" Hoo ! They were as strong as the horses. There
402 WEST HIGHLAJfD TALES.
was one who was called Mileach Mor, and he sent word
for them once, and the chase fallen short. When they
arrived, they were put into a long house there, and
they were without anything. A big black girl came
in, and she asked a battle of warriors from them."
" Let me get to her," said Conan.
Conan went, and she seized him, and she floored
him, and she plucked three of her hairs, and she
bound his three smalls. Tlien she went out, and they
loosed Conan. She came in again, and she sought a
battle of warriors, " Let me get at her," said Conan.
" What canst thou do !" said they to him. They
let him go, and she floored him, and this time she did
something else to him, and then she went out.
They killed the Mileach Mor, and they had the
keep of a day and a year there.
This joins an Islay tradition to one pubhshed by Mr.
Simpson in 1857, as current in Mayo (see pages 220
and 227), and it also joins in with a great many other
stories which I have in manuscript, and with Magach
Colgar, No. xxxvi, and so to ancient MSS. now in
the Advocate's Library. And thus one old Highlander
Avith a failing memory, but who can still remember
some scraps of what he learned in his youth, and
could remember in his manliood, forms one mesh in a
net- work of tradition, and manuscript and print ; his-
tory and mythology, prose and poetry, which joins the
whole Gaelic family together, extends over tliree cen-
turies, and may be found to join them to the earhest
records of the Pagan world. This is no solitary case.
The man is a specimen of a class which survives in far-
away corners, but which must soon vanish before
modern ways, together with the Gaelic language.
NIGHEAX RIGH FO THUINN. 4O3
Xo. LXXXVI.
XIGHEAX PJGH FO THUIXX.
The Dacghter of Kikg Under-waves.
From Roderick MacLean (tailor) Ken Tangyal, Barra, who
heard it frequently recited by old men in South Uist, about
fifteen years ago. One of them was Angus Macintyre, Bornish,
who was about eighty years old at the time. Written by H. Mac-
Lean, 1860. I have selected this, because it shews one of the
Ossianic heroes in a very mythological character. I omit the
Gaelic for want of room, and translate closely but more freely.
THE Fhinn were once together, on the side of Eeinn
Eudainn, on a wild night, and there was pouring
rain and falling snow from the north. About midnight
a creature of uncouth appearance struck at the door of
Fionu. Her hair* was down to her heels, and she
cried to him to let her in under the border of his
covering. Fionn raised up a corner of the covering,
and he gazed at her. " Thou strange looking ugly
creature," said he " thy hair is down to thy heels, how
shouldst thou ask me to let thee in ? "
She went away, and she gave a scream. She
reached Oisean, and she asked him to let her in
mider the border of his covering. Oisean lifted a
corner of his covering, and he saw her.
"Thou strange, liideous creature, how canst thou
ask me to let thee in ?" said he.
" Thy hair is down to thy heels. Tliou shalt not
come in."
* A ialt 's a fionna.
404 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
She went aAvay, and she gave a shriek.
She reached Diarmaid, and she cried aloud to him
to let her in under the border of his covering.
Diarmaid lifted a fold of his covering, and he saw
her. " Thou art a strange, hideous creature. Thy
hair is down to thy heels, but come in," said he. She
came in under the border of his covering.
"Oh, Diarmaid," said she, "I have spent seven
years travelling over ocean and sea, and of all that time
I have not passed a night till this night, till thou hast
let me in. Let me come in to the warmth of the
fire."
" Come up," said Diarmaid.
Wlien she came up, the people of the Finn began
to flee, so hideoris was she.*
" Go to the further side," said Diarmaid, " and let
the creature come to the warmth of the fire."
They w^nt to the one side, and they let her be at
the fire, but she had not been long at the fire, when
she sought to be under the warmth of the blanket
together with himself
" Thou art growing too bold," said Diarmaid.
First thou did'st ask to come under the border of the
covering, then thou did'st seek to come to the fire, and
now thou seekest leave to come under the blanket with
me ; but come."
She went under the blanket, and he turned a fold
of it between them. She was not long thus, when he
gave a start, and he gazed at her, and he saw the finest
drop of blood that ever was, from the beginning of the
universe till the end of the world at his side. He
shouted out to the rest to come over where he was, and
he said to them.
* This gives to Brat the meaning of tlie cover of a tent or
booth, it generally means a flag, a rag, or a inantle.
XIGHEAN RIGH FO THUIXN. 4O5
"Is it not often that men are unkind ! Is not
this the most beauteous woman that man ever saw ! "
" She is," said they, as they covered her up, " the
most beautiful woman that man ever saAv."*
Then she was asleep, and she did not know that
they were looking at her. He let her sleej), and he
did not awaken her, but a short time after that she
awoke, and she said to him, " Art thou awake
Diarmaid ? "
" I am awake," said Diarmaid
" Where woidd'st thou rather that the very finest
castle thou hast ever seen shoidd be built '? "
"Up above Beinn Eudainn, if I had my choice,"
and Diarmaid slept, and she said no more to him.
There went one out early, before the day, riding,
and he saw a castle built up upon a hiU. He cleared
his sight to see if it was surely there ; then he saw it,
and he went home, and he did not say a word.
Another went out, and he saw it, and he did not
say a word. Then the day was brightened, and two
come in telling that the castle was most surely
there.
Said she, as she rose up sitting, " Arise Diarmaid,
go up to thy castle, and be not stretched there any
longer."
" If there were a castle to wliich I might go," said
he.
" Look out, and see if there be a castle there."'
He looked out, and he saw a castle, and he came
in. " I will go up to the castle, if thou wilt go there
together with me."
* The very same idea exists in a Spanish legend of the Cid,
who in like manner shewed kindness to, and shared his couch
with a leper : in the night he changed into St. Lazarus, all bright
and shining.
406 ■ WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
" I will do that, Diarmaid, but say not to me thrice
how thou did'st find me," said she.
" I will not say* to thee for ever, how I found
thee," said Diarmaid.
They went to the castle, the pair. That was the
i)eautiful castle ! There was not a shadow of thing
that was for the use of a castle that w^as not in it, even
to a herd for the geese.
The meat Avas on the board, and there were maid
.servants, and men servants about itf
They spent three days in the castle together, and
at the end of three days she said to him, " Thou art
turning sorrowful, because thou art not together with
the rest."
" Think that I am not feeling sorrow surely that
I am not together with the Fhinn," said he.
" Thou had'st best go with the Fhinn, and thy
meat and thy drink will be no worse than they are,"
said she.
" Who will take care of the greyhound bitch,+ and
her three pups?" said Diarmaid
" Oh," said she, " what fear is there for the grey-
hound, and for the three pups ? "
* Nacan. Cha chan. This verb is not common in some
districts.
t This description of magnificence is very characteristic.
The narrator, knowing nothing earthly about castles, describes
nothing, but leaves everything to fancy, except the goose
herd, and the food, and the waiters. An Arabian story-teller
would have given a long detail of eastern magnificence, the
Countess d'Aulnoy would have filled in the picture from her own
knowledge of courts, and when all is done the incident is the
same. It was the most magnificent castle that could be imagined,
and there were lots to eat, and servants to work, and there is an
end of it.
i Sdighead mialchoin ; perhaps arrow, Greyhound.
NIGHEAN PvIGH FO THUIXX. 4O7
He Avent caway when he heard that. He left a
blessing mth her, and he reached the people of the
Finne, and Fionn, the brother of his mother, and there
Avas a chief's honour and welcome* before Diarmaid
Avhen he arrived, and they had ill willt to liim, because
the woman had come first to them, and that they had
turned their backs to her, and that he had gone before
her wishes, and the matter had turned out so well
She was out after he had gone away, and what
should she see but one coming in great haste. Then
she thought of staying without tiU he should come, and
who was there but Fionn. He hailed her, and caught
her by the hand.
"Thou art angry with me, damsel," J said he.
" Oh, I am not at all, Fhinn," said she. " Come
in till thou take a draught from me."
" I wiU go if I get my request," said Fionn.
" "What request might be here that thou should'st
not get," said she.
" That is, one of the pups of the greyhound bitch."
" Oh, the request thou hast asked is not great,"
said she ; " the one thou mayest choose take it -with.
thee."
He got that, and he went away.§
At the opening of the night came Diarmaid. The
greyhound met him without, and she gave a yell.
" It is true, my lass, one of thy pups is gone. But
if thou had'st mind of how I found thee, how thy hair
was down to thy heels, thou had'st not let the j)up go."
" Thou Diarmaid, what saidest thou so Ì"
" Oh," said Diarmaid, "I am asking pardon."
* Flath a's failt. f Miorun. | Eighin.
g This is cliaracteristic of Fioun, as he always appears in
these traditions ; he represents wisdom, but crafty wisdom, and
gains his ends by stratagem.
408 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
" Oh, thou shalt get that," said she, and he slept
within that night, and his meat and di-ink were as
usual.
On the morrow he went to where he was yesterday,
and while he was gone she went out to take a stroll,
and while she was strolling ahout, what should she see
but a rider coming to where she was. She stayed with-
out till he reached her.
Who reached her here hut Oisean, son of Fionn.
They gave welcome and honour to each other. She
told him to go in v.'ith her, and that he should take a
draught from her, and he said that he would, if he
might get his request.
"What request hast thou?" said she.
" One of the pups of the greyhound hitch."
" Tliou shalt get that," said she, " take thy choice
of them."
He took it with him, and he went away.*
At the opening of the night came Diarmaid home,
and the greyhound met him without, and she gave two
yells.
" That is true, my lass," said Diarmaid, " another
is taken from thee. But if she had mind of how I
found her, she had not let one of thy pups go. When
her hair was down to her heels."
" Diarmaid ! What said'st thou ?" said she.
" I am asking pardon," said Diarmaid.
" Thou shalt get that," said she, and they seized
each other's hands, and they went home together, and
there was meat and drink that night as there ever had
been.
In the morning Diarmaid went away, and a while
after he had gone she was without taking a stroll. She
* This is foreign to the character of Oisein in all other stories,
but he was the son of Fionn, and he generally tells his own story.
XIGHEAN RIGH FO THUINX. 4O9
saw another rider coming to-day, and lie was in great
haste. She thought she woukl Avait, and not go home
till he should come forward. What was this but
another of the Fhinn.
He -went with civil words to the young damsel,
and they gave welcome and honour to each other.
She told him to go home with her, and that he
should take a draught from her. He said that he
would go if he should get his request.
She asked that time what request that might he,
" One of the pups of the greyhound bitch," said he.
" Tliough it is a hard matter for me," said she, " I
will give it to thee."
He went with her to the castle, he took a draught
from her, he got the pup, and he went away.
At the opening of the night came DiarmaicL The
greyhound met him, and she gave three yells, the most
hideous that man ever heard.
" Yes, that is true my lass, thou art without any
this day," said Diarmaid, " but if she had mind of how I
found hei', she would not have let the pup go ; when
her hair was doAvn to her heels, she would not have
done that to me."
" Thou, Diarmaid, what said'st thou ?"
" Oh, I am asking pardon," said Diarmaid. He
went home, and he was without wife or bed beside
him, as he ever had been. It was in a moss-hole
he awoke on the morrow. There was no castle, nor a
stone left of it on another. He began to weep, and
he said to himself that he woiUd not stay, head or foot,
till he should find her.
Away he went, and what should he do but take
his way across the glens. There was neither house nor
ember in his way. He gave a glance over his shoulder,
and what should he see but the greyhound just dead.
41 O WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
He seized her by tlie tail, and lie put her on his
shoulder, and he would not part with her for the love
that he bore her. He was going on, and what should
he see above liim but a herd.
" Did'st thou see, this day or yesterday, a woman
taking this way 1 " said Diarmaid to the herd.
" I saw a woman early in the morning yesterday,
and she was walking hard," said the herd.
"What way did'st thou see her going V
" She Avent down yonder point to the strand, and
I saw her no more."
He took the very road that she took, till there was
no going any further. He saw a ship. He put the
slender end of his spear imder his chest, and he sprang
into her, and he went to the other side. He laid him-
self down, stretched out on the side of a hill, and he
slept, and when he awoke there was no ship to be seen.
"A man to be pitied am I," said he, "I shall never
get away from here, but there is no help for it."
He sat on a knoll, and he had not sat there long
when he saw a boat coming, and one man in her, and
he was rowing her.
He went down where she was, he grasped the grey-
hound by the tail, and he put her in, and he went in
after her.
Then the boat went out over the sea, and she went
down under, and he had but just gone do-wia, when he
saw ground, and a plain on which he could walk.*
He went on this land, and he went on.
* This notion of a land under the waves is very widely spread,
and common to many nations. The Arabian Nights are full of
stories about people who lived under the sea, but this was not
taken from the Arabian Nights, for it is common to all the surviv-
ing branches of the Celtic family, and to other races.
In the story of " Kouge Gorge," Foyer Breton, 1858, a maiden
NIGHEAN RIGH FO THUINN. 4 1 1
He was but a short time walking, when he fell in
with a gulp of blood. He lifted the blood, and he
befriends a red-breast, and by his aid and advice gets magic
sabots and a stick, walks over tbe sea to certain islands, where
she knocks at a rock, and out comes Mor vyo'ch, the sea cow,
which only varies from other cows in being better, and magical.
In Gaelic it would be muir bho. By thrice rejieating the name
of Saint Eonan d Hybernie, and stroking the beast with a magic
herb, the cow which had been sold, and had returned, was trans-
formed to Marc'h mor, the sea-horse, which again is like other
horses, only ten times better. The word Marc'h does not now
survive in Gaelic, but riding is Mar-each.
The horse is sold, and returns, and is transformed by the same
means into Mor Vawd. Mer veau, muir bho, the sea-calf or cow,
which is a sheep with fine red wool, which is sold also, but jumps
into the sea, and escapes to the Seven Isles, and vanishes into a
rock.
In the story of the Groach d 1' ile de Lok (156), a man goes
into a boat like a swan, and when he is on board the swan awakes,
and dives down to the bottom of a pool in the middle of a Sea
Island, and there he finds a magnificent dwelling, and a fairy,
who treats him well for a time, but turns him into a frog at last.
In the Mabinogion it appears that Cardigan Bay was once dry
land, and that the land sank, and the people survive, with their
dwellings and possessions.
In a curious pamphlet which I picked up in Dublin — " The
History of the Isle of Man," etc., " with a succinct detail of en-
chantments that have been exhibited there by sorcerers and
other infernal beings," etc., 1780, 1 find the account of an English
tourist, who, like Herodotus, wrote down all he heard, and seems
to have believed a great deal of it. He mentions the " Mauthe
doog," which a Gaelic scholar would spell Madadh dubh dog,
black, who is a Celtic goblin still, and endless other stories and
superstitions which are familiar to me ; but amongst others, he
tells a tale of Port Iron, where the people were quite familiar with
mermen, and had caught a merwoman in a net one moonlight
night on the shore. She would not speak till she was allowed to
escape to her own people. She had a tail like a fish. So has
412 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
put it into a napkiii, and lie put it into his pouch.
" It was the greyhound which lost this," said he.
Abdallali of the sea in Lane's Arabian Nights. But this is
nothing. A company was formed for diving, " in glass machines
cased with thick tough leather," and a man was let down near
the Isle of Man to seek for treasure. The diver passed through
the region of fishes, and got into a pure element, clear as the air.
He saw the ground glittering with all manner of magnificence,
streets and squares of mother of pearl. He hauled his diving
bell into a house, and almost within reach of treasures, but there
was no more line, and he was hauled back empty handed.
This is a "story " in every sense of the term, and it is so elaborate
and ornamented that it must have been cooked for the stranger,
or by him, but the main idea is that there is a world under the
waves, and the Manks sailors then declared that they commonly
heard at sea the bleating of sheep, the barking of dogs, the howl-
ing of wolves, and the distinct cries of every beast the land
affords, and they now believe in the water horse, and the water
bull, and the sea man.
Being lately in Ireland, I proceeded to pump a carman, who
had the reputation of being full of stories, and after many vain
attempts I got him started, as we drove home to AVaterford in
the dark. The first thing he told me was a story which was
perfectly familiar, though told with an Irish brogue, and with
Irish characteristics — a story of a man who grew rich by get-
ting sea cows and sheep. His place of abode, and all particulars
were given, but I knew that the same story was told in Orkney,
Harris, and Barra ; here I had it at Waterford, and it was the
same as the Breton story quoted above, for the end of it was that
the cow and all her progeny ran off, and jumped into their native
sea, because the man wanted to slaughter the cow.
The same idea is in Straparola's, Italian. A man is swallowed
by a mermaid, and restored from the bottom of the Atlantic. It
is in old Scotch ballads where men fall in love with mermaids.
It is in German stories where men are carried off by Nixies. It
is in Norse and Swedish, and it was in Greek and Latin, for
there were sea gods of old, and from all this fiction I would
gather one probable fact. The men whose minds first conceived
XIGHEAN KIGH FO THUINN. 4 I 3
He was a while walking, and he fell in with the
next gulp, and he Hfted it, and put it into his pouch.
He fell in with the next one, and he did the like with
it. What should he see a short space from him, after
that, but a woman, as though she were crazed, gather-
ing rushes. He went towards her, and he asked her
what news she had. " I cannot tell till I gather the
rushes," said she.
" Be telling it whilst thou art gathering," said
Diarmaid.
" I am in great haste," said she.
" "VVliat place is here?" said he.
" Tliere is here," said she, " Rioghachd Fo Thiiinn,
Realm Underwaves."
" Eealm Underwaves ! "
" Yes," said she.
" What use hast thou for rushes, when thou art
gathering them Ì " said Diarmaid.
" I will tell thee that. I perceive that thou art a
stranger."
" Yes, a true stranger," said Diarmaid. I
" The daughter of King Underwaves has come
home, and she was seven years under spells, and she is
ill, and the leeches of Christendom are gathered, and
none are doing her good, and a bed of rushes is what
she finds the wholesomest."
this idea were not bred near the sea, or used to it, they were not
sailors. They surely came from some inland countrj' to the sea,
and peopled it with the creatures of the land. If they saw a
seal they might fancy it a man. A walrus they might call a
cow, and if the idea was so formed by those who first arrived at
the sea, it has survived till now.
A mermaid was lately seen off Plymouth, according to a young
sailor of my acquaintance, and Diarmaid went to the land under
the waves to search for the daughter of the king.
4^4 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
" Well then, I would be far in thy debt if thou
would'st see me where that woman is."
" Well then I will see that. I will put thee into
the slieaf of rushes, and I will put the rushes under
thee and over thee, and I will take thee with me on
my back."
" That is a thing that thou can'st not do," said
Diarmaid.
" Be that upon me," said she.
She put Diarmaid into the bundle, and she took
liim on her back.
(Was not that my lass!) When she reached the
chamber she let down the bundle.
" Oh ! hasten that to me," said the daughter of
King Underwaves.
He sprang out of the bundle, and he sprang to
meet her, and they seized each other's hands, and there
was joy then.
" Three parts of the ailment are gone, but I am
not well, and I will not be. Every time I thought of
thee when I was coming, I lost a gulp of the blood of
my heart."
" Well then, I have got these thiee gulps of thy
heart's blood, take thou them in a drink, and there
Avill be nothing amiss."
" Well then, I will not take them," said she; " they
wiU not do me a shade of good, since I cannot get one
thing, and I shall never get that in the world."
" What thing is that ?" said he.
" There is no good in telling thee that ; thou wilt
not get it, nor any man in the world ; it has discomfited
them for long."
" If it be on the surface of the world I will get it,
and do thou tell it," said Diarmaid.
"That is three draughts from the cup of Kigh
XIGHEAX RIGn FO TUUINN. 415
Magli an loglmaitlh, the King of Plain of Wonder,
and no man ever got that, and I shall not get it."
" Oh ! " said Diarmaid, " there are not on the sur-
face of the world as many as will keep it from me.
Tell me if that man be far from me."
" He is not ; he is within a bound near my father,
but a rivulet is there, and in it there is the sailing of
a ship with the wind behind her, for a day and a year,
before thou reach it."
He went away, and he reached the rivulet, and he
spent a good while walking at its side.
" I cannot cross over it ; that was true for her,"
said Diarmaid.
Before he had let the word out of his mouth, there
stood a little russet man in the midst of the rivulet.*
'• Diarmaid, son of Duibline, thou art in straits,"
said he.
" I am in a strait just noAV," said Diarmaid.
" What wouldst thou give to a man who would bring
thee out of these straits ] come hither and put thy foot
on my palm."
" Oh ! my foot cannot go into thy palm," said
Diarmaid.
" It can."
He went, and he put his foot on his palm. " jSTow,
Diarmaid, it is to King Mag an lunai tliat thou art
going."
" It is, indeed," said Diarmaid.
" It is to seek Iris cup thou art going."
* This personage plays a part which is common enough, that
of the ferrymen, of whom Charon was one. A little rc-d-haired
man rising in the middle of a river that was a year's sail wide,
and taking a great hero over on the palm of his hand, is not to
be reasonably accounted for, and he should be some marine divi-
nity. He tells his own employment below.
41 6 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
" It is."
" I will go with thee myself."
" Thou shalt go," said Diarmaid.
Diarmaid reached the house of Iving Wonderplain.
He shouted for the cup to be sent out, or battle, or
combat ; and it was not the cup.
There were sent out four hundred Lugh ghaisgeach,
and four hundred Lan ghaisgeach, and in two hours he
left not a man of them alive.
He shouted again for battle, or else combat, or
the cup to be sent out.
That was the thing he should get, battle or else
combat, and it was not the cup.
There were sent out eight hundred loo gaishgeach,
and eight hundred lan gaishgeach, and in three hours
he left not a man of them alive.
He shouted again for Ijattle, or else combat, or else
the cup to be sent out to him.
There were sent out nine hundred strong heroes,
and nine hundred full heroes, and in four hours he left
no man of them alive.
" Whence," said the king, as he stood in his own
great door, " came the man that has just brought my
realm to ruin 1 If it be the pleasure of the hero let
him tell from whence he came."
" It is the pleasure of the hero ; a hero of the
people of the Finn am I. I am Diarmaid."
" Why didst thou not send in a message to say
who it was, and I would not have spent my realm upon
thee, for thou wouldst kill every man of them, for it
was put down in the books seven years before thou
wert born. What dost thou require Ì "
" That is the cup ; it comes from thine own hand
for healing."*
* The resemblance which all this bears to mediaeval romance,
NIGHEAN HIGH FO THUINN. 4I7
" Xo man ever got my cup but thou, but it is easy
for me to give thee a cup ; but for healing there is but
the cup that I have myself about the board."
Diarmaid got the cup from King Wonderplain.
" I will now send a ship \vith thee Diarmaid,"
said the king.
" Great thanks (Taing ralior) to thee, oh king. I
am much in thy debt ; but I have a ferry of my own." *
Here the king and Diarmaid parted from each
other. He remembered when he had parted from the
king that he had never said a word at all, the day be-
fore about the little russet man, and that he had not
taken him in. It was when he was coming near upon
the rivulet that he thought of Mm ; and he did not
know how he should get over the biu^n.
" There is no help for it," said he. " I shall not
now get over the ferry, and shame will not let me
return to the king."t
Wliat should rise while the word was ia his mouth
but the little russet man out of the burn.
and to Welsh popular tales, is striking. The subject is referred
to elsewhere. Fionn had a heahug cup, which he refused to
give Diarmaid after the fatal boar-hunt, and a great part of
mediaeval romance hinges on the search for a mystic healing
cup. There is another story of which I have read in which Conan
goes to Ifrionn ; the cold isle of the dead.
* Some Saxon foe relates that a Mac had proved unwit-
tingly that his family were older than the flood. The other
objected that there were none of that name in the ark, to which
the highlander replied — " The Mac s had always a boat o'
their ain."
f The idea of the ferry is clearly that of one of the danger-
ous tidal fords which abound in the islands. One between
North Uist and Benbecula is said to be six miles wide. It is
crossed on foot, at low tide, and in a boat when the tide is high,
and at night it is dangerous enough.
VOL. in. 2 E
41 8 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
" ThoTi art in straits, Diarmaid."
" T am."
" It is this day that thou art in extremity."
" It is. I got the thing I desired, and I am not
getting across."
" Tliough thou didst to me all that wliich thou hast
done ; though thou didst not say a word of me yester-
day ; put thy foot on my palm and I will take thee
over the burn."
Diarmaid put his foot on his palm, and he took
him over the burn.
" Thou Avilt talk to me now Diarmaid," said he.
" I will do it," said Diarmaid.
" Thou art going to heal the daughter of King
Underwaves ; she is the girl that thou likest best in
the world."
" Oh ! it is she."
" Thou shalt go to such and such a well. Thou
wilt find a bottle at the side of the well, and thou shalt
take it' with thee full of the water. Wlien thou reachest
the damsel, thou shalt put the water in the cup, and a
gulp of blood in it, and she ^vill chink it. Thou shalt
fill it again, and she will drink. Thou shalt fill it the
tliird time, and thou shalt put the third gulp of blood
into it, and she will drink it, and there will not be a
w^iit ailing her that time. When thou hast given her
the last, and she is well, she is the one for whom thou
carest least that ever thou hast seen before thee."
" Oh ! not she," said Diarmaid.
" She is ; the king will know that thou hast taken
a dislike to her. She -w^ill say Diarmaid thou hast
taken a dislike to me. Say thou that thou hast. Dost
thou know what man is speaking to thee Ì " said the
little russet man.
" Not I," said Diarmaid.
NIGHEAN RIGH FO THCIXX. 4I9
" In me there is the messenger of the other world,
who helped thee ; hecause thy heart is so warm to do
good to another. King XJnderwaves will come, and
he wiU offer thee much silver and gold for healing his
daughter. Thou shalt not take a jot, but that the
king should send a ship Avith thee to Eiririn to the
place from whence thou earnest."*
Diarmaid went ; he reached the well ; he got the
bottle, and he filled it with water ; he took it mth
him, and he reached the castle of King XJnderwaves.
When he came in he was honoured and saluted.
" E"o man ever got that cup before," said she.
" I would have got it from aU that there are on
the surface of the world ; there was no man to tiu'n
me back," said DiarmaicL
" I thought that thou wouldst not get it though
thou shoiddst go, but I see that thou hast it," said
she.
He put a gulp of blood into the water in the cup,
and she drank it. She drank the second one, and she
drank the third one ; and when she had drunk the
third one there was not a jot ailing her. She was
whole and healthy. When she was thus well, he took
a dishke for her ; scarcely could he bear to see her.
" Oh ! Diarmaid," said she, " thou art taking a
dislike for me."
" Oh ! I am," said he.
Then the king sent word throughout the town that
she was healed, and music was raised, and lament laid
down. The king came where Diarmaid was, and he
said to him,
" Now, thou shalt take so much by counting of
* This bit bears some resemblance to the German story of
Godfather Death, in that the messenger of the other world in-
structs a man in the healing art, and he heals a king's daughter.
42 O WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
silver for healing her, and thou shalt get herself to
marry."
" I wiU not take the damsel ; and I will not take
anything but a ship to be sent with me to Eirinn,
w^here the Fhinn are gathered."
A sliip went with him, and he reached the Fhinn
and the brother of his mother; and there was joy be-
fore him there, and pleasure that he had returned.
MacLean quotes a Gaelic proverb —
" Cha d thug gaol luath nach d' thug fuath cHs."
" None gave love quickly but gave sudden hate."
Which might be the pith of this curious story. Unless
it is mythological it cannot be explained. At all
events, here is one of the heroes of Ossian meeting
with the messenger of the other world in the Eealm
under the Waves, and crossing a river ]i"I ì the pious
^neas, when he went below. The stor' -i manifestly
imperfect. Something should have been clone Avith the
greyhound, but I have no version which fills up the
gap-
There is an Irish story which seems to bear upon
the incident. Tuirreann, the sister of Fionn's mother,
is married to lollan Eachtach, and his fairy sweetheart
transforms her into a hoimd, and takes her to Fergus.
She tliere gives birth to a couple of puppies, " Bran" and
" Sceoluing," Finn's favourite hounds, which were conse-
quently his cousins. Diarmaid is one of the names
mixed uj) Avith this strange Irish story, and this
favourite hound might have been the transformed lady,
and if so, Diarmaid's relative — his grand aunt. It is
not easy, then, to accomphsh the feat of malcing the
MGHEAN RIGH FO THUINN. 42 I
Fionn of the stories a real comniander of mortal Irish
militiamen.
The incident of the gi'eyhound and her three pups,
formed part of a story wliich was told to me at Polchar
inn on the 3d of September 1860. The narrator was
a slender middle-aged woman, with black hair and
gray eyes, returning from durance at the jail at Loch
Maddy; her offence had been the sale of imlawful
whisky. I heard her crooning a very pretty old Gaelic
love song to a baby, and went down into the kitchen.
I found a whole tribe of black-haired gii'ls, of all ages,
barefooted, and barelegged, clustered about the peat
fii'e with their bare arms all twined about each others'
necks and waists, and their bright eyes and teeth
glancing in the red light over each other's shoulders,
as they peeped at the stranger. An old man was
smoking on a bench, and the singer -with black elf-
locks was dancing the baby on her knee. We soon got
friends, and the story was the result. It was a step-
mother story, and the wicked muime gave away the
pups to a captain of a ship, and accused the king's
daughter of killing them, and broke candlesticks and
laid the blame on the girl, till the king took her out
to a lonely moor, and said —
" "Whether woiddst thou rather that I slew thee
outright, or that I should cut off one hand, and one
breast, and one knee."
Here the old dame used action and great emphasis,
and a shiver of horror ran through the junior part of
the audience, who were hstening intently.
The deed was done, and the girl crawled to a house
where there Hved three king's sons under spells, and
she went in and found food. They came home and
put off their cochal, that is their enchanted form ; and
one of them said, " Here is a drop of king's blood on the
422 WEST HIGHLAND TALES.
board ; " and he sought, and found her, and dressed her
Avounds, and washed her, and " dried her with a towel."
She married this one, had tlu-ee sons, and by the
help of a poor woman, and through the agency of a
well, recovered her lost members.
She went home at last, and found her father -with
a wounded leg, which would never be well, till his
daughter cured it with her two hands. She laid her
recovered hands on the knee, the penitent father cut a
caper quite well, and the muime was roasted.
This joins the traditions of the Feinne to Grimm's
Handless Maiden.
The idea of a land under ground is also very com-
mon in Gaehc stories, and I had intended to give
several illustrations of the behef I had also selected
a number of other specimens of traditions of the
Feinne, popular history, and proverbs, stories of water
horses, water bulls, and other such matters. The last
number on my Gaelic list is 308, on my English list,
357, making about 665 stories, but the wish to give
one long one as a specimen, and to preserve as much
Gaelic as possible, has exhausted my allotted space.
In the oldest Gaelic manuscript in Edinburgh, an
ancient scribe has written — " And I regret that there
is not left of my ink enough to fill up tins line ; I am
Fithil, an attendant on the school." So I, Hke Fithil.
must stop scribbling, though not for want of matter,
and write
Finis.
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