01/23/2024
Kings’ Cycle: Part 2.
One of the most famous tales in the Kings’ Cycle is the 'Wooing of Etain' a love story involving a High King called Eochaid Airem, his wife Etain, and his rival, Midir of the mythical tribe - Tuatha de Danann. This complex tale weaves together themes of love, betrayal, and transformation, The tale of Étaín takes place over two life spans, a thousand years apart. We begin with her first, otherworldly life with Midir of the Tuatha de Danann. Midir was married to a woman called Fúamnach, but fell for the beautiful Étaín. Midir left his wife and wed Étaín. Midir’s first wife casts numerous spells on Etain before finally turning her into a butterfly. Fúamnach created a wind to blow Etaín away and she landed in the goblet of the wife of an Ulster chieftain, who unwittingly swallowed the butterfly. She gives birth to Etain a second time, a thousand years after her first birth.
Étaín, in her next lifetime, has no recollection of her past, and weds Eochaid Airem, a High King of Ireland. Midir approaches the High King in human form numerous times trying to win back his born-again wife. The King sets him a series of tasks which Midir completes successfully. Midir demands a kiss from Étaín as his prize. When Midir embraces Etain she remembers their former life together, and she follows him back to the sidhe dwelling of the Tuatha de Danann.