GLOSSARY AND INDEX
THE PRONUNCIATION OF CELTIC NAMES
To render these names accurately without the living voice is impossible. But with the phonetic renderings given, where required, in the following index, and with attention to the following general rules, the reader will get as near to the correct pronunciation as it is at all necessary for him to do.
I. GAELIC
Vowels are pronounced as in French or German; thus i (long) is like ee, e (long) like a in “date,” u (long) like oo. A stroke over a letter signifies length; thus dūn is pronounced “doon” (not “dewn”).
ch is a guttural, as in the word “loch.” It is never pronounced with a t sound, as in English “chip.”
c is always like k.
gh is silent, as in English.
II. CYMRIC
w, when a consonant, is pronounced as in English; when a vowel, like oc.
y, when long, is like ee; when short, like u in “but.”
ch and c as in Gaelic.
dd is like th in “breathe”.
f is like v; fflike English f.
The sound of ll is perhaps better not attempted by the English reader. It is a thickened l, something between cl and th.
Vowels as in Gaelic, but note that there are strictly no diphthongs in Welsh, in combinations of vowels each is given its own sound.
A
Abred. The innermost of three concentric circles representing the totality of being in the Cymric cosmogony—the stage of struggle and evolution, [333]
Abundance. See [Stone of Abundance]
Æda (ay´da). 1. Dwarf of King Fergus mac Leda, [247].
2. Royal suitor for Vivionn's hand;
Vivionn slain by, [287]
Æd´uans. Familiar with plating of copper and tin, [44]
Ægira. Custom of the priestess of Earth at, in Achæa, ere prophesying, [167]
Æsun. Umbrian deity, [86]
Æsus. Deity mentioned by Lucan, [86]
Aed the Fair (Aed Finn) (aid). Chief sage of Ireland;
author of “Voyage of Maeldūn,” [331]
Aei (ay´ee), Plain of, where Brown Bull of Quelgny meets and slays Bull of Ailell, [225]
African Origin. Primitive population of Great Britain and Ireland, evidence of language suggests, [78]
Age, Iron. The ship a well-recognised form of sepulchral enclosure in cemeteries of the, [76]
Ag´noman. Nemed's father, [98]
Aideen. Wife of Oscar, [261];
dies of grief after Oscar's death, [261];
buried on Ben Edar (Howth), [261], [262]
Aifa (eefa). Princess of Land of Shadows;
war made upon, by Skatha, [189];
Cuchulain overcomes by a trick, [190];
life spared conditionally by Cuchulain, [190];
bears a son named Connla, [190]
Ailbach (el-yach)
Fortress in Co. Donegal, where Ith hears MacCuill and his brothers are arranging the division of the land, [132]
Ailill (el'yill), or Ailell.
1. Son of Laery, treacherously slain by his uncle Covac, [152].
2. Brother of Eochy; his desperate love for Etain, [158]-[160].
3. King of Connacht, [122];
Angus Ōg seeks aid of, [122];
Fergus seeks aid of, [202];
assists in foray against province of Ulster, [203]-[251];
White horned Bull of, slain by Brown Bull of Quelgny, [225];
makes seven years' peace with Ulster, [225];
hound of mac Datho pursues chariot of, [244];
slain by Conall, [245]
Ailill Edge-of-Battle.
Of the sept of the Owens of Aran;
father of Maeldūn, slain by reavers from Leix, [310]
Ailill Olum (el-yill olum)
King of Munster;
ravishes Ainé and is slain by her, [127]
Ainé.
A love-goddess, daughter of the Danaan Owel;
Ailill Olum and Fitzgerald her lovers, [127];
mother of Earl Gerald, [128];
still worshipped on Midsummer Eve, [128];
appears on a St. John's Night, among girls on the Hill, [128]
Ainlé.
Brother of Naisi, [198]
Alexander the Great.
Counter-move of Hellas against the East under, [22];
compact with Celts referred to by Ptolemy Soter, [23]
Allen, Mr. Romilly.
Allen, Hill of.
In Kildare;
Finn's chief fortress, [266], [273]
Ama´sis I
Human sacrifices abolished by, [86]
Amatha´on.
Son of Dōn;
and the ploughing task, [390]
Amer´gin.
Milesian poet, son of Miled, husband of Skena, [133];
his strange lay, sung when his foot first touched Irish soil, [134];
his judgment, delivered as between the Danaans and Milesians, [135];
chants incantations to land of Erin, [136];
the Druid, gives judgment as to claims to sovranty of Eremon and Eber, [148];
Ollav Fōla compared with, [150]
Ammia´nus Marcellin´us.
Gauls described by, [42]
Amor´gin.
Father of Conall of the Victories, [177]
Amyn´tas II.
King of Macedon, defeated and exiled, [23]
Anglo-Saxon.
Wace's French translation of “Historia Regum Britaniæ” translated by Layamon into, [338]
Angus.
A Danaan deity, [143].
See [Angus Ōg]
Angus Ōg (Angus the Young).
Son of the Dagda, Irish god of love, [121], [123];
wooes and wins Caer, [121]-[123];
Dermot of the Love spot bred up with, [123];
Dermot of the Love spot revived by, [123];
father of Maga, [181];
Dermot and Grama rescued by magical devices of, [299];
Dermot's body borne away by, [303]
Ankh, The.
Found on Megalithic carvings, [77], [78];
the symbol of vitality or resurrection, [78]
An´luan.
Son of Maga;
rallies to Maev's foray against Ulster, [204];
Conall produces the head of, to Ket, [244]
Annwn (annoon).
Corresponds with Abyss, or Chaos;
the principle of destruction in Cymric cosmogony, [333]
Answerer, The.
Mananan's magical sword, [125]
Aoife (eefa).
Lir's second wife;
her jealousy of her step children, [139], [140];
her punishment by Bōv the Red, [140]
Aonbarr (ain-barr).
Mananan's magical steed, [125]
Apollo. Celtic equivalent, Lugh.
Magical services in honour of, described by Hecataeus, [58];
regarded by Gauls as deity of medicine, [87], [88]
Aquitan´i. One of three peoples inhabiting Gaul when Caesar's conquest began, [58]
Arabia. Dolmens found in, [53]
Arawn. A king in Annwn;
appeals to Pwyll for help against Havgan, [357];
exchanges kingdoms for a year with Pwyll, [357]-[359]
Ard Macha (Armagh). Emain Macha now represented by grassy ramparts of a hill-fortress close to, [150];
significance, [251]
Ard Righ (ard ree) (i.e., High King). Dermot MacKerval, of Ireland, [47]
Ardan. Brother of Naisi, [198]
Ardcullin. Cuchulain places white round pillar-stone of, [207]
Ardee. Significance, [251]
Ari´anrod. Sister of Gwydion;
proposed as virgin foot-holder to Māth;
Dylan and Llew sons of. [380], [381]
Aristotle. Celts and, [17]
Armagh. Invisible dwelling of Lir on Slieve Fuad in County, [125]
Arnold, Matthew. Reference to, in connexion with Celtic legendary literature, [419]
Arr´ian. Celtic characteristics, evidence of, regarding, [36]
Artaius. A god in Celtic mythology who occupies the place of Gwydion, [349]
Arthur. Chosen leader against Saxons, whom he finally defeated in battle of Mount Badon, [337];
Geoffrey of Monmouth's “Historia Regum Britaniae” commemorates exploits of, [337];
son of Uther Pendragon and Igerna, [337];
Modred, his nephew, usurps crown of, [337];
Guanhumara, wife of, retires to convent, [337], [338];
genealogy set forth, [352];
tales of, in Welsh literature, [386];
Kilhwch at court of, [387], [388];
the “Dream of Rhonabwy” and, [392], [393];
Owain, son of Urien, plays chess with, [393];
adventure of Kymon, knight of court of, [394]-[396];
Gwenhwyvar, wife of, [394];
Owain at court of, [396], [397], [399];
Peredur at court of, [401], [402]
Arthurian Saga. Mention of early British legend suggests, [336];
the saga in Brittany and Marie de France, [339], [340];
Miss Jessie L. Weston's article on, in the “Encyc. Britann.,” [341];
Chrestien de Troyes influential in bringing into the poetic literature of Europe the, [340], [341];
various sources of, discussed, [342];
the saga in Wales, [343], [344];
never entered Ireland, [343];
why so little is heard of, in accounts of Cymric myths, [344]
Asa. Scandinavian deity, [86]
Asal. Of the Golden Pillars King, [115]
Asura-Masda. Persian deity, [86]
Athnurchar (ath-nur´char), or Ardnurchar (The Ford of the Sling-cast). The River-ford where Ket slings Conall's “brain ball” at Conor mac Nessa, [240];
significance, [251]
Atlantic, The. Aoife's cruelty to her step-children on waters of, [140], [141]
Austria. Discovery of pre-Roman necropolis in, [28];
relics found in, developed into the La Tène culture, [29]
Avagddu (avagdhoo). Son of Tegid Voel, [413];
deprived of gift of supernatural insight, [413]
A´valon. Land of the Dead;
bears relation with Norse Valhall, [338];
its later identification with Glastonbury, [338]
Avon Dia. Duel between Cuchulain and Ferdia causes waters of, to hold back, [121]
B
Babylonia. The ship symbol in, [76]
Balkans. Earliest home of mountain Celts was ranges of, [57]
Balor. Ancestor of Lugh, [88];
Bres sent to seek aid of, [109];
informed that Danaans refuse tribute, [113];
Fomorian champion, engages Nuada of the Silver Hand, and slain by Lugh, [117];
one of the names of the god of Death, [130];
included in Finn's ancestry, [255]
Banba Wife of Danaan king, MacCuill, [132]
Bann, The River. Visited by mac Cecht, [175]
Barbarossa, Kaiser. Tradition that Finn lies in some enchanted cove spellbound, like, [308]
“Barddas.” Compilation enshrining Druidic thought, [332];
Christian persons and episodes figure in, [333];
extract from, in catechism form, [334], [335]
Bardic differs from popular conception of Danaan deities, [104]
Barrow, The River. Visited by mac Cecht, [175]
Bar´uch. A lord of the Red Branch; meets Naisi and Deirdre on landing in Ireland, [199];
persuades Fergus to feast at his house, [199];
dūn, on the Straits of Moyle, [251]
Bavb (bayv). Calatin's daughter; puts a spell of straying on Niam, [230]
Beälcu (bay'al-koo). A Connacht champion; rescue of Conall by, [244];
slain by sons owing to a stratagem of Conall's, [245];
Conall slays sons of, [245]
Bebo. Wife of Iubdan. King of Wee Folk, [247]
Bed´wyr (bed-weer). Equivalent, Sir Bedivere. One of Arthur's servitors who accompanies Kilhwch on his quest for Olwen, [388]-[392]
Belgæ. One of three peoples inhabiting Gaul when Cæsar's conquest began, [58]
Beli. Cymric god of Death, husband of Dōn;
corresponds with the Irish Bilé, [348], [349];
Lludd and Llevelys, sons of, [385]
Bell, Mr. Arthur Reference to a drawing by, showing act of stone-worship, [66]
Bel´tené. One of the names of the god of Death;
first of May sacred to, [133]
Ben Bulben. Dermot of the Love-spot slain by the wild boar of, [123], [301], [302];
Dermot and the Boar of, [290], [291]
Ben´digeid Vran, or “Bran the Blessed.” King of the Isle of the Mighty (Britain);
Manawyddan, his brother, [365];
Branwen, his sister, [366];
gives Branwen as wife to Matholwch, [366];
makes atonement for Evnissyen's outrage by giving Matholwch the magic cauldron, &c., [367], [368];
invades Ireland to succour Branwen, [369], [372];
the wonderful head of, [371], [372]
Bertrand, A. See pp. [55], [64], [83]
Bilé (bil-ay). One of the names of the god of Death (i.e., of the underworld), [130];
father of Miled, [130];
equivalent, Cymric god Beli, husband of Dōn, [348], [349]
Birōg. A Druidess who assists Kian to be avenged on Balor, [111]
Black Knight, The. Kymon and, [396];
Black Sainglend (sen'glend). Cuchulain's last horse; breaks from him, [232]
Blai. Oisīn's Danaan mother, [282]
Blanid. Wife of Curoi; sets her love on Cuchulain, [228]-[229];
her death, [229]
Ble´heris.
A Welsh poet identical with Bledhericus, mentioned by Giraldus Cambrensis, and with Bréris, quoted by Thomas of Brittany, [342]
“Blerwm, Blerwm” (bleroom).
Sound made by Taliesin by which a spell was put on bards at Arthur's court, [416]
Blodeuwedd, or “Flower-Face.”
The flower-wife of Llew, [382], [383]
Boanna (the river Boyne).
Mother of Angus Ōg, [121]
Book of Armagh.
Book of Caermarthen, Black.
Gwyn ap Nudd figures in poem included in, [353]
Book of the Dun Cow.
Reference to, [97];
Cuchulain makes his reappearance legend of Christian origin in, [238];
“Voyage of Maeldūn” is found in, [309]
Book of Hergest, The Red.
Forms main source of tales in the “Mabinogion,” [344];
the story of Taliesin not found in, [412]
Book of Invasions.
Reference to, [106]
Book of Leinster.
References to, [24], [85], [208]
Bōv the Red.
King of the Danaans of Munster, brother of the Dagda;
searches for maiden of Angus Ōg's dream, [121]-[123];
goldsmith of, named Len, [123];
Aoife's journey to, with her step-children, [139], [140]
Boyne, The River.
Angus Ōg's palace at, [121];
Angus and Caer at, [122];
Milesians land in estuary of, [136];
Ethné loses her veil of invisibility while bathing in river, [144];
church, Kill Ethné, on banks of, [145]
Bran.
See [Bendigeid]
Branwen.
Sister of Bran, [366];
given in marriage to Matholwch, [366];
mother of Gwern, [368];
degraded because of Evnissyen's outrage, [369];
brought to Britain, [372];
her death and burial on the banks of the Alaw, [372]
Brea (bray).
Battle of, reference to Finn's death at, [275]
Bregia.
Locality of, [168];
the plains of, viewed by Cuchulain, [193];
St. Patrick and folk of, [282]
Breg´on.
Son of Miled, father of Ith, [130];
tower of, perceived by Ith, [132]
Brenos (Brian).
Under this form, was the god to whom the Celts attributed their victories at the Allia and at Delphi, [126]
Bres.
1. Ambassador sent to Firbolgs, by People of Dana, [106];
slain in battle of Moytura, [107].
2. Son of Danaan woman named Eri, chosen as King of Danaan territory in Ireland, [107];
his ill-government and deposition, [107]-[108].
3. Son of Balor;
learns that the appearance of the sun is the face of Lugh of the Long Arm, [123]
Bri Leith (bree lay).
Fairy palace of Midir the Proud at, in Co. Longford, [124];
Etain carried to, [163]
Brian.
One of three sons of Turenn, [114]
Brian.
Equivalent, Brenos.
Son of Brigit (Dana), [126]
Briccriu of the Poisoned Tongue (bric'roo).
Ulster lord;
causes strife between Cuchulain and Red Branch heroes as to Championship of Ireland, [195];
summons aid of demon named The Terrible, [196];
his suggestion for carving mac Datho's boar, [243]
Bridge of the Leaps.
Cuchulain at, [187];
Cuchulain leaps, [188]
Brigindo.
Equivalents, Brigit and “Brigantia,” [103]
Brigit (g as in “get”).
Irish goddess identical with Dana [pg 426] and “Brigindo,” &c., [103], [126];
daughter of the god Dagda, “The Good,” [103], [126];
Ecne, grandson of, [103]
Britain.
See [Great Britain.]
Carthaginian trade with, broken down by the Greeks, [22];
place-names of, Celtic element in, [27];
under yoke of Rome, [35];
magic indigenous in, [62];
votive inscriptions to Æsus, Teutates, and Taranus found in, [86];
dead carried from Gaul to, [131];
Ingcel, son of King of, [169];
visit of Demetrius to, [355];
Bran, King of, [365];
Caradawc rules over in his father's name, [369];
Caswallan conquers, [372];
the “Third Fatal Disclosure” in, [373]
Britan.
Nedimean chief who settled in Great Britain and gave name to that country, [102]
British Isles.
Sole relics of Celtic empire, on its downfall, [34];
Maev, Grania, Findabair, Deirdre, and Boadicea, women who figure in myths of, [43]
Britons.
Geoffrey of Monmouth, like Nennius, affords a fantastic origin for the, [338]
Brittany.
Mané-er-H´oeck, remarkable tumulus in, [63];
tumulus of Locmariaker in, markings on similar to those on tumulus at New Grange, Ireland, [72];
symbol of the feet found in, [77];
book brought from, by Walter, Archdeacon of Oxford, formed basis of Geoffrey of Monmouth's “Historia Regum Britaniæ,” [337];
Arthurian saga in, [339], [340]
Brogan.
St. Patrick's scribe, [119], [290]
Brown Bull.
See [Quelgny]
Brugh na Boyna (broo-na-boyna).
Pointed out to Cuchulain, [193]
Buddha.
Footprint of, found in India as symbol, [77];
the cross-legged, frequent occurrence in religious art of the East and Mexico, [87]
Buic (boo´ik).
Son of Banblai;
slain by Cuchulain, [211]
Burney's “History of Music.”
Reference to Egyptian legend in, [118]
Bury, Professor.
Remarks of, regarding the Celtic world, [59]
C
Caer.
Daughter of Ethal Anubal;
wooed by Angus Ōg, [122], [123];
her dual life, [122];
accepts the love of Angus Ōg, [122]
Caerleon-on-Usk.
Arthur's court held at, [337]
Cæsar, Julius.
Critical account of Gauls, [37];
religious beliefs of Celts recorded by, [51], [52];
the Belgæ, the Celtæ, and the Aquitani located by, [58];
affirmation that doctrine of immortality fostered by Druids to promote courage, [81], [82];
culture superintended by Druids, recorded by, [84];
gods of Aryan Celts equated with Mercury, Apollo, &c., by, [86]
Cair´bry.
Son of Cormac mac Art, father of Light of Beauty, [304];
refuses tribute to the Fianna, [305];
Clan Bascna makes war upon, [305]-[308]
Caliburn (Welsh Caladvwlch).
Magic sword of King Arthur, [338].
See [Excalibur], [224], note
Cambren´sis, Giral´dus.
Celts and, [21]
Campbell.
Version of battle of Gowra, in his “The Fians,” [305]-[307]
Car´adawc.
Son of Bran;
rules Britain in his father's absence, [369]
Carell.
Reputed father of Tuan, [100]
Carpathians.
Earliest home of mountain Celts was ranges of the, [57]
Carthaginians.
Celts conquered [pg 427] Spain from, [21];
Greeks break monopoly of trade of, with Britain and Spain, [22]
Cas´corach. Son of a minstrel of the Danaan Folk;
and St. Patrick, [119]
Castle of Wonders. Peredur at, [405], [406]
Cas´wallan. Son of Beli;
conquers Britain during Bran's absence, [372]
Cathbad. Druid;
wedded to Maga, wife of Ross the Red, [181];
his spell of divination overheard by Cuchulain, [185];
draws Deirdre's horoscope, [197];
casts evil spells over Naisi and Deirdre, [200]
Catholic Church. Mediæal interdicts of, [46]
Cato, M. Porcius. Observances of, regarding Gauls, [37]
Cauldron of Abundance. See equivalent, Stone of Abundance;
also see Grail
Celtæ One of three peoples inhabiting Gaul when Cæar's conquest began, [58]
Celtchar (kelt-yar). Son of Hornskin;
under debility curse, [205]
Celtdom. The Golden Age of, in Continental Europe, [21]
Celtic. Power, diffusion of, in Mid-Europe, [26];
placenames in Europe, [27];
artwork relics, story told by, [28];
Germanic words, Celtic element in, [32];
empire, downfall of, [34];
weak policy of peoples, [44];
High Kings, traditional burial-places of, [69];
doctrine of immortality, origin of so-called “Celtic,” [75], [76];
ideas of immortality, [78]-[87];
deities, names and attributes of, [86]-[88];
conception of death, the, [89];
culture, five factors in ancient, [89], [90];
the present-day populations, [91], [92];
things, “Barddas” a work not unworthy the student of, [333]
Celtica. Never inhabited by a single pure and homogeneous race, [18];
Greek type of civilisation preserved by, [22];
art of enamelling originated in, [30];
the Druids formed the sovran power in, [46];
Brigit (Dana) most widely worshipped goddess in, [126]
Celts. Term first found in Hecatæus;
equivalent, Hyperboreans, [17];
Herodotus and dwelling-place of, [17];
Aristotle and, [17];
Hellanicus of Lesbos and, [17];
Ephorus and, [17];
Plato and, [17];
their attack on Rome, a landmark of ancient history, [18];
described by Dr. T. Rice Holmes, [18], [19];
dominion of, over Mid-Europe, Gaul, Spain, and the British Isles, [20];
their place among these races, [20];
Giraldus Cambrensis and, [21];
Spain conquered from the Carthaginians by, [21];
Northern Italy conquered from the Etruscans by, [21];
Vergil and, [21];
conquer the Illyrians, [21];
alliance with the Greeks, [22];
conquests of, in valleys of Danube and Po, [23];
Alexander makes compact with, [23];
national oath of, [24];
welded into unity by Ambicatus, [25];
defeat Romans, [26];
Germanic peoples and, [26], [33];
decorative motives derived from Greek art, [29];
art of enamelling learnt by classical nations from, [30];
burial rites practised by, [33];
character, elements comprising, [36];
Strabo's description of, [39];
love of splendour and methods of warfare, [40];
Polybius' description of warriors in battle of Clastidium, [41];
their influence on European literature and philosophy, [49], [50];
the Religion of the, [51]-[93];
ranges of the Balkans and Carpathians earliest home of mountain, [57];
musical services of, described by Hecatæus, [pg 428] [58];
Switzerland, Burgundy, the Palatinate, Northern France, parts of Britain, &c., occupied by mountain, [58];
origin of doctrine of immortality, [75];
idea of immortality and doctrine of transmigration, [80], [81];
no non-Christian conception of origin of things, [94];
victories at the Alba and at Delphi attributed to Brenos (Brian), [126];
true worship of, paid to elemental forces represented by actual natural phenomena, [147]
Cenchos.
Otherwise The Footless;
related to Vitra, the God of Evil in Vedantic mythology, [97]
Cer´idwen.
Wife of Tegid, [413];
sets Gwion Bach and Morda to attend to the magic cauldron, [413]
Ceugant (Infinity).
The outermost of three concentric circles representing the totality of being in the Cymric cosmogony, inhabited by God alone, [334]
Chaillu, Du.
His “Viking Age,” [72]
Champion of Ireland.
Test at feast of Briccriu, to decide who is the, [195], [196];
Cuchulain proclaimed such by demon The Terrible, [196]
Charlemagne.
Tree- and stone-worship denounced by, [66]
Children of Lir.
Reference to, [121]
Chrestien de Troyes.
French poet, influential in bringing the Arthurian saga into the poetic literature of Europe, [340], [341];
Gautier de Denain the earliest continuator of, [341];
variation of his “Le Chevalier au lion” seen in “The Lady of the Fountain,” [394]-[399];
the “Tale of Enid and Geraint” based on “Erec” of, [399];
Peredur corresponds to the Perceval of, [400];
his “Conte del Graal,” or “Perceval le Gallois,” [303];
Manessier a continuator of, [408]
Christian.
Symbolism, the hand as emblem of power in, [65];
faith, heard of by King Cormac ere preached in Ireland by St. Patrick, [69];
influences in Ireland, and the Milesian myth, [138];
ideas, gathered around Cuchulain and his lord King Conor of Ulster, [239], [240];
pagan ideals contrasted with, in Oisīn dialogues, [288];
Myrddin dwindles under influences, [354]
Christianity.
Reference to conversion of Ireland to, [83];
People of Dana in their overthrow, and attitude of, [138];
Cuchulain summoned from Hell by St. Patrick to prove truths of, to High King Laery, [239];
effect of on Irish literature, [295], [296]
Chry´sostom, Dion.
Testimony of, to power of the Druids, [83]
Clan Bascna.
One of the divisions of the Fianna of Erin, [252];
Cumhal, father of Finn, chief of, [255];
Cairbry causes feud between Clan Morna and, [305]-[308]
Clan Calatin.
Sent by men of Erin against Cuchulain, [215];
Fiacha, son of Firaba, cuts off the eight-and-twenty hands of, [216];
Cuchulain slays, [216];
the widow of, gives birth to six children whom Maev has instructed in magic and then looses against Cuchulain, [228]-[233];
cause Cuchulain to break his geise, [231]
Clan Morna.
One of the divisions of the Fianna of Erin, [252];
Lia becomes treasurer to, [255];
Cairbry causes feud between Clan Bascna and, [305]-[308]
Clastid´ium.
Battle of, Polybius' description of behaviour of the Gæsati in, [41]
Cleena.
A Danaan maiden once living in Mananan's country, the story of, [127]
Clus´ium.
Siege of, Romans play Celts false at, [25];
vengeance exacted by Celts, [26]
Coffey, George.
His work on the New Grange tumulus, [69]
Colloquy of the Ancients.
A collection of tales mentioning St Patrick and Cascorach, [119], [281];
Columba, St.
Symbol of the feet and, [77]
Comyn, Michael
Reference to “Lay of Oisīn in the Land of Youth,” by, [253], [276]
Conall of the Victories.
Member of Conary's retinue at Red Hostel, [173];
Amorgin, his father, found by him at Teltin, [176], [177];
shrinks from test re the Championship of Ireland, [195], [196];
under the Debility curse, [205];
avenges Cuchulain's death by slaying Lewy, [233];
his “brain ball” causes death of Conor mac Nessa, [240], [241];
mac Datho's boar and, [243], [244];
slays Ket, [244]
Conan mac Lia.
Son of Lia, lord of Luachar;
Finn makes a covenant with, [258], [259]
Conan mac Morna; otherwise the Bald.
His adventure with the Fairy Folk, [259], [260];
he slays Liagan, [260];
adventure with the Gilla Dacar's steed, [293]-[295]
Conann.
Fomorian king, [101]
Con´ary Mōr.
The singing sword of, [121];
the legend-cycle of the High King, [155]-[177];
descended from Etain Oig, daughter of Etain, [164];
Messbuachalla, his mother, [166], [167];
Desa, his foster-father, [167];
Ferlee, Fergar, and Ferrogan, his foster-brothers, [167];
Nemglan commands him go to Tara, [168];
proclaimed King of Erin, [168];
Nemglan declares his geise, [168];
banishment of his foster-brothers, [169];
lured into breaking his geise, [170];
the three Reds and, at Da Derga's Hostel, [170];
visited by the Morrigan at Da Derga's Hostel, [172];
members of his retinue: Cormac son of Conor, warrior mac Cecht, Conary's three sons, Conall of the Victories, Duftach of Ulster, [173];
perishes of thirst, [175]
Condwiramur.
A maiden wedded by Parzival, [408]
Conn.
One of the Children of Lir, [142]
Connacht.
Ethal Anubal, prince of the Danaans of, [122];
Ailell and Maev, mortal King and Queen of, Angus Ōg seeks their help in efforts to win Caer, [122];
origin of name, [154];
Cuchulain makes a foray upon, [193], [194];
Cuchulain descends upon host of, under Maev, [209];
Ket a champion, [241];
Queen Maev reigned in, for eighty-eight years, [245]
Connla.
Son of Cuchulain and Aifa, [190];
his geise, [190];
Aifa sends him to Erin, [190];
his encounters with the men of Ulster, [191];
slain by Cuchulain, [191], [192]
Connla's Well.
Equivalent, Well of Knowledge.
Sinend's fatal visit to, [129]
Conor mac Nessa.
Son of Fachtna and Nessa, proclaimed King of Ulster in preference to Fergus, [180];
Cuchulain brought up at court of, [183];
grants arms of manhood to Cuchulain, [185];
while at a feast on Strand of the Footprints he descries Connla, [190];
his ruse to put Cuchulain under restraint, [194];
his guards seize Naisi and Deirdre, [201];
suffers pangs of the Debility curse, [205]-[221];
the curse lifted from, [222];
summons Ulster to arms, [222];
Christian ideas have gathered about end of, [239], [240];
his death caused by Conall's “brain ball,” [240], [241];
he figures in tale entitled “The Carving [pg 430] of mac Datho's Boar,” [241];
sends to mac Datho for his hound, [241]
Constantine. Arthur confers his kingdom on, [338]
“Conte del Graal.” See [Grail]
Coran´ians. A demoniac race called, harass land of Britain, [385]
Corcady´na. Landing of Ith and his ninety warriors at, in Ireland, [131]-[136]
Cormac. 1. Son of Art, King of Ireland;
story of burial of, [69];
historical character, [225];
Finn and, feasted at Rath Grania, [300].
2. King of Ulster;
marries Etain Oig, [166];
puts her away owing to her barrenness, [166].
3. Son of Conor mac Nessa;
rallies to Maev's foray against Ulster, [205]
Coronation Stone. Now at Westminster Abbey, is the famous Stone of Scone, [105];
the Lia Fail and, [105]
Corpre. Poet at court of King Bres, [108]
Cosmonogy, 1. The Celtic, [94], [95].
God and Cythrawl, standing for life and destruction, in, [333]
Cotterill, H. B. Quotation from his hexameter version of the “Odyssey,” [80]
Craf´tiny. King Scoriath's harper;
sings Moriath's love-lay before Maon, [153];
discovers Maon's secret deformity, [155]
Cred´né. The artificer of the Danaans, [117]
Creu´dylad (Creiddylad).
Daughter of Lludd; combat for possession of, every May-day, between Gwythur ap Greidawl and Gwyn ap Nudd, [353], [388]
Crimmal. Rescued by his nephew, Finn, [256]
Crom Cruach (crom croo´ach).
Gold idol (equivalent, the Bloody Crescent) referred to in “Book of Leinster,” [85];
worship introduced by King Tiernmas, [149]
Cromlechs. See [Dolmens], [53]
Crundchu (crun´hoo). Son of Agnoman;
Macha comes to dwell with, [178]
Cualgné. See [Quelgny]
Cuchulain (Cuchullin) (coo-hoo´lin). Ulster hero in Irish saga, [41];
duel with Ferdia referred to, [121];
Lugh, the father of, by Dectera, [123], [182];
loved and befriended by goddess Morrigan, [126];
his strange birth, [182];
earliest name Setanta, [183];
his inheritance, [183];
his name derived from the hound of Cullan, [183], [184];
claims arms of manhood from Conor, [185];
Laeg, charioteer of, [185];
Skatha instructs, in Land of Shadows, [187]-[189];
overcomes Aifa, [190];
father of Connla by Aifa, [190];
slays Foill and his brothers, [194];
met by women of Emania, [194];
leaps “the hero's salmon leap,” [195];
the winning of Emer, [195];
proclaimed by The Terrible the Champion of Ireland, [195], [196];
places Maev's host under geise, [207], [208];
slays Orlam, [209];
the battle-frenzy and rias-tradh of, [209], [210];
compact with Fergus, [211];
the Morrigan offers love to, [212];
threatens to be about his feet in bottom of Ford, [212];
attacked by the Morrigan while engaged with Loch, [213];
slays Loch, [213];
Ferdia consents to go out against, [216];
Ferdia reproached by, [216], [217];
slays Ferdia, [220];
severely wounded by Ferdia, [220], [221];
roused from stupor by sword-play of Fergus, [224];
rushes into the battle of Garach, [224];
loved by Fand, [226];
the vengeance of Maev upon, [pg 431] [228]-[233];
other enemies of Erc, and Lewy son of Curoi, [228];
Blanid, Curoi's wife, sets her love on, [228];
Bave personates Niam before, [230];
the Morrigan croaks of war before, [230];
Dectera and Cathbad urge him wait for Conall of the Victories ere setting forth to battle, [230];
the Washer at the Ford seen by, [231];
Clan Calatin cause him to break his geise, [231];
finds his foes at Slieve Fuad, [232];
the Grey of Macha being mortally wounded, he takes farewell of, [232];
mortally wounded by Lewy, [232];
his remaining horse, Black Sainglend, breaks away from, [232];
Lewy slays outright, [233];
his death avenged by Conall of the Victories, [233];
reappears in later legend of Christian origin found in “Book of the Dun Cow,” [238], [239];
St. Patrick's summons from Hell, [238]
Cullan. His feast to King Conor in Quelgny, [183];
Cuchulain slays his hound, [183];
Cuchulain named the Hound of, [184];
his daughter declared responsible for Finn's enchantment, [280]
Cumhal (coo´al). Chief of the Clan Morna, son of Trenmōr, husband of Murna of the White Neck, the father of Finn, [255], [257];
slain at battle of Knock, [255]
Cup-and-ring Markings. Meaning of, in connexion with Megalithic monuments, no light on, [67];
example in Dupaix' “Monuments of New Spain,” [68];
reproduction in Lord Kingsborough's “Antiquities of Mexico,” [68]
Cup of the Last Supper Identical with the Grail, [406];
equivalent, the Magic Cauldron, [411]
Curoi (coo´roi). Father of Lewy, husband of Blanid, [228];
slain by Cuchulain, [229]
Cuscrid. Son of Conor mac Nessa;
under Debility curse, [205];
mac Datho's boar and, [243]
Custenn´in. Brother of Yspaddaden;
assists Kilhwch in his quest for Olwen, [389]
Cycle-s. The, of Irish legend, [95];
certain stories of Ultonian, not centred on Cuchulain, [246];
the Ultonian, time of events of the, [252];
the Ossianic and Ultonian contrasted, [253]-[255]
Cymric. 1. Peoples;
effect of legends of, on Continental poets, [50];
2. Myths;
Druidic thought enshrined in Llewellyn Sion's “Barddas,” edited by by J. A. Williams ap Ithel for the Welsh MS. Society, [332];
God and Cythrawl in, [333];
why so little of Arthurian saga heard in, [344];
comparison between Gaelic and, [344]-[368]
Cythrawl. God and, two primary existences standing for principles of destruction and life, in Cymric cosmogony, [333];
realised in “Annwn” (the Abyss, or Chaos), [333]
D
Da Derga. A Leinster lord at whose hostel Conary seeks hospitality, [170];
Conary's retinue at, [173];
Ingcel and his own sons attack the hostel, [174]
Dagda. “The Good,” or possibly = Doctus, “The Wise” God, and supreme head of the People of Dana, father of Brigit (Dana), [103];
the Cauldron of the, one of the treasures of the Danaans, [106];
the [pg 432] magical harp of, [118]-[119];
father and chief of the People of Dana, [120], [121];
Kings MacCuill, MacCecht, and MacGrené grandsons of, [132];
portions out spiritual Ireland between the Danaans, [136]
Dalan. A Druid who discovers to Eochy that Etain has been carried to mound of Bri-Leith, [163]
Dalny. Queen of Partholan, [96]
Daman. The Firbolg, father of Ferdia, [187]
Damayan´ti and Nala. Hindu legend, compared with story of Etain, [163]
Dana. The People of, Nemedian survivors who return to Ireland, [102];
literal meaning of Tuatha De Danann, [103];
equivalent Brigit, [103], [126];
name of “gods” given to the People of, by Tuan mac Carell, [104];
Milesians conquer the People of, [104];
origin of People of, according to Tuan mac Carell, [105];
cities of Falias, Gorias, Finias, and Murias, [105];
treasures of the People of, [105], [106];
the Firbolgs and the People of, [106]-[119];
gift of Faëry (i.e., skill in music) the prerogative of, [119];
daughter of the Dagda and the greatest of Danaan goddesses, [126];
Brian (ancient form Brenos), Iuchar, and Iucharba, her sons, [126];
Firbolgs and the People of, [137];
equivalent Dōn, Cymric mother-goddess, [348], [349]
Dan´aan-s. Send to Balor refusing tribute, [113];
their encounter with the Fomorians, [117];
power of, exercised by spell of music, [118];
account of principal gods and attributes of, [119]-[145];
reference to their displacement in Ireland by Milesians, [130];
kings, Ireland ruled by three, MacCuill, MacCecht, and MacGrené, [132];
the three kings welcome Ith to Ireland, [133];
dwell in spiritual Ireland, [136];
myth, the meaning of, [137];
the, after the Milesian conquest, [146], [147];
Donn son of Midir at war with, [285];
relations of the Church with, very cordial, [286]
Danes. Irish monuments plundered by Danes, [69]
Danube. Sources of, place of origin of Celts, [19], [56]
Dara. Son of Fachtna, owner of Brown Bull of Quelgny, [202];
Maev's request for loan of Brown Bull, [204]
Dark, The. Druid;
changes Saba into a fawn, [267];
his further ill-treatment of, [268], [269]
Dead, Land of. The Irish Fairyland, [96];
equivalent, “Spain,” [102]
Death. The Celtic conception of, [89];
names of Balor and Bilé occur as god of, [130]
Debility of the Ultonians, The. Caused by Macha's curse, [179], [180];
manifested on occasion of Maev's famous cattle-raid of Quelgny (Tain Bo Cuailgné), [180]
Decies. Son of King of the, wooes Light of Beauty (Sgeimh Solais), [304]
Dec´tera. Mother of Cuchulain by Lugh, [123];
daughter of Druid Cathbad, [182];
her appearance to Conor mac Nessa after three years' absence, [182];
her gift of a son to Ulster, Cuchulain, by Lugh, [182]
Dee, The River. Now the Ford of Ferdia, [211]
Deirdre (deer´dree). Daughter of Felim, [196];
Druid Cathbad draws her horoscope, [197];
Conor decides to wed when of age, [197];
nursed by Levarcam, [197];
her love for Naisi, [198];
carried off by Naisi, [198];
returns with Naisi to Ireland, [198]-[200];
forced to wed Conor, she dashes herself against a rock and is killed, [201];
the tales of Grania and, compared, [296]-[304]
Deities. The Celtic, Cæsar on, [87], [88];
popular and bardic conception of Danaan, [104]
Demetrius. Visit to Britain of, [355];
mentions island where “Kronos” was imprisoned in sleep while Briareus kept watch over him, [355]
Demna. Otherwise Finn.
Birth of, [255]
Deo´ca. A princess of Munster;
Children of Lir and, [142]
Dermot MacKerval. Rule of, in Ireland, and the cursing of Tara, [47], [48];
arrests and tries Hugh Guairy, [48];
dream of wife of, [48]
Dermot of the Love Spot (Dermot O'Dyna). Follower of Finn mac Cumhal, lover of Grania, bred up with Angus at palace on Boyne, [123];
the typical lover of Irish legend, [123];
slain by wild Boar of Ben Bulben, [123], [301], [302];
friend of Finn's, [261];
described as a Gaelic Adonis, [290];
Donn, father of, [290];
how Dermot got the Love Spot, [292];
adventure with Gilla Dacar's steed, [293]-[295];
fight with the Knight of the Well, [294];
love-story of Grania and, [296]-[304]
Derryvar´agh, Lake. Aoife's cruelty to her step-children at, [139]-[142]
Desa. Foster-father of Conary Mōr, [167]
Dewy-Red. Horse of Conall of the Victories, [233]
Dialogues. Reference to Oisīn-and-Patrick and Keelta-and-Patrick, [289]
Diancecht (dee´an-kecht). Physician to the Danaans, [108]
Dineen's Irish Dictionary. Reference to, [164], [165]
Dinnsenchus (din-shen´cus). Ancient tract, preserved in the “Book of Leinster,” [85]
Din´odig. Cantrev of, over which Llew and Blodeuwedd reigned, [382], [383]
Dinrigh (din´ree). Maon slays Covac at, [153]
Diodor´us Sic´ulus. A contemporary of Julius Cæsar;
Pythagoras and, [80]
Dis. Pluto, equivalent, [88]
Dithor´ba. Brother of Red Hugh and Kimbay, slain by Macha, [151];
five sons of, taken captive by Macha, [151], [152]
Diur´an the Rhymer. Germān and, companions of Maeldūn on his wonderful voyage, [313];
returns with piece of silver net, [331]
Dodder, The River, [175]
Dolmens Cromlechs, tumuli and, explanation of, [53]
Dōn (o as in “bone”).
A Cymric mother-goddess, representing the Gaelic Dana, [348], [349];
Penardun, a daughter of [349];
Gwydion, son of, [349];
genealogy set forth, [350]
Donn. 1. Mac Midir, son of Midir the Proud, [285].
2. Father of Dermot;
gives his son to be nurtured by Angus Ōg, [290]
Donnybrook. Da Derga's hostel at, [170]
Doocloone. Ailill slain in church of, [310];
Maeldūn at, [311]
Dowth. Tumulus of, [74]
Druidism. Its existence in British Isles, Gaul, &c., [82];
magical rites of, belief in survived in early Irish Christianity, [83]
Druids. Doctrines of, [37], [39];
regarded as intermediaries between God and man, [42];
the sovran power in Celtica, [46];
suppressed by Emperor Tiberius, [62];
Aryan root for the word discovered, [82];
testimony of Dion Chrysostom to the power of the, [83];
religious, philosophic and scientific culture superintended by, record of Cæsar regarding, [84];
cosmogonic teaching died with their order, [95]
Dublin. Conary goes toward, [167];
Conary's foster-brothers land at, for raiding purposes, [169]
Dupaix. Reference to cup-and-ring markings in book “Monuments of New Spain,” [68]
Dyfed. Pryderi and Manawyddan at, [374];
Gwydion and Gilvaethwy at, [379]
Dylan (“Son of the Wave”). Son of Arianrod;
his death-groan the roar of the tide at mouth of the river Conway, [380]
E
Eagle of Gwern Abwy, The, [392]
Eber Donn (Brown Eber). Milesian lord;
his brutal exultation and its sequel, [136];
reference to, as one of Milesian leaders, [148]
Eber Finn (Fair Eber). One of the Milesian leaders, [148];
slain by Eremon, [148]
Ecne (ec´nay). The god whose grandmother was Dana, [103]
Egypt-ian. The ship symbol in the sepulchral art of, [75];
Feet of Osiris, symbol of visitation, in, [77];
ideas of immortality, [78]-[87];
human sacrifices in, abolished by Amasis I., [86]
Eis´irt. Bard to King of Wee Folk, [247];
his visit to King Fergus in Ulster, [247]
Elphin. Son of Gwyddno;
finds Taliesin, [414];
his boast of wife and bard at Arthur's court, [415];
Em´ain Mach´a. The Morrigan passes through, to warn Cuchulain, [127];
founding of, with reign of Kimbay, [150];
equivalent, the Brooch of Macha, [150];
Macha compels five sons of Dithorba to construct ramparts and trenches of, [151], [152];
appearance of Dectera in fields of, [182];
Cuchulain drives back to, [186];
news of Cuchulain's battle-fury brought to, [194];
Fergus returns to, [201];
boy corps at, go forth to help Cuchulain, [214];
Ulster men return to, with great glory, [225];
Conall's “brain ball” laid up at, [240]
Ema´nia. Women of, meet Cuchulain, [194];
sacrifice of boy corps of, avenged by Cuchulain, [214];
Cuchulain takes farewell of womenfolk of, [231].
See [Emain Macha]
Emer. Daughter of Forgall;
wooed by Cuchulain, [185]-[186];
Cuchulain seeks and carries off, [195];
becomes Cuchulain's wife, [195];
learns of the tryst between Cuchulain and Fand, [226], [228];
Cuchulain sees her corpse in his madness, [230]
Enamelling. Celts and art of, [30]
Encyclopædia Britannica. Article on Arthurian saga in, [341]
Enid. The tale of Geraint and, [399], [400]
Eochy (yeo´hee). 1. Son of Erc, Firbolg king, husband of Taltiu, or Telta, [103].
2. King of Ireland;
reference to appearance of Midir the Proud to, on the Hill of Tara, [124];
High King of Ireland, wooes and marries Etain, [157], [158];
Midir appears to, and challenges to play chess, [161], [162]
Eph´orus. Celts and, [17], [36]
Erc. King of Ireland, Cuchulain's foe, [228]-[233];
mortally wounds the Grey of Macha, [232]
Er´emon. First Milesian king of all Ireland, [143], [144], [148]
Eri. Mother of King Bres, [107]-[108];
reveals father of Bres as Elatha, [108]
Erinn (Erin). See [Eriu], [132];
reference to High-Kingship of, [152]
Eriu. Wife of Danaan king MacGrené, [132];
dative form, Erinn, poetic name applied to Ireland, [132]
Erris Bay. The Children of Lir at, [141], [142]
Et´ain.
Second bride of Midir the Proud, [156];
transformed by Fuamnach into a butterfly, [156];
driven by a magic tempest into the fairy palace of Angus, [156];
again the magic tempest drives her forth, [156];
swallowed by Etar, and reappears as a mortal child, [156], [157];
visited by Eochy, the High King, who wooes and makes her his wife, [157], [158];
the desperate love of Ailill for, [158]-[160];
Midir the Proud comes to claim, as his Danaan wife, [160]-[163];
recovered by Eochy, [163]
Etain Oig.
Daughter of Etain, [163];
King Conary Mōr descended from, [164];
married Cormac, King of Ulster, [165];
put away owing to barrenness, [166];
cowherd of Eterskel cares for her one daughter, [166]
Et´ar.
Mother of Etain, [157]
Eterskel.
King of Ireland, whose cowherd cares for Messbuachalla, [166];
on his death he is succeeded by Conary Mōr, [167]-[169]
Eth´al A´nubal.
Prince of Danaans of Connacht, father of Caer, [122]
Ethlinn, or Ethnea.
Daughter of Balor, [110];
gives her love to Kian, [111];
gives birth to three sons, [111];
belongs to Finn's ancestry, [255]
Ethné.
Etruscans.
Celts conquer Northern Italy from, [21]
Europe.
Seeds of freedom and culture in, kept alive by Celtica, [22];
diffusion of Celtic power in Mid-, [26];
Celtic place-names in, [27];
what it owes to Celts, [49];
western lands of, dolmens found in, [53]
Evniss´yen.
Son of Eurosswyd and Penardun, [366];
mutilates horses of Matholwch, [367];
atonement made by Bran for his outrage, [367], [368];
slays the warriors hidden in the meal-bags, [370];
dies in the magic cauldron, [371]
Evrawc.
Father of Peredur, [401]
Evric.
Farmer who befriends Fionuala and her brothers, [141]
Excalibur.
See [Caliburn], [338], and note, p. [224]
F
Fabii.
Romans elect as military tribunes, [25]
Fab´ius Ambust´us.
Treachery of three sons of, against Celts, [25]
Facht´na.
The giant, King of Ulster, [180];
Nessa, wife of, [180];
father of Conor, [180];
succeeded at death by his half-brother, Fergus, [180]
Fair Mane.
Woman who nurtured many of the Fianna, [262]
Fairy Folk.
Equivalent, Sidhe (shee). The tumulus at New Grange (Ireland) regarded as dwelling-place of, [69];
the Coulin overheard from, [119];
Conary Mōr lured by, into breaking his geise, [170];
seal all sources of water against mac Cecht, [175], [176];
Fergus mac Leda and, [246]-[249];
Conan mac Morna and, [259], [260];
Keelta and the, [266];
Gwyn ap Nudd, King of Welsh (Tylwyth Teg), [353]
Fairyland.
Land of the Dead, [96];
Cleena swept back to, by a wave, [127];
Connla's Well in, [129];
war carried on against, by Eochy, who at last recovers his wife, Etain, [163];
Laeg's visit to, [226];
Fergus mac Leda and, [246]-[249];
tales of the Fianna concerned with, [252];
Oisīn's journey to, [272];
the rescue of, by Finn and the Fianna, [294], [295];
rescue of, by Pwyll, [357]
Fal´ias, The City of (see Dana), [105], [106]
Fand.
The Pearl of Beauty, wife of Mananan;
sets her love on Cuchulain, [226];
returns to her home with Mananan, [227]
Faylinn.
The Land of the Wee Folk, [246];
Iubdan, King of, [246]
Fedel´ma.
Prophetess from Fairy Mound of Croghan, questioned by Maev, [205], [206];
her vision of Cuchulain, [206]
Feet Symbol, The Two. [77]
Felim.
Son of Dall, father of Deirdre, [196], [197];
his feast to Conor and Red Branch heroes, [196], [197]
Fer´amorc.
The kingdom of, over which Scoriath is king;
Maon taken to, [153]
Fercart´na.
The bard of Curoi, [229];
leaps with Blanid to death, [229]
Ferdia.
Duel between Cuchulain and, referred to, [121];
son of the Firbolg, Daman, friend of Cuchulain, [187], [188];
rallies to Maev's foray against Ulster, [204];
consents to Maev's entreaty that he should meet and fight his friend Cuchulain, [216];
Cuchulain slays, [220];
buried by Maev, [221]
Fergus.
Nemedian chief who slays Conann, [102]
Fergus the Great.
Son of Erc;
stone of Scone used for crowning, [105];
ancestor of British Royal Family, [105]
Fergus mac Leda.
The Wee Folk and, [246]-[249];
visited by Eisirt, King of Wee Folk's bard, [247];
visited by Iubdan, King of Wee Folk, [247]-[249];
the blemish of Fergus, [249]
Fergus mac Roy.
Son of Roy, Fachtna's half-brother;
succeeds to kingship of Ulster, [180];
loves Nessa, [180];
sent to invite return of Naisi and Deirdre to Ireland, [198]-[200];
the rebellion of, [201]-[251];
Maev and, [202];
compact with Cuchulain, [211];
reputed author of the “Tain,” [234];
slain by Ailell, [245]
Fergus Truelips.
Rescued from enchanted cave by Goll, [278]
Ferguson, Sir Samuel.
his description of King Fergus mac Leda's death, [249]-[251]
Feryllt.
Welsh name of Vergil, [413]
Fiacha (fee´ach-a).
Son of Firaba;
cuts off eight-and-twenty hands of the Clan Calatin, [216];
gives spear to Finn, [258]
Fiachra (fee´ach-ra).
One of the Children of Lir, [142]
Fial (fee´al).
Sister of Emer, [186]
Fianna (fee´anna) of Erin, The.
Explanation of this Order, [252];
Clan Bascna and Clan Morna, clans comprising the, [252];
Goll, captain of the, [257];
Finn made captain of the, [258];
tales of the, told by Keelta, [283];
attempt in vain to throw the wether, [291], [292];
the chase of the Hard Gilly and, [292]-[295];
rescue of Fairyland by, [294], [295];
tribute refused by Cairbry, [305];
almost all the, slain in battle of Gowra, [306]
Fians.
See [Fianna]
Fin´choom.
Dectera's sister, foster-mother to Cuchulain, [182], [183];
mother of Conall, [243]
Finchor´y, Island of. [115], [116]
Find´abair of the Fair Eye-Brows.
Daughter of Maev;
offered to Ferdia if he will meet and fight Cuchulain, [216]
Fin´egas.
Druid, of whom Finn learns poetry and science, [256]
Fingen.
Conor mac Nessa's physician;
his pronouncement re Conall's “brain ball” by which Ket has wounded the king, [240]
Fin´ias. The City of (see Dana), [105], [106]
Finn mac Cumhal (fin mac coo´al). Fothad slain in a battle with, [81];
Dermot of the Love Spot a follower of, [123];
Ossianic Cycle clusters round, [252];
Oisīn, son of, [252];
the coming of, [255];
his Danaan ancestry, [255];
Murna of the White Neck his mother, Cumhal his father, [255];
Demna his original name, [255];
put out to nurse, [256];
origin of name Finn (Fair One), [256];
slays Lia, [256];
taught poetry and science by Druid Finegas, [256];
eats of the Salmon of Knowledge, [256];
slays goblin at Slieve Fuad, [258];
made captain of the Fianna of Erin, [258];
makes a covenant with Conan, [258], [259];
Dermot of the Love Spot, friend of, [261];
weds Grania, [261];
Oisīn, son of, [261];
Geena mac Luga, one of the men of, [262];
teaches the maxims of the Fianna to mac Luga, [262], [263];
Murna, the mother of, [266];
Bran and Skolawn, hounds of, [266]-[269];
weds Saba, [267];
Saba taken from, by enchantment, [268];
Niam of the Golden Hair comes to, [270];
experience in the enchanted cave, [277], [278];
gives his daughter Keva to Goll, [278];
“The Chase of Slievegallion” and, [278]-[280];
“The Masque of,” by Mr. Standish O'Grady, [280], [281];
the Hard Gilly (Gilla Dacar) and, [292]-[295];
bewails Oscar's death, [306];
in all Ossianic literature no complete narrative of death of, [308];
tradition says he lies in trance in enchanted cave, like Kaiser Barbarossa, [308]
Fintan. The Salmon of Knowledge, of which Finn eats, [256]
Fionuala (fee-un-oo´la). Daughter of Lir and step-daughter of Aoife, [139];
Aoife's transformation into swans of Fionuala and, her brothers, [140]-[142]
Fir-Bolg. See [Firbolgs], [103]
Firbolgs. Nemedian survivors who return to Ireland, [102];
name signifies “Men of the Bags,” [102], [103];
legend regarding, [102], [103];
the Fir-Bolg, Fir-Domnan, and Galioin races generally designated as the, [103];
the Danaans and the, [106]-[119], [137]
Fir-dom´nan. See [Firbolgs], [103]
Flegetan´is. A heathen writer, whose Arabic book formed a source for poet Kyot, [408]
Fohla (fō´la). Wife of Danaan King mac Cecht, [132]
Foill. A son of Nechtan, slain by Cuchulain, [194]
Foll´aman. Conor's youngest son;
leads boy corps against Maev, [214]
Fomor´ians. A misshapen, violent people representing the powers of evil;
their battle with the Partholanians, [97];
Nemedians in constant warfare with, [101];
their tyranny over country of Ireland, [109];
encounter between the Danaans and, [117], [118], [137]
Forbay. Son of Conor mac Nessa;
slays Maev, [245]
Ford of Ferdia. Place on the River Dee;
one champion at a time to meet Cuchulain at, [211];
the struggle at, between Cuchulain and Ferdia, [216]-[220]
Forgall the Wily. The lord of Lusca, father of Emer, [185];
meets his death in escaping from Cuchulain, [195]
Foth´ad. King, slain in battle with Finn mac Cumhal;
wager as to place of death made by Mongan, [81]
Frag´arach (“The Answerer”).
Terrible sword brought by Lugh from the Land of the Living, [113]
France. Place-names of, Celtic element in, [27]
Fuamnach (foo´am-nach). Wife of Midir the Proud, [156];
her jealousy of a second bride, Etain, [156];
transforms Etain into a butterfly by magic art, [156]-[158];
Midir tells of her death, [160]
G
Gae Bolg. The thrust of, taught by Skatha to Cuchulain, [188], [189];
Cuchulam slays his son Connla by, [192];
Cuchulain slays Loch by, [213];
Cuchulain slays Ferdia by, [220]
Gaelic. Cymric language and, [35];
effect of legends of, on Continental poets, [50];
bards' ideas of chivalric romance anticipated by, [246];
Cymric legend and, compared, [344]-[419];
Continental romance and, [345]
Gaels. Sacrifices of children by, to idol Crom Cruach, [85]
Gæsat´i. Celtic warriors, in battle of Clastidium, [41]
Galatia. Celtic state of, St. Jerome's attestation re, [34]
Gal´ioin. See [Firbolgs], [103]
Galles, M. René. Tumulus of Mané-er-H´oeck described by, [63]
Garach. Mac Roth views Ulster men on Plain of, [223];
Gaul-s. Under Roman yoke, [35];
Cæsar's account of, [37];
described by Diodorus Siculus, [41], [42];
described by Ammianus Marcellinus, [42];
Dr. Rice Holmes describes, [43];
commerce on Mediterranean, Bay of Biscay, &c., of, [44];
religious beliefs and rites described by Julius Cæsar, [51], [52];
human sacrifices in, [84];
votive inscriptions to Æsus, Teutates, and Taranus, found in, [86], [87];
Dis, or Pluto, a most notable god of, [88];
dead carried from, to Britain, [131];
Maon taken to, [153]
“Gaulois, La Religion des.” Reference to, [55], [83]
Gauvain (Sir Gawain). Fellow-knight with Perceval, [406]
Gavr´inis. Chiromancy at, [64]
Geena mac Luga. Son of Luga, one of Finn's men, [262];
Finn teaches the maxims of the Fianna to, [262], [263]
Geis-e (singular, gaysh; plural, gaysha). The law of the, [164];
meaning of this Irish word explained, [164];
instances: Dermot of the Love Spot, Conary Mōr, and Fergus mac Roy, [165];
Grania puts Dermot under, [298]
Gelon. Defeat of Hamilcar by, at Himera, [22]
Genealogy. Of Conary Mōr, from Eochy, [164];
of Conor mac Nessa, from Ross the Red, [181];
of Cuchulain and Conall of the Victories, from Druid Cathbad, [181];
of Dōn, [350];
of Llyr, [351];
of Arthur, [352]
Geneir. Knight of Arthur's court, [401]
Geoffrey of Monmouth. Bishop of St. Asaph;
his “Historia Regum Britaniæ” written to commemorate Arthur's exploits, [337]
Geraint. The tale of Enid and, [399], [400]
Gerald, Earl. Son of goddess Ainé, [128]
Germān (ghermawn—g hard). Diuran and, companions of Maeldūn on his wonderful voyage, [313]
Germanic Words. Many important, traceable to Celtic origin, [32]
Germans. Menace to classical civilisation of, under names of Cimbri and Teutones, [31];
de Jubainville's explanation regarding, as a subject people, [31];
overthrow of Celtic supremacy by, [33];
burial rites practised by, [33];
chastity of, [41]
Germany. Place-names of, Celtic element in, [27]
Gilla Dacar (The Hard Gilly). Story of, [292]-[295]
Gilvaeth´wy. Son of Dōn, nephew of Māth, [378];
his love for Goewin, and its sequel, [378]-[380]
Giraldus Cambrensis. Testimony to the fairness of the Irish Celt, [21].
See [Bleheris]
Glen Etive. Dwelling place of Naisi and Deirdre, [198]
Gloucester. Mabon released from prison in, [392];
the “nine sorceresses” of, [404]
Glower. The strong man of the Wee Folk, [246]
Glyn Cuch. Pwyll's hunt in woods of, [357]
Goban the Smith. Brother of Kian and Sawan;
corresponds to Wayland Smith in Germanic legend, [110], [117];
Ollav Fōla compared with, [150]
God. Cythrawl and, two primary existences in the Cymric cosmogony, standing for principles of life and destruction, [333]-[335];
the ineffable Name of, pronounced, and the “Manred” formed, [333]
Gods. Megalithic People's conception of their, [86], [87];
of Aryan Celts, equated by Cæsar with Mercury, Apollo, Mars, &c , [86];
triad of, Æsus, Teutates, and Taranus, mentioned by Lucan, [86];
Lugh, or Lugus, the god of Light, [88]
Goewin (go-ay´win). Daughter of Pebin;
Gilvaethwy's love for, and its sequel, [378]-[380]
Golasecca. A great settlement of the Lowland Celts, in Cisalpine Gaul, [56]
Goleuddydd. Wife of Kilydd;
mother of Kilhwch, [386], [387]
Goll mac Morna. Son of Morna, captain of the Fianna of Erin, [257];
swears service to Finn, [258];
Finn recalls the great saying of, [267];
rescues Finn from the enchanted cave, [277], [278];
Keva of the White Skin given as wife to, [278];
adventure with the wether, [291], [292]
Gonemans. Knight who trains Perceval (Peredur), [405]
Gorboduc. “Historia Regum Bntaniæ” furnished subject for, [337] [338]
Gor´ias, The City of (see Dana), [105], [106]
Gowra (Gabhra). References to Oscar's death at, [261]-[275];
battle of, between Clan Bascna and Clan Morna, [305]-[309];
Oscar's death at, [305]-[308];
King of Ireland's death at, [306]
Grail. Legends of the, [400];
the tale of Peredur and the [400];
Chrestien de Troyes' story of, [404];
identical with the Cup ot the Last Supper, [406];
Wolfram von Eschenbach's conception of the story of the [407];
preserved in Castle of Munsalväsche, [407];
the, a talisman of abundance, [409];
false derivation of the word, from gréable, [409];
true derivation, [409], note;
combination of Celtic poetry, German mysticism, Christian Chivalry, and ancient sun-myths contained in, [411], [412]
Grania. Loved by Dermot of the Love Spot, [123];
elopes with Dermot, [261];
tales of Deirdre and, compared, [296]-[304];
borne to Hill of Allen as Finn's bride, [304]
Great Britain. Western extremity of, is Land of the Dead, [131]
Greece. Dolmens found in, [53];
oppression in, of the Firbolgs, [102], [103]
Greek-s. Celts and, [17];
wars in alliance with Celts, [22];
break monopoly of Carthaginian trade with Britain and Spain, [22];
secure overland route across France to Britain [22];
type of civilisation, Celtica preserved, [22]
Grey of Macha. Cuchulain's horse, ridden by Sualtam to [pg 440] rouse men of Ulster, [221], [222];
resists being harnessed by Laeg, [230];
mortally wounded by Erc, [232];
defends Cuchulain, [233]
Gronw Pebyr (gron´oo payber).
Loved by Blodeuwedd, [383];
slain by Llew, [384]
Guairy, Hugh (gwai´ry).
Arrested for murder, and tried at Tara by Dermot, [48]
Guary (gwar´y).
High King;
taunts Sanchan Torpest about the “Tain,” [234]
Guest, Lady Charlotte.
Her collections of tales, [412]
See “Mabinogion”
Gwalchmai.
Nephew of King Arthur, [397], [401]
Gwawl.
Rival of Pwyll's for Rhiannon's hand, [361], [362]
Gwenhwyvar (gwen´hoo-ivar).
Wife of King Arthur, [394]
Gwern.
Son of Matholwch and Branwen, [368];
assumes sovranty of Ireland, [370]
Gwion Bach. Son of Gwreang;
put to stir magic cauldron by Ceridwen, [413];
similar action to Finn, [413]
Gwlwlyd (goo-loo´lid).
The dun oxen of, [390]
Gwreang (goo´re-ang).
Father of Gwion Bach, [413]
Gwrnach (goor-nach).
Giant;
the sword of the, [390]
Gwyddno Gar´anhir.
Horses of, drink of poisoned stream, hence the stream “Poison of the Horses of,” [413];
his son Elphin finds Taliesin, [414]
Gwydion.
Son of Dōn;
place in Cymric mythology taken later by the god Artaius, [349];
nephew of Māth, [378];
the swine of Pryderi and, [378]-[380]
Gwyn ap Nudd.
A Cymric deity likened to Finn (Gaelic) and to Odin (Norse), [349];
combat every May-day between Gwythur ap Greidawl and, [353], [388]
Gwynedd.
Māth, lord of, [378]
Gwynfyd.
Purity;
the second of three concentric circles representing the totality of being in the Cymric cosmogony, in which life is manifested as a pure, rejoicing force triumphant over evil, [334]
Gwythur ap Greidawl (Victor, Son of Scorcher).
Combat every May-day between Gwyn ap Nudd and, [353], [388]
H
Hades (or Annwn).
The Magic Cauldron part of the spoils of, [410]
Ham´ilcar.
Defeat of, at Himera, by Gelon, [22]
Hamitic, The.
Preserved in syntax of Celtic languages, [78]
Havgan.
Rival of Arawn;
mortally wounded by Pwyll, [357],[358]
Hecatæ´us of Abdera.
Musical services of Celts (probably of Great Britain) described by, [58]
Hecatæus of Miletus.
First extant mention of “Celts” by, [17]
Heilyn.
Son of Gwynn, [372]
Heinin.
Bard at Arthur's court, [416]
Hellan´icus of Lesbos.
Celts and, [17]
Hero´dotus.
Hevydd Hēn.
Father of Rhiannon, [360]
High Kings of Ireland.
Stone of Destiny used for crowning of, [105]
Hill of Ainé.
Name of goddess Ainé clings to, [128];
Ainé appears, on a St. John's Night, among girls on, [128]
Hill of Allen.
Finn's hounds, while returning to, recognise Saba, [266];
Oisīn returns to, [273];
Finn returns to, [278];
return of the Fianna to, to celebrate the wedding feast of Finn and Tasha, [295];
Finn bears Grania as his bride to, [304]
Hill of Keshcorran. Finn bewitched by hags on, [277]
Hill of Macha. Significance, [251]
“Historia Britonum.” See [Nennius]
Historia Regum Britaniæ. See [Geoffrey of Monmouth].
Furnished subject for “Gorborduc” and “King Lear,” [338];
wonderful success of, translated by Wace into French, by Layamon into Anglo-Saxon, [338], [339]
Homer. His gloomy picture of the departed souls of men conducted to the underworld, [79], [80];
reference to, [147]
Horses of Mananan. White-crested waves called, [125]
Hound of Ulster. See [Cuchulain], [217], [233];
element in Gaelic names, [184]
Hugh. One of the Children of Lir, [142]
Hull, Miss, referred to, [133], note; [203], note
Hungary. Miled's name as a god in a Celtic inscription from, [130]
Hyde, Dr. Douglas. Reference to his folk tale about Dermot of the Love Spot. [291]
Hyperbor´eans. Equivalent to Celts, [17]
I
Iberians Aquitani and, resemblance between, [58], [59]
Ilda´nach (“The All-Craftsman”). Surname conferred upon Lugh, the Sun-god, [113]
Illyrians Celts conquer, [22]
Immortality. Origin of so-called “Celtic” doctrine of, [75], [76];
Egyptian and “Celtic” ideas of, [78]-[89]
India. Dolmens found in, [53];
symbol of the feet found in, [77];
practice in, of allotting musical modes to seasons of the year, [118]
Indra. Hindu sky-deity corresponding to Brown Bull of Quelgny, [203]
Ingcel. One-eyed chief, son of King of Great Britain, an exile, [169]
Invasion Myths, The, of Ireland. See [Myths]
Inversken´a Ancient name of Kenmore River, so called after Skena, [133]
Ireland Unique historical position of, [35];
Dermot mac Kerval, High King of, [47];
apostolised by St Patrick, [51];
Lowland Celts founders of lake-dwellings in, [56];
holy wells in, [66];
tumulus and symbolic carvings at New Grange in, [69]-[72];
reference to conversion of, to Christianity, [83];
Lugh, or Lugus, god of Light, in, [88];
history of, as related by Tuan, [98]-[100];
Nemed takes possession of, [98];
Fomorians establish tyranny over, [101];
Standish O'Grady's “Critical History of,” reference to, [119], [120];
displacement of Danaans in, by Milesians, [130];
name of Eriu (dative form Erinn), poetic name applied to, [132];
Amergin's lay, sung on touching soil of, [134];
Milesian host invade, [135];
the Children of Miled enter upon sovranty of, but henceforth there are two Irelands, the spiritual, occupied by the Danaans, and the earthly by the Milesians, [136]-[145];
Eremon, first Milesian king of all, [143], [144];
reference to Christianity and paganism in, [145];
Milesian settlement of, [148];
Ollav Fōla, most distinguished Ollav of, [149]—[150];
Maon reigns over, [154];
raid of Conary's foster-brothers in, [169];
The Terrible decides the Championship of, [196];
proclaims Cuchulain Champion of, [196];
Naisi and Deirdre land in, [199];
Cairbry, son of Cormac mac Art, High King of, [304];
Maeldūn and his companions [pg 442] return to, [330];
the Arthurian saga never entered, [343];
Matholwch hands over to Gwern the sovranty of, [370]
Irish. Element of place-names, found in France, Switzerland, Austria, &c., [28];
Spenser's reference to eagerness of, to receive news, [37];
the Ulster hero, Cuchulain, in saga, [41];
the tumulus at New Grange in, [69];
Christianity, early, magical rites of Druidism survive in, [83];
legend, four main divisions in cycle of, [95];
folk-melodies, the Coulin, one of the most beautiful of, [119];
god of Love, Angus Ōg the, [121];
“Mythological Cycle,” de Jubainville's, reference to, [131];
place-names, significance of, [250];
legend, St. Patrick and, [283];
literature, effect of Christianity on, [295] [296]
Irnan. Lays Finn under geise to engage in single combat, [278];
slain by Goll, [278]
Iron Age. The ship a well-recognised form of sepulchral enclosure in cemeteries of the, [76]
Island-s. Strange adventures of Maeldūn and his companions on wonderful, [312]-[331];
of the Slayer, [313];
of the Ants, [313];
of the Great Birds, [313];
of the Fierce Beast, [314];
of the Giant Horses, [314];
of the Stone Door, [314];
of the Apples, [315];
of the Wondrous Beast, [315];
of the Biting Horses, [315];
of the Fiery Swine, [316];
of the Little Cat, [316];
of the Black and White Sheep, [317];
of the Giant Cattle, [317];
of the Mill, [318];
of the Black Mourners, [318];
of the Four Fences, [318];
of the Glass Bridge, [319];
of the Shouting Birds, [320];
of the Anchorite, [320];
of the Miraculous Fountain, [320];
of the Smithy, [321];
of the Sea of Clear Glass, [321];
of the Undersea, [321];
of the Prophecy, [322];
of the Spouting Water, [322];
of the Silvern Column, [322];
of the Pedestal, [323];
of the Red Berries, [325];
of the Laughing Folk, [327];
of the Flaming Rampart, [327];
of the Monk of Tory, [327]-[329];
Islands of the Dead. See [Mananan], [125]
Isle of Man. Supposed throne of Mananan, [125]
Italy. Northern, Celts conquer from Etruscans, [21], [25];
Murgen and Eimena sent to, by Sanchan Torpest, to discover the “Tain,” [234], [235]
Ith. Son of Bregon, grandfather of Miled, [130];
his coming to Ireland, [130]-[136];
shores of Ireland perceived by, from Tower of Bregon, [132];
learns of Neit's slaying, [132];
welcomed by mac Cuill and his brothers, [133];
put to death by the three Danaan Kings, [133]
Iubdan (youb-dan). King of the Wee Folk, [246];
Bebo, wife of, [247];
Bebo and, visit King Fergus in Ulster, [247]-[249]
Iuchar (you´char). One of three sons of Turenn, [114];
Brigit, mother of, [126]
Iucharba (you-char´ba). One of three sons of Turenn, [114];
Brigit, mother of, [126]
J
Japan. Dolmens found in, [53]
Jerome, St. Attestation of, on Celtic State of Galatia, [34]
John, Mr. Ivor B. His opinion of Celtic mystical writings, [332]
Jones, Brynmor. Findings of, on origin of populations of Great Britain and Ireland, [78]
Joyce, Dr. P.W. Reference to his “Old Celtic Romances,” [303], [309], [312]
Jubainville, M. d'Arbois de. Great Celtic scholar, [18], [23], [24];
explanation of, regarding Germans as a subject people, [31];
record regarding Megalithic People, [55];
reference of, to Taranus (? Thor), the god of Lightning, [87];
opinion regarding Dis, or Pluto, as representing darkness, death, and evil, [88];
reference to Gaulish god whom Cæsar identifies with Mercury, [113];
Brigit identical with Dana, according to, [126];
Ith's landing in Ireland described in his “Irish Mythological Cycle,” [131];
his translation of Amergin's strange lay, [134]
K
Kai. King Arthur's seneschal, [387], [388];
accompanies Kilhwch on his quest for Olwen, [388]-[392];
Keating. Reference to his “History of Ireland,” [150];
his reference to Maon, [153];
“History” of, tells of Ket's death, [244];
“History” of, tells of Maev's death, [245]
Keelta mac Ronan. Summoned from the dead by Mongan, [81];
warrior and reciter, one of Finn's chief men, [261];
St. Patrick and, [265], [266], [289];
Finn whispers the tale of his enchantment to, [280];
Oisīn and, resolve to part, [282];
meets St. Patrick, [282];
assists Oisīn bury Oscar, [307]
Keevan of the Curling Locks. Lover of Cleena, [127]
Keltchar (kelt´yar). A lord of Ulster;
mac Datho's boar and, [243]
Kenmare River. In Co. Kerry;
ancient name “Inverskena,” so called after Skena, [133]
Kenverch´yn. The three hundred ravens of, [399]
Kerry. Murna marries King of, [256]
Kesair (kes´er). Gaulish princess, wife of King Ugainy the Great, [152];
grandmother of Maon, [153]
Ket. Son of Maga;
rallies to Maev's foray against Ulster, [204];
slings Conall's “brain ball” at Conor mac Nessa which seven years after leads to his death, [240], [241];
the Boar of mac Datho and, [241]-[244];
death of, told in Keating's “History of Ireland,” [244]
Keva of the White Skin. Daughter of Finn, given in marriage to Goll mac Morna, [278]
Kian. Father of Lugh, [109];
brother of Sawan and Goban, [110];
the end of, [114]
Kicva. Daughter of Gwynn Gohoyw, wife of Pryderi, [365], [373]
Kilhwch (kil´hugh). Son to Kilydd and Goleuddydd;
story of Olwen and, [386]-[392];
accompanied on his quest (to find Olwen) by Kai, Bedwyr, Kynddelig, Bedwyr (Bedivere), Gwrhyr, Gwalchmai, and Menw, [388]-[392]
Killarney, Lakes of. Ancient name, Locha Lein, given to, by Len, [123]
Kilydd. Husband of Goleuddydd, father of Kilhwch, [386], [387]
Kimbay (Cimbaoth). Irish king;
reign of, and the founding of Emain Macha, [150];
brother of Red Hugh and Dithorba, [151];
compelled to wed Macha, [151]
King Lear. “Historia Regum Britaniæ” furnished the subject of, [337], [338]
Kingsborough, Lord. “Antiquities of Mexico,” example of cup-and-ring markings reproduced in his book, [68]
Knowledge. Nuts of, [256];
the Salmon of, [256]
Kym´ideu Kyme´in-voll. Wife of Llassar Llaesgyvnewid, [368]
Kymon. A knight of Arthur's court;
Kyn´ddelig. One of Arthur's servitors;
accompanies Kilhwch on his quest for Olwen, [388]-[392]
Kyot (Guiot). Provençal poet;
and Wolfram von Eschenbach, [408]
L
La Tène Culture. Relics found in Austria developed into, [29]
Labra the Mariner. See [Maon], [154]
Laeg (layg). Cuchulain's friend and charioteer, [183];
sent by Cuchulain to rouse men of Ulster, [213];
visits Fairyland to report on Fand, [226];
the Grey of Macha resists being harnessed by, [230];
slain by Lewy, [232]
Laery (lay´ry). 1. Son of King Ugainy the Great;
treacherously slain by his brother Covac, [152].
2. The Triumphant;
shrinks from test for the Championship of Ireland, [196];
mac Datho's boar and, [243].
3. Son of Neill;
sees vision of Cuchulain, [239]
Lairgnen (lerg-nen). Connacht chief, betrothed to Deoca;
seizes the Children of Lir, [142]
Lake of the Cauldron. Place where Matholwch met Llassar Llaesgyvnewid and his wife Kymideu Kymeinvoll, [367], [368]
Lake of the Dragon's Mouth. Resort of Caer, [121];
Angus Ōg joins his love, Caer, at, [122]
Land of the Dead. “Spain” a synonymous term, [130];
the western extremity of Great Britain is, according to ancient writer cited by Plutarch, and also according to Procopius, [131]
Land of the Living. = Land of the Happy Dead, [96];
gifts which Lugh brought from, [113]
Land of Shadows. Dwelling-place of Skatha;
Land of the Wee Folk. See [Wee Folk] (otherwise, Faylinn), [246], &c.
Land of Youth. Identical with “Land of the Dead,” “Land of the Living,” q.v.;
Cleena once lived in, [127];
Connla's Well in, visited by Sinend, [129];
still lives in imagination of Irish peasant, [137];
mystic country of People of Dana after their dispossession by Children of Miled, [156];
pagan conception of, referred to, [161];
lover from, visits Messbuachalla, to whom she bears Conary, [166], [167];
Oisīn sees wonders of, [272];
Oisīn returns from, [273];
“The Lady of the Fountain” and the, [395], [396]
Layamon. Translator. See “Historia Regum Britaniæ”
Legend. The cycles of Irish, [95]
Leicester. See [Llyr]
Leinster. Book of, and de Jubainville, [24];
ancient tract, the “Dinnsenchus,” preserved in, [85];
traditional derivation of name, [154];
men of, rally to Maev's foray against Ulster, [205];
Mesroda, son of Datho, dwelt in province of, [241]
Leix. Reavers from, slay Ailill Edge-of-Battle, [310];
Maeldūn's voyage to, [311]-[331]
Len. Goldsmith of Bōv the Red;
gave ancient name, Locha Lein, to the Lakes of Killarney, [123]
Levar´cam. Deirdre's nurse, [197]-[200];
Conor questions, re sons of Usna, [199]
Lewy. Son of Curoi, Cuchulain's foe, [228]-[233];
slain by Conall of the Victories, [233]
Lia (lee´a). Lord of Luachar, treasurer to the Clan Morna, [255];
slain by Finn, [256];
father of Conan, [258]
Lia Fail (lee´a fawl), The. The Stone of Destiny, [121]
Liagan (lee´a-gan). A pirate, slain by Conan mac Morna, [260]
Light-of-Beauty. See [Sgeimh Solais]
Lir (leer).
1. Sea-god, father of Mananan, [113], [139];
Mananan and, referred to, [125];
identical with the Greek Oceanus, [125];
father of Lodan and grandparent of Sinend, [129];
Cymric deity Llyr corresponds with, [347].
2. The Children of, the transformation of, [139]-[142];
their death, [142]
Lismore. “The Dean of Lismore's Book,” by James Macgregor.
Dean of, described, [288]
Llassar Llaesgyv´newid. Husband of Kymideu Kymeinvoll, giver of magic cauldron to Bran, [368]
Llevelys. Son of Beli;
story of Ludd (Nudd) and, [385], [386]
Llew Llaw Gyffes. Otherwise “The Lion of the Sure Hand.”
A hero the subject of the tale “Māth Son of Māthonwy,” [347], [348];
identical with the Gaelic deity Lugh of the Long Arm, [347], [348];
how he got his name, [381], [382];
the flower-wife of, named Blodeuwedd, [382], [383];
slays Gronw Pebyr, who had betrayed him, [383], [384]
Lludd. See [Nudd]
Llwyd. Son of Kilcoed, an enchanter;
removes magic spell from seven Cantrevs of Dyfed, and from Pryderi and Rhiannon, [377]
Llyr. In Welsh legend, father of Manawyddan;
Irish equivalents, Lir and Mananan, [347];
Llyr-cester (now Leicester) once a centre of the worship of, [347];
house of, corresponds with Gaelic Lir, [348], [349];
Penardun, daughter of Dōn, wife of, [349];
genealogy set forth, [351]
Loch. Son of Mofebis, champion sent by Mae against Cuchulain, [212];
wounds Cuchulain, but is slain by him, [212]
Loch Gara. Lake in Roscommon;
mac Cecht's visit to, [176]
Loch Rory. Fergus mac Leda's adventure in, [249]
Loch Ryve. Maev retires to island on, and is slain there by Forbay, [245]
Lodan. Son of Lir, father of goddess Sinend, [129]
Loherangrain. Knight of the Swan, son of Parzival, [408]
Loughcrew. Great tumulus at, supposed burying-place of Ollav Fōla, [150]
Lourdes. Cult of waters of, [66], [67]
Lucan. Triad of deities mentioned by, [86]
Luchad (loo-chad). Father of Luchta, [112]
Luchta (looch-ta). Son of Luchad, [112];
the carpenter of the Danaans, [117]
Ludgate. For derivation see Nudd
Lugh (loo), or Lugus.
the god of Light, in Gaul and Ireland, as, [88];
2. Son of Kian, the Sun-god par excellence of all Celtica, the coming of, [109]-[113];
other names, Ildánach (“The All-Craftsman”) and Lugh Lamfada (Lugh of the Long Arm), [113], [123];
his eric from sons of Turenn for murder of his father, Kian, [115]-[116];
slays Balor and is enthroned in his stead, [117];
fiery spear of, [121];
his worship widely spread over Continental Celtica, [123];
father, by Dectera, of Cuchulain, [123], [182];
Cymric deity Llew Llaw Gyffes corresponds with, [347], [348]
Lugh of the Long Arm. See [Lugh.]
Invincible sword of, [105], [106];
Bres, son of Balor, and, [123];
husband of Dectera and father of Cuchulain, [182];
appears to Cuchulain and protects the Ford while his son rests, [214];
fights by his son's side, [215];
Cymric hero Llew Llaw Gyfles corresponds with, [347], [348]
Luned. Maiden who rescued Owain, [397];
Owain rescues her, [398], [399]
M
“Mabinŏg´ion, The” (singular, Mabinogi).
Reference to story of Kilhwch and Olwen in, [343];
“The Red Book of Hergest,” the main source of the tales of, [344];
“Māth Son of Māthonwy,” tale in, [347];
Mr. Alfred Nutt's edition, [356];
Four Branches of the Mabinogi form most important part of, [384];
Peredur's story in, and French version, [406];
the tale of Taliesin and, [412]
Mabon. Son of Modron, released by Arthur, [391], [392]
Maccecht. Danaan king, husband of Fohla, [132];
member of Conary's retinue at Da Derga's Hostel, [175];
his search for water, [175], [176]
Maccuill (quill). Danaan king, husband of Banba, [132];
at fortress of Aileach, [132]
Macgrené. Danaan king, husband of Eriu, [132];
mythical name Son of the Sun, [132]
Mac Indoc´, The Plain of. Laery and St. Benen on, [239]
MacKerval, Dermot. Rule of, in Ireland, and the cursing of Tara, [47], [48].
See [Dermot]
Macpherson. Pseudo-Ossian poetry of, [238]
Mac Roth. Maev's steward, named, and the Brown Bull of Quelgny, [202];
sent to view host of Ulster men, [223]
Macedon. Attacked by Thracian and Illyrian hordes, [23]
Macha. Daughter of Red Hugh, [151];
slays Dithorba and compels Kimbay to wed her, [151];
captures five sons of Dithorba, [151], [152];
forms an instance of the intermingling of the attributes of the Danaan with the human race, [152];
a super-natural being, [178];
goes to dwell with Crundchu, [178];
her race against Ultonian horses, [179];
gives birth to twins and curses the Ultonians, [180];
her curse on men of Ulster, [203]-[221];
the curse removed from men of Ulster, [222]
Maeldūn. Son of Ailill Edge-of-Battle, [310];
departs to his own kindred, [311];
sets out on his wonderful voyage, [311]-[331]
Maeldūn, Voyage of (mayl'-doon). Found in MS. entitled “Book of the Dun Cow,” [309];
reference to Dr. Whitley Stokes' translation in the “Revue Celtique,” [309];
theme of Tennyson's “Voyage of Maeldune” furnished by Joyce's version in “Old Celtic Romances,” [309];
Maen Tyriawc (ma'en tyr'i-awc). Burial-place of Pryderi, [379]
Maev (mayv). Queen of Connacht, [122];
Angus Ōg seeks aid of, [122];
debility of Ultonians manifested on occasion of Cattle-raid of Quelgny, [180];
Fergus seeks aid of, [202];
her famous bull Finnbenach, [202];
her efforts to secure the Brown Bull of Quelgny, [204]-[246];
host of, spreads devastation through the territories of Bregia and Murthemney, [209];
offers her daughter Findabair of Fair Eyebrows to Ferdia if he will meet Cuchulain, [216];
Conor summons men of Ulster against, [222];
overtaken but spared by Cuchulain, [225];
makes seven years' peace with Ulster, [225];
vengeance of, against Cuchulain, [228]-[233];
mac Datho's hound and, [241]-[244];
retires to island on Loch Ryve, [245];
slain by Forbay, [245]
Maga. Daughter of Angus Ōg, wife of Ross the Red, [181];
wedded also to Druid Cathbad, [181]
Magi. Word magic derived from, [60];
treated by Pliny, [61]
Magic. The religion of Megalithic People that of, [59];
origin of word, [60];
Pliny on, [61];
religion of, invented in Persia and by Zoroaster, [61];
traces of, in Megalithic monuments, [63];
Clan Calatin learn, in Ireland, Alba, and Babylon, to practise against Cuchulain, [228]-[233]
Maitre, M. Albert. Inspector of Musée des Antiquités Nationales, [64]
Malory. Anticipated by Wace, [338], [339];
Cymric myths and, [388]
Man´anan. Son of the Sea-god, Lir, [113], [139];
magical Boat of, brought by Lugh, with Horse of, and sword Fragarach, from the Land of the Living, [113], [121];
attributes of Sea-god mostly conferred on, [125];
the most popular deity in Irish mythology, [125];
lord of sea beyond which Land of Youth or Islands of the Dead were supposed to lie, [125];
master of tricks and illusions, owned magical possessions—boat, Ocean-Sweeper; steed, Aonbarr; sword, The Answerer, &c. &c., [125];
reference to daughter of, given to Angus, a Danaan prince, [143];
his wife, Fand, sets her love on Cuchulain, [226];
Fand recovered by, [227];
shakes his cloak between Fand and Cuchulain, [228];
Cymric deity Manawyddan corresponds with, [347], [348]
Manawyddan (mana-wudh'en). In Welsh mythology, son of Llyr;
Irish equivalents, Mananan and Lir, [347];
Bendigeid Vran (“Bran the Blessed”), his brother, [365];
the tale of Pryderi and, [373]-[378];
weds Rhiannon, [373]
Mané-er-h´oeck. Remarkable tumulus in Brittany, [63], [64]
Manés. Seven outlawed sons of Ailell and Maev, [169];
their rally to Maev's foray against Ulster, [204]
Manessier. A continuator of Chrestien de Troyes, [408]
Man´etho. Egyptian historian, reference to human sacrifices, [85], [86]
Manred. The ineffable Name of God pronounced, and so was formed, [333];
the primal substance of the universe, [333]
Maon (may'un). Son of Ailill;
brutal treatment of, by Covac, [152]-[154];
has revenge on Ailill by slaying him and all his nobles, [153];
weds Moriath, and reigns over Ireland, [154];
equivalent, “Labra the Mariner,” [154]
Marcellin´us, Ammian´us. Gauls described by, [42]
Marie de France. Anglo-Norman poetess;
sources relating to the Arthurian saga in writings of, [339], [340]
Māth son of Māthonwy. Title of tale in the “Mabinogion,” [347];
Llew Llaw Gyffes, a character in tale of, [347], [348];
brother of Penardun, [349];
Gwydion and Gilvaethwy, nephews of, [378];
his strange gift of hearing, [386]
Matholwch (math'o-law). King of Ireland;
comes seeking Branwen's hand in marriage, [366];
wedding of, and Branwen's, celebrated at Aberffraw, [366];
Evnissyen mutilates his horses, [367];
Bran, among other gifts, gives a magic cauldron to, [367], [368];
father of Gwern, [368];
informed of Bran's invasion, [369];
hands sovranty of Ireland to Gwern, [370]
Māthonwy. Ancestor of House of Dōn, [349]
Matière de France. Source of Round Table and chivalric institutions ascribed to Arthur's court, [341]
Maxen Wledig (oo'le-dig). Emperor of Rome;
May-Day. Sacred to Beltené, day on which Sons of Miled began conquest of Ireland, [133], [134];
combat every, between Gwythur ap Greidawl and Gwyn ap Nudd, [353];
strange scream heard in Britain on eve of, [385]
Meath. Fergus in his battle-fury strikes off the tops of the three Maela of, [224];
St. Patrick and the folk of, [282]
Medicine. See [Magic,] [60], [61];
Pliny and, [61]
Megalithic People. Builders of dolmens, cromlechs, &c., [52]-[93];
Professor Ridgeway's contention about, [56];
their religion that of magic, [59];
representations of the divine powers under human aspect unknown to, [75];
Druidism imposed on the Celts by the, [82];
human sacrifices, practice a survival from the, [84];
conception of, regarding their deities, [86]
Mercury. Regarded as chief of the gods by Gauls, [87];
Lugh Lamfada identified with, [113]
Merlin. See [Myrddin.]
Reference to his magical arts, [337];
equivalent Myrddin, [354];
believed by Geoffrey of Monmouth to have erected Stonehenge, [354];
the abode of, described, [354]-[356]
Mesged´ra. The vengeance of, fulfilled, [241]
Mesro´da, mac Datho. Son of Datho, [241];
the carving of the boar of, [241]-[244];
Conor and Maev both send to purchase his hound, [241]
Messbuachalla (mess-boo'hala). Only daughter of Etain Oig, [166];
significance, “the cowherd's foster-child,” [166];
King Eterskel's promised son and, [166];
visited by a Danaan lover, and birth of Conary, [166], [167]
Mexico. Cup-and-ring marking in, [68];
symbol of the feet found in, [77];
the cross-legged “Buddha,” frequent occurrence in religious art of, [87]
Midir the Proud (mid'eer). A son of the Dagda;
a type of splendour, [124];
his appearance to King Eochy, [124];
Fuamnach, wife of, [156];
Etain, second bride of, [156];
recovers his wife from Eochy, [160]-[163];
yields up Etain, [163]
Miled.
1. Sons of;
conquer the People of Dana, [100];
the coming of, to displace rule in Ireland of Danaans, [130];
Bregon, son of, [130];
Amergin, son of, [133];
begin conquest of Ireland on May-day, [133], [134].
2. A god, represented as, in a Celtic inscription from Hungary, son of Bilé, [130].
3. Children of;
resolve to take vengeance for Ith's slaying, [133];
enter upon the sovranty of Ireland, [136]
Milesian-s. See [Sons of Miled], [130];
myth, meaning of, [138]-[145];
Minorca. Analogous structures (to represent ships) to those in Ireland found in, [76]
Mochaen (mo-chayn'). Hill of, and Lugh's eric, [115]
Modred. King Arthur's nephew;
usurps his uncle's crown and weds his wife Guanhumara, [337];
Arthur defeats and slays, [337], [338]
Mongan. Irish chieftain, reincarnation of Finn;
wager as to place of death of King Fothad, [81]
Montel´ius, Dr. Oscar. And the ship symbol, [72]
Moonre´mur. A lord of Ulster;
mac Datho's boar and, [243]
Morann. Druid;
prophecy of, concerning Cuchulain, [183]
Morc. Fomorian king, [101]
Morda. A blind man, set by Ceridwen to keep fire under the magic cauldron, [413]
Mor´iath. Daughter of Scoriath, the King of Feramore;
her love for Maon and her device [pg 449] to win him back to Ireland, [153], [154];
curious tale regarding his hair, [154]
Morna. Father of Goll, [257]
Morr´igan, The. Extraordinary goddess, embodying all that is perverse and horrible among supernatural powers, [126];
her love and friendship for Cuchulain, [126];
her visit to Conary Mōr at Hostel of Da Derga, [172];
appears to Cuchulain and offers her love, [212];
her threat to be about his feet in bottom of the Ford, [212];
attacks Cuchulain, and is wounded by him, [213];
croaks of war and slaughter before Cuchulain, [230];
settles on the dead Cuchulain's shoulder as a crow, [233]
Mountains of Mourne. Cuchulain on, [193]
Moyrath. Battle of, ended resistance of Celtic chiefs to Christianity, [51]
Moyslaught (“The Plain of Adoration”).
Idol of Crom Cruach erected on, [85], [149]
Moytura, Plain of.
1. Scene of First Battle (Co. Sligo) between Danaans and the Firbolgs, [106], [107].
2. Scene of Second Battle (Co. Mayo) between Danaans and Fomorians, [117], [130];
the Dagda and, [120]
Munsalväsche (Montsalvat), The Castle of, where, in W. von Eschenbach's poem, the Grail is preserved, [407]
Munster. Ailill Olum, King of, [127];
“Hill of Ainé” and goddess Ainé [128];
origin of name, [154]
Mur´ias, The City of (see Dana), [105], [106]
Murna of the White Neck. Wife of Cumhal, mother of Finn, [255], [266];
takes refuge in forests of Slieve Bloom, and gives birth to Demna (Finn), [255];
marries King of Kerry, [256]
Murtagh mac Erc. King of Ireland, brother of Fergus the Great;
lends famous Stone of Scone to Scotland, [105]
Murthem´ney.
Kian killed on Plain of, [114];
Cuchulain of, seen in a vision by prophetess Fedelma, [206];
the carnage of, [214];
host of Ulster assemble on, [229];
Cuchulain at his dūn in, [230]
Mycen´æ. Burial chamber of the Atreidæ, ancient dolmen yet stands beside, in, [53]
Myrddin. See [Merlin.]
A deity in Arthur's mythological cycle, corresponds with Sun-god Nudd, [354];
suggestion of Professor Rhys that chief deity worshipped at Stonehenge was, [355];
seizes the “Thirteen Treasures of Britain,” [355]
Mythological Cycle, The, [95], [96]
Mythology. Comparison between Gaelic and Cymric, [346]-[348];
compared with folklore, [418]
Myths. Danaan, meaning of, [137];
Milesian, meaning of, [138], [139];
Invasion, of Ireland, [138]-[145]
N
Naisi (nay'see). Son of Usna, loved by Deirdre, [198];
abducts Deirdre, [198];
Ardan and Ainlé, his brothers, [198];
Conor invites return of, [198];
his return under care of Fergus, [199];
slain by Owen son of Duracht, [201]
Naqada (nak'a-da). Signs on ivory tablets discovered by Flinders Petrie in cemetery at, [78]
Narberth. Castle where Pwyll had his court, [359];
Pwyll's adventure on the Mound of Arberth, near, [359]-[365];
Pryderi and Manawyddan and their wives left desolate at palace of, [373]
Natchrantal (na-chran'tal). Famous champion of Maev;
assists to capture Brown Bull, [211]
Nechtan. Dūn of the sons of, [193];
Cuchulain provokes a fight with sons of, [193], [194];
sons of, slain, [194]
Neit (nayt).
Danaan king, slain in battle with the Fomorians, [132]
Nemed. Son of Agnoman;
takes possession of Ireland, [98];
fights victoriously against Fomorians, his death, [101]
Nemedians. Sail for Ireland, [99];
akin to the Partholanians, [101];
revolt of, against Fomorians, [101], [102];
routed by Fomorians, [102]
Nemglan. Commands Conary go to Tara, [168];
he declares Conary's geise, [168]
Nennius. British historian in whose “Historia Britonum” (A.D. 800) is found first mention of Arthur, [336]
Nessa. Daughter of Echid Yellow-heel, wife of Fachtna, mother of Conor, [180];
loved by Fergus, [180]
Netherlands. Place-names of, Celtic element in, [27]
New Grange. Tumulus at, regarded as dwelling-place of Fairy Folk, [69], [70];
symbolic carvings at, [70], [71];
the ship symbol at, [71]-[73];
Angus Ōg's palace at, [121];
Angus' fairy palace at Brugh na Boyna identical with, [143]
Niam (nee'am).
1. Wife of Conall of the Victories;
tends Cuchulain, [229];
Bave puts a spell of straying on her, [230]
2. Of the Golden Hair;
daughter of the King of the Land of Youth, [270];
Oisīn departs with, [271], [272];
permits Oisīn to visit the Land of Erin, [273]
Niss´yen. Son of Eurosswyd and Penardun, [366]
Nodens. See [Nudd]
Nuada of the Silver Hand (noo'ada). King of the Danaans, [107]-[108];
his encounter with Balor, champion of the Fomorians, [117];
belongs to Finn's ancestry, [255];
identical with solar deity in Cymric mythology, viz., Nudd or Lludd, [346], [347]
Nudd, or Lludd. Roman equivalent, Nodens.
A solar deity in Cymric mythology, [346], [347];
identical with Danaan deity, Nuada of the Silver Hand, [347];
under name Lludd, said to have had a temple on the site of St. Paul's, [347];
entrance to Lludd's temple called Parth Lludd (British), which Saxons translated Ludes Geat—our present Ludgate, [347];
story of Llevelys and, [385], [386];
Edeyrn, son of, jousts with Geraint for Enid, [399], [400]
Nuts of Knowledge. Drop from hazel-boughs into pool where Salmon of Knowledge lived, [256]
Nutt, Mr. Alfred. Reference to, in connexion with the “Hill of Ainé,” [128], [129];
reference to, in connexion with Oisīn-and-Patrick dialogues, [288], [289];
reference to object of the tale of Taliesin in his edition of the “Mabinogion,” [412]
Nynniaw. Peibaw and, brothers, two Kings of Britain, their quarrel over the stars, [355], [356]
O
O'Donovan. A great Irish antiquary;
folk-tale discovered by, [109]-[119]
O'Dyna, Cantred of. Dermot's patrimony, [300]
O'Grady.
1. Standish.
References to his “Critical History of Ireland” on the founding of Emain Macha, [119], [120], [151], [152];
his “Masque of Finn” referred to, [280], [281]
2. Standish Hayes.
Reference to his “Silva Gadelica,” [250], [276], [281]
Ocean-Sweeper. Mananan's magical boat, [125]
Odyssey, The. Mr H.B. Cotterill's hexameter version, quotation from, [79], [80]
Ogma. Warrior of Nuada of the Silver Hand, [112], [118]
Oisīn (ush'een). Otherwise Little Fawn.
Son of Finn, greatest poet of the Gael, [261];
father of Oscar, [261];
buries Aideen, [261];
birth of, from Saba, [266]-[270];
loved by Niam of the Golden Hair, [270]-[272];
returns from Land of Youth, [273];
Keelta and, resolve to part, [282];
assists Keelta bury Oscar, [307]
Old Celtic Romances. Reference to Dr. P.W. Joyce's, [303], [309], [312]
Ollav. Definition of the term, [149]
Ollav Fōla. Eighteenth King of Ireland from Eremon, the most distinguished Ollav of Ireland, [149]-[150];
compared with Goban the Smith and Amergin the Poet, [150]
Olwen. The story of Kilhwch and, [386]-[392];
daughter of Yspaddaden, [387];
how she got the name “She of the White Track,” [390];
bride of Kilhwch, [392]
Orlam. Slain by Cuchulain, [209]
Oscar. Son of Oisīn;
slays Linné, [261];
Aideen, wife of, [261];
her death after battle of Gowra, [261];
type of hard strength, [262];
reference to death at battle of Gowra, [275];
his death described, [306], [308]
Osi´ris. Feet of, symbol of visitation, in Egypt, [77]
Ossianic Society. “Transactions” of, [278]-[280];
battle of Gowra (Gabhra) described in, [305]
Os´thanes. Earliest writer on subject of magic, [62]
Other-World. Keelta summoned from, [81];
faith of, held by Celts, [82];
Mercury regarded by Gauls as guide of dead to, [87]
Owain. Son of Urien;
plays chess with King Arthur, [393];
the Black Knight and, [396]-[399];
seen by Peredur, [401]
Owel. Foster-son of Mananan and a Druid, father of Ainé, [127]
Owen. Son of Duracht;
slays Naisi and other sons of Usna, [201]
Owens of Aran. Ailill, of the sept of, [311];
Maeldūn goes to dwell with, [311]
Owl of Cwm Cawlwyd (coom cawl´wŭd), The, [392]
P
Patrick, St. Ireland apostolised by, [51];
symbol of the feet and, [77]
Pasth´olan. His coming into Ireland from the West;
his origin, [96]
Partholanians. Battle between the Fomorians and, [97];
end of race by plague on the Old Plain, [97];
Nemedians akin to, [101]
Peibaw. Nynniaw and, two brothers, Kings of Britain, their quarrel over the stars, [355], [356]
Penar´dun. Daughter of Dōn, wife of Llyr, and also of Eurosswyd, sister of Māth, [349], [366];
mother of Bran, also of Nissyen and Evnissyen, [366]
People of the Sidhe (shee).
Danaans dwindle into fairies, otherwise the, [137]
Per´diccas II. Son of Amyntas II., killed in battle, [23]
Per´edur. The tale of, and the origin of the Grail Legend, [400], [407];
corresponds to Perceval of Chrestien de Troyes, [400]
Per´gamos. Black Stone of, subject of embassy from Rome during Second Punic War, [66]
Perilous Glen. Cuchulain escapes beasts of, [187]
“Peronnik” folk tale, [400], note
Persia. Religion of magic invented in, by Zoroaster, [61]
Petrie, Flinders. Discoveries by, [78];
on Egyptian origin of symbol of mother and child, [79]
Philip. Younger brother of Perdiccas, [23]
Philo´stratus. Reference of, to enamelling by Britons, [30]
Plain of Ill-Luck. Cuchulain crosses, [187]
Plato. Celts and, [17];
evidence of, to Celtic characteristics, [36]
Pliny. Religion of magic discussed by, [61]
Plutarch. Land of the Dead referred to by, as the western extremity of Great Britain, [131]
Pluto (Gk. Pluton). Dis, equivalent;
god of the Underworld, [88];
associated with wealth, like Celtic gods of the Underworld, [349]
Polyb´ius. Description of the Gæsati in battle of Clastidium, [41]
Polynesian, the practice named “tabu” and the Irish geis, similarity between, [165]
Portugal. Place-names of, Celtic element in, [27]
Posidon´ius. On bardic institution among Celts, [57]
Procop´ius. Land of the Dead referred to by as the western extremity of Great Britain, [131]
Province of the Spearmen (Irish, Laighin—“Ly-in”). See [Leinster,] [154]
Pryderi (pri-dair'y) (Trouble). Son of Pwyll and Rhiannon;
his loss [363];
his restoration by Teirnyon, [365];
Kicva, the wife of, [365];
the tale of Manawyddan and, [373]-[378];
Gwydion and the swine of, [378];
his death, [379]
Pwyll (poo-till; modern Powell). Prince of Dyfed;
how he got his title Pen Annwn, or “Head of Hades,” [336]-[359];
his adventure on the Mound of Arberth, near the Castle of Narberth, [359]-[365];
fixes his choice on Rhiannon for wife, [360];
Gwawl's trick on him, [361];
Rhiannon's plan to save Pwyll from Gwawl's power, [361];
weds Rhiannon, [362];
imposes a penance on his wife, [363];
his son Pryderi (Trouble) found, [365]
Pythag´oras. Celtic idea of transmigration and, [80]
Pyth´eas. The German tribes about [300] B.C. mentioned by, [31]
Q
Quelgny, or Cuailgné. Cattle-raid of, made by Queen Maev, [180];
Brown Bull of, owned by Dara, [202];
the theme of the “Tain Bo Cuailgné” is the Brown Bull of, [203];
Brown Bull of, is Celtic counterpart of Hindu sky-deity, Indra, [203];
Brown Bull of, captured at Slievegallion, Co. Armagh, by Maev, [211];
white-horned Bull of Ailell slain by Brown Bull of, [225];
reputed author of, Fergus mac Roy, [234];
Sanchan Torpest searches for lost lay of, [234]-[238]
R
Rā. Egyptian Sun god;
ship symbol in sepulchral art of Egypt connected with worship of, [74]-[76]
Rath Grania. King Cormac and Finn feasted at, [300]
Rath Luachar. Lia keeps the Treasure Bag at, [255]
Rathcroghan. Maev's palace in Roscommon, [202]
Red Branch. Order of chivalry which had its seat in Emain Macha, [178];
the time of glory of, during Conor's reign, [181];
heroes of, and Cuchulain strive for the Championship of Ireland, [195], [196];
Hostel, Naisi and Deirdre at, [199], [200];
with Cuchulain and Conor passes away the glory of, [241]
Red Hugh. Ulster prince, father of Macha, brother of Dithorba and Kimbay, [151]
Red Riders. Conary's journey with, [170], [171]
Religion. The Celtic, [46];
Megalithic People's, that of Magic, [58];
of Magic, invented in Persia and by Zoroaster, [61]
Revue Celtique. Dr. Whitley Stokes' translation of the “Voyage of Maeldūn” in, [309]
Rhiannon (ree'an-non). Daughter of Hevydd Hēn;
sets her love on Pwyll, [360];
marries Pwyll, [362];
her penance for slaying her son, [363];
her son Pryderi (Trouble) found, [365];
wedded to Manawyddan, [373]
Rhonabwy (rōne'a-bwee). The dream of, [392], [393]
Rhun. Sent from King Arthur's court to Elphin's wife, [415]
Rhys ap Tewdwr. South Welsh prince;
brought knowledge of Round Table to Wales, [343]
Rhys, Sir J. His views on origin of population of Great Britain and Ireland, [78];
on Myrddin and Merlin, [354], [355]
Ridge of the Dead Woman. Vivionn buried at, [287], [288]
Roc. Angus' steward, [290];
his son crushed to death by Donn, [291];
then changed into a boar and charged to bring Dermot to death at length, [291]
Romance. Gaelic and Continental, [345]
Romans. Arthur resists demand for tribute by the, [337]
Rome. Celts march on and sack, [25], [26];
Britain and Gaul under yoke of, [35];
the empire of Maxen Wledig in, usurped, [385]
Ross the Red. King of Ulster, husband of Maga, a daughter of Angus Ōg, [181];
Roy, his second wife, [181];
originator of the Red Branch, [181]
Round Table, The. References to, [338], [339], [341], [343]
Roy. Second wife of Ross the Red, [181]
Ru´adan, St. Tara cursed by, [47], [49]
Russell, Mr. G.W. Irish poet;
fine treatment of myth of Sinend and Connla's Well, [129], [130]
S
Saba. Wife of Finn, mother of Oisīn, [266]-[270]
Sacrifices. Practice of human, noted by Cæsar among Celts, [84];
human, in Ireland, [85];
Celtic practice of human, paralleled in Mexico and Carthage, [85];
of children, to idol Crom Cruach, by Gaels, [85];
in Egypt, practice of human, rare, [85], [86]
St. Benen. A companion of St. Patrick, [239]
St. Finnen. Irish abbot;
legend concernin Tuan mac Carell and, [97]
St. Patrick. Record of his mission to Ireland, [51];
Cascorach and, referred to in the “Colloquy of the Ancients,” [119];
Brogan, the scribe of, [119];
Ethné aged fifteen hundred years old at coming of, [144];
Ethné baptized by, [144];
summons Cuchulain from Hell, [238], [239];
name Talkenn given by Irish to, [275];
met by Keelta, [282];
Irish legend and, [283]
Salmon of Knowledge. See [Fintan]
Salmon of Llyn Llyw (lin li-oo'), The, [392]
Samnite War, Third. Coincident with breaking up of Celtic Empire, [26]
Sanchan Torpest. Chief bard of Ireland;
Sa´wan. Brother of Kian and Goban, [110]
Scandinavia. Dolmens found in, [53];
symbol of the feet found in, [77]
Sem´ion. Son of Stariat, settlement [pg 454] in Ireland of;
Firbolgs descended from, [100]
Sera. Father of Partholan, [96];
father of Starn, [98]
Setan´ta. Earliest name of [Cuchulain], [183];
“the little pupil,” harries Maev's hosts, [208]
Sgeimh Solais (skayv sulish) (Light of Beauty).
Daughter of Cairbry, wooed by son of King of the Decies, [304]
Shannon, The River. Myth of Sinend and the Well of Knowledge accounts for name of, [129];
Dithorba's five sons flee over, [151];
mac Cecht visits, [175];
Dermot and Grania cross Ford of Luan on the, [299]
Sic´ulus, Diodorus. A contemporary of Julius Cæsar;
Sidhe (shee), or Fairy Folk. Tumulus at New Grange (Ireland) regarded as dwelling-place of, [69]
Silva Gadelica. Reference to Mr. S.H. O'Grady's work, [250], [276], [281]
Sin´end. Goddess, daughter of Lir's son, Lodan;
her fatal visit to Connla's Well, [129]
Sign, Llewellyn. Welsh bard, compiler of “Barddas,” [332]
Skatha. A mighty woman-warrior of Land of Shadows, [187];
instructs Cuchulain, [187]-[189];
her two special feats, how to leap the Bridge of the Leaps and to use the Gae Bolg, [188]
Skena. Wife of the poet Amergin;
her untimely death, [133]
Slayney, The River. Visited by mac Cecht, [175]
Slievb Bloom. Murna takes refuge in forests of, and there Demna (Finn) is born, [255]
Slieve Fuad (sleeve foo'ad) (afterwards Slievegallion).
Invisible dwelling of Lir on, [125];
Cuchulain finds his foe on, [232];
Finn slays goblin at, [258]
Slievegall´ion. A fairy mountain;
See [Slieve Fuad]
Slievenamon (sleeve-na-mon'). The Brugh of, Finn and Keelta hunt on, [284]-[286]
Sohrab and Rustum. Reference to, [192]
Spain. Celts conquer from the Carthaginians, [21];
Carthaginian trade with, broken down by Greeks, [22];
place-names of Celtic element in, [27];
dolmens found round the Mediterranean coast of, [53];
equivalent, Land of the Dead, [102]
Squire, Mr. Author of “Mythol. of Brit. Islands,” [348], [353], [411]
Sreng. Ambassador sent to People of Dana by Firbolgs, [106]
Stag of Redynvre (red-in'vry), The, [392]
Starn. Son of Sera, brother of Partholan, [97]
Stokes, Dr. Whitley. Reference to, [166], [167];
reference to his translation of the “Voyage of Maeldūn” in “Revue Celtique,” [309]
Stone, Coronation. At Westminster Abbey, identical with Stone of Scone, [105]
Stone of Abundance. Equivalent, Cauldron of Abundance.
The Grail in Wolfram's poem as a, [409];
similar stone appears in the Welsh “Peredur,” [409];
correspondences, the Celtic Cauldron of the Dagda, [410];
in the Welsh legend Bran obtained the Cauldron, [410];
in a poem by Taliesin the Cauldron forms part of the spoils of Hades, [410]
Stone of Destiny. Otherwise Lia Fail.
One of the treasures of the Danaans, [105]
Stone of Scone. Fabulous origin of, and present depository, [105]
Stone-Worship. Supposed reason of, [65], [66];
denounced by Synod of Arles, [66];
denounced by Charlemagne [66];
black [pg 455] stone of Pergamos and Second Punic War, [66];
the Grail a relic of ancient, [409]
Stonehenge. Dressed stones used in megalithic monument at, [54];
Professor Rhys' suggestion that Myrddin was worshipped at, [354];
Geoffrey of Monmouth and, [354]
Strabo. Characteristics of Celts, told by, [39], [46]
Straits of Moyle (between Ireland and Scotland).
Aoife's cruelty to her step-children on the, [140]
Strand of the Footprints. How name derived, [191]
Sualtam (soo'al-tam). Father of Cuchulain (see Lugh), [206];
his attempts to arouse Ulster, [221];
his death, [222]
Sweden. The ship symbol on rock-sculptures of, [72], [73]
Switzerland. Place-names of, Celtic element in, [27];
lake-dwellings in, [56]
T
“Tain Bo Cuailgné” (thawn bo quel'gny). Significance, [203];
tale of, all written out by Finn mac Gorman, Bishop of Kildare, in 1150, [225];
the recovery of, [234];
reputed author, Fergus mac Roy, [234];
Sir S. Ferguson treats of recovery of, in “Lays of the Western Gael,” [234];
Sanchan Torpest, taunted by High King Guary, resolves to find the lost, [234]-[236];
early Celtic MSS. and, [296]
Taliesin (tal-i-es'in). A mythical bard;
his prophecy regarding the devotion of the Cymry to their tongue, [385];
found by Elphin, son of Gwyddno, [414];
made prime bard of Britain, [415]-[417]
Talkenn. (Adze-head). Name given by the Irish to St. Patrick, [275]
Taltiu, or Telta. Daughter of the King of the “Great Plain” (the Land of the Dead), wedded by Eochy mac Erc, [103]
Tara. Seat of the High Kings of Ireland;
the cursing of, [47], [48]-[49];
Stone of Scone sent to Scotland from, [105];
Lugh accuses sons of Turenn at, of his father's murder, [115];
appearance of Midir the Proud to Eochy on Hill of, [124], [161];
Milesian host at, [135];
institution of triennial Festival at, [149]-[150];
bull-feast at, to decide by divination who should be king in Eterskel's stead, [167], [168];
Conary commanded to go to, by Nemglan, [168];
proclaimed King of Erin at, [168];
pointed out to Cuchulain, [193];
Cuchulain's head and hand buried at, [233];
Tar´anus (? Thor). Deity mentioned by Lucan, [86], [87]
Tegid Voel. A man of Penllyn, husband of Ceridwen, father of Avagddu, [413]
Teirnyon (ter'ny-on). A man of Gwent Is Coed;
finds Pryderi, [364];
restores Pryderi, [365]
Telltown (Teltin). Palace at, of Telta, Eochy mac Erc's wife, [103];
great battle at, between Danaans and Milesians, [136];
Conall of the Victories makes his way to, after Conary's death, [176];
pointed out to Cuchulain, [193]
Tennyson, Lord. Reference to source of his “Voyage of Maeldune,” [309];
Cymric myths and, [388];
reference to his “Enid,” [400]
Teutat´es. Deity mentioned by Lucan, [86]
Teutonic. Loyalty of races, [45], [46]
Tezcatlipoca. Sun-god;
festival of, in Mexico, [77]
The Terrible. A demon who by strange test decides the Championship of Ireland, [196]
Thomas of Brittany. See [Bleheris]
Tiberius, Emperor. Druids, prophets, and medicine-men suppressed by, [62]
Tierna (Teer'na). Abbot of Clonmacnois, eleventh-century historian, [150]
Tiernmas (teern'mas). Fifth Irish king who succeeded Eremon, [148];
idol Crom Cruach and, [148], [149];
his death, [149]
Tonn Cliodhna (thown cleena). Otherwise “Wave of Cleena.”
One of the most notable landmarks of Ireland, [127]
Tor Mōr. Precipitous headland in Tory Island;
Ethlinn imprisoned by Balor in tower built on, [110]
Tory Island. Stronghold of Fomorian power, [101];
invaded by Nemedians, [101]
Tradaban´, The Well of. Keelta's praises of, [282], [283]
Transmigration. The doctrine of, allegation that Celtic idea of immortality embodied Oriental conception of, [80];
doctrine of, not held by Celts in same way as by Pythagoras and the Orientals, [81];
Welsh Taliessin who became an eagle, [100].
Trendorn. Conor's servant, [199];
spies on Deirdre, [200];
is blinded in one eye by Naisi, [200];
declares Deirdre's beauty to Conor, [200]
Treon (tray'on). Father of Vivionn, [287]
Tristan and Iseult. Tale of Dermot and Grania paralleled in story as told by Heinrich von Freiberg, [299]
Troyes. See [Chrestien de Troyes]
Tuan mac Carell. The legend of, recorded in MS. “Book of the Dun Cow,” [97];
king of all deer in Ireland, [99];
name of “gods” given to the People of Dana by, [104]
Tuatha De Danann (thoo'a-haw day danawn'). Literal meaning, “the folk of the god whose mother is Dana,” [103]
Turenn. The quest of the Sons of, [113]-[116];
reference to Lugh in the quest of the Sons of, [123]
Twrch Trwyth (toorch troo'-with). A king in shape of a monstrous boar, [391]
Tyler. Reference of, in his “Primitive Culture,” to festival of Sun-god, Tezcatlipoca, [77]
Tylwyth Teg. Welsh fairies;
Gwyn ap Nudd, King of the, [353]
Tyren. Sister to Murna, [266];
Ullan, husband of, [266];
changed by a woman of the Fairy Folk into a hound, [266]
U
Ugainy the Great (oo'gany). Ruler of Ireland, &c., husband of Kesair, father of Laery and Covac, [152]
Ulster. Kingdom of, founded in reign of Kimbay, [150];
Dithorba's five sons expelled from, [151];
Dectera's gift of Cuchulain to, [182];
Conor, King of, [180], [190], [191];
Felim, son of Dall, a lord of, [196];
Maev's war against province of, to secure Brown Bull of Quelgny, [202]-[251];
under the Debility curse, [205];
passes of, guarded by Cuchulain of Murthemney, [206];
aroused by Sualtam, [221], [222];
Macha's curse lifted from men of, [222];
Ailell and Maev make a seven years' peace with, [225];
curse of Macha again on the men of, [229];
Wee Folk swarm into [248], [249]
Ultonian-s. Great fair of, visited by Crundchu, [178];
his boast of Macha's swiftness, [179];
the debility of, caused by Macha's curse, [179], [180];
the debility of, descends [pg 457] on Ulster, [205];
Cycle, events of, supposed to have happened about time of Christ, [252]
Underworld. The cult of, found existing by Celts when they got to Western Europe, [82];
Dis, or Pluto, god of, [88];
Māth, god of, [349];
identical with Land of the Dead, [130]
Usna. Father of Naisi, [198];
sons of, inquired for by Conor, [199]
Uther Pendragon. Father of Arthur, [337]
V
Valley of the Thrushes. Oisīn's spell broken in, [274]
Veil of Illusion, The. Thrown over Caradawc by Caswallan, [372]
Vercingetorix. Celtic chief;
his defeat by Cæsar, his death, [40]
Vergil. Evidence of Celtic ancestry in name, [21].
Vitra. The God of Evil in Vedantic mythology, related to Cenchos, the Footless, [97]
Vivionn (Bebhionn). A young giantess, daughter of Treon, from the Land of Maidens, [287];
slain by Æda, and buried in the place called the Ridge of the Dead, [288]
Voyage of Maeldūn. See [Maeldūn]
W
Wace. Author of “Li Romans de Brut,” [338]
Wales. Arthurian saga in, [343], [344];
prophecy of Taliesin about, [385]
Wave of Cleena. See [Tonn Cliodhna]
Wee Folk, The. Fergus mac Leda and, [246]-[249];
Iubdan, King of, [246]
Well of Kesair. Mac Cecht visits, [175]
Well of Knowledge. Equivalent, Connla's Well.
Sinend's fatal visit to, [129]
Welsh Fairies. See [Tylwyth Teg]
Welsh Literature. The Arthur in the Arthurian saga wholly different from the Arthur in, [336];
compared with Irish, [344];
tales of Arthur in, [386]
Welsh MS. Society. Llewellyn Sion's “Barddas” edited by J.A. Williams ap Ithel for, [332]
Welsh Romance. The character of, [395], [396]
Weston, Miss Jessie L. Reference to her studies on the Arthurian saga, [341]
William the Conqueror. Reference to, in connexion with Arthurian saga, [343]
Wolfram von Eschenbach. His story of the Grail, [407]
Y
Yellow Book of Lecan. Tale of Cuchulain and Connla in, [192]
Youth. The maiden who gave the Love Spot to Dermot, [292]
Yspaddaden Penkawr (is-pa-dhad'en). Father of Olwen, [387];
the tasks he set Kilhwch, [390]-[392];
slain by Goreu son of Custennin, [392]
Z
Zimmer, Dr. Heinrich. On the source of the Arthurian saga, [343]
Zoroaster. Religion of magic invented by, [61]
In reference to the name “Freeman,” Mr. Nicholson adds: “No one was more intensely ‘English’ in his sympathies than the great historian of that name, and probably no one would have more strenuously resisted the suggestion that he might be of Welsh descent; yet I have met his close physical counterpart in a Welsh farmer (named Evans) living within a few minutes of Pwllheli.”
He speaks of “Nyrax, a Celtic city,” and “Massalia [Marseilles], a city of Liguria in the land of the Celts” (“Fragmenta Hist. Græc.”).
In his “Premiers Habitants de l'Europe,” vol. ii.
“Cæesar's Conquest of Gaul,” pp. 251-327.
The ancients were not very close observers of physical characteristics. They describe the Celts in almost exactly the same terms as those which they apply to the Germanic races. Dr. Rice Holmes is of opinion that the real difference, physically, lay in the fact that the fairness of the Germans was blond, and that of the Celts red. In an interesting passage of the work already quoted (p. 315) he observes that, “Making every allowance for the admixture of other blood, which must have considerably modified the type of the original Celtic or Gallic invaders of these islands, we are struck by the fact that among all our Celtic-speaking fellow subjects there are to be found numerous specimens of a type which also exists in those parts of Brittany which were colonised by British invaders, and in those parts of Gaul in which the Gallic invaders appear to have settled most thickly, as well as in Northern Italy, where the Celtic invaders were once dominant; and also by the fact that this type, even among the more blond representatives of it, is strikingly different, to the casual as well as to the scientific observer, from that of the purest representatives of the ancient Germans. The well-known picture of Sir David Wilkie, ‘Reading of the Waterloo Gazette,’ illustrates, as Daniel Wilson remarked, the difference between the two types. Put a Perthshire Highlander side by side with a Sussex farmer. Both will be fair; but the red hair and beard of the Scot will be in marked contrast with the fair hair of the Englishman, and their features will differ still more markedly. I remember teeing two gamekeepers in a railway carriage running from Inverness to Lairey. They were tall, athletic, fair men, evidently belonging to the Scandinavian type, which, as Dr. Beddoe says, is so common in the extreme north of Scotland; but both in colouring and in general aspect they were utterly different from the tall, fair Highlanders whom I had seen in Perthshire. There was not a trace of red in their hair, their long beards being absolutely yellow. The prevalence of red among the Celtic-speaking people is, it seems to me, a most striking characteristic. Not only do we find eleven men in every hundred whose hair is absolutely red, but underlying the blacks and the dark browns the lame tint is to be discovered.”
See the map of comparative nigrescence given in Ripley's “Races of Europe,” p. 318. In France, however, the Bretons are not a dark race relatively to the rest of the population. They are composed partly of the ancient Gallic peoples and partly of settlers from Wales who were driven out by the Saxon invasion.
See for these names Holder's “Altceltischer Sprachschatz.”
Vergil might possibly mean “the very-bright” or illustrious one, a natural form for a proper name. Ver in Gallic names (Vercingetorix, Vercassivellasimus, &c.) is often an intensive prefix, like the modern Irish fior. The name of the village where Vergil was born, Andes (now Pietola), is Celtic. His love of nature, his mysticism, and his strong feeling for a certain decorative quality in language and rhythm are markedly Celtic qualities. Tennyson's phrases for him, “landscape-lover, lord of language,” are suggestive in this connexion.
Ptolemy, a friend, and probably, indeed, half-brother, of Alexander, was doubtless present when this incident took place. His work has not survived, but is quoted by Arrian and other historians.
One is reminded of the folk-tale about Henny Penny, who went to tell the king that the sky was falling.
The Book of Leinster is a manuscript of the twelfth century. The version of the “Táin” given in it probably dates from the eighth. See de Jubainville, “Premiers Habitants,” ii. 316.
Dr. Douglas Hyde in his “Literary History of Ireland” (p. 7) gives a slightly different translation.
It is also a testimony to the close accuracy of the narrative of Ptolemy.
Roman history tells of various conflicts with the Celts during this period, but de Jubainville has shown that these narratives are almost entirely mythical. See “Premiers Habitants,” ii. 318-323.
E.g., Moymell (magh-meala), the Plain of Honey, a Gaelic name for Fairyland, and many place-names.
For these and many other examples see de Jubainville's “Premiers Habitants,” ii. 255 sqq.
Quoted by Mr. Romilly Allen in “Celtic Art,” p. 136.
“Premiers Habitants,” ii. 355, 356.
Irish is probably an older form of Celtic speech than Welsh. This is shown by many philological peculiarities of the Irish language, of which one of the most interesting may here be briefly referred to. The Goidelic or Gaelic Celts, who, according to the usual theory, first colonised the British Islands, and who were forced by successive waves of invasion by their Continental kindred to the extreme west, had a peculiar dislike to the pronunciation of the letter p. Thus the Indo-European particle pare, represented by Greek παρά, beside or close to, becomes in early Celtic are, as in the name Are-morici (the Armoricans, those who dwell ar muir, by the sea); Are-dunum (Ardin, in France); Are-cluta, the place beside the Clota (Clyde), now Dumbarton; Are-taunon, in Germany (near the Taunus Mountains), &c. When this letter was not simply dropped it was usually changed into c (k, g). But about the sixth century B.C. a remarkable change passed over the language of the Continental Celts. They gained in some unexplained way the faculty for pronouncing p, and even substituted it for existing c sounds; thus the original Cretanis became Pretanis, Britain, the numeral qetuares (four) became petuares, and so forth. Celtic place-names in Spain show that this change must have taken place before the Celtic conquest of that country, 500 B.C. Now a comparison of many Irish and Welsh words shows distinctly this avoidance of p on the Irish side and lack of any objection to it on the Welsh. The following are a few illustrations:
| Irish | Welsh | English |
| crann | prenn | tree |
| mac | map | ton |
| cenn | pen | head |
| clumh (cluv) | pluv | feather |
| cúig | pimp | five |
The conclusion that Irish must represent the older form of the language seems obvious. It is remarkable that even to a comparatively late date the Irish preserved their dislike to p. Thus they turned the Latin Pascha (Easter) to Casg; purpur, purple, to corcair, pulsatio (through French pouls) to cuisle. It must be noted, however, that Nicholson in his “Keltic Researches” endeavours to show that the so-called Indo-European p—that is, p standing alone and uncombined with another consonant—was pronounced by the Goidelic Celts at an early period. The subject can hardly be said to be cleared up yet.
The Irish, says Edmund Spenser, in his “View of the Present State of Ireland,” “use commonyle to send up and down to know newes, and yf any meet with another, his second woorde is, What newes?”
Compare Spenser: “I have heard some greate warriors say, that in all the services which they had seen abroad in forrayne countreys, they never saw a more comely horseman than the Irish man, nor that cometh on more bravely in his charge ... they are very valiante and hardye, for the most part great endurours of cold, labour, hunger and all hardiness, very active and stronge of hand, very swift of foote, very vigilaunte and circumspect in theyr enterprises, very present in perrils, very great scorners of death.”
The scene of the surrender of Vercingetorix is not recounted by Cæsar, and rests mainly on the authority of Plutarch and of the historian Florus, but it is accepted by scholars (Mommsen, Long, &c.) as historic.
These were a tribe who took their name from the gæsum, a kind of Celtic javelin, which was their principal weapon. The torque, or twisted collar of gold, is introduced as a typical ornament in the well-known statue of the dying Gaul, commonly called “The Dying Gladiator.” Many examples are preserved in the National Museum of Dublin.
“Cæsar's Conquest of Gaul,” pp. 10, 11. Let it be added that the aristocratic Celts were, like the Teutons, dolichocephalic—that is to say, they had heads long in proportion to their breadth. This is proved by remains found in the basin of the Marne, which was thickly populated by them. In one case the skeleton of the tall Gallic warrior was found with his war-car, iron helmet, and sword, now in the Music de St.-Germain. The inhabitants of the British Islands are uniformly long-headed, the round-headed “Alpine” type occurring very rarely. Those of modern France are round-headed. The shape of the head, however, is now known to be by no means a constant racial character. It alters rapidly in a new environment, as is shown by measurements of the descendants of immigrants in America. See an article on this subject by Professor Haddon in “Nature,” Nov. 3, 1910.
In the “Tain Bo Cuailgne,” for instance, the King of Ulster must not speak to a messenger until the Druid, Cathbad, has questioned him. One recalls the lines of Sir Samuel Ferguson in his Irish epic poem, “Congal”:
“... For ever since the time When Cathbad smothered Usnach's sons in that foul sea of slime Raised by abominable spells at Creeveroe's bloody gate, Do ruin and dishonour still on priest-led kings await.”
Celtice, Diarmuid mac Cearbhaill.
It was the practice, known in India also, for a person who was wronged by a superior, or thought himself so, to sit before the doorstep of the denier of justice and fast until right was done him. In Ireland a magical power was attributed to the ceremony, the effect of which would be averted by the other person fasting as well.
“Silva Gadelica,” by S.H. O'Grady, p. 73.
The authority here quoted is a narrative contained in a fifteenth-century vellum manuscript found in Lismore Castle in 1814, and translated by S.H. O'Grady in his “Silva Gadelica.” The narrative is attributed to an officer of Dermot's court.
From Greek megas, great, and lithos, a stone.
See [p. 78].
See Borlase's “Dolmens of Ireland,” pp. 605, 606, for a discussion of this question.
Professor Ridgeway (see Report of the Brit. Assoc. for 1908) has contended that the Megalithic People spoke an Aryan language; otherwise he thinks more traces of its influence must have survived in the Celtic which supplanted it. The weight of authority, as well as such direct evidence as we possess, seems to be against his view.
See Holder,“Altceltischer Sprachschatz.” sulb voce “Hyperboreoi.”
Thus the Greek pharmakon=medicine, poison, or charm; and I am informed that the Central African word for magic or charm is mankwala, which also means medicine.
If Pliny meant that it was here first codified and organised he may be right, but the conceptions on which magic rest are practically universal, and of immemorial antiquity.
Adopted 451 B.C. Livy entitles them “the fountain of all public and private right.” They stood in the Forum till the third century A.D., but have now perished, except for fragments preserved in various commentaries.
See “Revue Archeologique,” t. xii., 1865, “Fouilles de René Galles.”
Jade is not found in the native state in Europe, nor nearer than China.
Small stones, crystals, and gems were, however, also venerated. The celebrated Black Stone of Pergamos was the subject of an embassy from Rome to that city in the time of the Second Punic War, the Sibylline Books having predicted victory to its possessors. It was brought to Rome with great rejoicings in the year 205. It is stated to have been about the size of a man's fist, and was probably a meteorite. Compare the myth in Hesiod which relates how Kronos devoured a stone in the belief that it was his offspring, Zeus. It was then possible to mistake a stone for a god.
Replaced by a photograph in this edition.
See Sir J. Simpson's “Archaic Sculpturings” 1867.
The fact is recorded in the “Annals of the Four Masters” Under the date 861, and in the “Annals of Ulster” under 862.
See “Transactions of the Royal Irish Academy,” vol. xxx. pt. i., 1892, and “New Grange,” by G. Coffey, 1912.
It must be observed, however, that the decoration was, certainly, in some, and perhaps in all cases, carried out before the stones were placed in position. This is also the case at Gavr'inis.
He has modified this view in his latest work, “New Grange,” 1912.
“Proc. Royal Irish Acad.,” vol. viii. 1863, p. 400, and G. Coffey, op. cit. p. 30.
“Les Sculptures de Rochers de la Suède,” read at the Prehistoric Congress, Stockholm, 1874; and see G. Coffey, op. cit. p. 60.
“Dolmens of Ireland,” pp. 701-704.
“The Religion of Babylonia and Assyria.”
A good example from Amaravati (after Fergusson) is given by Bertrand, “Rel. des G.,” p. 389.
Sergi, “The Mediterranean Race,” p. 313.
At Lökeberget, Bohuslän; see Monteiius, op. cit.
See Lord Kingsborough's “Antiquities of Mexico,” passim, and the Humboldt fragment of Mexican painting (reproduced in Churchward's “Signs and Symbols of Primordial Man”).
See Sergi, op. cit. p. 290, for the Ankh on a French dolmen.
“Bulletin de la Soc. d'Anthropologie,” Paris, April 1893.
“The Welsh People,” pp. 616-664, where the subject is fully discussed in an appendix by Professor J. Morris Jones. “The pre-Aryan idioms which still live in Welsh and Irish were derived from a language allied to Egyptian and the Berber tongues.”
Flinders Petrie, “Egypt and Israel,” pp. 137, 899.
I quote from Mr. H.B. Cotterill's beautiful hexameter version.
Valerius Maximus (about A.D 30) and other classical writers mention this practice.
Book V.
De Jubainville, “Irish Mythological Cycle,” p.191 sqq.
The etymology of the word “Druid” is no longer an unsolved problem. It had been suggested that the latter part of the word might be connected with the Aryan root VID, which appears in “wisdom,” in the Latin videre, &c., Thurneysen has now shown that this root in combination with the intensive particle dru would yield the word dru-vids, represented in Gaelic by draoi, a Druid, just as another intensive, su, with vids yields the Gaelic saoi, a sage.
See Rice Holmes, “Cæsar's Conquest,” p. 15, and pp. 532-536. Rhys, it may be observed, believes that Druidism was the religion of the aboriginal inhabitants of Western Europe “from the Baltic to Gibraltar” (“Celtic Britain,” p. 73). But we only know of it where Celts and dolmen-builders combined. Cæsar remarks of the Germans that they had no Druids and cared little about sacrificial ceremonies.
“Rel. des Gaulois,” leçon xx.
Quoted by Bertrand, op. cit. p. 279.
“The Irish Mythological Cycle,” by d'Arbois de Jubainville, p. 6l. The “Dinnsenchus” in question is an early Christian document. No trace of a being like Crom Cruach has been found as yet in the pagan literature of Ireland, nor in the writings of St. Patrick, and I think it is quite probable that even in the time of St. Patrick human sacrifices had become only a memory.
A representation of human sacrifice has, however, lately been discovered in a Temple of the Sun in the ancient Ethiopian capital, Meroë.
“You [Celts] who by cruel blood outpoured think to appease the pitiless Teutates, the horrid Æsus with his barbarous altars, and Taranus whose worship is no gentler than that of the Scythian Diana”, to whom captive were offered up. (Lucan, “Pharsalia”, i. 444.) An altar dedicated to Æsus has been discovered in Paris.
Mont Mercure, Mercœur, Mercoirey, Montmartre (Mons Mercurii), &c.
To this day in many parts of France the peasantry use terms like annuit, o'né, anneue, &c., all meaning “to-night,” for aujourd'hui (Bertrand, “Rel. des G.,” p. 356).
The fili, or professional poets, it must be remembered, were a branch of the Druidic order.
For instance, Pelagius in the fifth century; Columba, Columbanus, and St. Gall in the sixth; Fridolin, named Viator, “the Traveller,” and Fursa in the seventh; Virgilius (Feargal) of Salzburg, who had to answer at Rome for teaching the sphericity of the earth, in the eighth; Dicuil, “the Geographer,” and Johannes Scotus Erigena—the master mind of his epoch—in the ninth.
Dealgnaid. I have been obliged here, as occasionally elsewhere, to modify the Irish names so as to make them pronounceable by English readers.
See [a]p. 48, note 1].
I follow in this narrative R.I. Best's translation of the “Irish Mythological Cycle” of d'Arbois de Jubainville.
De Jubainville, “Irish Mythological Cycle,” p. 75.
Pronounced “Yeo´hee.” See Glossary for this and other words.
The science of the Druids, as we have seen, was conveyed in verse, and the professional poets were a branch of the Druidic Order.
Meyer and Nutt, “Voyage of Bran,” ii. 197.
“Moytura” means “The Plain of the Towers”—i.e., sepulchral monuments.
Shakespeare alludes to this in “As You Like It.” “I never was so be-rhymed,” says Rosalind, “since Pythagoras' time, that I was an Irish rat—which I can hardly remember.”
Lyons, Leyden, Laon were all in ancient times known as Lug-dunum, the Fortress of Lugh. Luguvallum was the name of a town near Hadrian's Wall in Roman Britain.
It is given by him in a note to the “Four Masters,” vol. i. p. 18, and is also reproduced by de Jubainville.
The other two were “The Fate of the Children of Lir” and “The Fate of the Sons of Usna.” The stories of the Quest of the Sons of Turenn and that of the Children of Lir have been told in full by the author in his “High Deeds of Finn and other Bardic Romances,” and that of the “Sons of Usna” (the Deirdre Legend) by Miss Eleanor Hull in her “Cuchulain,” both published by Harrap and Co
O'Curry's translation from the bardic tale, “The Battle of Moytura.”
O'Curry, “Manners and Customs,” iii. 214.
The ancient Irish division of the year contained only these three seasons, including autumn in summer (O'Curry, “Manners and Customs,” iii. 217).]
S.H. O'Grady, “Silva Gadelica,” p. 191.
Pp. 104 sqq., and passim.
O'Grady, loc. cit.
O'Grady, loc. cit.
See [p. 112].
Miss Hull has discussed this subject fully in the introduction to her invaluable work, “The Cuchullin Saga.”
See the tale of “Etain and Midir,” in Chap. IV.
The name Tara is derived from an oblique case of the nominative Teamhair, meaning “the place of the wide prospect.” It is now a broad grassy hill, in Co. Meath, covered with earthworks representing the sites of the ancient royal buildings, which can all be clearly located from ancient descriptions.
A.H. Leahy, “Heroic Romances,” i. 27.
See [p. 114].
I cannot agree with Mr. O'Grady's identification of this goddess with Dana, though the name appears to mean “The Great Queen.”
Gerald, the fourth Earl of Desmond. He disappeared, it is said, in 1398, and the legend goes that he still lives beneath the waters of Loch Gur, and may be seen riding round its banks on his white steed once every seven years. He was surnamed “Gerald the Poet” from the “witty and ingenious” verses he composed in Gaelic. Wizardry, poetry, and science were all united in one conception in the mind of the ancient Irish.
“Popular Tales of Ireland,” by D. Fitzgerald, in “Revue Celtique,” vol. iv.
“The Voyage of Bran,” vol. ii. p. 219.
In Irish, Sionnain.
Translation by R.I. Best.
The solar vessels found in dolmen carvings. See Chap. II. p. 71 sqq. Note that the Celtic spirits, though invisible, are material and have weight; not so those in Vergil and Dante.
De Jubainville, “Irish Mythological Cycle,” p. 136. Beltené is the modern Irish name for the month of May, and is derived from an ancient root preserved in the Old Irish compound epelta, “dead.”
“Irish Mythological Cycle,” p. 138.
I follow again de Jubainville's translation; but in connexion with this and the previous poems see also Ossianic Society's “Transactions,” vol. v.
Teltin; so named after the goddess Telta. See [p. 103].
Pronounced “Shee.” It means literally the People of the [Fairy] Mounds.
Pronounced “Eefa.”
This name means “The Maid of the Fair Shoulder.”
The story here summarised is given in full in the writer's “High Deeds of Finn” (Harrap and Co.).
It may be mentioned that the syllable “Kill,” which enters into so many Irish place-names (Kilkenny, Killiney, Kilcooley, &c.), usually represents the Latin cella, a monastic cell, shrine, or church.
Cleena (Cliodhna) was a Danaan princess about whom a legend is told connected with the Bay of Glandore in Co. Cork. See p. 127.
See [p. 85].
“Omnia monumenta Scotorum ante Cimbaoth incerta erant.” Tierna, who died in 1088, was Abbot of Clonmacnois, a great monastic and educational centre in mediæval Ireland.
Compare the fine poem of a modern Celtic writer (Sir Samuel Ferguson), “The Widow's Cloak”—i.e., the British Empire in the days of Queen Victoria.
“Critical History of Ireland,” p. 180.
Pronounced “El´yill.”
The ending ster in three of the names of the Irish provinces is of Norse origin, and is a relic of the Viking conquests in Ireland. Connacht, where the Vikings did not penetrate, alone preserves its Irish name unmodified. Ulster (in Irish Ulaidh) is supposed to derive its name from Ollav Fōla, Munster (Mumhan) from King Eocho Mumho, tenth in succession from Eremon, and Connacht was “the land of the children of Conn”—he who was called Conn of the Hundred Battles, and who died A.D. 157.
The reader may, however, be referred to the tale of Etain and Midir as given in full by A.H. Leahy (“Heroic Romances of Ireland”), and by the writer in his “High Deeds of Finn,” and to the tale of Conary rendered by Sir S. Ferguson (“Poems,” 1886), in what Dr. Whitley Stokes has described as the noblest poem ever written by an Irishman.
Pronounced “Yeo´hee.”
I quote Mr. A.H. Leahy's translation from a fifteenth-century Egerton manuscript (“Heroic Romances of Ireland,” vol. i. p. 12). The story is, however, found in much more ancient authorities.
Ogham letters, which were composed of straight lines arranged in a certain order about the axis formed by the edge of a squared pillar-stone, were used for sepulchral inscription and writing generally before the introduction of the Roman alphabet in Ireland.
The reference is to the magic swine of Mananan, which were killed and eaten afresh every day, and whose meat preserved the eternal youth of the People of Dana.
See [p. 124].
The meaning quoted will be found in the Dictionary under the alternative form geas
I quote from Whitley Stokes' translation, Revue Celtique, January 1901, and succeeding numbers.
Bregia was the great plain lying eastwards of Tara between Boyne and Liffey
“The Destruction of Da Derga's Hostel.”
Pronounced “Koohoo´lin.”
See [p. 150].
See pp. 121-123 for an account of this deity.
It is noticeable that among the characters figuring in the Ultonian legendary cycle many names occur of which the word Cu (hound) forms a part. Thus we have Curoi, Cucorb, Beälcu, &c. The reference is no doubt to the Irish wolf-hound, a fine type of valour and beauty.
Now Lusk, a village on the coast a few miles north of Dublin.
Owing to the similarity of the name the supernatural country of Skatha, “the Shadowy,” was early identified with the islands of Skye, where the Cuchulain Peaks still bear witness to the legend.
This, of course, was Cuchulain's father, Lugh.
This means probably “the belly spear.” With this terrible weapon Cuchulain was fated in the end to slay his friend Ferdia.
See genealogical table, p. 181.
Miss Hull, “The Cuchullin Saga,” p. lxxii, where the solar theory of the Brown Bull is dealt with at length.
A cumal was the unit of value in Celtic Ireland. It is mentioned as such by St. Patrick. It meant the price of a woman-slave.
The cune laid on them by Macha. Sec p. 180.
Cuchulain, as the son of the god Lugh, was not subject to the curse of Macha which afflicted the other Ultonians.
His reputed father, the mortal husband of Dectera
In the Irish bardic literature, as in the Homeric epics, chastity formed no part of the masculine ideal either for gods or men.
“The Ford of the Forked Pole.”
I quote from Standish Hayes O'Grady's translation, in Miss Hull's “Cuchullin Saga.”
Ath Fherdia, which is pronounced and now spelt “Ardee.” It is in Co. Louth, at the southern border of the Plain of Murthemney, which was Cuchulain's territory.
See [p. 126].
In ancient Ireland there were five provinces, Munster being counted as two, or, as some ancient authorities explain it, the High King's territory in Meath and Westmeath being reckoned a separate province.
“Clan” in Gaelic means children or offspring. Clan Calatin=the sons of Calatin.
Together with much that is wild and barbaric in this Irish epic of the “Tain” the reader will be struck by the ideals of courtesy and gentleness which not infrequently come to light in it. It must be remembered that, as Mr. A.H. Leahy points out in his “Heroic Romances of Ireland,” the legend of the Raid of Quelgny is, at the very latest, a century earlier than all other known romances of chivalry, Welsh or Continental. It is found in the “Book of Leinster,” a manuscript of the twelfth century, as well as in other sources, and was doubtless considerably older than the date of its transcription there. “The whole thing,” says Mr. Leahy, “stands at the very beginning of the literature of modern Europe.”
Another instance of the survival of the oath formula recited by the Celtic envoys to Alexander the Great. See [p. 23].
“Rising-out” is the vivid expression used by Irish writers for a clan or territory going on the war-path. “Hosting” is also used in a similar sense.
See [p. 130].
The sword of Fergus was a fairy weapon called the Caladcholg (hard dinter), a name of which Arthur's more famous “Excalibur” is a Latinised corruption.
The reference is to Deirdre.
See [p. 211].
A.H. Leahy's translation, “Heroic Romances of Ireland,” vol. i.
The cloak of Mananan (see [p. 125]) typifies the sea—here, in its dividing and estranging power.
This Curoi appears in various tales of the Ultonian Cycle with attributes which show that he was no mortal king, but a local deity.
This apparition of the Washer of the Ford is of frequent occurrence in Irish legend.
See [p. 164] for the reference to geis. “His namesake” refers, of course, to the story of the Hound of Cullan, pp. [183], [184].
It was a point of honour to refuse nothing to a bard; one king is said to have given his eye when it was demanded of him.
Craobh Ruadh—the Red Branch hostel.
The story is told in full in the author's “High Deeds of Finn.”
Pronounced “Bay-al-koo.”
Inis Clothrann, now known as Quaker's Island. The pool no longer exists.
“Youb´dan.”
Dr. P. W. Joyce's “Irish Names of Places” is a storehouse of information on this subject.
[a]P. 211, note].
The name is given both to the hill, ard, and to the ford, atha beneath it.
Pronounced “mac Cool.”
Pronounced “Usheen.”
Subject, of course, to the possibility that the present revival of Gaelic as a spoken tongue may lead to the opening of a new chapter in that history.
See “Ossian and Ossianic Literature,” by Alfred Nutt, p. 4.
Now Castleknock, near Dublin.
In the King's County.
The hill still bears the name, Knockanar.
Glanismole, near Dublin.
Talkenn, or “Adze-head,” was a name given to St. Patrick by the Irish. Probably it referred to the shape of his tonsure.
Pronounced “Sleeve-na-mon´”: accent on last syllable. It means the Mountain of the [Fairy] Women.
Translation by S.H. O'Grady.
See [p. 105].
Examples of these have been published, with translations, in the “Transactions of the Ossianic Society.”
Taken down from the recital of a peasant in Co. Galway and published at Rennes in Dr. Hyde's “An Sgeuluidhe Gaodhalach,” vol. ii. (no translation).
Now Athlone (Atha Luain).
How significant is this naïve indication that the making of forays on his neighbours was regarded in Celtic Ireland as the natural and laudable occupation of a country gentleman! Compare Spenser's account of the ideals fostered by the Irish bards of his time, “View of the Present State of Ireland,” p. 641 (Globe edition).
Dr. John Todhunter, in his “Three Irish Bardic Tales,” has alone, I think, kept the antique ending of the tale of Deirdre.
“Waifs and Strays of Celtic Tradition,” Argyllshire Series. The tale was taken down in verse, word for word, from the dictation of Roderick mac Fadyen in Tiree, 1868.
Here we have evidently a reminiscence of Briccriu of the Poisoned Tongue, the mischief-maker of the Ultonians.
The Arans are three islands at the entrance of Galway Bay. They are a perfect museum of mysterious ruins.
Pronounced “Ghermawn”—the “G” hard.
Horse-racing was a particular delight to the ancient Irish, and is mentioned in a ninth-century poem in praise of May as one of the attractions of that month. The name of the month of May given in an ancient Gaulish calendar means “the month of horse-racing.”
The same phenomenon is recorded as being witnessed by Peredur in the Welsh tale of that name in the “Mabinogion.”
Like the bridge to Skatha't dūn, [p. 188].
Probably we are to understand that he was an anchorite seeking for an islet on which to dwell in solitude and contemplation. The western islands of Ireland abound in the ruins of huts and oratories built by single monks or little communities.
Tennyson has been particularly happy in his description of these undersea islands.
Ps. ciii. 5.
This disposes of the last of the foster-brothers, who should not have joined the party.
Tory Island, off the Donegal coast. There was there a monastery and a church dedicated to St. Columba.
“One day we shall delight in the remembrance of these things.” The quotation is from Vergil, “Æn.” i. 203 “Sacred poet” is a translation of the vates sacer of Horace.
This sage and poet has not been identified from any other record. Praise and thanks to him, whoever he may have been.
“The Mabinogion,” pp. [45] and [54].
Pronounced “Annoon.” It was the word used in the early literature for Hades or Fairyland.
“Barddas,” vol. i. pp. 224 sqq.
Strange as it may seem to us, the character of this object was by no means fixed from the beginning. In the poem of Wolfram von Eschenbach it is a stone endowed with magical properties. The word is derived by the early fabulists from gréable, something pleasant to possess and enjoy, and out of which one could have à son gré, whatever he chose of good things. The Grail legend will be dealt with later in connexion with the Welsh tale “Peredur.”
Distinguished by these from the other great storehouse of poetic legend, the Matière de Bretagne—i.e., the Arthurian saga.
See [p. 103].
“Cultur der Gegenwart,” i. ix.
A list of them is given in Lobineau's “Histoire de Bretagne.”
See, e.g., pp. [243] and [a]218, note].
See [p. 233], and a similar case in the author's “High Deeds of Finn,” p. 82.
See [p. 232], and the tale of the recovery of the “Tain,” [p. 234].
“Pwyll King of Dyfed,” “Bran and Branwen,” “Math Sor of Māthonwy,” and “Manawyddan Son of Llyr.”
See [p. 107].
“Hibbert Lectures,” pp. 237-240.
See pp. [88], [109], &c. Lugh, of course, = Lux, Light. The Celtic words Lamh and Llaw were used indifferently for hand or arm.
Mr. Squire, in his “Mythology of the British Islands,” 1905, has brought together in a clear and attractive form the most recent results of studies on this subject.
Finn and Gwyn are respectively the Gaelic and Cymric forms of the same name, meaning fair or white.
“Mythology of the British Islands,” p. 225.
The sense appears to be doubtful here, and is variously rendered.
Lloegyr = Saxon Britain.
Rhys, “Hibbert Lectures,” quoting from the ancient saga of Merlin published by the English Text Society, p. 693.
“Mythology of the British Islands,” pp. 325, 326; and Rhys, “Hibbert Lectures,” p. 155 sqq.
In the “Iolo MSS.,” collected by Edward Williams.
We see here that we have got far from primitive Celtic legend. The heroes fight like mediaeval knights on horseback, tilting at each other with spears, not in chariots or on foot, and not with the strange weapons which figure in Gaelic battle-tales.
Hēn, “the Ancient”; an epithet generally implying a hoary antiquity associated with mythological tradition.
Pronounced “Pry-dair´y.”
Evidently this was the triangular Norman shield, not the round or oval Celtic one. It has already been noticed that in these Welsh tales the knights when they fight tilt at each other with spears.
The reader may pronounce this “Matholaw.”
Compare the description of Mac Cecht in the tale of the Hostel of De Derga, p. 173.
Where the Tower of London now stands.
These stories, in Ireland and in Wales, always attach themselves to actual burial-places. In 1813 a funeral urn containing ashes and half-burnt bones was found in the spot traditionally supposed to be Branwen's sepulchre.
Saxon Britain.
This is a distorted reminiscence of the practice which seems to have obtained in the courts of Welsh princes, that a high officer should hold the king's feet in his lap while he sat at meat.
“Hawthorn, King of the Giants.”
The gods of the family of Dōn are thus conceived as servitors to Arthur, who in this story is evidently the god Artaius.
“She of the White Track.” Compare the description of Etain, pp. [157], [158].
There is no other mention of this Kenverchyn or of how Owain got his raven-army, also referred to in “The Dream of Rhonabwy.” We have here evidently a piece of antique mythology embedded in a more modern fabric.
Like the Breton Tale of “Peronnik the Fool,” translated in “Le Foyer Bréton,” by Emile Souvestre. The syllable Per which occurs in all forms of the hero's name means in Welsh and Cornish a bowl or vessel (Irish coire—see [a]p. 35, note]). No satisfactory derivation has in any case been found of the latter part of the name.
“They are nourished by a stone of most noble nature ... it is called lapsit exillîs; the stone is also called the Grail.” The term lapsit exillîs appears to be a corruption for lapis ex celis, “the stone from heaven.”
The true derivation is from the Low Latin cratella, a small vessel or chalice.
A similar selective action is ascribed to the Grail by Wolfram. It can only be lifted by a pure maiden when carried into the hall, and a heathen cannot see it or be benefited by it. The same idea is also strongly marked in the story narrating the early history of the Grail by Robert de Borron, about 1210: the impure and sinful cannot benefit by it. Borron, however, does not touch upon the Perceval or “quest” portion of the story at all.
Hades.
Caer Vedwyd means the Castle of Revelry. I follow the version of this poem given by Squire in his “Mythology of the British Islands,” where it may be read in full.
The combination of objects at the Grail Castle is very significant. They were a sword, a spear, and a vessel, or, in some versions, a stone. These are the magical treasures brought by the Danaans into Ireland—a sword, a spear, a cauldron, and a stone. See pp. 105, 106.
The Round Table finds no mention in Cymric legend earlier than the fifteenth century.
Vergil, in his mediæval character of magician.
Taliesin.
Alluding to the imaginary Trojan ancestry of the Britons.
I have somewhat abridged this curious poem. The connexion with ideas of transmigration, as in the legend of Tuan mac Carell (see pp. 97-101), is obvious. Tuan's last stage, it may be recalled, was a fish, and Taliesin was taken in a salmon-weir.