[Page 64.] “King Mananaun.” The opening resembles a story of Curtin’s. Mananaun, the sea-god, was a great enchanter; hence, no doubt, the name of the King in this story.
[Page 67.] “The sea-run.” See note to “Bioultach.”
[Page 68.] “Faugauns and Blue-Men.” The first word appears to mean outlaws, and to be the origin of the word “fachan” in the Scotch stories, which has hitherto not been understood. Does Blue-men mean men stained with woad?
[Page 74.] “Nă riaxan.” See note to “Bioultach,” [page 48].
[Page 76.] “Blauheen Blöye” appears to mean simply “smooth blossom.” “The Amber Bracelet.” Amber is not found in Ireland. It was formerly believed to have magical qualities. Pliny says, “True it is that a collar of amber beads worn about the necks of young infants is a singular preservative to them against secret poison, and a counter-charm for witchcraft and sorceries”; also, “The price of a small figure of it exceeds that of a healthy living slave.”
[Page 77.] “Owas.” The “owas” must be regarded as a distinct personage in Gaelic mythology. They appear to have been human in shape at least. They are met with several times in the Scotch stories, where the word is written “amhus,” pronounced “owas.” They have sometimes definite names, of which an example occurs a little farther on.
[Page 78.] “Criers” (of the kitchen). I am not sure this is the meaning of “clafirj.” It may mean “gluttons.”
[Page 82.] This makes the fourth time the hero is killed and revived.
[Page 86.] “The Champion of the Red Belt.” The general tone of the story is wild and barbarous.