Myths and Legends of the Celtic Race - Knowledge Rush

CHAPTER VI: TALES OF THE OSSIANIC CYCLE 255
which we have now to deal—the tale of Dermot and Grania.
The latter, from one point of view, reads like an echo of the
former, so close is the resemblance between them in the outline
of the plot. Take the following skeleton story: “A fair maiden
is betrothed to a renowned and mighty suitor much older than
herself. She turns from him to seek a younger lover, and fixes her
attention on one of his followers, a gallant and beautiful youth,
whom she persuades, in spite of his reluctance, to fly with her.
After evading pursuit they settle down for a while at a distance
from the defrauded lover, who bides his time, till at last, under
cover of a treacherous reconciliation, he procures the death of his
younger rival and retakes possession of the lady.” Were a student [297]
of Celtic legend asked to listen to the above synopsis, and to say
to what Irish tale it referred, he would certainly reply that it must
be either the tale of the Pursuit of Dermot and Grania, or that of
the Fate of the Sons of Usna; but which of them it was it would
be quite impossible for him to tell. Yet in tone and temper the
two stories are as wide apart as the poles.
Grania and Dermot
Grania, in the Fian story, is the daughter of Cormac mac Art,
High King of Ireland. She is betrothed to Finn mac Cumhal,
whom we are to regard at this period as an old and war-worn
but still mighty warrior. The famous captains of the Fianna all
assemble at Tara for the wedding feast, and as they sit at meat
Grania surveys them and asks their names of her father's Druid,
Dara. “It is a wonder,” she says, “that Finn did not ask me for
Oisīn, rather than for himself.” “Oisīn would not dare to take
thee,” says Dara. Grania, after going through all the company,
asks: “Who is that man with the spot on his brow, with the
sweet voice, with curling dusky hair and ruddy cheek” “That
is Dermot O'Dyna,” replies the Druid, “the white-toothed, of the
lightsome countenance, in all the world the best lover of women
and maidens.” Grania now prepares a sleepy draught, which she
places in a drinking-cup and passes round by her handmaid to