Myths and Legends of the Celtic Race - Knowledge Rush

CHAPTER VI: TALES OF THE OSSIANIC CYCLE 255which we have now to deal—the tale of Dermot and Grania.The latter, from one point of view, reads like an echo of theformer, so close is the resemblance between them in the outlineof the plot. Take the following skeleton story: “A fair maidenis betrothed to a renowned and mighty suitor much older thanherself. She turns from him to seek a younger lover, and fixes herattention 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 distancefrom the defrauded lover, who bides his time, till at last, undercover of a treacherous reconciliation, he procures the death of hisyounger rival and retakes possession of the lady.” Were a student [297]of Celtic legend asked to listen to the above synopsis, and to sayto what Irish tale it referred, he would certainly reply that it mustbe either the tale of the Pursuit of Dermot and Grania, or that ofthe Fate of the Sons of Usna; but which of them it was it wouldbe quite impossible for him to tell. Yet in tone and temper thetwo stories are as wide apart as the poles.Grania and DermotGrania, 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-wornbut still mighty warrior. The famous captains of the Fianna allassemble at Tara for the wedding feast, and as they sit at meatGrania surveys them and asks their names of her father's Druid,Dara. “It is a wonder,” she says, “that Finn did not ask me forOisīn, rather than for himself.” “Oisīn would not dare to takethee,” says Dara. Grania, after going through all the company,asks: “Who is that man with the spot on his brow, with thesweet voice, with curling dusky hair and ruddy cheek?” “Thatis Dermot O'Dyna,” replies the Druid, “the white-toothed, of thelightsome countenance, in all the world the best lover of womenand maidens.” Grania now prepares a sleepy draught, which sheplaces in a drinking-cup and passes round by her handmaid to