Myths and Legends of the Celtic Race - Knowledge Rush

CHAPTER VII: THE VOYAGE OF MAELDUN 283there but the bare rock, but remembering what he was biddenhe stepped out upon a little ledge over which the waves washed,and the boat immediately left him, and the rock was enlarged forhim. There he remained seven years, nourished by otters whichbrought him salmon out of the sea, and even flaming firewoodon which to cook them, and his cup was filled with good liquorevery day. “And neither wet nor heat nor cold affects me in thisplace.”At the noon hour miraculous nourishment was brought for thewhole crew, and thereafter the ancient man said to them:“Ye will all reach your country, and the man that slew thyfather, O Maeldūn, ye will find him in a fortress before you. Andslay him not, but forgive him; because God hath saved you frommanifold great perils, and ye too are men deserving of death.”Then they bade him farewell and went on their accustomedway.The Island of the FalconThis is uninhabited save for herds of sheep and oxen. Theyland on it and eat their fill, and one of them sees there a largefalcon. “This falcon,” he says, “is like the falcons of Ireland.” [330]“Watch it,” says Maeldūn, “and see how it will go from us.”It flew off to the south-east, and they rowed after it all day tillvespers.The Home-comingAt nightfall they sighted a land like Ireland; and soon cameto a small island, where they ran their prow ashore. It was theisland where dwelt the man who had slain Ailill.They went up to the dūn that was on the island, and heard mentalking within it as they sat at meat. One man said:“It would be ill for us if we saw Maeldūn now.”“That Maeldūn has been drowned,” said another.“Maybe it is he who shall waken you from sleep to-night,”said a third.“If he should come now,” said a fourth, “what should we do?”