| Author | James Stephens |
| Title | The Story of Midir and Etain |
| Medium | Short Story; Novel |
| Original Language | English |
| Original Publication Date | 1924 |
| Original Source | “In the Land of Youth” by James Stephens |
| Source Type | Collection |
| Translator | – |
| Additional Publication Information | – |
The story of Midir and Étain is a famous tale from Irish mythology that was retold by the celebrated Irish author James Stephens. It centers on the faery prince Midir and his undying love for the mortal woman Étain.The narrative follows an intricate arc spanning two realms, which Stephens adapted in his 1924 mythological book,…
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One response to “(1924) The Story of Midir and Etain”
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One of the more familiar stories from Ancient Irish literature. After a very jumpy, semicomic beginning, the classical tale unfolds, but with many variant details. The two wives of the Shee king, Midir, cause problems. Both are in love with Angus Og, and Fuamnach, presumably first wife, employs a magician to wither Etain to almost nothing and blow her out of the land of the Shee.
In Ireland she is born again, grows up, and is married to Eochain Airem, the High King of Ireland, who loves her deeply. Since time passes differentially between earth and Fairyland, it is only a matter of minutes before Midir finds her as a woman on earth. He tries to arouse her memories, but fails. His next tactic is to challenge Eochain, who also happens to be chess champion of Ireland, to a match, the winner to name the stakes. After a bad beginning Midir wins and demands Etair as his prize. Eochain yields ungraciously, hoping to withstand Midir (whose identity he does not know), but Midir awakens Etain’s memories and they fly off as swans.
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