In early Irish mythology, Étaín was a sun goddess.
In Irish mythology Étaín was one of Ailill's daughters, supposedly with Medb.
When Midir fell in love with and married her, his rejected first wife Fuamnach became jealous and cast a series of spells on her. First Fuamnach turned Étaín into a pool of water, then into a worm, and then into a fly. Fuamnach then created a wind that sent the fly far until it fell on some rocks near the sea, where remained for seven years. After all that time, Aengus found the fly and wanted to bring it in the form of Étaín to Midir, but Fuamnach created another wind, and the fly fell into a glass of wine.
The wine was swallowed (together with the fly) by a pregnant woman, thereby enabling Étaín's rebirth. Years went by, and Étaín married King Eochaid Airem; however, Midir learned of this and journeyed to Tara (Eochaid's capital) to bring his wife back home. After several happenings, Midir and Étaín escaped from Eochaid's palace and returned home, pursued by the king. Thanks to Midir's magical abilities Étaín remained his wife and Eochaid was fooled.
Other names
See Also
Last updated: 10-16-2005 07:44:42
