The Legend of Tír na Nóg
by Tim Prendiville

As described in the myths and legends of Ireland, the realm of spirit is a strange and mysterious place, not subject to the same laws of physics that govern the physical universe. To explore this idea consider a story from the Irish tradition.

One day a group of legendary hunters and warriors known as the Fianna stood on the western shore of Ireland and saw a remarkable vision--a beautiful woman riding a powerful white steed towards the surface of the ocean. This woman’s loveliness ran beyond the limits of mortal beauty; her luminous skin, velvety golden hair and delicate features suggested she was a daughter of the gods. The faery woman introduced herself to the Fianna as Niamh. She explained that she had come from the land of Tír na Nóg (Land of Youth). She had heard of Oisín, son of Fionn, and her father had granted her permission to come to the land of mortals and ask Oisín to return with her to Tír na Nóg as lord of that unearthly paradise forever.

Enraptured by her beauty, Oisín agreed and climbed on her mighty horse and road with her over the waves to the Land of Youth. There he found a flawless paradise, where health, prosperity and love ruled. After a magnificent wedding, Oisín and Niamh settled down to a blissful existence without pain or aging.

Eventually the day came when Oisín felt a longing for Ireland and his companions. Seeing his yearning, Niamh offered him her horse to return to Ireland for one last visit, but warned him not to touch the ground of Ireland under any circumstances. When he arrived, Ireland looked so different. He came across a group of men struggling to move a boulder. He asked them about his warrior clan, the mighty Fianna and they told him they had heard of such a legendary group who lived over 300 years ago. Then Oisín realized that centuries had passed during his sojourn in Tír na Nóg.

Oisín offered to help these little men move the boulder while
sitting on his saddle. But as he leaned over to assist, his saddle
strap broke and he fell to the ground. Immediately he began to
age, his hair got white, his skin parched and wrinkled
and his strength left him. Alarmed at this sad sight,
the men sent for Patrick, for this was in the era of the
coming of Christianity. Patrick and Oisín spoke of the
new religion briefly before the aged warrior died.

This story illustrates a number of qualities associated
with the otherworld.

1. Time passes differently in the other world than in the
   physical world. The passage of time does not have
   the same effect on aging there as it does here.
2. Although there are ways to move between the two
   worlds, there are limits to inhabiting both realms.
3. Immortality is possible in the other world, but cannot
   be imported back to the physical world.

Friday, October 26, 2007
6:30 pm
Armory Park Center
220 South 5th Ave
Tucson Arizona

Adults (16yrs +) $25      Children $10

Limited seating. Reserve early.
Send payment to:
Emerald Isle Society
PO 57183, Tucson, AZ 85732

Your check is your reservation.
For credit card payments  call   722-1018