The steam from the mug in my hands warmed my face inspiring illumination. I suddenly remembered what it was that seemed so familiar. Today, as the shadows of evening tint the horizon, I realize that it is the perfect day for literary comparison.
What I remembered: The Fabulous Deeds of the Sons of Tuireann.
Whoa, hold on, what in the world is that?
That, my friends, is my favorite Irish myth.
Summary:
This myth is about three brothers (the sons of Tiureann) who are sent on a quest as punishment for a crime they committed. The fine for there crime was:
- three apples
- a skin of a pig
- a spear
- two horses and a chariot
- seven pigs
- a dog's whelp
- a cooking-spit
- and three shouts on a hill
- the three golden apples of the Garden of Hesperides which can cure all wounds
- the magic pigskin belonging to the King of Greece which can cure all diseases
- the spear belonging to the King of Persia that can "destroy anyone or anything"(MAC Uistin 32)
- the horses and chariot that can fly over land and water from Sicily
- the seven piglets that can be eaten at night and are alive the next morning
- the pup that makes all animals who look at him weak which belonged to the King of Norway
- the cooking spit from the Isle of the Fine Hair
- three shouts from the Hill of Miochaoin
I'm not exactly sure why the Odyssey reminded me of this. Maybe becuase it's about a quest that encompasses little tasks which are almost tiny stories within themselves; maybe it's because the brothers run into a cyclops at one point in the story. It could even be that they are so alike because they have similar endings.
That is one thing I like about mythology, there isn't always a happy ending. Of course I always hope for a happy ending....doesn't everybody? However I like how the good doesn't always win, and even if they do triumph over evil, it comes at high cost. I think it's almost like a life lesson.
-You're not always going to win against the evils in your life. Even if you do, the damage or price could be monstrous. Life is not a cushy, luxury car ride....even if you get that ride in the limo, you still have got to pay for the gas.
Ok, well I'm tired of being Yoda, so as usual:
Peace
Slán go fóill
Bridget
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