Danaans vs. Tuatha de Danann

As I was sitting here clutching gratefully at the warmth of my tea, floating in the sweet caress of its dreamy aroma, I thought back over the last few days and of our crash course in the Odyssey. Several times while we were reading in class, I got the distinct feeling of remembrance with each lyrical phrase. Something about this story tugged gently yet insistently on the edges of a memory.
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:

1. three apples
2. a skin of a pig
3. a spear
4. two horses and a chariot
5. seven pigs
6. a dog's whelp
7. a cooking-spit
   
8. and three shouts on a hill

However they were tricked and they were told that in fact, they needed to find:

• 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

The main story is how (and if) they accomplish each task.

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