THE FOUR WHITE SWANS
by Louey Chisholm · from Celtic Tales, Told to the Children
Adapted Version
Once upon a time, there were four children. They loved each other very much.
The people chose Bove Derg as king. Lir felt left out. He was not happy. He went away.
A long time passed. Lir's wife went to the stars. Bove Derg was kind. He sent a message. "Come be my friend," he said. Lir came back. He married Eve. They were happy.
Eve and Lir had four children. Their names were Finola, Aed, Fiacra, and Conn. They were nice and gentle.
Then Eve went to the stars too. Lir was very sad. He married Eva, Eve's sister. Eva cared for the children. But then she felt left out. She thought Lir loved the children more. A bad feeling grew in her heart.
One day, Eva tried to send the children away. "No," said her helpers. "We will not do that." Eva felt angry.
Eva took the children to a lake. "Let us swim," she said. The children went into the water. Eva used magic. She changed them. They became four white swans. "You will be swans for a long time," Eva said. The four swans were sad.
Finola, the swan, spoke. "When will we be children again?" Eva told them. "You must stay in three places. You must wait a long time. You must wait for a bell to ring. You must wait for a queen to want you."
Lir and Bove Derg found the swans. They felt very sad. Eva went away.
The four swans lived on a lake. They sang nice songs. Many people heard them. They stayed there for a long time.
Then they moved to a cold, stormy sea. It was hard. They were cold. But they stayed together. They helped each other. Their love kept them warm. They were there for a long time.
After more time, they went to a calm island. It was nice. But they missed being children. They waited.
One day, a bell rang. It was a happy, hopeful sound. Saint Kemoc heard the bell. He came to find the swans.
Saint Kemoc found the four swans. He knew their story. He was kind. He took them to his home. He used a gentle silver string to keep them safe. He taught them about love and hope.
A queen heard about the singing swans. Her name was Decca. She wanted to see them. She asked the king, Largnen, to bring them.
Largnen went to Saint Kemoc. "Please give me the swans," he said. Saint Kemoc said no. Largnen felt angry. He went to the church. He took the four swans. He pulled them outside.
As they left the church, something nice happened. The white feathers fell away. The four swans changed. They were children again. But they were old and tired.
Finola spoke. "Please give us a special blessing," she said. Saint Kemoc gave them a holy water blessing. The four children felt calm.
They became angels. They flew up, up into the blue sky. They were free and happy. Saint Kemoc buried their old bodies together. And the bell rang, sweet and clear.
Being jealous hurts others, but being kind and patient brings joy in the end. And they became angels, flying free and happy in the sky for all time.
Original Story
THE FOUR WHITE SWANS
In the days of long ago there lived in the Green Isle of Erin a race of brave men and fair women—the race of the Dedannans. North, south, east, and west did this noble people dwell, doing homage to many chiefs.
But one blue morning after a great battle the Dedannans met on a wide plain to choose a King. ‘Let us,’ they said, ‘have one King over all. Let us no longer have many rulers.’
Forth from among the Princes rose five well fitted to wield a sceptre and to wear a crown, yet most royal stood Bove Derg and Lir. And forth did the five chiefs wander, that the Dedannan folk might freely say to whom they would most gladly do homage as King.
Not far did they roam, for soon there arose a great cry, ‘Bove Derg is King. Bove Derg is King.’ And all were glad, save Lir.
But Lir was angry, and he left the plain where the Dedannan people were, taking leave of none, and doing Bove Derg no reverence. For jealousy filled the heart of Lir.
Then were the Dedannans wroth, and a hundred swords were unsheathed and flashed in the sunlight on the plain. ‘We go to slay Lir who doeth not homage to our King and regardeth not the choice of the people.’
But wise and generous was Bove Derg, and he bade the warriors do no hurt to the offended Prince.
For long years did Lir live in discontent, yielding obedience to none. But at length a great sorrow fell upon him, for his wife, who was dear unto him, died, and she had been ill but three days. Loudly did he lament her death, and heavy was his heart with sorrow.
When tidings of Lir’s grief reached Bove Derg, he was surrounded by his mightiest chiefs. ‘Go forth,’ he said, ‘in fifty chariots go forth. Tell Lir I am his friend as ever, and ask that he come with you hither. Three fair foster-children are mine, and one may he yet have to wife, will he but bow to the will of the people, who have chosen me their King.’
When these words were told to Lir, his heart was glad. Speedily he called around him his train, and in fifty chariots set forth. Nor did they slacken speed until they reached the palace of Bove Derg by the Great Lake. And there at the still close of day, as the setting rays of the sun fell athwart the silver waters, did Lir do homage to Bove Derg. And Bove Derg kissed Lir and vowed to be his friend for ever.
And when it was known throughout the Dedannan host that peace reigned between these mighty chiefs, brave men and fair women and little children rejoiced, and nowhere were there happier hearts than in the Green Isle of Erin.
Time passed, and Lir still dwelt with Bove Derg in his palace by the Great Lake. One morning the King said, ‘Full well thou knowest my three fair foster-daughters, nor have I forgotten my promise that one thou shouldst have to wife. Choose her whom thou wilt.’
Then Lir answered, ‘All are indeed fair, and choice is hard. But give unto me the eldest, if it be that she be willing to wed.’
And Eve, the eldest of the fair maidens, was glad, and that day was she married to Lir, and after two weeks she left the palace by the Great Lake and drove with her husband to her new home.
Happily dwelt Lir’s household and merrily sped the months. Then were born unto Lir twin babes. The girl they called Finola, and her brother did they name Aed.
Yet another year passed and again twins were born, but before the infant boys knew their mother, she died. So sorely did Lir grieve for his beautiful wife that he would have died of sorrow, but for the great love he bore his motherless children.
When news of Eve’s death reached the palace of Bove Derg by the Great Lake all mourned aloud for love of Eve and sore pity for Lir and his four babes. And Bove Derg said to his mighty chiefs, ‘Great indeed is our grief, but in this dark hour shall Lir know our friendship. Ride forth, make known to him that Eva, my second fair foster-child, shall in time become his wedded wife and shall cherish his lone babes.’
So messengers rode forth to carry these tidings to Lir, and in time Lir came again to the palace of Bove Derg by the Great Lake, and he married the beautiful Eva and took her back with him to his little daughter, Finola, and to her three brothers, Aed and Fiacra and Conn.
Four lovely and gentle children they were, and with tenderness did Eva care for the little ones who were their father’s joy and the pride of the Dedannans.
As for Lir, so great was the love he bore them, that at early dawn he would rise, and, pulling aside the deerskin that separated his sleeping-room with theirs, would fondle and frolic with the children until morning broke.
And Bove Derg loved them well-nigh as did Lir himself. Ofttimes would he come to see them, and ofttimes were they brought to his palace by the Great Lake.
And through all the Green Isle, where dwelt the Dedannan people, there also was spread the fame of the beauty of the children of Lir.
Time crept on, and Finola was a maid of twelve summers. Then did a wicked jealousy find root in Eva’s heart, and so did it grow that it strangled the love which she had borne her sister’s children. In bitterness she cried, ‘Lir careth not for me; to Finola and her brothers hath he given all his love.’
And for weeks and months Eva lay in bed planning how she might do hurt to the children of Lir.
At length, one midsummer morn, she ordered forth her chariot, that with the four children she might come to the palace of Bove Derg.
When Finola heard it, her fair face grew pale, for in a dream had it been revealed unto her that Eva, her step-mother, should that day do a dark deed among those of her own household. Therefore was Finola sore afraid, but only her large eyes and pale cheeks spake her woe, as she and her brothers drove along with Eva and her train.
On they drove, the boys laughing merrily, heedless alike of the black shadow resting on their step-mother’s brow, and of the pale, trembling lips of their sister. As they reached a gloomy pass, Eva whispered to her attendants, ‘Kill, I pray you, these children of Lir, for their father careth not for me, because of his great love for them. Kill them, and great wealth shall be yours.’
But the attendants answered in horror, ‘We will not kill them. Fearful, O Eva, were the deed, and great is the evil that will befall thee, for having it in thine heart to do this thing.’
Then Eva, filled with rage, drew forth her sword to slay them with her own hand, but too weak for the monstrous deed, she sank back in the chariot.
Onward they drove, out of the gloomy pass into the bright sunlight of the white road. Daisies with wide-open eyes looked up into the blue sky overhead. Golden glistened the buttercups among the shamrock. From the ditches peeped forget-me-not. Honeysuckle scented the hedgerows. Around, above, and afar, carolled the linnet, the lark, and the thrush. All was colour and sunshine, scent and song, as the children of Lir drove onward to their doom.
Not until they reached a still lake were the horses unyoked for rest. There Eva bade the children undress and go bathe in the waters. And when the children of Lir reached the water’s edge, Eva was there behind them, holding in her hand a fairy wand. And with the wand she touched the shoulder of each. And, lo! as she touched Finola, the maiden was changed into a snow-white swan, and behold! as she touched Aed, Fiacra, and Conn, the three brothers were as the maid. Four snow-white swans floated on the blue lake, and to them the wicked Eva chanted a song of doom.
As she touched Aed, Fiacra, and Conn, the three brothers were as the maid
As she finished, the swans turned towards her, and Finola spake:
‘Evil is the deed thy magic wand hath wrought, O Eva, on us the children of Lir, but greater evil shall befall thee, because of the hardness and jealousy of thine heart.’ And Finola’s white swan-breast heaved as she sang of their pitiless doom.
The song ended, again spake the swan-maiden. ‘Tell us, O Eva, when death shall set us free.’
And Eva made answer, ‘Three hundred years shall your home be on the smooth waters of this lone lake. Three hundred years shall ye pass on the stormy waters of the sea betwixt Erin and Alba, and three hundred years shall ye be tempest-tossed on the wild Western Sea. Until Decca be the Queen of Largnen, and the good Saint come to Erin, and ye hear the chime of the Christ-bell, neither your plaints nor prayers, neither the love of your father Lir, nor the might of your King, Bove Derg, shall have power to deliver you from your doom. But lone white swans though ye be, ye shall keep for ever your own sweet Gaelic speech, and ye shall sing, with plaintive voices, songs so haunting that your music will bring peace to the souls of those who hear. And still beneath your snowy plumage shall beat the hearts of Finola, Aed, Fiacra and Conn, and still for ever shall ye be the children of Lir.’
Then did Eva order the horses to be yoked to the chariot, and away westward did she drive.
And swimming on the lone lake were four white swans.
When Eva reached the palace of Bove Derg alone, greatly was he troubled lest evil had befallen the children of Lir.
But the attendants, because of their great fear of Eva, dared not to tell the King of the magic spell she had wrought by the way. Therefore Bove Derg asked, ‘Wherefore, O Eva, come not Finola and her brothers to the palace this day?’
And Eva answered, ‘Because, O King, Lir no longer trusteth thee, therefore would he not let the children come hither.’
But Bove Derg believed not his foster-daughter, and that night he secretly sent messengers across the hills to the dwelling of Lir.
When the messengers came there, and told their errand, great was the grief of the father. And in the morning with a heavy heart he summoned a company of the Dedannans, and together they set out for the palace of Bove Derg. And it was not until sunset as they reached the lone shore of Lake Darvra, that they slackened speed.
Lir alighted from his chariot and stood spellbound. What was that plaintive sound? The Gaelic words, his dear daughter’s voice more enchanting even than of old, and yet, before and around, only the lone blue lake. The haunting music rang clearer, and as the last words died away, four snow-white swans glided from behind the sedges, and with a wild flap of wings flew toward the eastern shore. There, stricken with wonder, stood Lir.
‘Know, O Lir,’ said Finola, ‘that we are thy children, changed by the wicked magic of our step-mother into four white swans.’ When Lir and the Dedannan people heard these words, they wept aloud.
Still spake the swan-maiden. ‘Three hundred years must we float on this lone lake, three hundred years shall we be storm-tossed on the waters between Erin and Alba, and three hundred years on the wild Western Sea. Not until Decca be the Queen of Largnen, not until the good Saint come to Erin and the chime of the Christ-bell be heard in the land, not until then shall we be saved from our doom.’
Then great cries of sorrow went up from the Dedannans, and again Lir sobbed aloud. But at the last silence fell upon his grief, and Finola told how she and her brothers would keep for ever their own sweet Gaelic speech, how they would sing songs so haunting that their music would bring peace to the souls of all who heard. She told, too, how, beneath their snowy plumage, the human hearts of Finola, Aed, Fiacra, and Conn should still beat—the hearts of the children of Lir. ‘Stay with us to-night by the lone lake,’ she ended, ‘and our music will steal to you across its moonlit waters and lull you into peaceful slumber. Stay, stay with us.’
And Lir and his people stayed on the shore that night and until the morning glimmered. Then, with the dim dawn, silence stole over the lake.
Speedily did Lir rise, and in haste did he bid farewell to his children, that he might seek Eva and see her tremble before him.
Swiftly did he drive and straight, until he came to the palace of Bove Derg, and there by the waters of the Great Lake did Bove Derg meet him. ‘Oh, Lir, wherefore have thy children come not hither?’ And Eva stood by the King.
Stern and sad rang the answer of Lir. ‘Alas! Eva, your foster-child, hath by her wicked magic changed them into four snow-white swans. On the blue waters of Lake Darvra dwell Finola, Aed, Fiacra, and Conn, and thence come I that I may avenge their doom.’
A silence as the silence of death fell upon the three, and all was still save that Eva trembled greatly. But ere long Bove Derg spake. Fierce and angry did he look, as, high above his foster-daughter, he held his magic wand. Awful was his voice as he pronounced her doom. ‘Wretched woman, henceforth shalt thou no longer darken this fair earth, but as a demon of the air shalt thou dwell in misery till the end of time.’ And of a sudden from out her shoulders grew black, shadowy wings, and, with a piercing scream, she swirled upward, until the awe-stricken Dedannans saw nought save a black speck vanish among the lowering clouds. And as a demon of the air do Eva’s black wings swirl her through space to this day.
But great and good was Bove Derg. He laid aside his magic wand and so spake: ‘Let us, my people, leave the Great Lake, and let us pitch our tents on the shores of Lake Darvra. Exceeding dear unto us are the children of Lir, and I, Bove Derg, and Lir, their father, have vowed henceforth to make our home for ever by the lone waters where they dwell.’
And when it was told throughout the Green Island of Erin of the fate of the children of Lir and of the vow that Bove Derg had vowed, from north, south, east, and west did the Dedannans flock to the lake, until a mighty host dwelt by its shores.
And by day Finola and her brothers knew not loneliness, for in the sweet Gaelic speech they told of their joys and fears; and by night the mighty Dedannans knew no sorrowful memories, for by haunting songs were they lulled to sleep, and the music brought peace to their souls.
Slowly did the years go by, and upon the shoulders of Bove Derg and Lir fell the long white hair. Fearful grew the four swans, for the time was not far off, when they must wing their flight north to the wild sea of Moyle.
And when at length the sad day dawned, Finola told her brothers how their three hundred happy years on Lake Darvra were at an end, and how they must now leave the peace of its lone waters for evermore.
Then, slowly and sadly, did the four swans glide to the margin of the lake. Never had the snowy whiteness of their plumage so dazzled the beholders, never had music so sweet and sorrowful floated to Lake Darvra’s sunlit shores. As the swans reached the water’s edge, silent were the three brothers, and alone Finola chanted a farewell song.
With bowed white heads did the Dedannan host listen to Finola’s chant, and when the music ceased and only sobs broke the stillness, the four swans spread their wings, and, soaring high, paused but for one short moment to gaze on the kneeling forms of Lir and Bove Derg. Then, stretching their graceful necks toward the north, they winged their flight to the waters of the stormy sea that separates the blue Alba from the Green Island of Erin.
And when it was known throughout the Green Isle that the four white swans had flown, so great was the sorrow of the people that they made a law that no swan should be killed in Erin from that day forth.
With hearts that burned with longing for their father and their friends, did Finola and her brothers reach the sea of Moyle. Cold and chill were its wintry waters, black and fearful were the steep rocks overhanging Alba’s far-stretching coasts. From hunger, too, the swans suffered. Dark indeed was all, and darker yet as the children of Lir remembered the still waters of Lake Darvra and the fond Dedannan host on its peaceful shores. Here the sighing of the wind among the reeds no longer soothed their sorrow, but the roar of the breaking surf struck fresh terror in their souls.
In misery and terror did their days pass, until one night the black, lowering clouds overhead told that a great tempest was nigh. Then did Finola call to her Aed, Fiacra, and Conn. ‘Beloved brothers, a great fear is at my heart, for, in the fury of the coming gale, we may be driven the one from the other. Therefore, let us say where we may hope to meet when the storm is spent.’
And Aed answered, ‘Wise art thou, dear, gentle sister. If we be driven apart, may it be to meet again on the rocky isle that has ofttimes been our haven, for well known is it to us all, and from far can it be seen.’
Darker grew the night, louder raged the wind, as the four swans dived and rose again on the giant billows. Yet fiercer blew the gale, until at midnight loud bursts of thunder mingled with the roaring wind, but, in the glare of the blue lightning’s flashes, the children of Lir beheld each the snowy form of the other. The mad fury of the hurricane yet increased, and the force of it lifted one swan from its wild home on the billows, and swept it through the blackness of the night. Another blue lightning flash, and each swan saw its loneliness, and uttered a great cry of desolation. Tossed hither and thither, by wind and wave, the white birds were well-nigh dead when dawn broke. And with the dawn fell calm.
Swift as her tired wings would bear her, Finola sailed to the rocky isle, where she hoped to find her brothers. But alas! no sign was there of one of them. Then to the highest summit of the rocks she flew. North, south, east, and west did she look, yet nought saw she save a watery wilderness. Now did her heart fail her, and she sang the saddest song she had yet sung.
As the last notes died Finola raised her eyes, and lo! Conn came slowly swimming towards her with drenched plumage and head that drooped. And as she looked, behold! Fiacra appeared, but it was as though his strength failed. Then did Finola swim toward her fainting brother and lend him her aid, and soon the twins were safe on the sunlit rock, nestling for warmth beneath their sister’s wings.
Yet Finola’s heart still beat with alarm as she sheltered her younger brothers, for Aed came not, and she feared lest he were lost for ever. But, at noon, sailing he came over the breast of the blue waters, with head erect and plumage sunlit. And under the feathers of her breast did Finola draw him, for Conn and Fiacra still cradled beneath her wings. ‘Rest here, while ye may, dear brothers,’ she said.
And she sang to them a lullaby so surpassing sweet that the sea-birds hushed their cries and flocked to listen to the sad, slow music. And when Aed and Fiacra and Conn were lulled to sleep, Finola’s notes grew more and more faint and her head drooped, and soon she too slept peacefully in the warm sunlight.
But few were the sunny days on the sea of Moyle, and many were the tempests that ruffled its waters. Still keener grew the winter frosts, and the misery of the four white swans was greater than ever before. Even their most sorrowful Gaelic songs told not half their woe. From the fury of the storm they still sought shelter on that rocky isle where Finola had despaired of seeing her dear ones more.
Slowly passed the years of doom, until one mid-winter a frost more keen than any known before froze the sea into a floor of solid black ice. By night the swans crouched together on the rocky isle for warmth, but each morning they were frozen to the ground and could free themselves only with sore pain, for they left clinging to the ice-bound rock the soft down of their breasts, the quills from their white wings, and the skin of their poor feet.
And when the sun melted the ice-bound surface of the waters, and the swans swam once more in the sea of Moyle, the salt water entered their wounds, and they well-nigh died of pain. But in time the down on their breasts and the feathers on their wings grew, and they were healed of their wounds.
The years dragged on, and by day Finola and her brothers would fly toward the shores of the Green Island of Erin, or to the rocky blue headlands of Alba, or they would swim far out into a dim grey wilderness of waters. But ever as night fell it was their doom to return to the sea of Moyle.
They would swim far out into a dim grey wilderness of waters
One day, as they looked toward the Green Isle, they saw coming to the coast a troop of horsemen mounted on snow-white steeds, and their armour glittered in the sun.
A cry of great joy went up from the children of Lir, for they had seen no human form since they spread their wings above Lake Darvra, and flew to the stormy sea of Moyle.
‘Speak,’ said Finola to her brothers, ‘speak, and say if these be not our own Dedannan folk.’ And Aed and Fiacra and Conn strained their eyes, and Aed answered, ‘It seemeth, dear sister, to me, that it is indeed our own people.’
As the horsemen drew nearer and saw the four swans, each man shouted in the Gaelic tongue, ‘Behold the children of Lir!’
And when Finola and her brothers heard once more the sweet Gaelic speech, and saw the faces of their own people, their happiness was greater than can be told. For long they were silent, but at length Finola spake.
Of their life on the sea of Moyle she told, of the dreary rains and blustering winds, of the giant waves and the roaring thunder, of the black frost, and of their own poor battered and wounded bodies. Of their loneliness of soul, of that she could not speak. ‘But tell us,’ she went on, ‘tell us of our father, Lir. Lives he still, and Bove Derg, and our dear Dedannan friends?’
Scarce could the Dedannans speak for the sorrow they had for Finola and her brothers, but they told how Lir and Bove Derg were alive and well, and were even now celebrating the Feast of Age at the house of Lir. ‘But for their longing for you, your father and friends would be happy indeed.’
Glad then and of great comfort were the hearts of Finola and her brothers. But they could not hear more, for they must hasten to fly from the pleasant shores of Erin to the sea-stream of Moyle, which was their doom. And as they flew, Finola sang, and faint floated her voice over the kneeling host.
As the sad song grew fainter and more faint, the Dedannans wept aloud. Then, as the snow-white birds faded from sight, the sorrowful company turned the heads of their white steeds from the shore, and rode southward to the home of Lir.
And when it was told there of the sufferings of Finola and her brothers, great was the sorrow of the Dedannans. Yet was Lir glad that his children were alive, and he thought of the day when the magic spell would be broken, and those so dear to him would be freed from their bitter woe.
Once more were ended three hundred years of doom, and glad were the four white swans to leave the cruel sea of Moyle. Yet might they fly only to the wild Western Sea, and tempest-tossed as before, here they in no way escaped the pitiless fury of wind and wave. Worse than aught they had before endured was a frost that drove the brothers to despair. Well-nigh frozen to a rock, they one night cried aloud to Finola that they longed for death. And she, too, would fain have died.
But that same night did a dream come to the swan-maiden, and, when she awoke, she cried to her brothers to take heart. ‘Believe, dear brothers, in the great God who hath created the earth with its fruits and the sea with its terrible wonders. Trust in Him, and He will yet save you.’ And her brothers answered, ‘We will trust.’
And Finola also put her trust in God, and they all fell into a deep slumber.
When the children of Lir awoke, behold! the sun shone, and thereafter, until the three hundred years on the Western Sea were ended, neither wind nor wave nor rain nor frost did hurt to the four swans.
On a grassy isle they lived and sang their wondrous songs by day, and by night they nestled together on their soft couch, and awoke in the morning to sunshine and to peace. And there on the grassy island was their home, until the three hundred years were at an end. Then Finola called to her brothers, and tremblingly she told, and tremblingly they heard, that they might now fly eastward to seek their own old home.
Lightly did they rise on outstretched wings, and swiftly did they fly until they reached land. There they alighted and gazed each at the other, but too great for speech was their joy. Then again did they spread their wings and fly above the green grass on and on, until they reached the hills and trees that surrounded their old home. But, alas! only the ruins of Lir’s dwelling were left. Around was a wilderness overgrown with rank grass, nettles, and weeds.
Too downhearted to stir, the swans slept that night within the ruined walls of their old home, but, when day broke, each could no longer bear the loneliness, and again they flew westward. And it was not until they came to Inis Glora that they alighted. On a small lake in the heart of the island they made their home, and, by their enchanting music, they drew to its shores all the birds of the west, until the lake came to be called ‘The Lake of the Bird-flocks.’
Slowly passed the years, but a great longing filled the hearts of the children of Lir. When would the good Saint come to Erin? When would the chime of the Christ-bell peal over land and sea?
One rosy dawn the swans awoke among the rushes of the Lake of the Bird-flocks, and strange and faint was the sound that floated to them from afar. Trembling, they nestled close the one to the other, until the brothers stretched their wings and fluttered hither and thither in great fear. Yet trembling they flew back to their sister, who had remained silent among the sedges. Crouching by her side they asked, ‘What, dear sister, can be the strange, faint sound that steals across our island?’
With quiet, deep joy Finola answered, ‘Dear brothers, it is the chime of the Christ-bell that ye hear, the Christ-bell of which we have dreamed through thrice three hundred years. Soon the spell will be broken, soon our sufferings will end.’ Then did Finola glide from the shelter of the sedges across the rose-lit lake, and there by the shore of the Western Sea she chanted a song of hope.
Calm crept into the hearts of the brothers as Finola sang, and, as she ended, once more the chime stole across the isle. No longer did it strike terror into the hearts of the children of Lir, rather as a note of peace did it sink into their souls.
Then, when the last chime died, Finola said, ‘Let us sing to the great King of Heaven and Earth.’
Far stole the sweet strains of the white swans, far across Inis Glora, until they reached the good Saint Kemoc, for whose early prayers the Christ-bell had chimed.
And he, filled with wonder at the surpassing sweetness of the music, stood mute, but when it was revealed unto him that the voices he heard were the voices of Finola and Aed and Fiacra and Conn, who thanked the High God for the chime of the Christ-bell, he knelt and also gave thanks, for it was to seek the children of Lir that the Saint had come to Inis Glora.
In the glory of noon, Kemoc reached the shore of the little lake, and saw four white swans gliding on its waters. And no need had the Saint to ask whether these indeed were the children of Lir. Rather did he give thanks to the High God who had brought him hither.
It was Saint Kemoc
Then gravely the good Kemoc said to the swans, ‘Come ye now to land, and put your trust in me, for it is in this place that ye shall be freed from your enchantment.’
These words the four white swans heard with great joy, and coming to the shore they placed themselves under the care of the Saint. And he led them to his cell, and there they dwelt with him. And Kemoc sent to Erin for a skilful workman, and ordered that two slender chains of shining silver be made. Betwixt Finola and Aed did he clasp one silver chain, and with the other did he bind Fiacra and Conn.
Then did the children of Lir dwell with the holy Kemoc, and he taught them the wonderful story of Christ that he and Saint Patrick had brought to the Green Isle. And the story so gladdened their hearts that the misery of their past sufferings was well-nigh forgotten, and they lived in great happiness with the Saint. Dear to him were they, dear as though they had been his own children.
Thrice three hundred years had gone since Eva had chanted the fate of the children of Lir. ‘Until Decca be the Queen of Largnen, until the good Saint come to Erin, and ye hear the chime of the Christ-bell, shall ye not be delivered from your doom.’
The good Saint had indeed come, and the sweet chimes of the Christ-bell had been heard, and the fair Decca was now the Queen of King Largnen.
Soon were tidings brought to Decca of the swan-maiden and her three swan-brothers. Strange tales did she hear of their haunting songs. It was told her, too, of their cruel miseries. Then begged she her husband, the King, that he would go to Kemoc and bring to her these human birds.
But Largnen did not wish to ask Kemoc to part with the swans, and therefore he did not go.
Then was Decca angry, and swore she would live no longer with Largnen, until he brought the singing swans to the palace. And that same night she set out for her father’s kingdom in the south.
Nevertheless Largnen loved Decca, and great was his grief when he heard that she had fled. And he commanded messengers to go after her, saying he would send for the white swans if she would but come back. Therefore Decca returned to the palace, and Largnen sent to Kemoc to beg of him the four white swans. But the messenger returned without the birds.
Then was Largnen wroth, and set out himself for the cell of Kemoc. But he found the Saint in the little church, and before the altar were the four white swans. ‘Is it truly told me that you refused these birds to Queen Decca?’ asked the King.
‘It is truly told,’ replied Kemoc.
Then Largnen was more wroth than before, and seizing the silver chain of Finola and Aed in the one hand, and the chain of Fiacra and Conn in the other, he dragged the birds from the altar and down the aisle, and it seemed as though he would leave the church. And in great fear did the Saint follow.
But lo! as they reached the door, the snow-white feathers of the four swans fell to the ground, and the children of Lir were delivered from their doom. For was not Decca the bride of Largnen, and the good Saint had he not come, and the chime of the Christ-bell was it not heard in the land?
But aged and feeble were the children of Lir. Wrinkled were their once fair faces, and bent their little white bodies.
At the sight Largnen, affrighted, fled from the church, and the good Kemoc cried aloud, ‘Woe to thee, O King!’
Then did the children of Lir turn toward the Saint, and thus Finola spake: ‘Baptize us now, we pray thee, for death is nigh. Heavy with sorrow are our hearts that we must part from thee, thou holy one, and that in loneliness must thy days on earth be spent. But such is the will of the High God. Here let our graves be digged, and here bury our four bodies, Conn standing at my right side, Fiacra at my left, and Aed before my face, for thus did I shelter my dear brothers for thrice three hundred years ’neath wing and breast.’
Then did the good Kemoc baptize the children of Lir, and thereafter the Saint looked up, and lo! he saw a vision of four lovely children with silvery wings, and faces radiant as the sun; and as he gazed they floated ever upward, until they were lost in a mist of blue. Then was the good Kemoc glad, for he knew that they had gone to Heaven.
But, when he looked downward, four worn bodies lay at the church door, and Kemoc wept sore.
And the Saint ordered a wide grave to be digged close by the little church, and there were the children of Lir buried, Conn standing at Finola’s right hand, and Fiacra at her left, and before her face her twin brother Aed.
And the grass grew green above them, and a white tombstone bore their names, and across the grave floated morning and evening the chime of the sweet Christ-bell.
Story DNA
Moral
Jealousy and cruelty lead to suffering, but faith and endurance can ultimately bring release and peace.
Plot Summary
Lir, a noble chief, marries Eva after his first wife dies, but Eva grows intensely jealous of his four children. She transforms them into swans, cursing them to endure 900 years of suffering across three different bodies of water until specific conditions are met. The swan-children endure centuries of harsh weather and loneliness, their beautiful singing becoming famous. Finally, after 900 years, a Christian saint arrives, the Christ-bell chimes, and a new queen demands the swans. When forcibly removed from the saint's care, the swans revert to ancient human forms, are baptized, and die, their souls ascending to heaven.
Themes
Emotional Arc
suffering to triumph
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
The story blends pre-Christian Celtic mythology (Dedannans, magic) with the introduction of Christianity, reflecting the cultural transition in early medieval Ireland. The curse's duration (900 years) emphasizes the vastness of time and suffering.
Plot Beats (18)
- The Dedannans choose Bove Derg as King, angering Lir who is jealous.
- Lir's wife dies, and Bove Derg, showing generosity, offers Lir one of his foster-daughters to marry, leading to Lir's reconciliation and marriage to Eve.
- Lir and Eve have four children: Finola, Aed, Fiacra, and Conn.
- Eve dies, and Lir marries her sister, Eva, who initially cares for the children but grows intensely jealous of Lir's love for them.
- Eva attempts to have her attendants kill the children, but they refuse.
- Eva takes the children to a lake, tricks them into bathing, and transforms them into four white swans with a fairy wand, cursing them to endure 900 years of suffering.
- Finola, as a swan, confronts Eva, who reveals the conditions for breaking the curse: 300 years on Lake Darvra, 300 years on the Sea of Moyle, 300 years on the Isle of Glora, until Decca marries Largnen and the Christ-bell chimes.
- Lir and Bove Derg discover the children's fate and mourn, while Eva is transformed into an air-demon.
- The swan-children endure the first 300 years on Lake Darvra, their singing becoming famous.
- They move to the Sea of Moyle, suffering greatly from cold and storms, but their bond of love sustains them.
- After 300 years, they move to the Isle of Glora, where they find some peace, but long for the end of their enchantment.
- The Christ-bell chimes, signaling the arrival of Saint Kemoc and the imminent end of their curse.
- Saint Kemoc finds the swans, recognizes them, and takes them into his care, chaining them together.
- Queen Decca hears of the singing swans and demands King Largnen bring them to her.
- Largnen, after initial refusal, goes to Kemoc's church and forcibly seizes the swans.
- As Largnen drags them from the church, their swan forms vanish, revealing them as ancient, frail humans.
- Finola requests baptism for herself and her brothers, and Saint Kemoc baptizes them.
- The children of Lir die and ascend to heaven as beautiful, winged children, and Kemoc buries their bodies together.
Characters
Bove Derg ◆ supporting
A man of noble bearing and commanding presence, likely tall and robust, fitting for a chief chosen as King. His features would reflect the Dedannan race of the Green Isle of Erin, suggesting a fair complexion.
Attire: Rich, era-appropriate attire for a King of the Dedannans. This would include finely woven wool or linen tunics, possibly embroidered, with a cloak fastened by a large brooch. Perhaps a torc (neck ring) of gold or bronze, signifying his status. Colors would be deep and natural, like forest green, deep blue, or earthy browns.
Wants: To unite the Dedannan people under one benevolent rule and maintain peace and harmony.
Flaw: His generosity and desire for peace might sometimes be perceived as weakness by those who prefer a more forceful approach.
Remains a consistent figure of wisdom and generosity, demonstrating his qualities through his actions towards Lir.
Wise, generous, forgiving, diplomatic, just.
Image Prompt & Upload
A mature man of noble bearing, standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a strong, kind face with a fair complexion, and a neatly trimmed beard. His hair is long and dark, styled in a traditional Celtic manner. He wears a deep forest-green wool tunic with intricate gold embroidery at the collar and cuffs, a flowing dark blue cloak fastened by a large, ornate bronze brooch depicting Celtic knots, and a thick gold torc around his neck. His posture is regal and calm. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Lir ★ protagonist
A proud and noble prince, likely tall and strong, reflecting his status and the Dedannan race. His appearance would convey a sense of gravitas, especially after experiencing sorrow.
Attire: Initially, the attire of a proud prince, perhaps rich but less ornate than a king's. After his reconciliation with Bove Derg and marriage, his clothing would be fitting for a respected nobleman, likely including tunics of fine linen or wool, cloaks, and perhaps leather boots. Colors would be rich but practical, such as deep reds, blues, or greens.
Wants: Initially, to be King. Later, his primary motivation becomes the well-being and happiness of his children.
Flaw: His initial jealousy and pride, which isolates him. His deep sorrow over loss also makes him vulnerable.
Transforms from a jealous and discontented prince to a loving and devoted father, finding peace through his family and reconciliation with Bove Derg.
Proud, initially jealous, deeply loving (especially towards his children), sorrowful, eventually reconciled.
Image Prompt & Upload
A noble adult man standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a fair complexion, a strong jawline, and kind, dark eyes. His dark hair is cut to shoulder length in a traditional Celtic style. He wears a deep blue linen tunic with a simple leather belt, a flowing grey wool cloak draped over his shoulders, and sturdy brown leather boots. His expression is one of gentle affection, with a hint of underlying sorrow. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Eve ◆ supporting
A fair maiden, likely slender and graceful, with the beauty characteristic of the Dedannan women. Her appearance would be gentle and pleasing.
Attire: Elegant but modest attire for a foster-daughter of a King and later a nobleman's wife. This would include finely woven linen dresses, possibly in soft colors like cream, pale blue, or green, with simple embroidery. A light cloak might be worn for travel.
Wants: To find happiness in marriage and family.
Flaw: Her brief life means she doesn't have time to develop beyond her initial gentle nature.
Her story is brief, serving to establish Lir's family and introduce his children. She dies after giving birth to her second set of twins.
Gentle, loving, agreeable, kind.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young adult woman standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. She has a fair, gentle face with soft features and kind blue eyes. Her long, wavy light blonde hair flows freely down her back. She wears a cream-colored linen dress with a simple, round neckline and long sleeves, and a delicate silver brooch at her collar. Her posture is graceful and serene. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Finola ★ protagonist
Initially a lovely and gentle child of twelve summers, with a fair face. As a swan, she is one of four beautiful white swans. Upon transformation back, she is aged and feeble, with a wrinkled face and bent body.
Attire: Initially, simple but well-made clothing appropriate for a child of a nobleman in ancient Erin, likely a linen tunic or dress. As a swan, she has no clothing. Briefly, at the end, she is described as having a 'little white body' when transformed back, implying simple, perhaps tattered, garments or just her aged form.
Wants: To protect her brothers, endure their enchantment, and ultimately find freedom and peace.
Flaw: Her vulnerability as a child and her inability to prevent her stepmother's curse. Her physical feebleness upon transformation back.
Transforms from an innocent child into a wise and enduring leader for her brothers during their 900-year enchantment, ultimately finding spiritual freedom and peace in death.
Gentle, protective, loving, resilient, wise beyond her years, devout.
Image Prompt & Upload
A beautiful white swan, standing gracefully on the shore, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. Her feathers are pristine and luminous. A slender, shining silver chain is clasped around her neck, extending towards an unseen companion. Her head is held high, with an expression of gentle wisdom and enduring strength. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Aed ◆ supporting
Initially an infant, then a lovely and gentle child. As a swan, one of four beautiful white swans. Upon transformation back, he is aged and feeble, with a wrinkled face and bent body.
Attire: Initially, simple child's clothing. As a swan, no clothing. Briefly, at the end, he is described as having a 'little white body' when transformed back.
Wants: To stay with his siblings and endure the enchantment.
Flaw: His youth and dependence on Finola for guidance and comfort.
Endures the enchantment alongside his siblings, remaining steadfast and finding spiritual peace at the end.
Gentle, loving, dependent on Finola, resilient.
Image Prompt & Upload
A beautiful white swan, standing gracefully on the shore, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. His feathers are pristine and luminous. A slender, shining silver chain is clasped around his neck, extending towards an unseen companion. His head is held with a gentle, trusting expression. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Fiacra ◆ supporting
Initially an infant, then a lovely and gentle child. As a swan, one of four beautiful white swans. Upon transformation back, he is aged and feeble, with a wrinkled face and bent body.
Attire: Initially, simple child's clothing. As a swan, no clothing. Briefly, at the end, he is described as having a 'little white body' when transformed back.
Wants: To stay with his siblings and endure the enchantment.
Flaw: His youth and dependence on Finola for guidance and comfort.
Endures the enchantment alongside his siblings, remaining steadfast and finding spiritual peace at the end.
Gentle, loving, dependent on Finola, resilient.
Image Prompt & Upload
A beautiful white swan, standing gracefully on the shore, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. His feathers are pristine and luminous. A slender, shining silver chain is clasped around his neck, extending towards an unseen companion. His head is held with a gentle, trusting expression. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Conn ◆ supporting
Initially an infant, then a lovely and gentle child. As a swan, one of four beautiful white swans. Upon transformation back, he is aged and feeble, with a wrinkled face and bent body.
Attire: Initially, simple child's clothing. As a swan, no clothing. Briefly, at the end, he is described as having a 'little white body' when transformed back.
Wants: To stay with his siblings and endure the enchantment.
Flaw: His youth and dependence on Finola for guidance and comfort.
Endures the enchantment alongside his siblings, remaining steadfast and finding spiritual peace at the end.
Gentle, loving, dependent on Finola, resilient.
Image Prompt & Upload
A beautiful white swan, standing gracefully on the shore, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. His feathers are pristine and luminous. A slender, shining silver chain is clasped around his neck, extending towards an unseen companion. His head is held with a gentle, trusting expression. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Eva ⚔ antagonist
Described as 'beautiful Eva', suggesting striking features and a graceful form. Her beauty, however, masks a dark heart.
Attire: Elegant and rich attire befitting a foster-daughter of a King and wife of a nobleman. This would include finely woven dresses, possibly with more elaborate embroidery or richer fabrics than Eve's, in colors like deep blue, emerald green, or purple. She would likely wear a cloak and perhaps some jewelry.
Wants: To regain Lir's affection and attention, which she believes has been stolen by his children. Her ultimate motivation is power and control over Lir's household.
Flaw: Her overwhelming jealousy, which consumes her and leads to her downfall (though her direct punishment isn't detailed, her act is the catalyst for the children's suffering).
Transforms from a caring stepmother into a cruel and jealous antagonist, whose actions drive the central conflict of the story.
Jealous, wicked, deceitful, cruel, manipulative.
Image Prompt & Upload
A beautiful adult woman standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. She has a fair complexion, striking features, and long, dark hair elegantly styled. Her eyes are a piercing green, and her expression is a subtle, calculating sneer. She wears a rich emerald-green silk gown with gold embroidery along the neckline and sleeves, and a dark, flowing cloak. Her posture is poised but subtly rigid, conveying a sense of hidden malice. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Saint Kemoc ◆ supporting
A holy man, likely with a gentle and benevolent appearance, perhaps with a lean build from a life of asceticism. His presence would exude peace and spiritual strength.
Attire: Simple, unadorned monk's robes of the early Christian period in Ireland. This would typically be a coarse wool or linen tunic, possibly in a natural undyed color (grey, brown, off-white), with a simple rope belt. He might wear a hooded cowl.
Wants: To serve God, spread the Christian faith, and help those in need, specifically to free the children of Lir from their enchantment.
Flaw: His gentle nature makes him vulnerable to the forceful demands of King Largnen.
Remains a consistent figure of holiness and compassion, acting as the instrument of the children of Lir's salvation and spiritual guidance.
Good, holy, compassionate, wise, devout, patient.
Image Prompt & Upload
An elderly holy man standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a kind, serene face with a long, flowing grey beard and matching hair, and gentle blue eyes. He wears a simple, undyed coarse wool monk's robe with a hood, cinched at the waist with a rope belt, and plain leather sandals. His posture is humble and peaceful, holding a small, ornate bronze bell in his hands. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Locations
Palace of Bove Derg by the Great Lake
A royal residence situated beside a large, still body of water, likely a lough in the Green Isle of Erin. The setting sun casts its rays across the silver waters, creating a serene and significant atmosphere for important meetings and family gatherings.
Mood: Initially formal and tense, then becoming joyous and familial, later a place of sorrow and plotting.
Lir does homage to Bove Derg, establishing peace; Lir marries Eve and later Eva here; the children of Lir often visit.
Image Prompt & Upload
A wide view of an early Irish royal dwelling, possibly a ringfort or a timber hall complex, situated on the gentle shore of a vast, calm lough. The setting sun casts long, golden rays across the still, silver surface of the water, reflecting the soft, verdant hills beyond. A few simple, early Irish currachs or small boats are pulled up on the grassy bank. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
A Gloomy Pass
A narrow, shadowed passage, likely through hills or mountains, where the light struggles to penetrate. The atmosphere is foreboding and oppressive, reflecting Eva's dark intentions.
Mood: Foreboding, tense, ominous, a place of betrayal.
Eva attempts to have the children of Lir killed, and later transforms them into swans.
Image Prompt & Upload
A narrow, winding pass through ancient, moss-covered hills in the Irish countryside. Tall, gnarled oak trees with thick canopies cast deep, oppressive shadows across the rocky, uneven ground, even in midsummer morning light. The air feels heavy and still, with a sense of hidden danger lurking among the dark foliage and exposed grey stone. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Inis Glora (Island in the Western Sea)
A small, remote island in the Western Sea, characterized by a little lake and a shore. It is a place of solitude, spiritual solace, and eventual transformation, where the Christ-bell chimes and Saint Kemoc resides.
Mood: Initially desolate and sorrowful for the swans, gradually becoming peaceful, hopeful, and sacred.
The swans find solace and sing to God; Saint Kemoc finds them and takes them into his care; the enchantment begins to lift.
Image Prompt & Upload
A serene, remote island in the vast, grey-blue expanse of the Western Sea, under a clear, bright noon sky. In the center of the island, a small, tranquil freshwater lake reflects the sky. The shore is rocky and sparsely vegetated with hardy coastal grasses and low-lying shrubs. A simple, ancient stone hermitage or 'clochán' stands near the lake, suggesting a place of quiet contemplation. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Saint Kemoc's Cell and Little Church
A humble dwelling (cell) and a small, early Christian church, likely constructed of rough-hewn stone or wattle-and-daub, with a simple altar. This is a sanctuary where the swans live with the Saint and where their final transformation occurs.
Mood: Sacred, peaceful, protective, but ultimately a place of dramatic, sorrowful release.
The swans live with Kemoc, learn of Christ; Largnen attempts to seize them, leading to their transformation back into human form, their baptism, and their death.
Image Prompt & Upload
The interior of a small, ancient early Christian church in Ireland, constructed of rough-hewn, grey stone blocks with a simple, unadorned timber roof. A modest stone altar stands at one end, illuminated by soft, diffused light filtering through a small, high window. The floor is packed earth or flagstones, and the air feels still and reverent. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
