TEEVAL, PRINCESS of the OCEAN
by Sophia Morrison · from Manx Fairy Tales
Adapted Version
A young man wanted to be king. His name was Conchubar. He wanted to rule a big land. He asked a wise old man for help.
The Wise Druid told Conchubar a plan. "Go find a smith named Culain." "He lives on an island." "He will make strong weapons for you."
Conchubar went to the island. He found Culain the smith. Culain was busy. He had a big dog. Culain agreed to make the weapons.
Conchubar waited for his weapons. He walked by the big sea. He saw a beautiful girl. She was Teeval the Mermaid Princess. She was sleeping.
Conchubar knew she would go back. He wanted her to stay. He took her hand gently. He asked her to please wait.
Teeval woke up. Her eyes were blue. She felt very scared. "Please let me go," she cried. "I will give you a gift."
Conchubar liked Teeval very much. He wanted her to be happy. He agreed to let her go. He did not want her gift.
Teeval told Conchubar a secret. "Put my picture on your shield." "Write my name there." "Say my name in a fight." "You will be very strong."
Teeval waved goodbye. She swam into the blue sea. Conchubar watched her disappear. He stood there for a time. He felt a little sad.
Conchubar told Culain the magic. Culain made the special shield. He made a sword and a spear. These weapons were very strong.
Conchubar had his new magic weapons. He went back to his land. He went to a big battle. He was ready to fight.
In the battle, Conchubar looked at his shield. He saw Teeval's face. He said her name. He became very strong. He won the fight.
Conchubar became a great king. Everyone knew his name. He asked Culain to live in his land. Culain came to live in his castle.
Conchubar never saw Teeval again. But he always remembered her. He remembered the kind mermaid. He remembered her special magic. He was a good king.
Original Story
TEEVAL, PRINCESS OF THE OCEAN
In the old days Culain, the smith of the gods, was living in the Isle of Mann. It was the time when Conchubar was at the court of the King of Ulster, and had nothing but the sword in his hand. He was a fine handsome young man, and he had made up his mind to make himself a king. So he went one day to the Druid of Clogher to ask him what he had best do.
‘Go thy way,’ said the Druid, ‘to the Isle of Mann. There thou wilt find the great smith Culain. Get him to make thee a sword and a spear and a shield, and with these thou shalt win the kingdom of Ulster.’
Conchubar went away, and hired a boat and put out to sea. He landed in Mann and made straight for Culain’s smithy. It was night when he got there, and the red glow of the furnace shone out into the dark. He could hear from inside the smithy the roar of the bellows and the clanging of the hammer on the anvil. When he came near, a great dog, as large as a calf, began to bay and to growl like thunder, and brought his master out.
‘Who art thou, young man?’ said he.
‘Oh Culain!’ cried Conchubar, ‘it is from the Druid of Clogher that I come, and he bade me ask thee to make me a sword and a spear and a shield, for only with weapons of thy making can I win the Kingdom of Ulster.’
Culain’s face grew black at first, but after he had gazed for a while at Conchubar, he saw that he had the look about him of one who would go far, and he said:
‘It shall be done for thee, but thou must wait, for the work is long.’
So Culain began to make the weapons, and Conchubar waited in the island.
Early one brave morning in May when the sun had just risen over Cronk-yn-Irree-Laa, he was walking on the strand, wondering to himself how much longer Culain would be making his weapons and thinking it was full time for him to return. The tide was going out, and the sun was shining on the wet sand. Suddenly he saw something flashing at the edge of the waves a few paces from him. He ran up to it and, behold, it was the most beautiful woman he had ever put sight on, fast asleep. Her hair was golden, like the gorse in bloom; her skin whiter than the foam of the sea, her lips red as the coral, and her cheeks rosy like the little clouds that were flying before the face of the rising sun. The fringe of her dress of many coloured seaweeds rose and fell with the ebb and flow of the waves. Pearls gleamed on her neck and arms. Conchubar stood and looked on her. He knew that she was a Mermaid and that as soon as she awoke she would slip back into the ocean and be lost to him. So he bound her fast with his girdle.
Then she awoke and opened her eyes, which were blue as the sea, and when she saw that she was bound, she cried out with terror, ‘Loose me, man, loose me!’
Conchubar did not answer, so she said again, ‘Loose me, I beg thee!’ in a voice as sweet as the music of Hom Mooar, the Fairy Fiddler.
By this time Conchubar was feeling that he would give all he had to keep her. He answered, trembling, ‘Woman, my heart, who art thou?’
‘I am Teeval, Princess of the Ocean,’ said she. ‘Set me free, I pray thee.’
‘But if I set thee free,’ said Conchubar, ‘thou wilt leave me.’
‘I cannot stay with thee, Conchubar,’ she cried; ‘set me free, and I will give thee a precious gift.’
‘I will loose thee,’ answered Conchubar. ‘It is not for the gift, but because I cannot resist thee.’
He unfastened the girdle from her and she said, ‘My gift to thee is this: Go now to Culain who is making thy shield, and tell him that Teeval, Princess of the Ocean, bids him to put her figure on the shield and round it to grave her name. Then thou shalt wear it always in battle, and when thou shalt look on my face and call my name, thy enemies’ strength shall go from them and shall come into thee and thy men.’ When she had said this, she waved her white arm to Conchubar and plunged into the waves. He looked sadly for a long time at the spot where she had disappeared, and then walked slowly to the forge of Culain, and gave him the message.
Culain finished the mighty shield as the Princess had said, and forged also for Conchubar a golden-hilted magic sword, and a spear set with precious stones. Then Conchubar, in his crimson mantle and white gold-embroidered tunic, and armed with his great shield and his mighty weapons, went back to Ireland.
All that the Princess of the Ocean had said came true. When he went into battle he looked at the beautiful face in his shield and cried ‘Help, Teeval.’
Then he felt strength come into him like the strength of a giant, and he cut his enemies down like grass. Before long he was famous all over Ireland for his great deeds, and in the end he became King of Ulster. Then he invited Culain to come and live in his kingdom, and gave him the plain of Murthemny to dwell in.
But he never again saw the lovely Mermaid.
Story DNA
Plot Summary
Conchubar, a young man destined to be king, seeks magical weapons from the smith Culain in the Isle of Mann. While waiting, he discovers and binds Teeval, a beautiful mermaid princess, on the beach. She offers him a powerful gift in exchange for her freedom: her image and name on his shield will grant him immense strength in battle. Conchubar releases her, and with the magical shield, he becomes the renowned King of Ulster, though he never sees his beloved mermaid again.
Themes
Emotional Arc
ambition to triumph, with a touch of melancholy
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
Conchubar (Conchobar mac Nessa) is a legendary king in the Ulster Cycle of Irish mythology, often associated with the Red Branch Knights. Culain is also a figure from Irish mythology, whose hound is famously killed by Cú Chulainn. This story integrates these figures into a Manx setting.
Plot Beats (14)
- Conchubar, a young man, desires to become King of Ulster and seeks advice from the Druid of Clogher.
- The Druid instructs Conchubar to go to the Isle of Mann and have the smith Culain forge him a sword, spear, and shield.
- Conchubar travels to Mann, finds Culain's smithy, and convinces the initially reluctant smith to undertake the long work.
- While waiting for his weapons, Conchubar walks on the strand and discovers Teeval, a beautiful mermaid princess, asleep at the water's edge.
- Knowing she will return to the sea, Conchubar binds Teeval with his girdle to keep her.
- Teeval awakens, terrified, and pleads with Conchubar to release her, offering him a precious gift.
- Conchubar, captivated by Teeval, agrees to release her, not for the gift, but because he cannot resist her.
- Teeval instructs Conchubar to have her figure and name engraved on his shield, promising that looking upon it and calling her name will transfer his enemies' strength to him.
- Teeval waves goodbye and plunges back into the ocean, leaving Conchubar to sadly watch her disappear.
- Conchubar delivers Teeval's message to Culain, who completes the magical shield, sword, and spear as instructed.
- Armed with his new magical weapons, Conchubar returns to Ireland and enters battle.
- In battle, Conchubar looks at Teeval's face on his shield, calls her name, and gains giant-like strength, defeating his enemies.
- Conchubar becomes famous and eventually King of Ulster, inviting Culain to live in his kingdom.
- Conchubar never sees the lovely Mermaid again.
Characters
Conchubar ★ protagonist
A fine, handsome young man of strong build, likely of Celtic descent given the setting in Ulster and Isle of Mann. His physique suggests a warrior capable of wielding a sword and spear.
Attire: Initially, his attire is not described, suggesting practical travel clothes. Later, as a king, he wears a crimson mantle over a white tunic embroidered with gold, indicative of high status and wealth in ancient Ireland.
Wants: To become King of Ulster and achieve power and renown.
Flaw: His desire for power initially leads him to capture Teeval, but his romantic nature and inability to resist her ultimately lead him to release her, losing her forever.
Transforms from an ambitious young man seeking a kingdom into a powerful and famous king, but at the cost of his love for Teeval. He learns that some desires cannot be fulfilled through force.
Ambitious, determined, somewhat opportunistic (binding Teeval), romantic, honorable (releases Teeval for love, not the gift), and grateful (invites Culain to his kingdom).
Image Prompt & Upload
A young Celtic man standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a determined expression, with a strong jawline and deep-set eyes. He wears a flowing crimson wool mantle over a white linen tunic with intricate gold embroidery around the collar and cuffs. He holds a large, round shield in his left hand, which depicts the serene face of a beautiful woman. A golden-hilted sword is sheathed at his hip, and a spear with a jeweled tip is held in his right hand. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Culain ◆ supporting
A powerful and imposing man, likely with a muscular build from his work as a smith. His face can appear stern or 'black' when displeased, but he also possesses a discerning eye for character.
Attire: Practical, durable smith's attire, likely leather apron over sturdy linen or wool garments, possibly dark and singed from the forge. His clothing would be functional rather than decorative.
Wants: To continue his work as a master smith. Later, to serve Conchubar due to his recognition of Conchubar's potential and subsequent gratitude.
Flaw: None explicitly stated, but perhaps a certain gruffness that can be off-putting initially.
Remains consistent in his character as a master smith. His life improves when Conchubar invites him to live in his kingdom.
Initially gruff and perhaps wary, but discerning, skilled, and ultimately loyal. He recognizes potential in Conchubar and fulfills his request with great craftsmanship.
Image Prompt & Upload
A burly, middle-aged Celtic man standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a rugged face, a short, practical beard, and strong, calloused hands. His skin is tanned and smudged with soot. He wears a thick, dark leather apron over a simple, dark tunic and trousers. He holds a heavy smith's hammer in one hand. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Teeval, Princess of the Ocean ◆ supporting
Exquisitely beautiful, with skin whiter than sea foam and rosy cheeks. Her form below the waist is implied to be that of a mermaid, though only the 'fringe of her dress of many coloured seaweeds' is mentioned as rising and falling with the waves, suggesting a tail or a dress that mimics one.
Attire: A 'dress of many coloured seaweeds' that moves with the waves, suggesting a natural, flowing garment made of marine elements. Pearls gleam on her neck and arms, indicating her royal status.
Wants: To return to her home in the ocean and maintain her freedom.
Flaw: Vulnerable when on land and asleep, easily captured by a human.
Appears briefly, is captured, then freed, and bestows a magical gift before returning to her realm. She does not change, but her actions profoundly impact Conchubar.
Beautiful, ethereal, initially terrified, but then composed and generous. She is bound by her nature to the ocean but is willing to offer a powerful gift.
Image Prompt & Upload
A beautiful young woman standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. She has long, flowing golden hair that reaches her waist, round blue eyes, and fair skin with rosy cheeks. Her lips are a vibrant coral red. She wears a flowing gown made of iridescent, multi-colored seaweeds that shimmer with greens, blues, and purples, adorned with lustrous white pearls around her neck and arms. She has a serene, ethereal expression. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Druid of Clogher ○ minor
Not explicitly described, but as a Druid, he would likely possess an appearance that conveys wisdom and connection to nature, perhaps with a long beard and weathered features.
Attire: Simple, natural robes, perhaps made of undyed wool or linen, possibly adorned with natural elements like leaves or carved wood, befitting a spiritual leader in ancient Ireland.
Wants: To guide those who seek his wisdom, particularly those destined for greatness.
Flaw: None stated.
A static character who provides initial guidance.
Wise, prescient, and guiding. He provides crucial advice that sets Conchubar on his path.
Image Prompt & Upload
An elderly Celtic man standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a long, flowing white beard and hair, with deep-set, knowing eyes. His face is lined with age and wisdom. He wears a simple, flowing robe of undyed grey wool, cinched at the waist with a rope belt. He holds a gnarled wooden staff in his right hand. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Culain's Great Dog ○ minor
A very large dog, described as being 'as large as a calf'. It would be a powerful, imposing breed, likely a large Irish Wolfhound or similar ancient breed, with a thick coat.
Attire: None, as an animal.
Wants: To protect its master, Culain.
Flaw: None stated.
A static character, serving its role as a protector.
Loyal, protective, and fierce. It acts as a guardian for Culain.
Image Prompt & Upload
A massive, shaggy Irish Wolfhound standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. Its fur is a dark brindle, and its eyes are intelligent and alert. It has a powerful, muscular build, easily the size of a young calf. Its tail is long and bushy. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Locations
Culain's Smithy
A dark, enclosed space with the intense red glow of a furnace illuminating the interior. The air is filled with the roar of bellows and the rhythmic clang of a hammer on an anvil. Outside, it is dark night.
Mood: Industrial, powerful, slightly intimidating due to the large dog and the smith's initial demeanor.
Conchubar arrives to commission his weapons, meeting Culain and his guard dog.
Image Prompt & Upload
A dark, cavernous smithy interior, lit dramatically by the fierce red and orange glow emanating from a massive stone furnace built into one wall. Sparks fly from a heavy hammer striking an anvil in the center, casting dynamic shadows across rough-hewn timber beams supporting the high ceiling. A large, shaggy dog with glowing eyes stands guard in the foreground, its silhouette defined by the intense light. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Isle of Mann Strand
A coastal stretch of wet sand on the Isle of Mann, with the tide receding. The sun has just risen over Cronk-yn-Irree-Laa, casting a brilliant light on the sand and the gentle waves. Wild gorse bushes are implied by Teeval's hair color.
Mood: Serene, magical, with a sense of discovery and wonder.
Conchubar discovers Teeval, the Princess of the Ocean, asleep on the sand and binds her.
Image Prompt & Upload
A wide, expansive view of a pristine, wet sandy beach on the Isle of Mann at dawn. The rising sun, a soft golden orb, is just cresting over the distant, rolling hills of Cronk-yn-Irree-Laa, casting long, warm light across the glistening, receding tide. Gentle, foamy waves lap at the shore, reflecting the pastel hues of the sky. Sparse, hardy coastal grasses and patches of bright yellow gorse grow on the dunes bordering the sand. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.