An important part of the Irish Mythological Cycle, The Children of Lir story is beloved in Ireland. This tale is part of the grand Irish storytelling tradition, which relies on prose and poetic language to weave together morality, magic, and history…
In this popular myth, Dearg The Red was chosen as the king of the Tuatha De Danna people, which annoyed Lir, his rival. In an effort to soothe the temper of Lir, Dearg The Red offered one of his own daughters in marriage.
Lir was wed to this young woman, whose name was Aoibh. During their union, Aoibh bore Dearg four children: Fionnuala, a girl, and sons Aodh, Fiachra, and Conn.
Sadly, Lir’s bride soon passed away, and the children grieved for her. Dearg offered another one of his daughters to Lir, a woman named Aoife.
Aoife had a mean streak – she was irritated by the children’s affection for one another and by their close relationship with Lir. Her jealousy led her to plot the demise of the four children.
In a fit of rage , she told her servant to end their lives, but the servant would not do such a thing. She thought of killing them herself, but she soon found she lacked the ability to carry out murder. She decided to use spells to turn Lir’s offspring to swans.
When the King, Dearg The Red, found out about his daughter’s transgressions, he punished Aoife by tranforming her into a demon of the air.
The four children lived as swans for 300 years…they were forced to inhabit the waters of Lough Derravaragh, close to Lir’s own estate. Then, they continued their sentence by spending 300 years floating on the Sea of Moyle…but it was not over yet! Another 300 years at Irrus Domnann passed, and they children were still victims of the curse.
In order to escape the spell, a monk would need to bless the swans and break the curse. During their enchantment, Ireland’s patron saint, Patrick, converted the Emerald Isle to Christianity.
The Spell Is Broken…
In time, the bewitched children came under the influence of a monk at Inis Gluaire.
At this time, the swans were linked to one another with silver cords, so that they would remain together. The wife of King of Leinster, a woman named Deoch, coveted the birds, and so she forced her husband to steal the swans from the monastery.
During the attack, the cords were broken…the children who had lived as swans for 900 years were now elderly, frail human beings.
A Happier Ending…?
There is an alternate version of this ancient myth. In this retelling, the swans hear a monk’s bell and move towards the sound.
A priest found them and returned them to human form. Since they were so old, they died and ascended to heaven, to be with their beloved father again…
Today’s Irish Jewelry References The Ancient Myths…
Delicately-wrought animal (zoomorphic) symbols are part of the Irish and Celtic tradition…for thousands of years, master artisans have created pieces that reference animals, mythical beasts, and creatures from fables like the Children Of Lir…
Today, the most authentic Irish jewelry is created to honor the past…this ladies Celtic wedding ring is feminine, romantic, and bestowed with the spirit of magic and beauty that enbodies the Irish people…
The Le Chiele wedding band is the perfect way to get in touch with your own Irish ancestry, as you embark on a new journey with your groom. In fact, you can choose a matching band for him, as well…
For more beautiful jewelry handcrafted and assayed in Ireland, please visit our online Celtic jewelry store…