In the era when faeries and mortal's lived side by side in the world, an Irish lord named Eochaid gambled away his beautiful wife Etain,to a ruler of elfin lands.

This is how it happened. Etain won the attention of Midhir - a King among the Tuatha D'e Danann - who wooed her in secret, promising to take her away to his invisible realm. Swayed by his singing, she agreed, but she said that her husband must give her leave.

Midhir bided his time for a year, then he appeared at Eochaid's stronghold. "Who are you ?" asked the lord.

"Midhir of Bri Leith"

"Why have you come?"

"To play at fidchell with you "

Fidchell was a game like chess, played on a silver board with golden men,and Eochaid prided himself on his skill at it.He agreed to play, but only for a stake.Midhir smiled and set it : Fifty dark horses with blood red heads. Midhir lost ,and by the next dawn, Eochaid had his horses.

Then they played again for a richer stake, which included fifty fiery boats and fifty swords with golden hilts.A gain Midhir lost,and again Eochaid got his booty.

They decided to play a third time .When Eochaid asked the stake ,Midhir said, " Whatever the winner names."Eochaid greedily agreed. This time Midhir won .He set the stake : his arms around Etain and a kiss from her lips.

Eochaid hesitated, but in honour he had no choice. He promised to deliver Etain in one month's time. When Midhir arrived on the appointed day , he found Eocaid and Etain in the castle courtyard , surrounded by Eochaid warriors .But the ranks parted as the King strode through.

Midhir shifted his weapons from his right hand to his left and put his right arm around Etain Effortlessly , the two rose into the air, higher and higher ,until they were mere specks , two swans flying across the country-side, towards Midhir's bright land.

Thus began a war between mortal and fairy,but Midhir kept his mortal mistress.

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