The Gaelic people past would speak and tell stories to eachother about a beautiful land off the west coast of Ireland called Tír na nÓg. Everyone was young and beautiful. No one fell ill and joy filled the air. The Tuatha de Dannan resided there, living happily away from the trials and tribulations of the mortal realm. This is the story of Oisín, the son of Fionn MacCumhaill and his relationship with this mystical place.
Niamh Asks for Oisín
One morning the legendary Fianna were hunting deer on the shores of Lough Leane in County Kerry. They came across a hilltop, where they would rest for a moment. As they were resting a beautiful woman came riding towards them on a glistening white horse. Oisín and his band of warriors could only assume it was a princess as they observed her majestic appearance and long golden hair that reached down to her waist.
“Who are you? Where have you came from?”, Fionn asked.
“I am Niamh of the golden hair, and my father is the King of Tír na nÓg. May you introduce me to your son? I have heard stories of the great warrior named Oisín and ask that he returns with me to my land.”.
Fionn was hesitant, a man of deep knowledge. He was aware that his son may never return if he accompanies the princess. Before Fionn was able to come to a verdict Oisín had made up his mind. He was awe struck by the princess, he mounted Niamh’s horse and off they went.
Tír na nÓg
Soon after they arrived on the golden shores of Tír na nÓg. They were greeted in splendour. A great feast was prepared by the mysterious King and Queen for their new arrival. As time passed Oisín began to feel more at home. He would tell the residents stories about the heroic Fianna and their journeys throughout the island of Ireland. His relationship with Niamh grew stronger and it was not long before they married.
Three hundred years passed in what seemed to be a much shorter time. Oisín was happy, however he would at times think about his friends and family that he left behind. He would speak with Niamh, explaining that although he was so very happy in his new home, he longs to return to his old home to embrace his family and console them regarding his absence. Niamh understood her husband. She encouraged him to return for a short time, offering Oisín her beautiful white horse. However, there was one condition. “Set foot, even once, on the soil of Ireland and you will never return to Tír na nÓg.
Oisín Returns to Ireland
As the hero reached Ireland, he was shocked. Everything has changed. He could not locate his father and there were no Fianna to be found in the forests or hills. As he passed through ‘Gleann na Smol’, he encountered a group of men attempting to move a very large stone.
“I can help you with that”, Oisín declared. Though, he remembered that he cannot under any circumstance step foot on the land. Determined to be of help, he reached down from the horse and with one hand, lifted the stone. But as he did so, the saddle strap broke, and he came crashing down onto the soil. The horse galloped away into the mist and suddenly the legendary hero of the Fianna found himself a decrepit old man.
Oisín in Ireland
In devastation he realised what had happened. He has become mortal again. However, he was in a completely different Ireland now, one in which he did not recognise nor belong. His heart filled with sadness knowing that all those he once knew are gone. Legend has it, he met with St Patrick. St Patrick is said to of provided him with some comfort. Oisín would spend the remainder of his days telling stories of the Fianna and Tír na nÓg, to all those who would listen. Some would believe him, others not. He died in this way, forever searching for a reality that did not exist anymore.