#FairyTaleTuesday #Celtic: `Early in fall the Fianna embarked on a hunt, only to end up in the captivity of an abysmal unattractive hag. Among the men guarding the Fians was one who had a beautiful daughter, called Ethne, and often at night she would sit near the Fians and listen as they spoke of past wars and adventures. She seemed so gentle and sweet, so unlike the witch and her companions, that each time Diarmuid O'Duibhne saw her he loved her more deeply; and one evening, as they were pacing up and down the sands, he said:"Were I free from these evil bonds, Ethne, I would ask you to leave your people, and come to my home with me, for I love you, and had I the choice of all the women in the world it is you I would choose for my wife. But, much as I and my companions try, we cannot break the spell that binds us to this place.""How can I be sure that you love me?" asked Ethne doubtfully. "Do you forget that I am one of your enemy's companions?""I swear by the sun and the wind," answered Diarmuid, "that I have spoken the truth. Tell me that you will accompany me when I leave this place."Then Ethne knew that he did indeed love her; for he had called on two eternal powers to witness his vow, and did he break that vow the powers of the sun and wind would punish him. "I have given you my love, and wherever you choose to take me I will go," said Ethne softly. "This night you shall all be free, for, unknown to the enchantress, I have a word of might which will release your bonds."Source: Heroes of the Dawn by Violet RusselHere’s the backstory: https://hear-me.social/@NeuKelte/115254225446524432
