Irish Fairy Tales · Character

Duv Laca

Mongan's cradle-bride, whose beauty is bargained away by her own husband and who insists that honour outlasts life.

supporting

Also known as Duv Laca of the White Hand, young Duv Laca

First appearance: the enchanted cave of cesh corran

As a supporting figure in Irish Fairy Tales, Duv Laca is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Mentioned frequently by Mongan in his sleep, daughter of Fiachna Duv mac Demain, object of Brótiarna's jealousy.

In the storyIIOpen this moment free

Duv Laca is married to Mongan after peace is made with Fiachna Duv, and their chess games at the palace seem a picture of ease. When the King of Leinster claims her as the price of a bargain, she refuses to let Mongan break his word, telling him honour is longer than life. Her insistence forces Mongan into loss and later into the vengeance that makes him King of Ulster.

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Character Web

14 connections

A slice of how Duv Laca sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Romantic
Other

Character groups

Fianna warriors and foes
Core Fianna and rivals

+9 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This is the dramatic climax because Duv Laca’s declaration of love and her simultaneous imposition of a year-l…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

Mongan
romantic · ambivalent
Duv Laca is Mongan's wife, and their relationship is marked by love, jealousy, and… How this plays out →
Mongan
romantic · ambivalent
Duv Laca is Mongan's wife, and their relationship is marked by love, jealousy, and… How this plays out →
Mongan
romantic · ambivalent
Duv Laca is Mongan's wife, and their relationship is marked by love, jealousy, and… How this plays out →

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Duv Laca in the enchanted cave of cesh corran

In the story

Duv Laca appears across 11 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

II
Mentioned frequently by Mongan in his sleep, daughter of Fiachna Duv mac Demain, object of Brótiarna's jealousy.
VIII
Daughter of Fiachna Duv, betrothed to Mongan in the cradle and later married to him.
Mongan Avenges His Father
Mongan's wife, playing chess with him; expected to oppose Mongan's vengeance.
The Bargain of the White Cows
Mentioned as the most beautiful woman in Ireland, the object of Branduv's desire, and the subject of the bargain.
XI
Duv Laca loves the cows and Mongan, but insists on keeping the bargain with the King of Leinster, valuing honor above her own happiness.
XII
Duv Laca declares her love for King Branduv and binds him to a year of separation to test his devotion.
XIII
Mongan's beloved wife who went to Leinster with the king of that country; described as the delight of ages and the gem of time.
XVI
The queen, formerly the King of Ulster's wife, whom Mongan embraces.
XVII
Reveals to the King of Leinster that Mongan is her husband, exposing the deception.
XVIII
The object of Mongan's desire; sends word for Mongan to come quickly as the charioteer Kevin Cochlach pursues her.
The Hag of the Mill
Duv Laca of the White Hand, taken from Mongan by Branduv, but later rescued by Mongan.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Duv Laca unlock in the free preview.

See Duv Laca in the enchanted cave of cesh corran

See Duv Laca in II