Love and Sacrifice

Love drives characters to extreme acts, such as Segda's willingness to die for Ireland, Becfola's forbidden passion for Crimthann, and Mongan's exchange of his wife Duv Laca for a herd of cows, highlighting both noble and destructive aspects of love.

Tuiren's marriage to Iollan Eachtach involves a stipulation for her return if unhappy, highlighting the tension between love and obligation.

Fergus sacrifices his pride and comfort by hugging and kissing the hound to please Fionn, and later develops a genuine loving bond with the animal.

Iollan pledges himself to Uct Dealv to save his life, and Lugaidh proves his love to win Tuiren's hand.

Fionn's love for Saeve drives his relentless search, and Saeve's sacrifice is central to the story.