Love and Sacrifice

Where it surfaces

• I

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

• IV

  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.

• V

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

• Oisín's Mother

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

• II

  Fionn's overwhelming love for Saeve leads him to abandon his previous passions and duties, illustrating the consuming and transformative power of love.

• III

  Fionn's overwhelming love for Saeve drives him to abandon the victory feast, showing how love can overshadow duty and glory.

• IV

  Fionn's deep love for his wife is evident in his grief, and Saeve's desire to meet her husband leads to her tragic transformation.

• V

  Fionn's seven-year search and his immediate love for the boy demonstrate deep love and sacrifice for Saeve.

• VI

  Fionn's overwhelming love for the boy reorders his priorities, showing a deep, sacrificial devotion that surpasses all other bonds.

• VII

  The deep bond between the boy and the deer, and the deer's forced departure, highlight themes of love and loss.

• The Wooing of Becfola

  Becfola's love for Crimthann drives her to risk her marriage and status, though it is more about passion than sacrifice.

• I

  The king's immediate attraction and proposal to the mysterious woman, while she secretly yearns for Crimthann, sets up a potential love triangle.

• II

  Becfola's love for Crimthann drives her to risk everything, including her position and safety, to be with him.

• III

  Becfola's infatuation with the mysterious youth and his sacrifice of his brothers and nephews for lordship highlight the intertwining of desire and loss.

• IV

  Dermod's gentle reproach and invitation back to bed reflect a form of love that sacrifices confrontation for harmony.

• I

  Becuma's crime of running away from her husband and taking refuge with another man highlights themes of love, desire, and the consequences of betrayal.

• III

  Conn's infatuation leads him to sacrifice his son's presence for a year to secure his marriage to Becuma.

• Art's Quest for Delvcaem

  Art's quest for Delvcaem is driven by love, requiring him to sacrifice comfort and safety, while Credè's offer of love presents a temptation that tests his commitment.

• Art's Ordeal in the Many-Coloured Land

  Art's perilous journey to rescue Delvcaem, and Delvcaem's yearning for freedom and love.

• VIII

  The betrothal of Mongan and Duv Laca is a political arrangement that ultimately leads to their marriage.

• XI

  Mongan's love for Duv Laca is evident, but he must sacrifice her to uphold his bargain, highlighting the tension between personal desire and honor.

• XII

  Duv Laca and Branduv's mutual love is tested by her boon, requiring sacrifice and patience.

• XIII

  Mongan's overwhelming love for Duv Laca causes him to waste away, and he risks everything to win her back, showing love's power over honor and life.

• XVI

  Mongan's embrace of Duv Laca and mac an Dáv's claim to the attendant suggest romantic or marital bonds.

• XVIII

  Mongan's despair over Duv Laca and his willingness to use craft rather than war to reclaim her highlight the theme of love's trials and sacrifices.

• The Hag of the Mill

  Mongan's love for Duv Laca drives his trickery, and the hag's willingness to participate in the scheme.