Mythology Book

EUROPE 165

See also: The quest of Odysseus 66–71 ■ The labors of Herakles 72–75 ■

Aeneas 96–101 ■ The legend of King Arthur 172–77

B

ran was a legendary Irish

hero who went in search of

an otherworldly paradise.

He learned of this place from an

unnamed woman in strange garb

who appeared at his palace. She

mesmerized Bran and his court

by singing about a distant isle, a

place where sorrow and evil were

unknown, and where there was an

abundance of beautiful maidens.

The Land of Women

The next day, Bran set off by sea

with his men to search for this

wonderful land. On the way, he

met a figure in a chariot, who came

toward him across the waves.

Named Manannan, the mysterious

charioteer sang to Bran, telling him

about his journey and a future son,

who was destined to be a hero. He

also said that Bran would soon

reach the Land of Women.

When they arrived at the Land

of Women, Bran was pulled to shore

by a strand of yarn, thrown to him

by the leader of the women. He and

his men were greeted with loving

hospitality and a bed for every

couple. One of the men, Nechtan,

eventually grew homesick and

encouraged the others to return to

Ireland with him. The women’s

leader warned them, however, that

if they did so, they should not land.

When their ship drew near to

their homeland, no one recognized

Bran and his men or knew who they

were, as so many years had passed.

Nechtan, not heeding the woman’s

warning, jumped ashore and turned

to ash. Bran’s ship sailed away,

never to be heard of again. ■

NORTHERN EUROPE

AS SOON AS HE

TOUCHED THE EARTH,

HE WAS A HEAP

OF ASHES

THE VOYAGE OF BRAN

IN BRIEF

THEME

Journey to the otherworld

SOURCE

“Imram Brain” (“The Voyage of

Bran”), Lebar na Núachongbála

(“The Book of Leinster”),

Anonymous, c. 116 0 ce.

SETTING

Ireland, 7th century ce.

KEY FIGURES

Bran Hero and son of Febal.

Woman An unnamed poet

and seer, possibly one of the

Sidhe, supernatural beings or

goddesses.

Manannan A sea god,

charioteer, and son of Lir.

Nechtan Son of Collbran,

a member of the ship’s crew

on Bran’s voyage.

“There is nothing rough or

harsh, but sweet music

striking on the ear.”

“The Voyage of Bran”

The Book of Leinster

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