In a time long since past, life upon the isle of Mahr obeys the ways of the Druid. Here the spirits of the Banshee, and Pouka dwell. And little people live eternally in fairy mounds below the ground under the land occupied by ever changing human presence.
The young boy, Cavan is to become a man in the tradition of the mystic orders of Druid and Bard. Cavan?s grandmother, Muira and her children are the focus of this collection of tales. Her life in past and present is the centerpiece for mythical adventures with Hugh Mohr, the king of the fairy people. By their interaction the customs and practices of Druid, and Celtic fairy are discovered.
Muira is to send Cavan to the city of Cliath, the place of learning for Druids. There he shall serve and learn. In order to prepare him for his imminent life as a man full groan, Muira instructs him in the history of magic in his family.
King Oiche is uncle to Cavan and ruler of the west. Oiche?s lance is made from metal and fire given down from the heavens. His ascent to the throne is by proper use of its magical power and the aide of the most powerful deity, Maeve that governs all doings upon of the island. The many heroic feats of Oiche have become legends. Muira relates the unknown truths of these deeds in her accounts to Cavan.
It comes early into the story that an evil queen, Almidah of the powerful empire of Emor conspires to invade and enslave the people of the island of Mahr. Oiche organizes the populace of the island and constructs the plan to resist the invaders. Muira, and Hugh Mohr organize Druid and Fairy magic to repel the coming invasion. Much improvised enchantment unfolds in the course of the battles to come.
Most engaging is Muira?s use of the magic of Lake Locherbith to render visions of the past and present. In the reflections of the moon upon the night waters Muia conjures living images and sounds from now and before. With Cavan at her side, Queen Alimdah?s private life and secrets are witnessed and exposed.
Artisans have beautifully illustrated this fairy account and the narrative is imparted in the manner of the old world. Plots and subplots weave unfolding the dearest legends of the prehistoric Celtic realm. Although the story begins slowly, suspense, magic, intrigue fills the pages through to the climax with the arrival of the grand invasion of the island.
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