CELTIC MYTHOLOGY
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                             THE BAD SERVANT
                             ---------------

  As a continuance of previous articles on the Fianna of Erin I will
  attempt to introduce the reader to some of the symbolism of the Celtic
  legends and the importance of their contents which contain the beliefs,
  culture and essence of the Celtic people. It is a vast subject having
  constant references to the conscious and subconscious level of man,
  both being inextricably linked.

  Link being a very appropriate word to use at this point. For it is when
  these twin aspects of ourselves touch that we are in a position to
  perhaps grasp the concept of symbol and how they affect us. The symbols
  we will look at are those of natural forces; powers which flow and ebb
  around us all the time.

  The power of the land, the flow, being the linking factor or common
  denominator, makes it plausible to consider that the Fianna were also
  versed, as it were, in the practice of manipulating natural forces and
  that the defence of Ireland and Scotland was on all three levels not
  just the physical and the mental but the spiritual too. Hence the need
  for the warriors of the Fianna to be familiar with all levels of
  defence.

  For confirmation of this we need only take a closer look at the invaders
  who the Fianna had to defend Alba and Erin against. These invaders
  invariably came from Lochlann, more commonly known in some of the
  legends as the Land beneath the Sea. Lochlann, of course, is where that
  race of beings known as the Fomoire dwell. Always representative of the
  darker aspects of things the Fomoire are constantly threatening to take
  over the ordered land of mortals.

  The Fomoire can also be representative of chaos, the unknown factor
  that is never predictable and is destructive to the ordered levels.
  These we put man made borders upon in the hope of making the infinite
  finite and thus understandable.

  The ancient Celtic scholars had the same difficulty in finding out
  about our existence as modern philosophers do. Though being great
  observers of the cycles of the world they would weave their knowledge
  into the tapestry known as Celtic myth.

  These tales for the most part take place in Ireland and Scotland which,
  as with everything else, exists on three levels. So the five divisions
  that Fintan made in Eire can be projected onto the different levels.
  Hence the places mentioned in the story are also applied to the three
  levels. So where Finn himself sat in Tara can be seen as the centre of
  all these levels.

  However, now focussing on the spiritual realms we can see with little
  effort that these place names are all important in finding direction on
  all three levels of Ireland. Where the adventures of the Fenians take
  place you need to have absolute control to venture successfully.

  The argument that says the Ossianic tales mainly take place in the
  otherworld is further backed up by the fact that there is so much
  contact with the gods themselves. Mannanan MacLir and Oengus Og being
  two of many that feature prominently in the texts.

  One tale in particular springs to mind, entitled The Bad Servant. This
  tale begins with the appearance of a somewhat malformed man dragging
  behind him by the iron bit a dilapidated horse so awkward in its walk
  it was a wonder it did not fall over.

  Association is the keyword here and malformity is frequently joined
  with things of a Fomorian aspect. These two characters fit the bill
  nicely. Note the emphasis placed on the mention of the iron bit. This
  being the metal known to be repulsive to Sidhe beings. However, it can
  also be binding and thus offer control over this type of manifestation.

  We are also told that the crooked man gave the horse many blows with an
  iron cudgel, the metal highlighted once more. Every time the cudgel was
  used it gave off the sound of crashing waves. A very poetic description,
  also very graphic. But when scrutinised it gives a clue to the identity
  of the man.

  Our speculation is confirmed when he announces he is a man of the
  Fomoire and that his name is the Gille-Decair (the bad servant). Upon
  meeting Finn he also asks for employment within the Fianna and states
  that he is seeking wages from the kings of the earth. Suggesting
  perhaps, that he is not of earthly countenance.

  If the very appearance of this pair sounds disturbing then their deeds
  and actions must be positively shocking. After insulting some of the
  Fenians and demanding double wages because he claims to be a horseman
  and they are higher paid. His horse then sets about maiming and killing
  the other horses of the Fianna. Destructive forces already at work
  here.

  Conan, son of Morna, tried to stop this trouble by jumping on the horse
  and trying to gain control of it but as with so many legends he was
  enticed into partaking on a journey he had not counted on. This was no
  ordinary horse for it was from the Land Under Sea itself. The horse is
  Aonbharr, Lugh's gallant steed.

  The reader will have noticed that the description of the horse given
  earlier bears no resemblance whatsoever to the usual descriptions given
  of the sun-god's horse. A brilliant white charger, rampant in energy and
  beautiful in splendour. However, things are often the exact opposite in
  the other-world to how they appear in this world. This fact should
  always be borne in mind whilst perusing the legends as some snippet of
  information you've been looking for could be sitting right underneath
  your nose. Unnoticed, because you haven't been careful enough.

  Back to the story. Through one way and another a total of fourteen men
  ended up on the back of this horse and all of them had no way of knowing
  where they would end up. This, of course, left Finn MacCumhal himself
  with a great dilemma. How could he possibly save his men.

  He was resolved however that he would bring them back by any means
  possible. Such was his loyalty. Finn then used a gift that had been
  given to the Children of the Gael by that mystical race known as the
  Tuatha De Danaan. A gift quite simply known as magic, and he then
  summoned otherworld aid to help him in his quest.

  The aid came to him in the form of two men, one of whom could with
  three blows create a ship to hold thirty hundred men. All he asked was
  that the men of the Fianna bowed their heads whilst he performed his
  task. The three blows are representative of the three levels of
  existence and thus we can conclude that this was a vehicle capable of
  travelling on all these planes. The bowing of heads signifies humility
  and acknowledgment of higher forces at work.

  So, the boats now created for their special journey, Finn and his men
  set off on the tracks of the Gille-Decair. For three nights and three
  days the sea was relentless in its wildness and fury, giving no easy
  passage to man nor beast. Though the Fenians carried on as if it were
  but a mild ripple in the water.

  A new aspect of the journey was ahead of them now in the form of a huge
  grey mountain rising out of the sea. However, when the mountain was
  reached it was plain there was no way forward but to negotiate a huge
  smooth rock which blocked the path to any other progress.

  It is at this point that Diarmaid O'Duibhne plays a major role in this
  tale.  He is a man who was reared by and got his learning from Mannanan
  MacLir and Oengus Og. Needles to say he was not inefficient in the art
  of magic and by using Mannanan's staves of power that were with him, he
  rose on top of them and gave a huge leap and found himself a foothold on
  top of the overhanging rock. But no matter how hard he tried he could
  not bring his comrades with him. Once more we see the use of staves to
  bring about the desire of will.

  Alone now, Diarmaid continues and comes face to face with a sight not
  uncommon in otherworld realms, a huge tree with many branches. A horn
  hanging from one of the branches and a well at the foot of the tree.
  The tree in itself being the centre point of this discovery. It marks
  a turning point with many possibilities attached to it, represented by
  the many branches. The horn mentioned is usually to call on something.
  But how it affects the traveller is entirely up to the individual.
  Whether it is the summoning of a spiritual guide or a new level of
  awareness or understanding it is often beneficial.

  The well is frequently equated with otherworld knowledge and can give
  inspiration or insight. Places like these are very sacred though and
  often have a guardian, described in this case as a man of enchantments.
  He challenges Diarmaid's presence there, however, our hero is adamant
  to partake in this glorious find and ends up in combat with the
  guardian.

  This says that this type of knowledge is never easy to come by and a
  battle of some sort is usually necessary, whether it is the fevered
  study of the student or the insane bravery of a warrior, only those who
  excel shall be honoured with high knowledge.

  The tale itself is very lengthy and to delve into every aspect of its
  symbology would take a whole book. However, I hope I have shown some of
  the key points and signs within the legends which are multi-layered. On
  that note I wish you many hours of fascinating study.





               [Copyright - S. Soyka DALRIADA MAGAZINE 1993]
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