Aillen

Aillen [' aLe ː n ] is the name of a fire - fiend from the Finn cycle of Celtic mythology of Ireland. Aillen is also sometimes seen as one of the Tuatha Dé Danann from the people, his sister Áine to be his residence Mag Mell.

Mythology

In the story Macgnímartha Finn ( " Fionn's youth acts " ) are added each year to Samhain ( eve on the night of November 1 ) all residents of Tara, the royal castle Conn Cétchathachs by mysterious music in sleep and the castle was set on fire. The young - according to various reports, then only 9-10 years old - hero Fionn mac Cumhaill is able to stay awake with the help of the magic power of his magical spear. As Aillen under sleep -bringing harp music comes closer and his fire breath blows to the castle, Fionn throws his coat over it, forcing the scorching breath so before the walls to the ground. Aillen flees to his home, a cairn (rock hill ) on the mountain Fionnachdh where Fionn catches and kills him with his spear.

In gratitude, the king hands over the young Fionn command of the Fianna, the previous leader of this young band of warriors, Goll mac Morna, must swear him under the threat of the country reference loyalty, which he does.

This story is also included in Acallam na Senórach ( " The conversation with the old man ").

The harp music Ailléns recalls the magic harp of the Dagda, which could also affect humans. Samhain is still considered traditionally as the evening on which the Side ( Elf Hill ) open and make the underworld so that contact with the upper world possible.