Niamh (mythology)

Niamh [ ni ː ɒf ] is the name of a legendary figure from Irish mythology.

Mythology

Niamh is the daughter of Manannan mac Lir and Found and a queen in the other world country Tír na nÓg ( "Land of [ eternal ] youth "). They crossed the sea on her horse Embarr and comes to Fionn mac Cumhail because she wants to take his son Oisín the " Land of Youth ". Oisín agrees and goes with her, with the promise to return soon. After three years overtakes him homesick and he asks Niamh to lend him Embarr for a visit to the old country. Niamh fulfilled his wish, but warns him not to dismount and touch the earth of Ireland.

As Oisín in Ireland arrives, he discovers that since the Tír na nÓg in three years had passed 300 years in the human world. He asks about Fionn and the Fianna, but learns that his father and all his companions were dead for hundreds of years and is told only in legends about them. When he accidentally falls off his horse because he is asked for help, he turns in contact with the ground immediately in a very old man. The Holy Patrick of Ireland, he tells his story (see also Acallam na Senórach, " The conversation with the old man "). Niamh has now his daughter Plor na mBan born and studied Oisin in Ireland, but to learn that he had died.

Even Oscar to be a son Niamh and Oisíns.

Trivia

LÉ Niamh ( P52 ), an ocean-going patrol boat of the Irish Naval Service, carries the name of this legendary figure.