XI

MAELDUIN'S VOYAGE


An Irish knight named Maelduin set forth early in the eighth century to
seek round the seas for his father's murderers. By the advice of a wizard,
he was to take with him seventeen companions, neither less nor more; but
at the last moment his three foster brothers, whom he had not included,
begged to go with him. He refused, and they cast themselves into the sea
to swim after his vessel. Maelduin had pity on them and took them in, but
his disregard of the wizard's advice brought punishment; and it was only
after long wanderings, after visiting multitudes of unknown and often
enchanted islands, and after the death or loss of the three foster
brothers, that Maelduin was able to return to his native land.

One island which they visited was divided into four parts by four fences,
one of gold, one of silver, one of brass, one of crystal. In the first
division there dwelt kings, in the second queens, in the third warriors,
and in the fourth maidens. The voyagers landed in the maidens' realm; one
of these came out in a boat and gave them food, such that every one found
in it the taste he liked best; then followed an enchanted drink, which
made them sleep for three days and three nights. When they awakened they
were in their boat on the sea, and nothing was to be seen either of island
or maidens.

The next island had in it a fortress with a brazen door and a bridge of
glass, on which every one who ascended it slipped and fell. A woman came