GEMMA GRANT continues her series on the myths and legends of Ireland

 

No one knew who she was, where she came from, nor what her real motives were, when she agreed to marry the Ard Rí. Diarmaid, son of Aodh, of Slane, was the High King of Ireland, when the young woman rode into his life.

Diarmaid, an unmarried king, had many foster sons, princes from the provinces of Ireland. The young men, sent by their fathers as tokens of loyalty to the king. Diarmaid treated the princes well, like they were his own sons, and taught them many valuable lessons.

Diarmaid’s favourite ward of court was Crimthann, son of the king of Leinster. Crimthann accompanied the king on his many sojourns. The young prince was a willing pupil, learning much from his royal tutor, whom he held in high regard.

Crimthann was with the king, when the strange young lady made her presence felt. Resting after a successful hunt, the party camped by the water’s edge. The servants, busy preparing food and refreshments, failed to notice the approach of the chariot. Not so, the eagle-eyes of the guards who informed the king that a chariot was seen in the distance.

“Does it contain warriors?” the king enquired.
“I see only one rider, my lord,” came the reply.

Diarmaid and Crimthann made their way to where the sentries stood. They too saw the lone rider. As the chariot drew closer, they could make out the female form driving the chariot.
“It is driven by a woman, my lord,” the sentry said.
“Yes, and quite a young one,” the king replied, as the chariot drew even closer. The woman stopped the chariot a short distance from the camp. It was then the king saw the beautiful, long, golden hair and ravishing features on the young charioteer.
“Bring her to my quarters,” Diarmaid instructed.
“Yes, my lord,” the guard replied.
“Why would she ride alone, my lord,” Crimthann asked. “Does she not fear for her safety?”
“That, we shall find out,” Diarmaid replied. “There is something intriguing in all of this and I intend to find out what it is. Do you not agree Crimthann, that it is not every day we get to look on such a vision of beauty as this lone charioteer?”

Continue reading in this week’s Ireland’s Own