Post #4163969
2026-07-28 12:45 UTC
@VenusianMars@cupoftea.social I think the logic there is that CuChulainn drawing the attention of the si is dangerous for Ulster in the stories, so Emer took offense to that and did not want Fand to steal him away to one of the fairy worlds like Tir na nOg as fairy lovers often do. Have a dalliance with a noble's wife, daughter, the milkmaid, whomever, but don't threaten everyone by leaving Ulster unguarded while you seek pleasure in the Otherworld.
Basically Emer was acting in the defense of her people, if interpreted that way. Fairy lovers often end in death or worse, and she wanted to avoid that fate for Ulster. In versions where, instead of CuChulainn going into his coma, Fand is just impressed with Emer's devotion, it makes sense that she is moved by Emer's devotion to her people, to keep CuChulainn in the land of the living while she can. Not a definitive reading but an idea at least.
Replies (1)
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@VenusianMars@cupoftea.social 2026-07-28 15:54
@Godyssey@pagan.plus Yes, ok - the missing piece for Me was the variation in interpretation and how 'this could be if this also was' - totally forgetting the dichotomous Being I myself am and that those concepts exist! Ha! It struck me odd at the time that one would make those moves [to keep lovers apart..] if they didn't mind and even delighted in the circumstances. Keeping the realm safe, not losing a love/lover/partner/Ruler of the land to another realm altogether - which of course would be seen as a vulnerability to and in the kingdom/queendom and could mean quite literally death of all - makes perfect sense.