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Mag Mell




Legends say its ruler is the Fomorian King Tethra , or more frequently Manannan Mac Lir . Mag Mell's allure extended from the pagan era to Christian times. In later stories, the realm is less an afterlife destination than an Earthly Paradise which adventurers could reach by traveling west from Ireland , often blown off course by providential tempests while on an inspired mission. They typically explore many other fantastic islands before reaching their destination and returning home (or sailing on). Among these voyagers are St. Brendan , Bran Mac Febal (see '' The Voyage Of Bran ''), and Mael Dúin .

Irish monks were celebrated sailors, they doubtless inspired such stories and were inspired by them. They reached and colonised any number of faraway islands, and St. Brendan is even speculated to have reached the New World a thousand years Before Columbus .


SEE ALSO



REFERENCES

  • James MacKillop, ''Dictionary of Celtic Mythology'', Oxford: 1998. ISBN 0198609671