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James Stephens

"The Little Brawl at Allen" is a short story by James Stephens that explores the theme of human nature and its darker side. The story is set in a small rural village in Ireland, where a seemingly peaceful community is plunged into chaos when a violent and bloody brawl erupts. The story follows the events leading up to the brawl, as tensions between the villagers begin to rise. It becomes clear that the fight is not just about a simple disagreement, but rather a manifestation of deeper issues within the community, such as jealousy, greed, and a desire for power.

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Irish Fairy Tales

The Little Brawl at Allen

One day something happened to Fionn, the son of Uail; that is, he departed from the world of men, and was set wandering in great distress of mind through Faery. He had days and nights there and adventures there, and was able to bring back the memory of these.

The Carl of The Drab Coat

Fionn mac Uail was the most prudent chief of an army in the world, but he was not always prudent on his own account. Discipline sometimes irked him, and he would then take any opportunity that presented for an adventure; for he was not only a soldier, he was a poet also, that is, a man of science, and whatever was strange or unusual had an irresistible at-traction for him.

The Enchanted Cave of Cesh Corran

There are more worlds than one, and in many ways they are unlike each other. But joy and sorrow, or, in other words, good and evil, are not absent in their degree from any of the worlds, for wherever there is life there is action, and action is but the expression of one or other of these qualities.

Becuma of The White Skin

The abbot of the Monastery of Moville sent word to the story-tellers of Ireland that when they were in his neighbourhood they should call at the monastery, for he wished to collect and write down the stories which were in danger of being forgotten.

Mongan's Frenzy

The Story of Tuan Mac Caurill by James Stephens is a captivating tale of a mythical Irish figure's exploits and adventures in the early medieval period. It is an exemplary example of oral tradition in Celtic literature and provides an interesting insight into pre-Christian Ireland’s cultural and religious beliefs. The story itself follows the eponymous character as he faces multiple obstacles, culminating in a showdown between himself and the High King at Tara.

The Story of Tuan Mac Caurill

The Boyhood of Fionn by James Stephens is a collection of folktales and legends that tell the story of the legendary Irish warrior and leader Fionn mac Cumhaill. A renowned work of Irish literature that portrays an iconic figure in Irish mythology. Through his narrative, Stephens employs a distinct form of traditional Celtic poetics to explore the importance of Fionn's early years in constructing his larger-than-life identity within the context of oral storytelling traditions.

The Boyhood of Fionn

The story is about a man named Fergus Fionnliath who dislikes dogs, and Fionn, the son of Uail, who is fond of them. Fionn's mother, Muirne, and aunt, Tuiren, visit him and his companions, the Fianna. Tuiren falls in love with an Ulster gentleman, Iollan Eachtach and they get married, but Iollan has a past with a lady of the Shi’ named Uct Dealv, with whom he was sweetheart for years.

The Birth of Bran

The story centers around Oisin, the son of the goddess Niamh and the mortal poet Fionn. As Oisin grows up, he becomes increasingly fascinated with the stories of the Tuatha Dé Danann, the ancient gods and goddesses of Ireland. Despite his mother's warning, Oisin sets out to find the Tuatha Dé Danann and discover the truth about his heritage. Along the way, he meets a fairy queen who tells him that his mother is actually a powerful goddess and that his destiny is to join her in the land of the immortals. Oisin must make a difficult decision between staying with his mortal family or embracing his immortal destiny. The story explores themes of love, sacrifice, and destiny, as Oisin struggles to come to terms with his true identity and place in the world.

Oisin's Mother

Becfola must navigate the advances of powerful men, each of whom is determined to win her hand. Along the way, she learns valuable lessons about the nature of true love and the importance of standing up for herself. Becfola is forced to make a difficult decision: whether to marry the king and live a life of luxury and power, or to marry the druid and live a life of simplicity and virtue. The story explores themes of love, sacrifice, and destiny, as Becfola struggles to come to terms with her true feelings and find her place in the world. With richly drawn characters and evocative imagery, "The Wooing of Becfola" is a captivating tale that delves into the rich folklore and mythology of Ireland.