Aillen | Fire Bringer of the Sidhe
Aillén, also known as Aillén mac Midgna (Aillén son of Midgna), was a fire-breathing being from the Tuatha Dé Danann, the supernatural race of Irish mythology also known as the Sídhe or "people of the mounds". He was called "the burner" because of his annual destruction of the ancient halls of Tara.
Legend of the Fire-Bringer
- Annual Attack Aillén would emerge from the Otherworld every year on Samhain (Halloween).
- Enchanted Music He was a skilled musician who played a magical timpán (harp-like instrument). The music was a suantraí or lullaby strain, which cast a deep, inescapable sleep upon everyone in the royal court of Tara.
- Destruction of Tara Once the inhabitants were asleep, Aillén would breathe fire, burning the great halls of Tara to the ground. This occurred for 23 consecutive years, with the buildings being rebuilt each time.
Defeat by Fionn mac Cumhaill
Aillén was eventually defeated by the young hero Fionn mac Cumhaill.
- Immunity Fionn was instructed to use a special, venomous spear, known as the Birgha or "Spit-Spear". He placed the spear's tip to his forehead and inhaled its fumes, which made him immune to the magical sleep-inducing music.
- The Slaying While Aillén played his music, Fionn remained awake and alert. He attacked Aillén with the spear and killed him, bringing his head back as a trophy.
- Reward For his heroism, the High King of Ireland appointed Fionn as the leader of the Fianna, a band of warriors, fulfilling his destiny.
The story is a famous part of the Fenian Cycle of Irish mythology, specifically found in the narrative The Boyhood Deeds of Fionn.