The Magic Harp – 1935

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EXAMINER SATURDAY 20TH JULY 1935 P2

“THE MAGIC HARP” (abridged)

As far back as the first historical records the harp has been accorded the place of honour, Irish folk lore places great stress on the harp as the national musical instrument.  In all important events where music was admitted, at feasts and banquets, the harp was foremost as the instrument of romance, heroic qualities, and even love.  Later it was also used by the clergy in their proselytising travels through the country.  (Strangely enough the flute was relegated to the least important place!)

The Irish harp was called the cruit, and as far as can be ascertained the cruit dates back to the twelfth century B.C.  records mention the fact of the cruit being endowed with some remarkable attributes.  It could evoke real, physical responses in those who heard its sound, including, mirth to the point of hopeless and helpless laughter; joy to a level impossible to describe – and sorrow to the point of death.  It was therefore not surprising to find that the players of this instrument commanded considerable attention and respect.

There is an old Irish legend taken from the notes of Oscar Rothschild that tells of the harper Uaithne, who possessed a cruit which formerly belonged to the god Dagda.  Uaithne was married to Boinn, the goddess of the river Boyne.  She in turn was queen of the fairies.  

The couple had three sons called after the three strings of their father’s harp – Gentraiges, Goltraiges and Suantraiges. All three were gifted and remarkable harpists.

A Chieftain’s son named Freoch was related to Uaithne by marriage.  His mother, Befind, also came of fairy train.  The bond of marriage and, perhaps the bond of the supernatural led Freoch and Boinn to form and alliance that included her three sons.  It was all for love.

At that time the reigning King of Connacht (Ailill) and his wife (Medb) had a beautiful daughter.  The fame of her lovliness had gone far afield.  Her name was Findabair.  Freoch wanted to marry Findabar.  To further his chances he enlisted the aid of his aunt, Boinn, and she did her  utmost to ensure his success.  She bestowed on him all the jewellery and equipment of a fashionable man of the highest rank – and –  most valuable of all, she lent the aid of her three sons, trained in the use of their fathers cruit (harp).

Freoch and his retinue visited the court of the King of Connacht  and his daugher Findabar.   They spent some time in feasting and other happy pastimes.  One day at a game of chess the King wished to enliven his guests with music.  This gave Freoch his great opportunity.  He requested his three harpers to play the chants of Uaithne (Motherhood).  They did.  It was a mournful lament and while the harpers played, tragedy overtook twelve of the King’s people, who sorrowed unto death. The King was startled and upset and it was not long before he began to devise means of getting rid of  Freoch.  He set him trials to test his mettle. 

But these trials were of no avail aginst the fairy protected hero. Freoch  was triumphant in all and when he completed them his three harpers again played a plaintive tune, again with fatal effect.  Thirty of the King’s most dearly loved retainers were smitten to death by the potent magic of the sorrow laden melody.  

The King of Connaught had to grant Freoch’s wish.  He was betrothed to Findabar and the harps, all three, heralded the joy of their union – their music spilling out and across the countryside, lifting the hearts of all who heard.

 Note: Boinn’s husband has also been named as Nuada, Elcmar or Nechtan