Mag Mell

A Dictionary of Celtic Mythology | 2004 | 700+ words | Copyright

Mag Mell, Magh Meall [Ir. mell, pleasant, delightful, e.g. pleasant plain]. Often-cited Irish otherworldly realm frequently visited by mortal heroes. Bran in the 8th-century Imram Brain [The Voyage of Bran] passes through Mag Mell on his way to Emain Ablach; in this instance it is a part of the sea where salmon romp like calves. Often in Irish tradition Mag Mell is a generic fairyland, little distinguishable from Emain Ablach or Tír na nÓg. At other times it appears to lie south-west of Ireland; sometimes it is confused with the actual place-name of Mag Dá Cheó in Co. Roscommon. In different texts Mag Mell may have as many as three different rulers: Labraid Luathlám ar Claideb [swift sword-hand], Goll mac Doilb, and Boadach. Inspiration for Sir Arnold Bax's tone poem Moy Mell (1917). Folk motif: F111. See also TÍR TAIRNGIRE.

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JAMES MacKILLOP. "Mag Mell." A Dictionary of Celtic Mythology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. 29 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

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JAMES MacKILLOP. "Mag Mell." A Dictionary of Celtic Mythology. 2004. Retrieved May 29, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O70-MagMell.html

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