Amairgin

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Amairgin
1. Also known as Amairgin Glúnmar [big-kneed], the son of Míl Espáine. A poet of the Milesians, sometimes referred to as the first poet of Ireland. When the invading Milesians met the three divine eponyms of Ireland, Ériu, Banba, and Fódla, Amairgin answered the request of Ériu that Ireland be named for her. He asked that the realm of Ireland be divided in two, and that the underground be given to the Tuatha Dé Danann and the land above ground to the sons of Míl. He also arbitrated the division of the island of Ireland along the Eiscir Riada in which the north was given to Éremón and the south to Éber Finn. At times he had the power to calm the wind; he compared himself to several powers in nature, the wind, the wave, the bull, etc., in a poem composed the moment he set foot in Ireland. For this he is said to have introduced lyric poetry. In one recited poem he compares himself to many things, including a salmon, a sword, a plant, and a spear; this passage prompts several learned commentators to suggest he may have been borrowed by Welsh storytellers as a model for Taliesin. His wife, Scéne, died before reaching Ireland; Inber Scéne, or Inverskena, the ancient name for the Kenmare River in Kerry, commemorates her. Morgan Llywelyn's popular novel Bard: The Odyssey of the Irish (Boston, 1984) treats of Amairgin (1).

2. A poet and warrior of the Ulster Cycle, the father of Conall Cernach, the husband of Findchóem and thus the brother-in-law of Conchobar mac Nessa; he shared in the upbringing of Cúchulainn. He slew Aillén Trechend, the triple-headed monster that made raids on Ireland from its cave at Cruachain. An 11th-century manuscript relates Amairgin's exchange with Athairne, his foster-father, about poetry and the seasons. Athairne was visiting one autumn, and when he came to depart Amairgin composed a poem counselling that autumn was not an appropriate time for farewells; two more poems followed for winter and spring. Finally, at the start of summer, Amairgin's poem announced: ‘Summer is a good season for a long journey.’ Amairgin also plays a role in Fled Bricrenn [Briccriu's Feast], where he boasts of the praise he has received.

Amairgin, Amairgein, Amargein, Amargen, Amargin, Amergin, Amorgin, Amairgene, Amhairghin, Aimirgin [Ir., wondrously born]. Name borne by several figures in early Ireland, in myth and saga as well as in the genealogies of such families as the O'Moores of Laois. The two best-known figures bearing this name were poets.