Finn Bheara was the Sidhe King of the fairies of Cnoc Meadha, west
of Tuam in Co. Galway; he is also sometimes considered the king of the
dead. He was assigned Sidhe Meadha when the Tuatha de Dannan were driven
underground by the Milesians. He was married to Una (Onagh), the fairy
queen of Knocksheogowna, and had 17 sons. Each year he would battle with
the fairies of Ulster and if he won, the crops would be good in Connaught.
He repayed those that served him with fine horses, harvest, and other riches;
he is the owner of a stable of fine ebony horses, who run as swift as the
wind and will never tire; he occaisionally will lend one to a mortal in
need, but always expects something in return. Mortal women were attracted
to him and he would abduct them to his fairy mound. He become the guardian
of Lord Kirwan's family and possessions after stealing away his bride and
returning her unharmed. Finn Bheara also has a well in Kilberry, Ireland,
where he fought the Loch Lagan monster; wellwishers in the ninteenth century
practiced incubation (sleeping overnight at the well to obtain healing).
People with epilepsy and mental illnesses would stay from Thursday to Sunday
in the Dark House for maximum effect. Those who do not have faith cannot
be cured.
King Finn Bheara came from here.
|
