Niamh (mythology)
Niamh [ ˈniːɒf ] is the name of a legendary figure from Irish mythology .
mythology
Niamh is the daughter of Manannan mac Lir and Fand and a queen in the otherworld land Tír na nÓg ("land of [eternal] youth"). She crosses the sea on her horse Embarr and comes to Fionn mac Cumhail , because she wants to take his son Oisín with her to the “land of youth”. Oisín agrees and leaves with her, promising to return soon. After three years he is homesick and asks Niamh to lend him Embarr to visit his old homeland. Niamh grants his wish, but warns him against dismounting and touching the earth of Ireland .
When Oisín arrives in Ireland, he finds that 300 years had passed in the human world since the three years in Tír na nÓg . He asks about Fionn and Fianna , but learns that his father and all of his companions have been dead for hundreds of years and are only told about them in legends. When he accidentally falls off his horse because he is asked for help, he instantly transforms into an ancient man on contact with the earth. He tells his story to St. Patrick of Ireland (see also Acallam na Senórach , “The Conversation with the Ancients”). Niamh has meanwhile given birth to his daughter Plor na mBan and is looking for Oisin in Ireland, but finds out that he has since died.
Even Oscar to be a son and Niamh Oisíns.
Trivia
LÉ Niamh (P52), a seaworthy patrol boat of the Irish Naval Service , bears the name of this legendary figure.