Emain Ablach is a mythical island paradise in Irish mythology, it is often regarded as the realm of the sea-god Manannan Mac Lir and therefore identified with either the Isle of Man or the Isle of Arran. According to the Medieval poem ‘Baile Suthan Sith Eamhna, the god of light Lugh Lamfada was reared on the island of Emain Ablach.

The etymology of the word Emain basically means a rapidly moving stream, and the word Ablach translates as ‘of apples and other fruits’. In a 14th century poem, the poet describe yew trees, swans and cranes using the interior freshwater, perhaps this is the reason it was referred to as a paradise.

Reference: Coleman’s Dictionary of Mythology (E2F).

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The Lord Manann has the other title of being the Guardian of the Blessed Isles, Mag Mell and The Isle of Apples, in ‘The Voyage of Bran’ the author stated that there were wild horses that grazed of the grassy plains, but they could not be seen which alluded to concealment and Manann’s use of the Shroud of Invisibility.

In the Ulster Cycle tale of, ‘The Sickbed of Cuchulain’ Manann’s wife Fand went to his bed after a previous ill-fated affair with Cuchulan, but the way was barred by his jealous wife Emer.

Fand was the daughter of Aedh Abrat and the sister of Angus Mac Aedh & Li Ban, when she quarrelled with her husband Manann, who left her marooned on an island, where she was attacked and imprisoned by the Fomoire.

Her sister Li Ban, induced Cuchulan to rescue her sister, Fand then had an affair with him and cured him of his insomnia by playing the harp and singing gentle songs. Perhaps with bedroom exhaustion also.

Reference. Coleman’s.

 

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Like many characters in mythology Manann has many names, from different countries and unique styles of spelling, to the Scots he became Manannan mac y Leir, to the Welsh, Manawydan fab Llyr.

The Merchant Orbsen, Duartaine O’Duartine, Cathal O’Cein derived from the great warrior he was in battles, and youthful names of his childhood, Gilla de – the boy servant, or Gilla Decair – the troublesome boy servant.

In regard to etymology, his name is derived from the Isle of Man, Manann in this context could be taken from the Celtic word for ‘rise’ as the Isle of Man poetically rises from the sea.

Surnames and Epithets, the most common epithets for Manann reinforce his association with war at sea, Mac Lir translating as ‘son of the sea’, this also suggests that his father was Ler the ancient sea-god whose role was taken over by Manann, Manann’s other surname was Mac Alloit, the son of the soil and the land, again giving reference to the many islands in the Irish Sea.

Reference : Coleman’s.

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The strongest association with Emain is without a doubt Manannan Mac Lir, the son of the sea, it was recorded that when he set out on his sea chariot that his blue/green cloak would fan-out over the sea. Manann is also a warrior and the High-King of the Otherworld in Irish mythology, raised in status in ancient documents to the sea-god of the Tuatha De Danann.

Manann is seen as both ruler and guardian of the Otherworld, and his dominion is referred by such names as Emain Ablach, Mag Mell – the Plain of Delights, or Tir Tairngire – the Land of Promise.

His cloak is described as the Mist of Invisibilty, (feth-fiada) and there are several islands in the Irish Sea that he can call his home.

In tales after the days of Medieval times his chariot drawn by horses of the sea changed into a self-navigating long boat called the Wave-Sweeper (Sguaba Tuinne) wherever the boat sailed Manann would take his horse Aonbharr and his deadly strength-sapping sword Fragarach.

Reference : Coleman’s Dictionary of Mythology.

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