A series by Gemma Grant

 

Marid Mac Carido, king of Munster, had two sons, Ecca and Rib. Ecca was unruly and his ways displeased his father. Eventually, Ecca left his father’s domain to seek out new lands for himself and his people.

Joining him on his quest was his brother Rib and their step-mother Ebliu, who lent her name to Slieve Felim in Co. Tipperary. Heading north, the party of some 1,000 people, on the advice of the Druids, split up into two branches.
Rib and his people headed west, but they all drowned when a spring burst forth, burying them beneath the waves.

The lough, known as Lough Rib, became known as Lough Ree on the Shannon.

Ecca and his party journey on to Brú na Bóinne, where they were challenged by the god Aengus, son of the Dagda. Aengus ordered them to leave, but Ecca said they needed to rest. So Aengus killed their horses and told Ecca if they remained another night, he would kill all of them.

Ecca asked how they could leave, when they had no horses to carry their belongings. Aengus relented and presented Ecca with a mighty steed, able to carry all their belongings. He issued a final warning. “Do not let this beast rest, or he will be the death of you all.”

Continue reading in this week’s Ireland’s Own