Midhir and Etain

Ink and red pen on A3

I wanted to do an image of these characters for Valentine's Day.  The tortured romance between Midhir and Etain is the oldest love story in all of Ireland, so it deserves a mention. 

The legend of Etain originates around the bronze age.  Some speculate that it's 4 thousand years old, while others place it around 500 BCE 

Etain was originally from the mystical race called the Tuatha DeDanann and was betrothed to Midhir, but the jealous witch Fuamnach transformed Etain into a dragonfly and sent her out into the storm. The queen of Ulster accidentally swallowed the dragonfly when it fell into her cup of milk, and Etain was reborn as an Irish girl.  Her strange beauty catches the attention of the High King of Ireland.  They marry and Etain becomes the Queen of Ireland.  That's when Midhir comes back for her.