Aillen Explained

Aillen or Áillen is an incendiary being and evil deity in Irish mythology. He played the harp or timpán and would lull his victims into a deep sleep with his music.

Character

Called "the burner",^[1] he is a member of the Tuatha Dé Danann who resides in Mag Mell, the underworld.

Deeds

According to The Boyhood Deeds of Fionn, he would burn Tara to the ground every year at Samhain with his fiery breath after lulling all the inhabitants to sleep with his music.^[2] This only ended with the arrival of Fionn mac Cumhaill, who inhaled the poison from his spear to keep himself awake and slew Aillen. The act won him the leadership of the Fianna.

Names

Áillen was also a popular personal name in ancient Ireland and was used by several personages. The fertility goddess Áine is also sometimes known by this name.

Notes and References

1. Book: MacKillop, James . Fionn Mac Cumhail: Celtic Myth in English Literature . 1986 . 15 . 9780815623533 . Syracuse University Press . Aillén, "the Burner." According to the most frequently repeated story, Aillén harasses Cormac's court at Tara every November 1 at Samhain.
2. Book: Slavin, Michael . The Book of Tara . 64 . 1996 . Wolfhound Press . 9780863275074 . Aillen of the Flaming Breath had each year caused chaos at the Assembly by burning Tara down. He came during the night and played such sweet music on his silver harp that everyone present fell into a deep slumber .