Mythology & Folklore

The March of the Faërie Host

by Anonymous (Old Irish) c. 8th–12th century

Translated by Kuno Meyer (in Lyra Celtica, 1896) · From Lyra Celtica (1924)

Mythology & Folklore

In well-devised battle array,
Ahead of their fair chieftain
They march amidst blue spears,
White curly-headed bands.

They scatter the battalions of the foe,
They ravage every land I have attacked,
Splendidly they march to combat
An impetuous, distinguished, avenging host!

No wonder though their strength be great:
Sons of kings and queens are one and all.
On all their heads are
Beautiful golden-yellow manes:

With smooth, comely bodies,
With bright blue-starred eyes,
With pure crystal teeth,
With thin red lips:

Good they are at man-slaying.

MLA

Anonymous (Old Irish). “The March of the Faërie Host.” Translated by Kuno Meyer. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/anonymous-old-irish/161/.

Chicago

Anonymous (Old Irish). “The March of the Faërie Host.” Translated by Kuno Meyer. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/anonymous-old-irish/161/.

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