These acts often involve but are not limited to human man/women abusing creatures and spirit world beings such as the fae, mythical creatures, local deities etc. Even spiritual leaders are in. away guilty of such acts. There are, therefore, areas on localised land-based tales where we can discover the breaking of the accord around or near a neolithic or megalithic site. The short myth I am sharing below is such an example.
Áine is the Irish goddess of summer and prosperity, although her story is synonymous with the winter festival of Samhain.
Born of the Tuatha de Danann, Áine was said to be the daughter of The Dagda, an all-powerful god who was a father figure with immense potency and influence. He is also tied strongly to Crom Cruaich and Crom Dubh.
8th century text tells of Ailill Olom, King of Munster attending the festival of Samhain. He lay down to rest on what is now known as Cnoc Áine or Knockainey. When he woke, Ailill discovered all the grass had been stripped clean from the mountainside during the night.
Bewildered, the son of Eoghan Mór sought an explanation from a seer after travelling to the province of Leinster. Fearcheas mac Comáin was so fascinated by this strange turn of events, he journeyed with Eoghan back to Munster in time for the following Samhain celebrations.
As they held vigil on the Limerick mountainside, Ailill fell asleep. Believing themselves to be unseen, the King of the Sidhe appeared with Áine at his side. As a hidden Fearcheas crept up and murdered the Fairy King, Ailill awoke and saw the incredible vision of exquisiteness before him. Overcome with lust, he raped Áine and in fury and anguish she tore off his ear.
The outraged goddess had reaped the ultimate revenge on her power-hungry aggressor. Under ancient Irish law, no man was fit to rule unless his body was complete. By tearing off Ailill’s ear, she had forced him to rescind his crown.