Etain

Étaín, often anglicized as Etain, is a figure in Irish mythology, chiefly within the Ulster Cycle. The name Étaín appears in early Irish literature and is associated with beauty, grace, and the realm of the fairy folk.

In the best-known telling, Tochmar CÉtaín (The Wooing of Étaín), she is a celebrated mortal woman whose life intersects with the Tuatha Dé Danann, the otherworldly race. The story follows her through a sequence of magical events that culminate in her marriage to Midir, a lord of the Otherworld. The narrative features transformations and shapeshifting—Étaín is said to undergo metamorphoses into forms such as a swan—before attaining a final status that links mortal life with the fairy realm. The myth is often read as exploring themes of love, boundary crossing between the mortal and supernatural worlds, and cycles of rebirth and renewal.

Scholarly work on the tale highlights motifs of enchantment, identity, and the politics of the sidhe. Étaín’s story has influenced later Irish literature and remains a touchstone in discussions of Celtic folklore, gender roles, and the representation of beauty in myth.

Beyond its mythic context, the figure has endured as a given name in Ireland and among enthusiasts of Celtic heritage. The tale of Étaín has also been explored in modern adaptations and scholarly editions, preserving her prominence in Irish cultural memory.