Corpus of Electronic Texts Edition
The Metrical Dindshenchas (Author: [unknown])

poem/story 64

LOCH AINDIND

  1. Loch Aindind, famed above vast Meath, is here on the track of the noble hosts: Aindind son of Umor settled there on reaching the land of Erin.
  2. And Loch Uair—what Uar claims the lake? which of them was the Uar who stirred its cold waters? in presence of all gatherings it is said that he was brother to Oengus son of Umor.

    3. p.233

  3. The same father, famed above every stronghold, begat Uar and Aindind, and the same womb gave them birth: it was meet for them to share equal rights.
  4. The same woman bred up together the two boys huge of stature: the same were their fair skin and their looks, the same their bulk and mighty build.
  5. In the same hour were born those twain, Aindind and Uar, without a second labour, but the womb first brought forth Aindind, whose full fame spread afar.
  6. And the royal seed of bright Umor—have ye heard whence their father came, unless their exalted line is carried back to the renowned Fir Bolg?
  7. Two sons had Point: Danaus and Grecus strong of grip, from whom come the Greeks by no obscure lineage, and the Fir Bolg of the rude curraghs.
  8. Grecus with his bright strength seized the rule over his brother's children, and they submitted to a prosperous sway, unhonoured, unbefriended.
  9. Hauling of clay over slabs of stone, to make ploughlands and pastures, did the children of loved Danaus perform: it was a rough service to their illustrious brethren.

    10. p.235

  10. The Fir Bolg, by law of brothers of their blood, durst not drink cold water, save from the mighty rude-voiced sea, though it was a shrewd inequitable ordinance.
  11. Thereafter Uar and keen-eared Aindind, men of fair substance, as was just, fare forth after Oengus son of Umor.
  12. After leaving their long boats they settled by our broad lakes; in the reign of Cairpre Nia Fer they came to white-flanked Tara.
  13. Aindind went to his shining lake: Uar departed from him, portionless, till he reached another cold lake; whereof comes mention of his martial renown.
  14. From that time forth it is called Loch Uair, where Uar gained his breathing-space: and since the time of Aindind, fierce in spear-play, his name has clung to this lake.