quicken-tree

Now Dermat knew of the giant that guarded the fairy quicken-tree, therefore he left Grania in shelter and went alone to the foot of the tree.

Celtic Tales, Told to the Children Louey Chisholm

Then the champion gave berries of the quicken-tree to the captive chiefs, saying, 'Take these to Finn and so win your peace.'

Celtic Tales, Told to the Children Louey Chisholm

At first she said nought for she knew how they were guarded by the surly giant Sharvan; but when she could hide her desire no longer, she said to Dermat, 'So great is my longing for the berries of the quicken-tree that if I may not eat of them I shall surely die.'

Celtic Tales, Told to the Children Louey Chisholm

Now when Finn came with his army to the quicken-tree it was noon, and the sun shone with great heat.

Celtic Tales, Told to the Children Louey Chisholm

But no sooner was he slain than he again took his own shape, and Finn knew that Dermat was still alive in the quicken-tree.

Celtic Tales, Told to the Children Louey Chisholm

Therefore have ye no peace from me, and now shall I summon an army that I may march to the wood of the quicken-tree, for there surely doth Dermat dwell. '

Celtic Tales, Told to the Children Louey Chisholm

Sharvan the giant and of the fairy quicken-tree you shall hear now.

Celtic Tales, Told to the Children Louey Chisholm

And Grania, when she came to the quicken-tree, would not gather the fruit, for she said, 'I will eat no berries save those plucked by the hand of my husband.'

Celtic Tales, Told to the Children Louey Chisholm

When they were gone, Dermat and Grania went to the top of the quicken-tree, into the hut of Sharvan, and the berries below were but bitter compared to the berries that were above upon the tree.

Celtic Tales, Told to the Children Louey Chisholm

But Finn said, 'No marvel is it, Oisin, that thou hast won the game, for of a surety thou hast had the aid of Dermat who dwelleth amid the branches of the quicken-tree.'

Celtic Tales, Told to the Children Louey Chisholm