Legend of the Faerie Lantern

Summary

In the days before magic came to man, when dark creatures inhabited the shadows of the world, before Ysberinethi was even a village, a hunter, Conal Keenseeker lived in a small hut in that clearing with his young daughter, Moina Keenseeker.
Children can see the shadows more clearly than adults and Moina sensed the encroaching Grove of Demons. She began crying and pleading with her father whenever he went out. He assured her that all would be well, but her tears pulled at his heart. So he stayed with her, but eventually he could delay no longer. However, Conal excelled at his job and as he crept through the forest he saw the Bogeymen stalking toward his cabin. Thus he rushed back to his cabin with all speed.
To protect his daughter, Conal determined to take desperate action. Leaving his daughter in the care of the nearby village he went hunting. For seven days he moved like a shadow through the wood. For eight days he lay in wait for his prey. For two days he lured it from its mother. Finally he had a prize that might grant him entrance to the Fae court.
Proudly he stalked into the court of Blodeuwedd, Queen of Flowers with a golden fawn over his shoulders. Stopping before Blodeuwedd, he knelt, setting the fawn before her. The young fawn moved on unsteady legs toward the goddess and she was enchanted. Conal breathed a sigh of relief when the goddess told him to speak. Quickly and concisely he told his tale.
Blodeuwedd was moved to help him. "Take these seeds. Breath life upon them once a day until the flower blooms. There after only breath upon the plant once each moon and their light will continue to guard your door."
Conal took the five small seeds and placed them carefully into his pouch. Rushing home he did as the Queen of Flowers instructed, breathing upon each seed he planted them on either side of his door. The next morning five small blades poked from the earth. Conal breathed upon each of the little plants. After three days of this a bud appeared and in four days burst into bloom. On the night of the new moon, Conal saw the flowers, glowing with magical light, standing sentry before his door. Thus he knew the Faerie Lantern Flowers would keep his daughter safe.

Historical Basis

Historians agree that Conal Keenseeker was a real person. Moreover, Faerie Lantern Flowers do exist and appear, with proper handling to repeal dark fae. However, there is no clear evidence that the legend is a true event of Conal's life.

Variations & Mutation

Some versions of the tale claim that Conal left his daughter with the widow Étain Earghaile. When he returned the two married and founded the village Ysberinethi.
Other versions claim that the Bogeymen actually captured Moina. Some claiming he tracked them down and used the flowers to help him take back his daughter and other tales claiming his quest for the flowers was to prevent others from suffering the pain he suffered.

Cultural Reception

The town of Ysberinethi considers Conal Keenseeker their founder and this tale shows their close link with the Fae.

In Literature

Conal Keenseeker's story is told in the bardic poem The Epic of Conal Keenseeker.

In Art

In the Luminary of Ysberinethi's office there is a Painting of the founder of Ysberinethi.

Date of Setting

circa -5000