by Susa Morgan Black
Music is the principle that unites body, soul, and spirit.
~ Boethius, 6th century philosopher.
Irish Legends
The Daghdha (Dagda) was the Chief Druid and King of the mythical Tuatha Dé Danann – the faerie race of Ireland and Scotland. He played an enchanted harp, called Una, which produced three magical strains of music – Geantraí, Goltraí, and Suantraí. At the battle of Moytura between the Tuatha de Danaan and the Fomorians (their ancient enemies), the Druid King’s magic harp was stolen. The Dagda traced the harp to the hall of the Fomorians, and found it hanging on their great wall. Such was the Dagda’s power that he sang to Una, and the harp came to him of its own accord, floating through the hall to its master’s hands.
Before the Fomorians could react, the Dagda played the first strain – Geantraí (merriment), which caused everyone to laugh and dance, unable to stop themselves. He next played his second strain, Goltraí (sadness), which caused all to weep uncontrollably. Then he played his third strain, Suantraí (sleep), which caused all present to fall into a deep slumber. Stepping carefully among the stentorian snoring of his enemies, the Dagda and his magic harp swiftly made their escape…(to read more click on the PDF link here)