Etain, the daughter of Ailill of Echraidhe shared a love with Midhir the Proud that survived many obstacles and incarnations.

The High King of Ireland, Eochaidh Airemh married Etain and took her to his palace at Tara. Midhir searched the land for his love and when he found her with the king, challenged him to a game of chess. Upon wining the game Midhir was allowed a kiss from Etain by the King but was not allowed near her afterwards.

Midhir, by magic, stole into Tara and found Etain. He transformed them both into swans and they flew away through the central smoke hole of the