The Origin of Cesaire’s Journey
Cesaire, the daughter of Bith, a son of Noah, was the first person to set foot in Ireland. Her story begins in Egypt, where Noah refused to let Bith onto his ark, believing him to be a thief. Determined to find a way to survive the impending flood, Cesaire built three arks and recruited 50 women for each vessel. Alongside her father, Bith, she brought her brother, Ladra, who was the pilot, and her husband, Fintan mac Bóchra.
Cesaire was told to sail to Ireland, a land untainted by sin, in the hope that Noah’s God might spare it from the flood. For seven years, Cesaire and her fleet traveled across the known world, navigating the Nile, Asia Minor, the Caspian Sea, the Mediterranean, and even rivers near the Alps. Despite losing two of their three ships along the way, they finally reached Ireland, landing at Cúil Ceibhe (modern-day Kerry).
The First Settlement in Ireland
Cesaire was the first to step ashore, claiming the land as its leader. Fintan mac Bóchra followed as the first man to set foot on Irish soil. However, Ladra, the pilot, was injured during the landing. Once on the island, they realized they would need to populate the land, but with only three men and 50 women, they divided into three groups. Bith, being older, was assigned 16 women, while Fintan and Ladra each received 17.
Tragedy Strikes
Despite their best efforts, tragedy struck the settlers. Bith was the first to die, unable to handle the challenges of this new life. His women were divided between Fintan and Ladra. However, Ladra succumbed to his injuries shortly after, leaving Fintan as the only surviving man. Overwhelmed by the task of populating the island, Fintan fled to the mountains, leaving Cesaire heartbroken. Consumed by her grief, Cesaire died, marking the first death of a leader in Ireland.
Fintan’s Transformation and Survival
As the floodwaters rose, Fintan sought refuge in a cave. In a mystical dream, he transformed into a salmon, allowing him to survive the flood by swimming through Ireland’s waterways. For 300 years, he lived as a salmon before transforming into a hawk, granting him the ability to see the entire island from above. Over time, Fintan took on the forms of various animals, learning the secrets of the land and witnessing Ireland’s transformation.
Fintan the Sage
Through his many lives, Fintan became a great sage, living for over 5,000 years and serving as a counselor to the people of Ireland. His wisdom and connection to the land made him a central figure in Irish mythology.
Legacy of Cesaire and Fintan
Cesaire’s journey symbolizes humanity’s resilience and hope in the face of disaster. Though her settlement was short-lived, it laid the foundation for Ireland’s mythical history. Fintan’s survival and transformation reflect the deep connection between Ireland’s people and its natural world, making him a symbol of endurance and wisdom in Irish lore.