Cred is often portrayed in Scottish and Irish mythology as a beauty, a prophetess, or a queen caught in the throes of love. Among her most renowned tales is the romance with the valiant warrior, Cano mac Gartnain.
Cred, known by various names such as Credhne, Credhe, Creidhne, and Credne, was the enchanting daughter of Guire, the chief of Connacht in Ireland. Her father arranged her marriage to an elderly chieftain named Marcan as part of a political strategy.
During a visit to Ireland, Cano mac Gartnain, son of the Scottish chieftain Gartain, encountered Cred while basking in her father’s hospitality. It was during this visit that Cred fell madly in love with the dashing warrior.
To honor Cano’s arrival, Guire organized an elaborate feast that welcomed the guests of Connacht, who celebrated Cano mac Gartnain’s visit with great enthusiasm.
In a moment of desperation, Cred clandestinely added a sleeping draught to the wine served at the feast, not touching Cano’s goblet. As the guests succumbed to slumber, she declared her love and longing for Cano, to which he reciprocated, and they became intimate lovers.
As a sign of his love, Cano gifted Cred a magical stone, holding his very essence within. This precious token was meant as a farewell gift, as Cano was called back to Scotland by ailing father.
Watching Cano depart for his homeland filled Cred with profound sorrow. Following his father’s death, Cano ascended as the leader of his tribe, renowned for his wise governance.
Colcu, Marcan’s son, learned of Cred’s infatuation and grew furious, particularly upon discovering a secret message from Cred arranging a meeting with Cano.
Confronted by Colcu, Cred fell into despair as he threatened to expose her affair. However, Marcan remained oblivious to the romantic entanglement of his wife with Cano mac Gartnain.
Unfortunately, every effort Cred made to reunite with Cano was obstructed by Colcu. Consumed by despondency, she ultimately chose to end her life, unable to envision a world without Cano.
In a tragic turn of fate, the stone containing Cano’s soul was inadvertently shattered by Cred as she lay dying, resulting in Cano’s demise merely three days later.
Known also as Creide Firalaind in Irish lore, Cred held the titles of fairy queen and prophetess, meaning “Truly Beautiful” in Gaelic. Unique among fairy women, Creide Firalaind was not part of the divine race known as the Tuatha Dé Danann.
Legend has it that Creide Firalaind resided on a mystical island within the Otherworld, referred to as the Land of Women. An Irish hero named Art Aenfe undertook the perilous voyage to seek her assistance in locating a beautiful maiden called Delbchem, who dwelled in the Land of Wonder.
Upon meeting Creide Firalaind, Art Aenfer gained insight into the challenges that awaited him in the Land of Wonder and received guidance on how to navigate them to win the heart of Delbchem.
Creide Firalaind imparted knowledge of Morgan, the chieftain of the Land of Wonder and father to Delbchem, as well as her formidable mother, Coinchend—a warrior of great renown.
Morgan and Coinchend were giants from the Tuatha Dé Danann, residing in a well-concealed fortress within a magical forest. Their son, Ailill, was tasked with defending the secrets of the forest, being impervious to any weapon.
Compelled by her fierce nature, Coinchend decimated any suitors who approached Delbchem, showcasing their heads on stakes as a warning.
After expressing his gratitude to Creide Firalaind, Art Aenfer set sail, successfully navigating the dangers highlighted by the prophetess. He eventually confronted and defeated Morgan and Coinchend in combat, freeing Delbchem from her captivity.
Art Aenfer and Delbchem returned to Ireland as a loving couple, solidifying their bond during their journey home.
Cred, alongside her alternate persona Creide Firalaind, epitomized the nurturing qualities of femininity within Celtic culture. The passionate saga of Cred and Cano mac Gartnain illustrates the depth of love she harbored for her warrior.
Driven by emotion, Cred did not seek retribution against those who conspired against her love; instead, she embraced her deepest feelings.
Creide Firalaind, the Otherworldly figure, aided Art Aenfer in overcoming obstacles to wed Delbchem, a woman with whom he was hopelessly smitten.
