The Tale of Abarta and the Chase of Gilla Decair and His Mount
Have you ever pondered the origin of a name that stands out? The name ‘Abarta’ often elicits curiosity due to its distinctiveness. While there exists a river in Galway known as the Abartagh and a location in Waterford called Abartach—translated by Rev. Canon Power as “the place abundant in peat or puddles”—these references don’t lead us to the tale of Abarta we are exploring. The name caught the attention of Frank McNally from the Irish Times back in 2013. His inquiry pointed to a reference by P.W. Joyce, who mentioned a term ‘Abarta’ that historically described a custom, which he defined as “a blessing conferred by a workman upon completing a task.” This custom, previously used in the Irish language, has roots that extend over a millennium. A ritualistic blessing for hard work and muddy terrains seems rather fitting for us, yet our encounter with Abarta originates from a captivating old Irish narrative.
In the Fenian Cycle, a rich continuum of legends surrounding the heroic figure Fionn mac Cumhaill and the Fianna, Abarta (or Abartach) presents a striking character. His most notable appearance is in “The Pursuit of the Gilla Decair and His Horse.”
In this tale, Abarta seeks to win Finn’s favor with a display of cleverness, hoping to gain entry into the ranks of the esteemed Fianna. He approaches Finn and the warriors under the guise of ‘Gilla Decair’, which translates to ‘Lazy Servant’. Interestingly, the ‘lazy’ aspect refers to the master—who is deemed able to rest—due to the Gilla Decair’s diligent efforts. However, Abarta finds the Fianna’s camaraderie to be somewhat unwelcoming, not the spirited company associated with renowned heroes that he had anticipated.
To gain a competitive edge, Abarta learns that having a horse would result in a doubled wage. Thus, he calls forth his steed, an imposing and fierce animal. Once unleashed from its restraints, the horse wreaks havoc, attacking and slaying the Fianna’s horses, a scene that certainly did not sit well with the fighters. Despite their fury, there was a hint of admiration towards the sheer strength and intimidation of Abarta’s horse. One member of the Fianna attempts to ride the powerful beast but finds it immovable, and after numerous attempts, even with the aid of fellow warriors, they cannot persuade the horse to move. Ultimately, fourteen Fianna members end up attempting to ride the creature simultaneously. Seizing the moment, Abarta climbs onto the horse behind them, and in an astonishing turn of events, it bolts away at an incredible speed, leaving Finn astounded.
