Credhe

Sovereignty until death.

Part of my practice is I want to bring the richness of the lore of Ireland to my work. Ireland is full of them, and today is another one of my favorites.

Sceal Cael agus Credhe
(SHKAYL KAYl AH-gus KRAY-deh)
”The tale of Cael and Credhe”

Cael was a part of the fighting men of the Fianna. A group I have talked about before—interestingly, there’s also evidence of women warriors as well called the banfénnid, Aife may have been one, so that’s cool!

There was a woman of the Sidhe (SHEE), faeries—more blood and guts than pixie dust 😈—of Ireland named Credhe. She is mysterious, but has been associated as a goddess of love and spiritual contact.

In the tale, Cael wishes to marry her, but is warned that only a perfect poem can win her heart. As a fili, this made my eyes light up, as poetry is my thing!

He then goes on a journey and learns the secret to Credhe’s heart by his grandnurse Muirenn.

This is the rest of the tale:

Music by Suno.
Lyrics and Composition by Mitch

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The Tale of Cael and Credhe

Love was in
his breath
to a woman of the Sidhe.

Whose beauty
was beyond
compare.

Searching he found
the way to her
by writing in perfect verse.

A poem of love written,
but not just any,
one that made music
with each word.

Leaping and dancing around.
They surround her.
It wasn’t with strength,
nor gifts fair,
but with words of love
that brought her near.

She was overcome,
the one whom
commanded her own heart.
She would choose none but
whose perfect words
could sway her.
To fair Credhe
the yellow-haired.

But peace
the Fianna knows not,
and war came once again.
Cael was valiant,
strong and pure,
chased them till the end.

Into the ocean,
deeper and deeper down.
He chased them all,
until he drowned.

A wailing. A keening,
came from her.

Whom loved this man
completely.

She was overcome,
the one whom
commanded her own heart.
She would choose none but
whose perfect words
could sway her.
To fair Credhe
the yellow-haired.

Upon that shore
She fell down.
A poem of woe,
she screamed aloud.

“Since now Crimthann’s (KRIH-in’s)
son is drowned,
one that I may love after him
can’t be found.”

There she stretched,
by his side, and there
she chose to die.

Buried together in one grave,
Both,
being held in peace.

She was overcome,
the one whom
commanded her own heart.
She would choose none but
whose perfect words
could sway her.
To fair Credhe
the yellow-haired.

Bound in
the tomb,
of Cael and of Credhe.

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All Lyrics and Music are by the artist Mitch Francese.

© Mitch Francese 2026. All rights reserved