The Boar of Ben Gulbain Print

"As Diarmuid was left alone to face the boar, it was hard to say who was the hunter and who was the prey. The battle roared for hours, then there was silence."

Screenprint by David Rooney

The Inspiration

Boars were symbols of strength and wealth to the ancient Celts. Helmets and shields often featured the image of a boar with exaggerated bristles along its back. This work was inspired by the legend of warrior Diarmuid, his half-brother and the prophecy that bound them both together. 

The steward of Aengus the greatest magician in Ireland fathered a child by the wife of Donn a member of the Fianna. Donn was away on the battle field with Fionn Mac Cumhail. He had arranged for Aengus to foster his son Diarmuid.  On his return Donn was enraged that his wife had a child by another man, and he killed the child.  But the steward cast a spell that turned the dead boy into a great boar.  He prophesied that the half-brothers would kill each other. To frustrate the prophecy, Aengus placed a binding vow, a geis, on Diarmuid never to hunt wild boar. 

Read the full story here.

Hand pulled limited edition screen print on Fabriano 220 gsm with Guinness black ink

Signed by the Artist

Size unmounted 210 x 297 mm, Size framed 380 x 480 mm
Available unframed or framed in a solid wood black frame with double mount.