Pints With Aquinas Mythologist Martin Shaw Tells Matt a Story | Last Call Ep. 10
Apr 16, 2026
Martin Shaw, New York Times bestselling mythographer known for retelling fairy tales, joins to tell the Irish tale The Birth of Oisin. He narrates Finn McCool, the enchanted doe who becomes Sive, love and battle, a long grief-stricken search, and the surprising arrival of a child who restores joy. Short, melodic storytelling that brings mythic characters and fate vividly to life.
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The Enchanted Doe Encounter
- Martin Shaw recounts how Finn McCool and his comrades find a fearless doe protected by enchanted hounds during dusk on Ben Bulbin mountain.
- The encounter is revealed as fairy-origin: Finn places druid bonds on the doe and brings her to his hall, sparking wonder and nightly feasting.
Sive Reveals Her Fairy Curse
- Martin Shaw tells how the doe transforms into Sive who claims Finn, revealing she was enchanted by a jealous fairy who used a hazel wand.
- Sive explains she fell for a generous human and endured spells hoping Finn at Ben Bulbin would reclaim her.
Love That Unravels A Hero
- Finn's instant, overwhelming love for Sive transforms him from heroic leader into an absent lover, illustrating mythic love's power to alter duty.
- His devotion becomes so consuming that his household and kingdom begin to fray without his attention.
