The Goblin of Tara

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Fionn Mac Cumhail went to visit the high King of Tara. When he came to the palace he knocked at the door and the king welcomed him in. There was a great feast in the palace at this time and the Fianna

At this time the king was very worried. Every Halloween an evil Goblin who blew flames from its mouth came and burned Tara to the ground.

Anyone who heard the magic music he played on his harp would fall into a deep sleep. The King promised that if anyone could kill this goblin, they would be granted a wish. Fionn MacCumhail stood up and said "I would kill it if I could be leader of the Fianna." The king agreed to this.

Fionn went out and watched for the Goblin to come. The monster came to the front door and played the magic harp music. Fionn was getting sleepy but he put his magic spear, the Gae Bolga, to his head and the sleepiness disappeared.

Suddenly the huge goblin blew a massive flame from its big mouth. Each time the flame hit the walls of the palace, Fionn beat it out with his big cloak. When the goblin that he was getting nowhere, he knew that his power was gone forever. He turned and ran as fast as he could. But Fionn was too fast. He threw his magic spear and the goblin fell down dead on the ground.

The king kept his word and made Fionn the leader of the Fianna and this pleased the Fianna because they knew he would make a brave and good leader.

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