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Myths and Folk-Lore of Ireland.
Fin went down to the men, and found the first champions of Erin in the dungeons. "Will you obey me in all things if I save you from death?" said Fin. "We will," said they. Then he went back to the king and asked:
"Will you give me the lives of these champions of Erin, in place of your daughter's hand?"
"I will," said the king.
All the champions were liberated, and left the king's castle that day. Ever after they followed the orders of Fin, and these were the beginning of his forces and the first of the Fenians of Erin.
