At the heart of If I Could Go lies one of Ireland's most beloved legends: the tale of Oisin and Niamh of the Golden Hair.
The story begins when Niamh, a princess from Tír na nÓg (the Land of Eternal Youth), rides across the sea on her magical white horse, Enbarr. She has come seeking Oisin, the greatest poet and warrior of the Fianna, having fallen in love with him through stories of his bravery and artistry.
A Love Across Worlds
Oisin is captivated by Niamh's otherworldly beauty and agrees to journey with her to Tír na nÓg. There, he discovers a realm of eternal summer, where no one ages, no one dies, and every day brings new wonders. He and Niamh marry and live in perfect happiness.
But after what feels like three years, Oisin begins to long for Ireland—for his father Fionn mac Cumhaill, for his companions in the Fianna, for the green hills of his homeland. Niamh reluctantly agrees to let him return, lending him Enbarr for the journey. But she gives him a warning: he must never dismount. His feet must never touch Irish soil.
The Tragedy of Time
When Oisin returns to Ireland, he discovers the terrible truth: three hundred years have passed. The Fianna are long dead, remembered only in legend. The world he knew has vanished entirely.
While helping some men move a boulder, Oisin falls from his horse. The moment his feet touch the ground, three centuries catch up with him at once. He becomes ancient, withered, blind. He is a relic of a forgotten age and passes away.
Our Reimagining
If I Could Go has a big responsibility. We are taking this timeless tale (sorry, pun intended) and using it as a construct for a modern story. We aim to explore these questions boldly while honoring the magic and tragedy of the original legend and the people who treasure it.
Lilke Oisin, our journey as writers must too walk the line beteween fantasy and real world. It's challenging, fun, and we hope, the basis of a great story. Thank you for joining us.