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 eye had given such a strange power to the tree, Manannan caused some of the branches to be taken to his dún; but before any one went near the tree again he placed a spell on it, so that it could not injure any more of his people.

Then Manannan sent for Luchtine the carpenter, and from his hidden island in the sea he called Culain the smith. When they came he said:

"From these dead branches, Luchtine, make me the frame of a shield; and you, Culain, forge white bronze points with which to stud it, and make the centre of white bronze also. When it is finished bring it to me, and I will say a word of power over it, and call demons to dwell in it, so that it shall be a true shield of protection for any hero who may carry it hereafter; but for his enemies it will be a shield of death."

"This shall be a shield such as the world never saw before," said Culain, "for I, too, will invoke war-spirits to guard it night and day, and when any danger threatens it will warn the hero who carries it. Like the rush and