The Dagda's Harp

This is the story of Michael, a young Druid apprentice and his quest for a lost harp which will save his homeland, Ierne, from conquest by the evil Formorians.

Michael’s childhood friend, Shana, is of the immortal race of Tuatha, sworn enemies of the Formorians. They are guided by Broga, a tiny, pipe playing Lipricanni, to a strange and mysterious lake where they meet the boastful centurion, Colinus. At the home of Michael’s warrior father, they meet Patrik, an educated Christian slave, who will help them look for the harp.

They encounter many strange enchantments on their journey, including the fearsome Maebdh, queen of the Formorians and Michael’s stepmother. But it is at the great battle of Magh Tuiregh that the group discovers the true power of the Dagda’s Harp and the heroism that is necessary for good to triumph over evil.

Sharan Newman’s acclaimed first novel, The Dagda’s Harp, written for young adults, is a fresh and beautiful interpretation of the classic Irish myth. Upon its publication in 1976, the Philadelphia Children’s Reading Round Table selected it as its Book of the Month.