Étaín had been the second wife of the Tuatha Dé Danann god, Midir.[1] As punishment for her jealousy towards Midir's first wife Fuamnach, she had been reborn as a human.[1] High King Eochaid having heard of Étaín's beauty, brought her to his palace at Tara.[1] Ailill fell in love with Étaín at the Festival of Tara, after which she was wed to his brother Eochaid.[2] Eochaid's brother, Ailill, having developed an unrequited love for the new queen, gradually succumbed to a wasting disease brought on by his feelings.[1][2]
Despite her love for her husband, Étaín felt sorry for the ailing Ailill, and to help save his life, promised to sleep with him.[1] Unfortunately Ailill never arrived at the agreed place, having been cast into an enchanted sleep by Midir.[1][2]
