I do not think the argument from the loan words would be valid for an eighth century date as against a late seventh century one. However rapid the progress of Christianity in Ireland may have been, however lukewarm, comparatively speaking, the resistance of the pre-Christian beliefs, still some resistance, some conflict there must have been, and there are not wanting signs that both were prolonged well on into the seventh century. The study of this literature, of these parallels, cannot fail to throw light upon the origin and nature of our story. Before entering upon this study, it may be well to recall the salient features of the Happy Otherworld as portrayed in Bran's Voyage. The chief of the women draws Bran to shore with a magic clew, and keeps him with her for, as it seems to him, a year.
Longing seizes one of the mortal band to revisit Ireland.
All the wanderers accompany him, but are warned against setting foot to land. Bran tells his adventure, and disappears again from mortal ken.