Cursed by the prophet Ronan, King Sweeney has become a bird and takes to the air.

Sweeney, in the shape of an ugly gray and spotted bird, was blown by the winds from one corner of Ireland to the next. Every other bird shunned him.

Once he found a home atop a great oak tree and said to himself:

“The Druids honor the oak for it is a holy tree, and I am as great as any magician.”

But a powerful wind came from the west, ripped away the topmost limbs and sent Sweeney blowing across the landscape.

The birdman Sweeney then found a home atop a solid and great copper beech tree. Its dark red leaves reminded him of the rich red velvet cape he wore as king.

Sweeney thought, “This ancient beech is worthy of mighty kings, and I am the mightiest of royalty.”

But then a swarm of beetles bored into the tree, and its rotted trunk came tumbling down. Sweeney fled as the tree crashed to the ground.

Where will Sweeney go next? We continue his painful journey next time!