Jarl van Hoother

• Earl of Howth → HCE

• jarl: a medieval Scandinavian noble, a chieftain or earl ranking below the king

• Van Houten’s Cocoa

• JeHoVah

• van: found in Dutch names → links Jarl van Hoother with the Flying Dutchman, William of Orange, and the Vanhomrighs

Commentary

This story is based on the Irish legend of the visit of Grace O'Malley (the Prankquean) to the castle of the Earl of Howth:

"According to report, she sailed up to Howth, went to the Castle and demanded admission. The Earl of Howth refused her because he was at dinner. In revenge, she kidnapped his young heir and did not return him until the Earl promised that his doors would always stand open at mealtime." (Adaline Glasheen: Third Census of Finnegans Wake).

• • Third Census of Finnegans Wake

See It was of a night for further references.