Book of the Dun Cow

The Book of the Dun Cow is the oldest surviving manuscript written in Irish. It contains the oldest versions of a number of famous Irish legends, such as the Táin Bó Cuailgne, or Cattle Raid of Cooley, and the Voyage of Bran.

The Irish version of the Historia Britonum of Nennius

The Irish version of the Historia Britonum of Nennius

EGO Nemnius Elvodugi discipulus,

aliqua excerpta scribere curavi, i. e. I have taken pains to write certain fragments, and I am Nenamnis a disciple of Eludach, because the folly and ignorance of the nation of Britannia have given to oblivion the history and origin of its first people, so that theyare not commemorated in writings nor in books. But I have brought together the histories that I found in the Annals of the Romans, out of the chronicles of the learned saints, viz.: Isidore, and Jerome, and Eusebius, in the Annals of the Saxons and Gae1s, and what I discovered from the tradition of our own old men.

Britonia insola a Britinia filio Isocon dicta est, i. e. the island of Britain is named from Britan, or some say that it was from one Brutus it was named, i. e. the first consul that was of the Romans; but Albion was the first name of the island of Britain. Eight hundred thousand paces is the length of the island of Britain. Two hundred thousand paces is its breadth. Eight and twenty principal caers or cities are in it; and these following are their names, according to the learned of Britain:—

Caer-Gortigern. Caer-Grutus. Caer-Mencest. Caer-Luill. Caer-Medguid. Caer-Colun. Caer-Gusdirt. Caer-Abrog. Caer-Caradog. Caer-Brut. Caer-Machod. Caer-Lunaind. Caer-Oen. Caer-Irangin. Caer-Pheus. Caer-Loninoperuisc. Caer-Grugan. Caer-Sant. Caer-Legun. Caer-Gnidiud. Caer-Breatan. Caer-Leiridoin. Caer-Pendsa. Caer-Druithgolgod. Caer-Luiticoit. Caer-Urnocht. Caer-Eilimon.

Numerous are its caers or cities besides these; innumerable its raths or forts and its fortified castles. Four races inhabit the island of Britain, viz.: the Gaels, the Cruithnachs Picts, the Britons, and the Saxons. The island Guta is to the south of it, Abonia, i. e. Manaind, is on the west between them and Eri Ireland; and the islands of Orck are to the north of it. Eri extends beyondthe island of Britain far to the south-west. But the island of Britain extends beyond Eri far to the north-east.

Innumerable are its lochs and its rivers. Two principal rivers are in it, viz.: Tamus and Sabraind; it is upon them that the ships and barks of the island of Britain sail, with the jewels and wealth of the whole island of Britain.

The Britons at first filled the whole island with their children, from the sea of Icht to the sea of Orck, both with glory and excellency.

Now after the deluge the world was divided into three parts; between the three sons of Noe, viz.: Eoraip, Affraic, and Asia. Sem was in Asia; Cam in Affraic; Jafeth in Eoraip. The first man of the race of Jafeth that came into Eoraip at the beginning was Alanius, with his three sons; viz.: Isacon, Gothus or Armion, and Negua. Isacon had four sons, Francus, Romanus, Britus, Albanus. Now Armion had five sons, Gotas, Uilegotas, Cebetus, Burgandus, Longobardus. Negua had three sons, Vandalus, Saxo, Boarus. It is from Saxo, son of Negua, that the Saxons are descended; but it is from Britus the Britons come. He is the son of Isacon, the son of Alanius, the son of Fethuir, the son of Ogaman, the son of Tai, son of Boidhbh, son of Semoibh, son of Athacht, son of Aoth, son of Abar, son of Raa, son of Asra, son of Iobaith, son of Ioban, son of Japeth, son of Noe, son of Laimiach. Thus it is recorded in the histories of Britain.

Furthermore it is related in the Annals of the Romans, that Aenias the son of Anacis arrived in Italy after the destruction of Troy, and took to wife Lavina the daughter of Ladin, son of Pan, son of Pic, son of Saturn, &c. After having slain Turn, and after the death of Ladin the king, Aenias took the kingdom of Ladianda; and the city of Alba Longa was founded by Ascan, son of Aenias, and he married a wife, and she bore him a son, viz. Silvius, shortly after.

Silvius afterwards married a wife, and she became pregnant, and it was told to Ascan that his son's wife was pregnant; and he sent a messenger to his son to say that he would send his Druid to give an opinion on his wife, to know whether it was a son, or whether it was a daughter she was about to bring forth. The Druid went, and after his return the Druid said to Ascan, that it was a son that was in her womb; and said that he would be powerful, and that he would kill his father and his mother, and that he would be hated by all. In fact his mother died in giving him birth. He received a name, viz. Britus, and afterwards he was nursed.

Now Britus was the son of Silvius, son of Ascan, son of Aenias, son of Anacis, son of Caipen, son of Essarc, son of Tros, son of Airic, son of Idus, son of Dardain, son of Jove, son of Sardain, son of Ceil, son of Polloir, son of Zororastres, son of Mesraim, son of Cam (filii maledicti ridentis patrem), son of Noe. Moreover, Tros, son of Airictondus, had two sons; viz., Ilium Ilus and Asarcus; it was by him i. e. by Ilus was founded Ilium, i. e. Troy he had a son, Laimidoin, the father of Priam. Assarc, moreover, was the father of Capen, Capen was the father of Anacis, Anacis the father of Aenias, Aenias the father of Ascan, the grandfather of Britan exosus, i. e. of Britan the abhorred. It was in this way that our noble elder Guanach deduced the pedigree of the Britons, from the Chronicles of the Romans.

After many years subsequently, according to the prophecy of the Druid, it happened to Britus to be shooting arrows in presence of the king, i. e. his father, and an arrow from him pierced the temple of the king, and the king died immediately there, i. e. his own father and afterwards he was driven out of Italy, to the islands of the Torrian Mediterranean sea, and the Greeks expelled him out of the Islands in revenge for Turnn, who had been killed by Aenias. After this he came to France, and Torinis was founded by him, and he was not suffered to remain there, but came afterwards into the island of Britain, where he took possession of the kingdom, and the island was named from him, and became full of his children and his descendants. And thus was it first peopled, according to the Romans.

The Irish version of the Historia Britonum of Nennius

OF THE KINGS OF THE ROMANS HERE.

Janus, i. e. Jan, King of Eperda, was the first king that took possession of the Roman territory; and it is from him was named the month of January. Saturn after him. Joib Jove after him. Dardan, son of Joib, after him. Piccus, son of Joib, after him. Faunus, son of Piccus, reigned twenty years. Latin, his son, fifty years. Aenias, three years. Ascan thirty-four years. Silvius twelve, until his son, viz., Britus, killed him, as we have said. Silvius was the name of every king from that time until the coming of Romul, himself the son of Rea Silvia, daughter of Numitor, son of Proc Silvius, son of Aventine Silvius, son of Aramulus Silvius, son of Agrippa Silvius, son of Tibern Silvius, son of Alban Silvius, son of Ascan Silvius, son of Postam Silvius; he and Britus were brothers, and they were the two sons of Silvius, son of Ascan, son of Aenias.

Postomus was sovereign of the Romans, thirty-nine years. Britus was sovereign of the island of Britain thirty years. Postomios his brother, was sovereign of the Romans as we have said. Heli, the priest, was prince of the children of Israel; and it was in his presence the ark was taken into captivity, and was brought back soon after.

From the conquest of Britus to the conquest of the Picts in the islands of Orc, were nine hundred years, and they took the northern third part of the island of Britain by force from the Britons, and they dwell there unto this day.

Afterwards the Gaels took the same division occupied by the Picts; and they made a treaty with the Picts against the Britains.

The Saxons afterwards took the island of Britain in the time of Marcian the King. But Gortigearn was then King of Britain, i. e. the crew of three ships came out of Germany under two brothers, viz., Ors and Aigeast, so that they drove the Britons into the borders of the island.

 

The Irish version of the Historia Britonum of Nennius

OF THE CONQUEST OF ERI, AS RECORDED BY NENNIUS.

The first man that took Eri was Parrtalon, with a thousand men, i. e. a thousand between men and women; and they multiplied in Eri, into many thousands, until they died of a plague in one week, in judgment for the murder that he committed on his father and on his mother. Nemed afterwards inhabited Eri. He was the son of one Agnoman; his race dwelt long in Eri until they went into Spain, flying from the tribute imposed on them by the Muiridi, i. e. the Fomorians.

The Viri Bullorum, i. e. the Firbolg, afterwards, and the Viri Armorum, i. e. the Fir-Gaileoin, and the Viri Dominiorum, i. e. the Fir Domnann: these were the race of Nemed.

Afterwards the Plebes Deorum, i. e. the Tuatha De Danann, took Ireland; it was of them were the chief men of science; as Luchtenus, artifex; Credenus, figulus; Dianus, medicus; also Eadon, his daughter, viz. the nurse of the poets; Goibnen, faber. Lug, son of Eithne, with whom were all the arts. Dagda the Great (son of Ealadan, son of Dealbaith) the king. Ogma, brother of the king; it was from him came the letters of the Scots.

It was these men that defeated in a great battle the mariners, i. e. the Fomorians, so that they fled from them into their tower, i. e. a very strong fortress on the sea. The men of Eri went against them to the sea, so that they fought with them until the sea closed upon them all, except the crew of one ship; and thus they the Irish took the island afterwards. Or, according to others, it was the descendants of Nemed, with Fergus Leith-dearg the red sided, son of Nemed, that destroyed the tower, &c.

Afterwards came a company of eight, with eight ships, and dwelt in Eri, and took possession of a great portion of it.

But the Firbolg seized upon Mann, and certain islands in like manner, Ara, Ili, and Rachra.

The children of Galeoin also, the son of Ercal Hercules, seized the islands of Orc, i. e. Istoreth, son of Istorine, son of Aigin, son of Agathirir, were dispersed again from the islands of Orc, and then came Cruithne, son of Inge, son of Luithe, son of Pairte, son of Istoreth, son of Agnaman, son of Buan, son of Mar, son of Fatheacht, son of Javad, son of Japheth; so that he seized the northern part of the island of Britain, and his seven sons divided his territory into seven divisions, and each of them gave his name to his own portion.

The seven sons of Cruithne are Fib, Fidach, Fotlaid, Fortrean, Cat, Ce, Cirig. As Columbcille said.

            Seven of the children of Cruithne
            Divided Alba into seven portions;
            Cait, Ce, Cireach of the hundred children,
            Fib, Fidach, Fotla, Foirtreann.

And Aenbeagan, son of Cat, son of Cruithne, took the sovereignty of the seven divisions. Finacta was Prince of Eri at that time, and took hostages of the Cruithnians.

Now five men of the northern Cruithnians, i. e. five brothers of their father Cruithne, went from the islands of Orc, to the Franks, and founded a city there, viz., Pictatus or Inpictus, so called from the pick-axes; and they came again to this island, i. e. to Eri, where they were for a long time, until the Gaedil drove them across the sea to their brethren.

The sons of Liathan, son of Ercal, seized the country Dieimptorum, and Guer, and Guigelle, until Cohenda and his sons expelled them out of Britain.


 

The Irish version of the Historia Britonum of Nennius

OF THE ADVENTURES OF GAEDEL, AS FOLLOWS.

The learned of the Gaels give the following account of the adventures of their ancient chiefs. There was a certain nobleman in exile in Egypt, after he had been banished out of the kingdom of Scythia, at the time when the children of Israel passed through the Red Sea, and Forann Pharoah, with his host, was drowned. The army that escaped without being drowned, banished out of Egypt the aforesaid noble exile, because he was the son-in-law of the Forann that was drowned there; i. e. Forann Cincris.

Afterwards the Scythians went, with their children, into Africa, to the altars of the Philistines, to the wells of Salmara, and between the Ruiseagde, and Mount Iasdaire, and across the River Mba1b, through the Mediterranean to the pillars of Hercules, beyond the sea of Gadidon to Spain; and they dwelt in Spain afterwards, until the sons of Miled Milesius of Spain came to Eri, with thirty boats, with thirty couples in each boat, at the end of a thousand and two years after Forann was drowned in the Red Sea. Rex autem eorum mersus est, i. e. the king, viz., Donn, was drowned at Tigh-Duinn. Three goddesses at that time held the sovereignty of Eri, namely, Folla, and Banba, and Eire, until three battles were gained over them by the sons of Milead, so that the sons of Milead afterwards took the kingdom.

Contentio magna facta est, i. e. there grew up a great dispute between the two sons of Milead, concerning the kingdom, until their Brehon pacified them, viz. Amergin of the white knee, son of Milead; and he was their poet. And this is the peace which he made, viz., to divide Eri into two parts, and Eber took the northern half, Herimon, the southern half, and their descendants inhabit this island to the present day.

Now the Britons took possession of this island in the third age of the world. But it was in the fourth age of the world that the Gaels seized upon Eri. In the same age the Cruithnians took the northern quarter of the island of Britain. But it was in the sixth age that the Dalriada came, and took the district of the Cruithnians, and it was at that time also that the Saxons took their portion of the island from the Britons.

But after many ages the Romans took the sovereignty of the world, and they sent an ambassador to the island of Britain, to demand hostages and pledges, such as they had taken from every other country. The ambassadors, however, went away displeased without hostages; and the king, viz., Julius Caesar, was enraged with the Britons, and came with sixty ships to the mouth of the river Tames. Now Bellinus was king of the island of Britain at that time. And Dolabellus, pro-consul of the King of Britain, went to meet Julius Caesar, and the soldiers of the king were cut down; in the meantime tempestuous weather and storm broke his ships, and the king was driven back without victory to his country. He came again, however, at the end of three years, with three hundred ships, to the same bay; but Dolobellus put spikes of iron in the fording place of the river, in preparation for the battle, so that the Roman soldiers fell by this invisible stratagem, i. e., by the seeds of battle.

Notwithstanding, a rally was made by Julius, and battle was given in the land which is called Tinnandrum, so that he broke that battle before him, and took the sovereignty of the island, forty-seven years before the birth of Christ, ab initio mundi 5035.

Now Julius, the first king of the Romans, who took the island of Britain, was killed in his own senate; and it was in his honour that the Romans gave the month of July its name, at the end of seven and forty years after the birth of Christ.

ii. Cluid Claudius was the second king that took possession of Britain, at the end of forty and four years after the birth of Christ, and he brought a great slaughter upon the Britons, and he penetrated to the islands of Orc, after causing a slaughter of his people, and after a great loss of his people by the chieftain whose name was Cassibellaunus. He reigned thirteen years and seven months, when he died in Magnantia of the Longobards, as he was going to Rome from the island of Britain.

After one hundred and forty-seven years from the birth of Christ, the Emperor and the Pope, viz., Eleutherius, sent clerks from them with letters to Lucius King of Britain, in order that the king might be baptized, and the other kings of Britain in like manner.

iii. Severus was the third king that came to Britain; and it was by him was made the Saxon ditch against the barbarians, i. e. the Cruithnians, 2130 paces long, and the name of that ditch among the Britons was GUAUL. And he commanded another ditch to be made against the Gaels and the Cruithnians, i. e. Cladh na muice, and he was afterwards killed by the Britons, with his chieftains.

iv. Carausius afterwards came bravely to avenge Severus on the Britons, so that the King of Britain fell by him, and he assumed the royal robes in spite of the king, i. e. of the emperor; so that Alectus, the Roman champion, killed him, and he himself viz. Alectus seized the kingdom afterwards for a long time.

v. Constantinus, son of Constantine the Great, son of Helena, took the island of Britain, and died, and was buried at Caersegeint, i. e. Minantia, another name for that city; and letters on the gravestone point out his name, and he left three seeds in the green of that city, so that there is not a poor man in that city.

vi. Maxim was the sixth emperor that took Britain. It was at that time that the consulship was begun among the Romans, and no king was called Caesar from thenceforth. It was in the time of Maxim that the noble venerable prelate St. Martin flourished; he was of Gaul of Ulexis.

vii. Maximian took the kingdom of Britain, and he led the armies of Britain against the Romans, so that Gratian, the emperor, fell by him, and he himself took the empire of Europe; and he did not suffer the armies he had brought with him to go back to their wives and their children, nor to their lands, but gave them many lands, from the place where there is the lake on the top of Mount Jove, to Canacuic on the south, and westward to the Mound Ochiden, a place where there is a celebrated cross, and these are the Britons of Letha, and they remained in the south ever since, and it was for this reason that foreign tribes occupied the lands of the Britons, and that the Britons were slaughtered on the borders of their land.

But Gratian, with his brother Valentinian, reigned conjointly six years. It was in his time lived the noble prelate in Milan, a teacher of Catholicity, viz. Ambrose.

Valentinian and Theothas Theodosius were in joint sovereignty eight years. It was in their time was assembled the synod in Constantinople of three hundred and fifty clerks, to banish the heresy of Macedon, viz., the denying the Holy Ghost. And it was in their time the noble priest Cirine Hieronymus flourished at Bethlehem Judah, the catholic interpreter.

The same Gratian, as we have said, and Valentinian, reigned until Maximen Maximus was made king by the soldiers in the island of Britain, and went across the sea to France; and the king, Gratian, was set at liberty by the treacherous counsel of the master of the soldiers, Parassis Merobladis; and the king fled to Lugdon, and was taken there and put to death.

Maximen and his son Victor reigned jointly. Martin was at Torinis at that time. But Maximen was stripped of his royal robes by the consuls, i. e. by Valentinen and Theothas, at the third stone from the city Eigilia Aquileia, and his head was cut off in that place. His son Victor also fell in France by the hand of the count whose name was Arguba; from the creation of the world are 5690 years, to this event, according to all the chronicles.

It is thus the elders of the Britons have recorded their history, viz., that there were seven Roman emperors who had dominion over Britain. But the Romans say that there were nine of them over the Britons: that is to say, that the eighth was Severus the second, who died as he was going to Rome from the island of Britain. The ninth was Constantine, who was sixteen years in the kingdom of the island of Britain when he died. Four hundred and nine years were the Britons under Roman tribute. But afterwards the Britons drove out the Roman power, and did not pay them tax or tribute, and they killed all the Roman chiefs that were in the island of Britain.

Immediately, however, the power of the Cruithnians and of the Gaels advanced in the heart of Britain, and they drove them to the river whose name is Tin Tyne. There went afterwards ambassadors from the Britons to the Romans with mourning and great grief, with sods on their heads, and with many costly presents along with them, to pray them not to take vengeance on them for the chiefs of the Romans who were put to death by them. Afterwards Roman chiefs and consuls came back with them, and they promised that they would not the less willingly receive the Roman yoke, however heavy it might be.

Afterwards the Roman knights came, and were appointed princes and kings over the island of Britain, and the army then returned home. Anger and grief seized the Britons from the weight of the Roman yoke and oppression upon them, so that they put to death the chieftains that were with them in the island of Britain, the second time. Hence the power of the Cruithnians and Gaels increased again over the Britons, so that it became heavier than the Roman tribute, because their total expulsion out of their lands was the object aimed at by the northern Cruithnians and Gaels.

After this the Britons went in sorrow and in tears to the Roman senate, and thus we are told they went with their backs foremost for shame; and a great multitude returned with them, i. e. an innumerable army of Romans, and sovereignty and chieftainry was assumed over them afterwards. But again the Roman tribute became oppressive to the Britons, so that they slew their kings and chieftains the third time.

Afterwards there came Roman chieftains across the sea, and gained a very great victory over the Britons, so that they vindicated the honour of their people upon them, and they plundered the island of Britain of its gold, and of its silver, and took from it its satin, and its silk, and its vessels of gold and silver, so that they returned home with victory and triumph.

The Irish version of the Historia Britonum of Nennius

HERE FOLLOWS OF THE CONQUEST OF THE SAXONS.

Now it came to pass after the aforesaid battle, and after the slaughter of the Roman chieftains three times by the Britons, after they had been four hundred and forty-nine years under the Roman tribute, that Gortigern, son of Gudal, took the chief sovereignty of Britain, and he was oppressed by the fear of the Cruithnians and Gaels, and by the power of Ambrose, King of France and Letavian Britain.

There came three ciulae out of Germany (i. e. three barks) into exile, in which were the two brothers, Ors and Engist, from whom are the Saxons; this is their genealogy, viz.: Ors and Engist were the two sons of Guectilis, the son of Guigte, son of Guecta, son of Guta, son of Boden, son of Frealaif, son of Fredolf, son of Finn, son of Freann, son of Folcbhall, son of Gaeta, son of Vanli, son of Saxi, son of Neag.

Britas, son of Olon, from whom are the Britons of Leatha, was the son of Eolonn, son of Feithiver, son of Ogaman, son of Tai, or Teo, son of Bob, son of Sembob, son of Athacht, son of Aoth, son of Abar, son of Raa, son of Eassa, son of Joban, son of Jonan, son of Jafeth, son of Noe.

Now Gortigern held in peace, under the Romans, the government of the Cruithnians, and he gave up to them i. e. to the Saxons, the island whose name is Teineth Thanet, but Roinn is its British name. Gradian and Aequit were in the sovereignty of the Romans at that time. But it was from the birth of Christ, three hundred and forty-seven years; and it was in the time of that king, viz., of Gortigern, that Saint German came to preach in the island of Britain, and God wrought miracles and many wonders by this ecclesiastic in the island of Britain, and he healed many, and brought them under baptism and faith.

The Irish version of the Historia Britonum of Nennius

OF THE MIRACLES OF GERMAN HERE.

After the arrival of German in the island of Britain, he went to the fortress of the warrior whose name was Benli to preach to him. German stopped with his clerics at the door of the fortress. The porter went to the king with the message of the clergyman; the king said, with an oath, that if the clergy were to remain until the end of a year at the door of the fort, they should not come in. The porter came with this answer to German. German came away from the door in the evening, and did not know what road he should go. But one of the servants of the king came out of the fortress, and bowed down before German, and brought him with him to his cabin kindly and cheerfully. And he had no cattle but one cow with her calf, and he killed the calf, and boiled it, and gave it to the clergymen. And German ordered that its bones should not be broken; and on the morrow the calf was alive in the presence of its dam.

On the next day German repaired to the door of the fortress to pray an interview with the king. And then there came a man running and full of sweat from head to foot; and he knelt to German, and German said, ‘Dost thou believe in the Holy Trinity?’ and he replied, ‘I believe.’ And German baptized him and gave him a kiss: and he said unto him, ‘Arise, now thou shalt die, and the angels of God are awaiting thee.’ And he went cheerfully into the fortress, and was put to death by the king, for the king was accustomed to put to death every one of his people that did not come before sun-rise to do the work of the palace.

German passed the whole of that day till night at the door of the fortress, until the same i. e. the first mentioned servant came; and German said to him, ‘Take care, take care that none of thy people be in this fortress this night.’ He immediately brought out with him the nine sons he had in the fortress, and he brought the clergyman with him to his house again; and they all kept watch. And the fire of God immediately came from heaven upon the fortress, so that it burned the people of the fortress, both men and women, one thousand persons, through the anger of God and of German; and it remains a ruin to the present day.

On the following day this servant, with his sons and the people of the district, in like manner were baptized; and German blessed him and his children. His name was Caiteal, and through the word i. e. blessing of German, he became a king, and his sons became kings, and their seed have ever since been in the land called Pogus; ut dicitur in the psalms, suscitans a terra inopem, et de stercore erigens pauperem.

Now, the Saxons remained in the Isle of Teineth Thanet, and Gortigern was feeding and clothing the Saxons, that they might fight for him against Pictland. But when the Saxons had multiplied, the Britons not only refused to feed or clothe them, but the Britons warned them all to go away.

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But Hengist, who was an experienced, wise, cunning, and subtle man, made answer to them (for he saw that the Britons were feeble without soldiers, without arms), and he said to the King Gortigern in private: ‘Let us make good counsel; let us send into Germany for soldiers, that we may be numerous against our enemies.’ Gortigern answered, ‘Let ambassadors go for soldiers;’ and they went; and there came eighteen ships with chosen soldiers out of Germany. In this fleet came his daughter to Hengist: she was the fairest of the women of all Lochland.

After this Hengist prepared a great banquet for Gortigern and his army in the royal house, which is called Centic Elinit; and none of the Britons knew the Saxon language except one man only. The daughter of Hengist proceeded to distribute the feast, viz., wines and ales, in vessels of gold and silver, until the soldiers were inebriated and cheerful; and a demon entered Gortigern, from love of the daughter of Hengist, and he sent the linguist to Hengist to ask her for the king; and he said, that ‘whatever he would ask for her dowry should be given to him.’ Hengist, by the advice of the Saxons, said, ‘Let there be given to us the land which is named Congarlona in the Saxon language, and Ceint in the British language.’
Gortigern cheerfully gave them the dominions of Gurangona, and he lay with the daughter and loved her much.

And Hengist said to Gortigern: ‘I will be thy father and thy counsellor, and if thou takest my advice the other tribes will not be able in any way to molest thee; and I will send to Lochland for my son, and for the son of his mother's sister, and they will fight against the enemy who have reached as far as the wall Gual.’ Gortigern said, ‘Let them be invited;’ and they were invited; and there arrived Ochta, son of Engist, and Ebisa, with forty ships; and they plundered the Orkney islands on coming from the north, and they took many lands as far as the Friseg sea, that is the sea which is to the north of the Gaedhal. And ambassadors were further sent by Hengist for more ships, and a new force used to arrive every year, so that they increased, and filled the land from the island of Teneth to Cantarborgh.

The devil deeming it but little the evil that Gortigern had done, induced him to cohabit with his own daughter, so that she bore him a son. When German heard of this, he went, accompanied by a clergyman of his nation, i. e. British, to criminate and check Gortigern; and he assembled all the laity and clergy of Britain for this purpose, and also for the purpose of consulting about about the Saxons. But Gortigern told his daughter, ‘When they are all assembled together, give thou thy child into the breast of German, and say that he is his father.’ And the daughter did so. German received the child, and said unto him, ‘I will be thy father,’ said he; and German asked for a razor, scissors, and a comb, and gave them into the hands of the infant; and this was done; and German said: ‘My son, give these into the hand of thy carnal father’; and the infant advanced, and gave the comb, the scissors, and the razor, into the hand of Gortigern, and said, ‘O my master,’ said he, ‘do thou tonsure me, for thou art my carnal father. German is my father in the faith.’ Gortigern blushed at this, and became much enraged, and fled from the assembly; and he was cursed by all the British people, and excommunicated by German also.

The Irish version of the Historia Britonum of Nennius

THE FORTRESS OF AMBROSE, AND OF HIS CONTEST WITH THE DRUIDS.

And afterwards Gortigern invited to him twelve Druids, that he might know from them what was proper to be done. The Druids said to him, ‘Seek the borders of the island of Britain, and thou shalt find a strong fortress to defend thyself against the foreigners to whom thou hast given up thy country and thy kingdom, for thine enemies will slay thee, and will seize upon thy country and lands after thee.’ Gortigern, with his hosts and with his Druids, traversed all the south of the island of Britain, until they arrived at Guined, and they searched all the mountain of Herer, and there found a Dinn over the sea, and a very strong locality fit to build on; and his Druids said to him, ‘Build here thy fortress,’ said they, ‘for nothing shall ever prevail against it.’ Builders were then brought thither, and they collected materials for the fortress, both stone and wood, but all these materials were carried away in one night; and materials were thus gathered thrice, and were thrice carried away. And he asked of his Druids, ‘Whence is this evil?’ said he. And the Druids said, ‘Seek a son whose father is unknown, kill him, and let his blood be sprinkled upon the Dun, for by this means only it can be built.’

Messengers were sent by him throughout the island of Britain to seek for a son without a father; and they searched as far as Magh Eillite, in the territory of Glevisic, where they found boys a-hurling; and there happened a dispute between two of the boys, so that one said to the other, ‘O man without a father, thou hast no good at all.’ The messengers asked, ‘Whose son is the lad to whom this is said?’ Those on the hurling green said, ‘We know not,’ said they, ‘his mother is here,’ said they. They asked of his mother whose son the lad was. The mother answered, ‘I know not,’ said she, ‘that he hath a father, and I know not how he happened to be conceived in my womb at all.’ So the messengers took the boy with them to Gortigern, and told him how they had found him.

On the next day the army was assembled, that the boy might be killed. And the boy was brought before the king, and he said to the king, ‘Wherefore have they brought me to thee?’ said he. And the king said, ‘To slay thee,’ said he, ‘and to butcher thee, and to consecrate this fortress with thy blood.’ The boy said, ‘Who instructed thee in this?’ ‘My Druids,’ said the king. ‘Let them be called hither,’ said the boy. And the Druids came. The boy said to them, ‘Who told you that this fortress could not be built until it were first consecrated with my blood?’ And they answered not. ‘I know,’ said he; ‘the person who sent me to you to accuse you, is he who induced you to tell this lie; howbeit, O king,’ said he, ‘I will reveal the truth to thee; and I ask of thy Druids, first, what is concealed beneath this floor before us?’ The Druids said, ‘We know not,’ said they. ‘I know,’ said he; ‘there is a lake of water there; let it the floor be examined and dug.’ It was dug, and the lake was found there. ‘Ye prophets of the king,’ said the boy, ‘tell what is in the middle of the lake?’ ‘We know not,’ said they. ‘I know,’ said he, ‘there are two large chests of wood face to face, and let them be brought out of it.’ It was examined, and they were brought forth. ‘And O Druids,’ said the boy, ‘tell what is between those two wooden chests?’ ‘We know not,’ said they. ‘I know,’ said he; ‘there is a sail-cloth there.’ And it was brought forth, and the sail was found rolled up between the two wooden chests. ‘Te11, O ye learned,’ said the boy, ‘what is in the middle of that cloth?’ And they answered not, for they understood not. ‘There are two maggots there,’ said he, ‘namely, a red maggot and a white maggot. Let the cloth be unfolded.’ The sail-cloth was unfolded, and there were two maggots asleep in it. And the boy said, ‘See now what the maggots wiIl do.’ They advanced towards each other, and commenced to rout, cut, and bite each other, and each maggot drove the other alternately to the middle of the sail and again to its verge. They did this three times. The red maggot was at first the feeble one, and was driven to the brink of the cloth; but the beautiful maggot was finally the feeble one, and fled into the lake, and the sail immediately vanished. The boy asked the Druids: ‘Tell ye,’ said he, ‘what doth this wonder reveal?’ ‘We know not,’ said they. ‘I will reveal it to the king,’ said the boy. ‘The lake is the kingdom of the whole world, and the sail is thy kingdom, O king. And the two maggots are the two powers, namely, thy power in conjunction with the Britons, and the power of the Saxons. The red maggot, which was first expelled the kingdom, represents thy power; and the white maggot, which occupied the whole sail except a little, represents the power of the Saxons, who have taken the island of Britain, except a small part, until ultimately driven out by the power of the Britons. But do thou, O king of Britain, go away from this fortress, for thou hast not power to erect it, and search the island of Britain and thou shalt find thine own fortress.’ The king said, ‘What is thy name, O boy,’ said he. The youth replied, ‘Ambrose,’ said he, ‘is my name.’ (He was Embros Gleutic, king of Britain.) ‘Tell thy race,’ said the king. ‘My father, said he, was a Roman consul, and this shall be my fortress.’ Then Gortigern left the fortress to Ambrose, and also the government of all the west of Britain, and went with his Druids to the north of the island of Britain, that is, to the land which is called Gunnis, and built a fortress there, which city is named Caer Gortigern.

 

The Irish version of the Historia Britonum of Nennius

OF THE WARFARE OF GORTIMER.

After this, Gortimer the victorious, son of Gortigern, with his brother Catigern, rose up against Hengist and Orsa, and the Britons fought fiercely along with them, so that they drove the Saxons to the island of Teineth, and the Britons took this island thrice from them; so that forces arrived to their assistance out of Germany, and they fought against the Britons, and were one time victorious and another time defeated.

And Gortimer gave them four battles, viz., a battle on the bank of the Deirgbeint; a battle on the bank of Rethenergabail, in which Orsa and Catigern, son of Gortigern, were slain; and a battle on the shore of the Iccian sea, where they drove the Saxons to their ships, muliebriter; and a battle on the banks of Episfort. Gortimer died soon after, and he said to the Britons shortly before his death, to bury him on the brink of the sea, and that the strangers would never afterwards come into the island. The Britons did not do this. After this the power of the Saxons increased, for Gortigern was their friend on account of his wife.

Now it came to pass after the death of Gortimer, and after the peace between Hengist and Gortigern, that the Saxons committed an act of treachery upon the Britons; that is, the Britons and Saxons were assembled together in equal numbers in one place, as if in peace, viz., Hengist and Gortigern, neither party having arms; but the Saxons carried knives concealed between them and their sandals, and they killed all the Britons who were there except Gortigern alone, and they fettered Gortigern, and he gave the one-third of his land for the sparing of his life viz., All-Saxan, and Sut-Saxan, and Mitil-Saxan.

Now German had admonished Gortigern to put away his wife, that is, his own daughter; but he fled away from German, and concealed himself in the land which is named Gortigernmain; and German, with the clergy of Britain, went after him, and remained there for forty days and nights; and Gortigern fled again from the clergy to his fortress, and they followed him and tarried there three days and three nights fasting. And the fire of God from heaven burned Gortigern there, with all his people. Others assert that he died of grief and tears, wandering from place to place. Another authority asserts that the earth swallowed him up the night on which his fortress was burnt.

He had three sons, viz., Gortimper, who fought against the Saxons; Catigern; Pascant, to whom Ambrose the king of Britain gave Bocuelt and Gortigernmain, after the death of his father; Saint Faustus, his son by his own daughter, and whom Germain baptized, fostered, and instructed, and for whom he built a city on the brink of the River Raen. Nennius said this.

Fearmael, who is now chief over the lands of Gortigern, is the son of Tedubre, son of Paistcenn, son of Guodicann, son of Morut, son of Alltad, son of Eldoc, son of Paul, son of Mepric, son of Briacat, son of Pascent, son of Gortigern, son of Guatal, son of Guatulin, son of Glou. Bonus, Paul, and Muron were three other sons of Glou, who built the city of Caer Gloud, i. e. Glusester, on the banks of the Severn. German returned home,/SUP[gt ] to his own country.

At this time Patrick was in captivity in Eri with Miliuc; and it was at this time that Pledius was sent to Eri to preach to them. Patrick went to the south to study, and he read the canons with German. Pledius was driven from Eri, and he went and served God in Fordun in Mairne. Patrick came to Eri after studying, and baptized the men of Eri. From Adam to the baptizing of the men of Eri were five thousand three hundred and thirty years. To describe the miracles of Patrick to you, O men of Eri, were to bring water to a lake, and they are more numerous than the sands of the sea, and I shall ,therefore, pass them over without giving an abstract or narrative of them just now.

After the death of Gortigern, the power of the Saxons prevailed over the Britons. Ochta, the son of Hengist, assumed government over them. Arthur, however, and the Britons fought bravely against them, and gave them twelve battles, viz., the first battle at the mouth of the river Glein; the second, the third, the fourth, and the fifth battle, on the brink of the river Dubhglas; the sixth battle on the brink of the Bassa; the seventh battle in the wood of Callidon, that is, Cait Coit Cleiduman; the eighth battle at Lesc Guinidon; it was here Arthur carried the image of Mary on his shoulder, and drove out the Pagans; the ninth battle at the city of Legion; the tenth battle at Robruid; in the twelfth battle there were slain, by the hand of Arthur, eight hundred and forty men in one day, and he was victorious in all these battles. And the Saxons sought assistance from Germany, and it was from thence they brought their kings until the time of Ida, who was the first king that ruled over them at this side of Inbher Onic, that is, to the north of Umbria Humber. Ida was the son of Ebba. Enfled, the daughter of Edwin, was the first of the Saxons that was baptized in the island of Britain.

The Irish version of the Historia Britonum of Nennius

INCIPIT CONCERNING THE WONDERS OF THE ISLAND OF BRITAIN HERE.

The first wonder of the island of Britain is Loch Lemnon; there are sixty islands and sixty rocks in it, and sixty streams flow into it, and one stream out of it, that is the Leamain.

The second wonder is the mouth of the stream Tranon, which is filled from the bottom with one wave, and ebbs like every other sea.

The third wonder is the fiery waters.

The fourth wonder is the fountain of salt which is there.

The fifth wonder, i. e. two bubbles of froth at the mouth of the Sabrain.

They encounter and break each other, and move back again, and come in collision, again, and thus continue perpetually.

The sixth wonder is Loch Heilic, which has no water flowing into it or out of it; and there are different kinds of fishes in it at every side; and it reaches, in its depth, only to a man's knee; it is twenty cubits in length and in breadth, and has high banks.

The seventh wonder, apples upon the ash tree at the stream of Goas.

The eighth wonder, a cave which is in the district of Guent, having wind constantly blowing out of it.

The ninth wonder, an altar which is in Loingraib. It is supported in the air, although the height of a man above the earth.

The tenth wonder, a stone which is upon a carn in Bocuilt, with the impression of the paws of Arthur's dog in it; and though it should be carried away to any part of the world, it would be found on the same carn again.

The eleventh wonder, a sepulchre which is in the land of Argingi, which one time measures seven feet, another time ten, another time twelve, and another time fifteen feet in length.

The twelfth wonder is a stone in a cataract in Brebic.

The thirteenth is a quern which constantly grinds, except or Sunday, in Machlin in Cul. It is heard working under ground. The well of the grain is in Meadon, that is, a well from which grain flows without ceasing.

There is in the same district a well from which the bones of birds are constantly thrown up.

There are also innumerable birds there on a certain rock, and they dive under the sea as if into the air.

There are also limpets on the rocks there, viz., limpets at Ceoil thirty thousand paces from the sea.

There is a valley in Aengus, in which shouting is heard every Monday night; Glen Ailbe is its name, and it is not known who makes the noise.

The Irish version of the Historia Britonum of Nennius

THE WONDERS OF MANANN DOWN HERE.

The first wonder is a strand without a sea.

The second is a ford which is far from the sea, and which fills when the tide flows, and decreases when the tide ebbs.

The third is a stone which moves at night in Glenn Cindenn, and though it should be cast into the sea, or into a cataract, it would be found on the margin of the same valley.

The Irish version of the Historia Britonum of Nennius

OF THE CRUITHNIANSC INCIPIT.

The Cruithnians came from the land of Thracia; they are the race of Gueleon, son of Ercal Hercules. Agathyrsi was their name. Six brothers of them came at first, viz., Solen, Ulfa, Nechtan, Drostan, Aengus, Leithenn. The cause of their coming was this, viz, Policornus, king of Thrace, fell in love with their sister, and proposed to take her without giving a dower. They after this passed across the Roman territory into France and built a city there, viz., Pictavis, called a pictis, i. e. from their arms. And the king of France fell in love with their sister. They put to sea after the death of the sixth brother, viz., Leithinn; and in two days after going on the sea their sister died. The Cruithnians landed at Inbher Slaine, in Hy-Ceinnselagh. Cremhthann Sgiathbhel, King of Leinster, said that he would give them welcome on the expulsion of the Tuatha Fidhbha. Drostan, the Druid of the Cruithnians, ordered that the milk of seven score white cows should be spilled in a pit where the next battle should be fought. This was done, and the battle was fought by them, viz., the battle of Ard-leamhnachta, in Hy-Ceinnselagh. Every one of the Picts whom they wounded used to lie down in the new milk, and the poison of the weapons of the Tuatha Fidhbha did not injure any of them. The Tuatha Fidhbha were then slain. Four of the Cruithnians afterwards died; namely, Drostan, Solen, Nechtain, and Ulfa. But Gub, and his son Cathluan, acquired great power in Eri, until Herimon drove them out, and gave them the wives of the men who had been drowned along with Donn, namely, the wife of Bres, the wife of Buas, &c.

Six of them remained as lords over Breagh-mhagh. From them are derived every spell, every charm, every sreodh, and augury by voices of birds, and every omen. Cathluan was monarch over them all, and he was the first king of them that ruled in Alba. Seventy kings of them ruled over Alba, from Cathluan to Constantine, who was the last Cruithnian that reigned. The two sons of Cathluan were Catinolodar and Catinolachan; their two champions were Im, son of Pern, and Cind, the father of Cruithne; Cras, son of Cirech, was their hero; Uaisneimh was their poet; Cruithne their artificer; Domhnall, son of Ailpin, was the first Gadelian king, till he was killed. First, Britus, son of Isacon, possessed Britain. The clan Neimhidh obtained it after Britus, that is after Glun. The Cruithnians possessed it after them, after they had come out of Eri. The Gaedhil possessed it after that, that is, the sons of Erc, son of Eochaidh.

Cruithnechan son of Lochit, son of Ingi, went over from the sons of Mileadh to the Britons of Foirtren, to fight against the Saxons, and he defended the country of Cruithen-tuath for them, and he himself remained with them i. e. with the Britons. But they had no women, for the women of Alba had died. And Cruithnechan went back to the sons of Mileadh, and he swore by heaven and earth, and the sun and the moon, by the dew and elements, by the sea and the land, that the regal succession among them for ever should be on the mother's side; and he took away with him twelve women that were superabundant with the sons of Mileadh, for their husbands had been drowned in the western sea along with Donn; so that the chiefs of the Cruithnians have been of the men of Eri from that time ever since.

            THE CRUITHNIANS who propagated
            In the land of noble Alba,

          
            With glorious illustrious might,
            From what region did they come?
            What cause also moved them
            From the countries of war?
            To traverse the waves over the floods,
            In what number of ships did they embark?
            How were they named before they came
            To attain their sovereignty?
            They were named from their own weapons)—
            And what was the name of their country?
            Thracia was the name of their country,
            (Until they spread their sails,

            
            After they had resolved to emigrate),
            In the east of Europe.
            Agathyrsi was their name,
            In the portion of Ercal-Itbi
            From their tattoeing their fair skins
            Were they called Picts.
            The Picts, the tribe I speak of,
            Understood travelling over the sea,
            Without mean, unworthy deeds,
            The seed of Geleon son of Ercal.
            Of them six brothers
            With alacrity, unflinching,
            For glory's sake set out;
            The seventh [gt ]was their sister.
            Solen, Ulpha, Nechtain,
            Drostan the powerful diviner,
            Were their names and their order,
            Aengus and Leithenn.

    
            The absolute sovereign of populous Thrace
            Sought their lovely sister,

            (It was the cause of conflict)
            Without gift, without dowry.
            They came away with her, the good men,
            From their lands, from their flocks,
            A company of three ships in good order,
            Three hundred and nine persons.
            They stepped on land from the surrounding sea
            Of France,—they cut down woods,
            They built a city with their many weapons,
            Which was named Pictabis.
            Pictabis a Pictis
            They named their city;
            It remained a good and free name
            Afterwards upon the fortress.
            The king sought their sister
            By battle fiercely,
            And in consequence of his anger
            They were driven upon the sea.

            
            On the shore of the sea was shattered,
            A ship, swift sailing, well manned,
            There remained, as we know,
            With her the sixth brother.
            They were in Pictavia,
            With success attaching to them;
            Their name was renowned
            At the place where Elair was.
            They stole away thence together
            In haste, under sorrow,
            At the end of two tempestuous days,
            Their sister died with them.
            Passing by Britain in their voyage,
            To Eri the delightful
            They directed their course,
            And reached Inbher Slaine.
            They cut down the plundering host of Fea,
            Who were aided by poison,
            By their fierce deeds,
            In the battle of Ard-leamhnacht.

            
            The heroes valiant and numerous
            Cut down knotty woods,
            With wonderful arts;
            From the Britons was their origin.
            Dead was every one they struck,
            If but his blood they shed,
            So that he wasted away on that account,
            Whether he were a dog, or whether he weren a man.
            A Cruithnian Druid, of friendship,
            Discovered a cure for those thus wounded,
            New milk in which were washed
            Those who lay wounded on the earth.
            The herds of cows of the tribes were brought,
            By just Cremhthann the headstrong,
            Until the herd was milked
            On the green of Ard-leamhnacht.
            They cut down the troops of Fea, of sharp weapons,
            Leaving them without tillage and without produce,

         
            By their defeat in the battle
            Cremhthan Sciathbel of horses was protected.
            The Cruithnians settled themselves
            On the lands of the three plains,
            Until dread of their arms
            Had seized the noble Gaels.
            Soon after that died
            Four of the noble brothers,
            Solen, Neachtan, Drostan,
            Aengus, the prophetic pillar.
            From the south was Ulfa sent
            After the decease of his friends;
            In Rachrann in Bregia
            He was utterly destroyed.
            Cathluan was elevated by them,
            (No despicable chieftain),

            
            As king over them all,
            Before they set out to another country.
            For to them spake Erimon
            That out of Eri they should go,
            Lest they should make battle
            For Teainhairm, as a possession.
            Three hundred women were given,
            To them they were agreeable,
            But they were most cunning,
            Each woman and her brother.
            There were oaths imposed on them,
            By the stars, by the earth,
            That from the nobility of the mother
            Should always be the right to the sovereignty.
            They set out from Eri
            On their oath-bound expedition,
            Without families, without cavalry,
            With Cathluan, son of Caitminn.
            Catmolodor the hard-knobbed,
            And Cathmachan the bright,

            
            Were glorious youths,
            The two valiant sons of Cathluan.
            His hardy, puissant champions,
            Heavy, stern, was their trampling,
            Cing, victorious in his victory,
            Im, son of Pernn, were their names.
            Huasem was the name of his poet,
            Who sought out the path of pleasantry.
            Ruddy was his hero,
            Crus, son of Cirigh Cetlim.
            Cruithne, son of just Cing,
            Attended to their courtship,
            So that he brought a company of fair women,
            Over Athmagh, over Athgort.
            There remained of them behind in Ealga,
            With many artificers and warriors,

            

            Who settled in Breagh-magh,
            Six demon-like druids.
            Necromancy and idolatry, druidism,
            In a fair and well-walled house,
            Plundering in ships, bright poems,
            By them were taught.
            The honoring of sredhs and omens,
            Choice of weather, lucky times,
            The watching the voices of birds,
            They practised without disguise.
            Hills and rocks they prepared for the plough,
            Among their sons were no thieves,

            
            They prepared their expedition
            Here at Inbher Boinne.
            They passed away from us
            With the splendour of swiftness,
            To dwell by valour
            In the beautiful land of Ile.

            
            From thence they conquered Alba,
            The noble nurse of fruitfulness.
            Without destroying the people or their houses,
            From the region of Cat to Forcu.
            Cathluan gained battles
            Without flinching or cowardice,

            
            His onsets were not without fierceness,
            Until he had slain the Britons.
            Thus did they conquer Alba,
            Noble, gentle-hilled, smooth-surfaced,
            With many an Amlaff,
            Down to Cinaeth mac Alpin,

            
            For plundering known places,
            And greens, without remorse,
            For not practising inactivity,
            For this are they called Cruithnians.
            Fifty kings of plundering career,
            Every one of them of the race of Eochaidh,
            From Fergus, most truly,
            To the vigorous Mac Brethach.
            Six kings and six times ten
            Of them who attended to bloody plunder:
            They loved merry forays,
            They possessed the sovereignty of the Cruithnians.

            The Cruithnians who propagated.

The Irish version of the Historia Britonum of Nennius

[HERE FOLLOWS OF THE ORIGIN OF THE CRUITHNIANS.]

Cruithne, son of Cing, pater Pictorum habitantium in hac insula, c. annis regnabat. He had seven sons. These are their names, viz., Fib, Fidach, Foltlaig, Fortrend, Caitt, Ce, Circing.

Circing lx. annis regnavit.

Fidach xl. annis regnavit.

Fortrend xl. annis regnavit.

Foltlaid xxx. annis regnavit.

Gatt i. e. Caitt xii. annis regnavit.

Ce xii. annis regnavit.

Fidbaid i. e. Fib xxiiii. annis regnavit.

Geide Ollgothach lxxx. annis regnavit.

Oenbegan c. annis regnavit.

Ollfinachta lx. annis regnavit.

Guidedh Gaeth, a Briton, l. annis regnavit.

Geascuirtibont [...] xxx. of them thenceforward, and Bruide was the name of every man of them, et regnaverunt Hiberniam et Alboniam per .cl. annos, ut invenitur in the books of the Cruithnians:

Bruide Pante was the name of the first Bruide.

Bruide Urpante,

Bruide Leo.

Bruide Gant.

Bruide Gund.

Bruide Urgann.

Bruide Urgaint.

Bruide Fet.

Bruide Urfexir.

Bruide Feoir.

Bruide Cal.

Bruide Urcal.

Bruide Cint.

Bruide Arcint.

Bruide Fet.

Bruide Urfet.

Bruide Ru.

Bruide Eru.

Bruide Gart.

Bruide Cinit.

Bruide Cind.

Bruide Uip.

Bruide Uirup.

Bruide Gruith.

Bruide Urgrith.

Bruide Munait.

Bruide Ur.

Bruide Gidgie.

Bruide Crin.

Bruide Urcrin.

Bruide Urmain.

Regnaverunt .cl. ann. ut diximus; and Alba was without a king all along until the time of Gud, the first king that possessed all Alba by consent or by force.

Others say that it was Cathluan, son of Caitming, who first possessed the sovereignty by force in Cruithentuath and in Eri, for sixty years, and that after him succeeded Gud for fifty years.

Taram c. annis regnavit.

Morleo xv. annis regnavit.

Deocillimon xl. annis regnavit.

Cinioiod, son of Artcois, vii. annis regnavit.

Deort l. annis regnavit.

Blieblith v. annis regnavit.

Deototreic frater Tui xl. annis regnavit.

Usconbest xx. annis regnavit.

Crutbolc vii. annis regnavit.

Deordivois xx. annis regnavit.

Uist l. annis regnavit.

Ru c. annis regnavit.

Gartnait iiii. ix. annis regnavit.

Breth, son of Buithed, vii. annis regnavit.

Uipo-ignavit xxx.

Canatulacma iii. annis regnavit.

Uradach-vetla ii. annis regnavit.

Gartnait-duipeir lx. annis regnavit.

Tolorc, son of Aithiur, lxxv.

Drust, son of Erp, c. annis regnavit, and gained a hundred battles. Nonodecimo anno regni eius Patricius sanctus episcopus ad Hiberniam pervenit.

Tolorc, son of Aniel, iiii. annis regnavit.

Nectan-mor-breac, son of Eirip, xxxiiii. annis regnavit. Tertio anno
regni ejus Darlugdach, abbatissa Cille-Dara de Hibernia exulat pro Christo ad Britiniam; secundo? anno adventus sui immolavit Nectonius anno uno Apurnighe Déo et sanctæ Brigidæ, præsente Darlugdach, quæ cantavit alleluia super istam hostiam.

Dartguitimoth xxx. annis regnavit.

Galamarbith xv. annis regnavit.

Two Drests, i. e. Drest, fil. Budros, xv. annis regnaverunt communiter. Drest, fil. Girum, solus v. annis regnavit.

Galum-cenamlapeh iiii. annis regnavit.

Gartnait, fil. Girom, vii. annis regnavit.

Cailtaine, fil. Girom, anno regnavit.

Talorg, fil. Murtolic, xi. annis regnavit.

Drest fil. Manaith, uno anno regnavit. Cum Brideno i. anno.

Bruide Mac Maelcon xxx. annis regnavit. In octavo anno regni ejus baptizatus est a sancto Columba.

Gartnait, fil. Domnach, xi. annis regnavit.

Neachtain nepos Verp. xx. annis regnavit.

Cinhoint, fil. Lutriu, xix. annis regnavit.

Gartnait, mac Uiud, v. annis regnavit.

Tolorc frater eorum duodecim annis regnavit.

Tolorcan, fil. Enfret, iiii.

Gartnairt, fil. Donuel, vi. annis regnavit et dimidium anni.

Drusc frater ejus vii. annis regnavit.

Bride, fil. Fle, xx. annos regnavit.

Taran, fil. En-fidaid, iiii.

Brei, fil. Derilei, xi. annis regnavit.

Nechtan, fil. Derilei, x. annis regnavit.

Drest et Elpen conregnaverunt lv. annis.

Onbes, fil. Urgurt, xxx. annis regnavit.

Breite, fil. Uugut, xv. annis regnavit.

Cinoid, fil. Juuredeg, xv. annis regnavit.

Alpin, fil. Uuoid, iii. annis regnavit et dimidium anni.

Drest, fil. Talorcan, i. anno regnavit.

Talorcan, fil. Drostan, v. vel xv.

Talorcen, fil. Onust, xii. et dimidium annis regnavit.

Canul, fil. Tang. v. annis regnavit.

Cuastantin, fil. Uurguist, xxxv.

Uidnust, fil. Uurgust, xii. annis regnavit.

Drost, fil. Constatin, et Tolorc, fil. Uuthoil, iii. annis conregnaverunt.

Unen, fil. Unest, iii.

Urad, fil. Bargot, iii. annis regnavit, et Brod. i. anno regnavit.

Cinaed, fil. Alpin, xvi. annis regnavit.

Domhnal, fil. Alpin, iiii. annis regnavit, et Custantan fil. Cinaeda xx. annis regnavit.

Aedh, fil. Cinaed, i. anno regnavit.

Girig mac Dungaile xi. vel. iii. annis regnavit.

Domhnall, fil. Constantini, xi. annis regnavit.

Constantin, fil. Aedh, xlv. annis regnavit.

Maelcolaim, fil. Domhnall, ix. annis regnavit.

Cuilein, fil. Ildoilb, fil. Constantini, iiii. annis regnavit.

Cinaed, vel Dubh, fil. Mailcolaim, vii. annis regnavit.

Cuilein i. et dimidio anni regnavit.

Cinead, fil. Dubh, viii. annis regnavit.

Maelcolaim Mac Cinaeda xxx. annis regnavit.

Donnchad Ua Mailcolaim vii. annis regnavit.

Macbeathad Mac Fin Mic Laig xvi. annis regnavit.

Lulach v. months.

Maelcolaim Mac Colaim Mic Donnchaid after him.


Britinia insola oceani cui quondam Olbiian nomen erat, is eight hundred thousand paces in length, two hundred thousand in breadth, and in circumference five thousand seventy and eight times forty. There are in it eight score cities, and five languages, viz. the Saxon language, and the British language, and the Cruithnian language, and Gaelic, and Latin.

Anno xlmo. ante nativitatem Christi, i e. forty years before the birth of Christ, came Galus into the island of Britain; he lost his ships and his army on his first expedition, and he lost Labienus the tribune, but at length he took the hostages of the island of Britain.

Cluids Ceissir, the fourth king after Juil, came into the island of Britain even to the island of Orc.

Ab incarnatione Domini clvi. Marcus Antonus with his brother, i. e. Lucidus Aurelius Commodus, devastated the island of Britain.

Ab incarnatione Domini clxxxix. Severus Afer Tripolitanus came into the island of Britain. Leipis was the name of the city in Africa where he was born; he was the seventeenth king after Juil: it was for him was made the Saxon ditch; he died at Caer Abrog. He had two sons, Basianus and Geta. It was he (the former) that succeeded to the kingdom by the name of Anton.

Ab incarnatione Domini cclxxxiii. Dioclistan, the thirty-third king after Juil, and Maximin, came into the island of Britain. It was in their time that Carausius held the sovereignty of Britain seven years, until Alectus killed him, and held the sovereignty himself for three years, until Asclipidotus killed him, and became king himself for ten years. Dioclistan, in the east of the world, was persecuting the Christians, and Maiscimen in the west.

It was in that persecution over the world that Saint Albain—and Aron, and Juil, chiefs of the city Leigionum at that time,—died.

Constanst, king of Britain, was the father of Constantine, son of Eiline (Helena), the concubine of Constantin. Etrobus wrote that it was in the island of Britain that Constantin took sovereignty at first; for his father had exercised dominion over France and Spain in the life-time of Dioclistan.

Ab incarnatione ccclxvi. Gradianus was the fortieth king from Juil. It was in his time that a certain Maxim took the sovereignty of Britain.

Ab incarnatione Domini ccccxciv. Arcatus was sovereign of the world son of Toetas Theodosius, the forty-third king after Augustus. Pilacius Pelagius a Briton, adopted heresy, and destroyed the Christians.

Ab incarnatione D. (ccccv.) Forty-four years [gap: text unintelligible] two years before Eolair Alaric, King of the Gaeth Goths, Gradian the champion is made king of the Britons; and then Constantine, afterwards [gap: text unintelligible] until Constantinus Comes killed him at the command of Honorius. Constans, his son, came from being a monk, and took the kingdom.

Now Rome was destroyed afterwards in the thousandth one hundredth and lxiv.th year from its foundation. That was the end of the Roman dominion over the island of Britain, after cccclxx. years from the time when Juil took the island of Britain. The Romans extinguished it as to its military power, and there were left in it no warriors nor men of learning, and the Romans carried them off, and would not suffer them to return.

It was then that the Gaedhels and the Cruithnians, two border tribes, took captives and spoil.

There went ambassadors from the Britons with presents along with them, to the Romans, to seek relief; and there came to them a valiant army across the island, who attacked the Cruithnians and Gaedhels; and they returned to their home then. Immediately the enemy came, and mowed down the Britons like a ripe corn field.

The ambassadors were sent again, and a legion came to the assistance of the Britons, and fought against the enemies of the Britons, and the ditch which the second Severus made was repaired by them; it was of stones this time, i. e. seven feet broad and twelve high from sea to sea; of sods they found it, and they fortified it so that they might not be required to come again to assist them; and they departed.

When the Gaedhels and the Cruithnians heard this they came upon them (i.e. upon the Britons) as wolves upon sheep.

Ab incarnatione cccc.xxii. Theothas junior post Honorium the forty-fourth king after Augustus.

 

APPENDIX.

APPENDIX.

I. OF THE MIRACLES OF CAIRNECH HERE.

SARRAN assumed the sovereignty of Britain after this, and established his power over the Saxons and Cruithnians. And he took to wife the daughter of the king of Alban, viz., Babona, daughter of Loarn, son of Erc. And it was not she that was married to him, but her sister, viz., Erc, daughter of Loarn, until she eloped with Muiredhach, son of Eoghan, son of Niall, to Eri, and she bore him four sons, viz. Muircheartach Mac Erca, and Fearadhach, and Tighearnach, and Maian.

And Sarran had issue by Babona; and there were begotten by them five sons, viz., Luirig, and Cairnech, and Bishop Dallain, and Caemlach; and he i.e. Sarran died after victory and after triumph in the house of Martin.

Luirig then succeeded to the throne, and he extended his power over the Saxons, and he forcibly built a fort within the precincts of the monastery of Cairnech his brother. Muircheartach Mac Erca happened to be at that time with the king of Britain, learning military science, after he was expelled from Ireland for having killed the Crossans, and after having been subsequently expelled from Alba, for having killed his grandfather, Loarn, king of Alba. It happened that he was at that time getting his arms consecrated by Cairnech, the son of his mother's sister; then Cairnech said to him, ‘Thou shalt be king of Eri and of Britain for ever, and shalt go to heaven after, provided thou canst but prevent Luirig from exercising his power against the Church.’ Then Mac Erca went to the king, and after he came he told his message, viz.: ‘Build not thy city’ (said he) ‘in the precincts of Cairnech the bishop.’ ‘As God is my judge,’ says Luirig, ‘I think more of the power of the pet wild fawn he has, than of his own power, or of the power of the Lord God whom he adores.’ Mac Erca returned to Cairnech, and told him the result. Great wrath suddenly seized Cairnech, et dixit, ‘My prayer to my Lord, to my God, is, that that very fawn may be the cause of his death, and by thy hand, O Mac Erca!’ Cairnech then commanded Mac Erca to go forth and destroy his brother, and he Mac Erca immediately took upon himself to fight him; and he went forth at the command of Cairnech to destroy the king. And God worked a great miracle there for Cairnech, viz. he sent a wild fawn out of the mountain into the king's assembly, and the host all went in pursuit of it except the king himself and his women. Et dixit Mac Erca, ‘If you had been just, my Lord, towards your cleric, it is certain that it would give increased happiness to have the royal robe on Luirig.’ Then Mac Erca thrust his battle staff into the king's side, so that it was balanced: and he returned to his cleric, and the head of the king with him, as a token; et dixit, ‘Lo, here is thy brother's head for thee, O Cairnech.’ Et dixit Cairnech, ‘Leave me the bone, and eat thou the marrow, and every third coarb shall be thine for ever, here and in Eri.’

Then he (Mac Erca) took the hostages and the power of the district into his own hands, conjointly with Cairnech, for seven years, as also the supreme sovereignty of Britain, and Cat, and Orc, and Saxonland.

And Mac Erca then committed an additional sin, that is, he took to himself the wife of Luirig, after many battles and conflicts with the king of France, to take his daughter from him, until at last the daughter fell into Mac Erca's hands, and she bare him four sons, viz. Constantine, and Gaedhal-Ficht (from whom descend the kings of Britain, and the kings of Britain-Cornn); Nellenn (a quo gens Nellan), and Scannal, the other son, a quo gens Scannail; i. e. it is in Eri the descendants of the two last are.

Now a great synod of the clergy of Europe was made at Tours of Martin, viz., three hundred and thirty-seven bishops, with the coarb of Peter, to meet Cairnech, Bishop of Tours and Britain-Cornn, and of all the British, to cast out every heresy, and to reduce every country to the discipline of the Church. And the chieftainship of the martyrs of the world was given to Cairnech, because martyrdom was his own choice. And Cairnech found thrice fifty bishops who made it also their choice to accompany Cairnech in pilgrimage, and that number went to Lien in pilgrimage for the sake of Mac Erca and Muiredhach.

Cairnech then set out to the Britons of Cornn or Carnticeon, and a city was built by him under ground, in order that he might not see the earth, nor the country, nor the sky; and he increased the strength and sovereignty of Mac Erca for a year, and he (i.e. Cairnech) came to Eri before him, so that he was the first bishop of the Clann-Niall and of Temhar (Tara), and he was the first martyr and the first monk of Eri, and the first Brehon of the men of Eri also. Now, after this the Franks and the Saxons made war against Mac Erca, and he destroyed their country and their cities after a long contest; and the country and the power of the territories adjacent to him were also destroyed by the greatness of his power and of his strength; and after this he came with a large fleet to take the sovereignty of Eri. He landed at Fan-na-long on the Boyne, where he burned his ships, from which circumstance comes the name of Fan-na-long; and he killed the provincial kings of Ireland afterwards, and took their sovereignty by right for ever, for himself and for his descendants. And then the power and strength of Britain was destroyed after him.

APPENDIX.

II. OF THE WONDERS OF ERI HERE ACCORDING TO THE BOOK OF GLEN-DA-LOCHA.

i. Inis-Gluair in Irrus Domhnann; this is its property, that the corpses that are carried into it do not rot at all, but their nails and hair grow, and every one in it recognises his father and grandfather for a long period after their death. Neither does the meat unsalted rot in it.

ii. Loch n-Echach; its property is: a holly tree that is placed in it for seven years, the part of it that sinks into earth will be stone, the part that remains in the water will be iron, and the part that remains above water will be wood.

iii. The well of Loch Con in Connaught; its property is, with regard to the lake that is near it, there are five feet in difference of height between them at all times. Whether the lake swells or shrinks the well imitates it in each change continually.

iv. The well of Gabhal Liuin in Oirghialla; its property is, that human hair upon which it is poured will become immediately grey.

v. The well of Sliabh Bladhma: its property is, if any one gazes on it, or touches it, its sky will not cease to pour down rain until mass and sacrifice are made at it.

vi. The well of Rath Both in Tir-Conaill: its property to every one who seeks it is, that if his life is to be long it rises up against him, and salutes him with a great murmur of waves. If his life is to be short it sinks down suddenly to the bottom.

vii. A well of sweet water in the side of the Corann; the property of that well is, it fills and ebbs like the sea, though it is far from the sea too.

viii. The carn of the strand of Eothail. It is not the less seen when the tide is full than when it is at low ebb, and notwithstanding that the tide rises over the large rocks on the beach around it to and fro.

ix. A stone in Loch na n-Onchon, in a mountain near Glenn-da-Loch; its property is, if it be struck with a wand by way of assault, rain will ensue, and sunshine after.

x. These are the three wonders of Teamhar, viz.: a youth of seven years of age begetting children; and the grave of the dwarf which measured five feet for every one, whether small or large; and the Lia Fail, i.e. the stone which shouted under every king whom it recognised in the sovereignty of Teamhar.

xi. There is a mill-pond at Cluain-fearta Molua; its property is, the people who bathe in it at the neck of the pond become lepers: it injures not if entered in any other place.

xii. The grave of Mac Rustaing at Rus-Ech, in Cailli Follamhain, in Meath, no woman has power to look at without an involuntary shriek, or a loud, foolish laugh.

xiii. The children of Cailli Fochladh, viz., two daughters, Crebra and Lesra were their names; they spoke from the wombs of their mothers, and what they said was, ‘Come, O Saint Patrick! and save us.’

xiv. The descendants of the wolf are in Ossory. They have a wonderful property. They transform themselves into wolves, and go forth in the form of wolves, and if they happen to be killed with flesh in their mouths, it is in the same condition that the bodies out of which they have come will be found; and they command their families not to remove their bodies, because if they were moved, they could never come into them again.

xv. Great thunder happened in the time of Donogh, son of Donall, son of Murrough, king of Ireland, which killed one thousand and ten persons in the territory of Corco Baiscinn, and divided Inis-Fithi into three parts.

xvi. Three wonders at Clonmacnois. A man without a head during the space of seven years. Inte Bucuc was his name, i.e. Maltamain. The blind man who used to dive into the Shannon and bring forth an eel in each of the forks of his hands and feet. The grave which was dug in Cluain, and it was not known or heard that there was an interment there, and there was a great-bearded man found in it, covered with drops of red blood, and a covering of green birch brooms about him. Fifteen feet long was he, and there were thirty feet of earth over him.

xvii. Loch Laigh, in the territory of Umaile, in Connaght, ran off into the sea, so that nothing of it remained but its place.

xviii. Loch Leibinn changed into blood during nine days, so that it became sods of blood like unto parboiled entrails.

xix. A shower of blood was shed in the time of Hugh, son of Niall, so that sods of blood were found about Cianacht, at Dumha Dessa.

xx. The infant boy who spoke at Craebh Lasre in a month after his birth, and who disclosed many tidings.

xxi. On a certain day the poet Mac Coisi was at the Boyne, where he perceived a flock of swans; whereupon he threw a stone at them, and it struck one of the swans on the wing. He quickly ran to catch it, and perceived that it was a woman. He inquired tidings from her, and what had happened unto her, and what it was that sent her thus forth. And she answered him: ‘In sickness I was’, said she, ‘and it appeared to my friends that I died, but really it was demons that spirited me away with them’. And the poet restored her to her people.

xxii. There are two wells in Airthera, to the eastward of Ardmacha. He who tastes of the one of them is immediately dead. If the other well is gazed upon three times, it immediately swells, and drowns the person who so gazes. Hence it is that people dare not touch them, except wretches i. e. the desperate alone.

xxiii. Congalacha, son of Mailmithigh, was at the fair of Taillten on a certain day, and he perceived a ship in the air. He saw one of them the crew cast a dart at a salmon. The dart fell down in the presence of the fair, and a man came out of the ship after it. When his head came down it was caught by a man from below. Upon which the man from above said, ‘I am being drowned’, said he. ‘Let him go’, said Congalach; and he was allowed to come up, and he went away from them, swimming in the air, afterwards.

xxiv. A certain pilgrim of the Gaedhelians happened to arrive at Torinis of Martin, on his way from Rome. There he saw his mother distributing milk and flesh meat to the poor of the Lord. He took away from her the cover of the muidh vessel which contained the milk, and she was looking for it in his presence. And the mother had not gone thither at all, but it was in Ros Ailither she made her distribution at home. And it was in honour of Martin she made it. And it was Cantighern, mother of Ua Dangal, son of Baethamhnas, that made the distribution. And he shewed the cover of the vessel to his mother in a year after his coming home, and she recognised it, and it fitted exactly her own muidh. So that it is manifest from this that every distribution of alms that is made in Martin's Cave is as effectual as if distributed at Toirinis of Martin.

xxv. The couple man and wife who are alive to the east of Clonard. Bablu and Biblu are their names.

xxvi. There is a stone in a church in Ulster whose practice it is to shed blood three days previous to a plunder of the church.

xxvii. The lake of Suidhe Odhrain, in Sliabh Guaire, migrated and went into the Fabhal.

xxviii. A great stone cross which was on the green of Slaine, in Bregia, was taken up into the air, and was shattered in the air, so that its shreds and fragments were carried to Tailten, to Tara, and to Finnabhair abha.

xxix. The well of Maell-Gobhann, in Leinster. The Deach-Fleseach the wand transformer is its name. Over the River Liffey it is. Its property is: the ash wand that is put into it is immediately made into a wand of hazle; and if it be hazle that is thrown into it, it will be ash at coming out of it.

xxx. A belfry of fire which was seen at Ross Dela, during the space of nine hours, and black birds, without number, coming out and going into it. One great bird was among them, and the smaller birds used to nestle in his feathers when they went into the belfry. And they all came out together. And they took up dogs with them in their talons, and they let them drop down to earth and they dead. The birds flew away from that place afterwards, and the wood upon which they perched bent under them to the ground. And the oak upon which the said great bird perched was carried by him by the roots out of the earth, and where they went to is not known.

xxxi. The island of Loch Cre, in the territory of Eile. No female bird, or female animal, whether beast or man, dare enter upon it. And no sinner can die on it, and no power can bury him on it.

xxxii. The mill of Cille Cess in Osraighibh. It will not grind on the Lord's day, except for guests. And it will not grind even a handfull that has been stolen. And women dare not come into it.

xxxiii. The ducks of the pond of Seanboth of Colman. Though they were put by mistake of night, with the water of the pond, into a pot upon a fire, and although all the woods of the earth were burned under that pot, they would not be injured, nor would the water become hot.

xxxiv. There live not then, toads nor serpents in all Eri, and even though they be brought from other places unto it they die immediately; and this has been tested. Except the mouse, the wolf and the fox, there has not been, and there shall not be, any noxious animal in it. And it is temperate of heat and cold. The sea will come over it seven years before the day of Judgment. Finit. Amen. Finit.

APPENDIX.

III. DUAN EIREANNACH.

Maelmura of Othain cecinit.

            Let us sing the origin of the Gaedhel,
            Of high renown in stiff battles,
            Whence did the mighty stream of ocean
            Waft them to Eri?
            What was the land in which they originally lived,
            Lordly men, Fenians?
            What brought them, for want of land,
            To the setting of the sun?
            What was the cause that sent them forth
            Upon their wanderings?
            Was it in flight, or for commerce,
            Or from valour?
            What is the proper name for them,
            As a nation,
            By which they were called in their own country?
            Scuit or Gaedhil?
            Why was Fene said to be
            A name for them?
            And Gaedhil — which is the better,
            Whence was it derived?
            Although thou revealest it not to me,
            But leavest me ignorant,
            For thou art learned in the stream of history
            Of the sons of Miledh,
            Yet if God be willing, thou shalt have to-day,
            Not to-morrow,
            The order of the history of the sons of Miledh,
            As it happened.
            The royal son of righteous Noah, Japheth,
            From him is our descent,
            Of the Greeks are we, in our origin,
            In our laws.
            Of the most illustrious people that enjoyed
            A bloody sovereignty
            In this world of woe; from the rising of the sun
            To its setting.
            A valiant prince took dominion over the world,
            The wide-spread, noisy world;
            Nembroth his name, a man by whom was built
            The very great tower.
            Fenius came unto him out of Scythia,
            Upon an expedition,
            A man illustrious, wise, learned,
            Ardent, warlike.
            There was but one language in the world
            When they met,
            Twelve languages and three score
            When they parted.
            A great school was founded by Fenius, to instruct
            In all knowledge,
            A man deeply learned, who excelled
            In every language.
            A son was born to Faenius Farsaidh,
            Who separated from him for ever,
            On the building of the tower by the men of the world,
            Nel, whom he loved.
            News came to Forann
            With great eclat,
            Of Nel, son of Fenius, who knew
            All languages of the world.
            Nel was carried southwards to Egypt,
            Heroes of dark blue weapons,
            The daughter of Forann was given
            Unto him afterwards.
            The beauteous Scota bare a son to Nel,
            After his arrival in Egypt,
            A hero of a hundred fights, Gaedhal Glass,
            Endowed with sovereign righteousness.
            The Feni from Faenius are named,
            Not small their renown.
            The Gaedhil from Gaedhuil Glass are called,
            The Scots from Scota.
            In great peace were they with Forann,
            And in great pride;
            They recited poems in their assemblies,
            They recited battles.
            The hosts of the people of God Forann permitted
            To go forth from him through fear,
            He followed in their track fiercely
            To the sea Romhuir.
            Forann was drowned with all his multitude
            Of mighty chariots
            The people of God reached their own country,
            The sea did not drown them.
            The children of Nel raised Forann's ire,
            So that they were sorrowful,
            Because they joined not in revenge
            Along with the champion.
            But when Forann returned not
            From his onward journey,
            The people of Egypt were dreaded by the sons of Nel
            Lest they should enslave them.
            They seized the ships of Forann,
            They deserted their country
            And in the night time over the track
            Of the Red Sea they passed.
            They passed by India, by Asia,
            The way they knew;
            To Scithia, with noble might,
            Their own country.
            Over the surface of the Caspian sea they passed,
            A faithful band,
            They left Glas in Coronis,
            On the Sea of Libis.
            Sru, son of Esru, went afterwards,
            He was without dejection,
            Round by the gloomy north rapidly
            To Slieve Riffi.
            He settled in fiery Golgatha,
            A noble deed;
            There dwelt his descendants without disgrace
            Two hundred years.
            Brath, son of Deagath, performed
            A royal journey,
            From thence with great speed northwards,
            To the north of the world.
            It was then he passed from Gaethligh
            To the islands;
            Royal his fleet, ploughing the sea
            Of sparkling Tarrian.
            By Creid, by Sicil, they sailed
            In their course,
            By the columns of the mighty Hercules,
            To Espain the peninsular.
            The grandson of the red Deatha of the royal line,
            Royal his companions,
            Took Espain, the very great man,
            The man Bregond.
            Brigantia was the name of the city
            Of an hundred chieftains;
            The tower of Breogan, his delightful seat
            On which he sat.
            North-east from the tower was seen Eri,
            As far as the land of Luimnech;
            On a winter's evening was it discovered by Ith,
            Son of Breogan, ruler of troops.
            It was at Brentracht he landed
            With the people of his household,
            He was the first of his conquering tribe who died,
            He died at Slemnaibh.
            South-eastwards Ith is carried to Spain,
            His strength being gone,
            With might the sons of brave Miledh returned
            To revenge him.
            Donn, Colptha, Amergin of the white knee,
            A hero mighty, wide-ruling;
            Ir and Eber, Herimon,
            The six sons of Miledh.
            The son of Ith, Lugaid, the fair, the plundering,
            Victorious, warlike,
            Over the wide sea passed
            To avenge his father.
            The descendants of Breogan, ardent, vigorous,
            As we enumerated them,
            Blod, Corp, Cualgne, Righbhard,
            Tighern, son of Brig.
            There were also four and twenty plebeians,
            Who were not proud,
            To attend on the chiefs without fail
            In the expedition.
            I shall recite unto you all their names,
            As I have received them,
            After their enumeration; there were two of them
            In attendance on each chieftain.
            Aidhne, Aile, Assal, Mitte,
            Morba, Mide,
            Cuib, Cliu, Cera, Sair, Slan, Lighe,
            Life, Line.
            Ligean, Traig, Dollotar, Aire,
            Nai, Dess, Aine,
            Fea, who obtained a fertile territory,
            Femin, Fera.
            The sons of the fruitful Breogan decided,
            It was done without deceit,
            That these stout yeomen should be attendants
            Upon the kings.
            Cruithne, son of Cing, took their women from them,
            It is directly stated,
            Except Tea, wife of Herimon,
            Son of Miledh.
            Great labour did they all undergo
            In every tumult,
            With the wife of Bress, the wife of Bass,
            And the wife of Buaighne.
            They fought Banba at Sliebh Mis with her hosts,
            Faint, wearied;
            They fought Fothla at Ebhlinne, murmuring,
            Eire at Uisneach.
            The Tuatha Dea sent them forth,
            According to the laws of war
            From the firm land over nine waves
            Of the broad sea.
            Herimon went forth with half the host
            In proud array,
            Round the north (it was without sorrow),
            To Inbher Colptha.
            Donn went with the other half
            In progressive order,
            He died as he was sailing, without strength,
            At the south of Irrus.
            There was raised for him a cairn with the stone of his race,
            Over the broad sea,
            An ancient stormy dwelling; and Tech Duinn,
            It is called.
            This was his great testament
            To his numerous children,
            'To me, to my house, come ye all
            After your deaths.'
            At Inbher Scene they landed,
            The story is not concealed,
            The rapid great stream in which bathed
            Fial, wife of Lughadh.
            They spread themselves through Eri, to her coasts,
            As is recorded,
            They made an alliance with the Firbolg,
            And with the sons of Nemhedh.
            There were no charming, noble wives
            For their young men;
            Their women having been stolen, they made alliance
            With the Tuatha Dea.
            Unto them was given the half of all the land,
            To the boisterous sea,
            After this just and judicious league,
            And after this alliance.
            Herimon took the north
            As the inheritance of his race,
            With their antiquity, with their prosperity,
            With their rights;
            With its fortresses, with its troops,
            Fierce, active;
            With their rash fights,
            With their cattle.
            Eber took the south of Eri,
            The order was so agreed on,
            With its activity, with its power,
            With its harmony;
            With its victories, with its grandeur,
            With its hospitality,
            With its vivacity combined with hardiness
            With its loveliness, with its purity.
            Of the race of Herimon are the Lagenians,
            Of fame renowned,
            Leth-Cuinn, Conacht, Niall of the south,
            Niall of the North.
            The Fotharts, the Deisi, Mogh Lamha's race,
            With the warrior of Cualgne,
            The men of Dalriada, Corco-Rinne,
            And Corco-Roeda.
            The kings of the race of Eochaidh Doimhlen,
            The pillars of his houses,
            And the kings of Argiall, from Buichne
            To Loch Febhail.
            Fir da Ghiall, who dwell from Grian to Coradh,
            Without contempt,
            The good sons of Maine, Breasail, Fiachra, Dallan,
            And Domhlen the faithfull.
            Blackness, darkness, dimness, greyness,
            The Fothads, the plunderers
            Aendia, Trennia,
            Coennia of chariots.
            Corpre Arad, Arad Tire,
            Arad Cliathach,
            Latharn, Benntraighe, Ionmanaich,
            Dal Finn Fiatach.
            The families of Corpraighe and of Dartruighe,
            Fertile is their territory,
            A mighty host, victorious, the race of Herimon,
            Son of Miledh.
            The descendants of Eber are the Eoghanachts
            In every place,
            At Ani, Loch Lein, Caisel, Glendamain,
            And Ros-argaid.
            Eochaidh of Raithlinne, without oppression,
            Magnificent their apparel,
            The Eoghanachts wherever they are found
            In the lands of Mumhan.
            The nobles of Dal Cais, Dal Cein the numerous,
            Of illustrious valour,
            Dal Mogha, Dal Corc, Dal Ceata,
            The Galengs, the Delbhna.
            The Tratraighe wherever they are found,
            The Luighni are of the same race,
            Lugaid-Lage, Liguirne,
            And Mogh-Nuadhait.
            The fame of the race of Lugaidh son of Ith,
            As a great straight rolling wave,
            The Ernai, Arbhraighe, Musca, Bascan,
            Are the sons of Lugaidh.
            Lughaid-Orcthe, Lughaid Gala,
            Derga, Oen-aibhle
            The King of Dun-Kermna, Berre,
            Lughaid Laighde.
            Eri is full of the race of Ir,
            Son of Miledh,
            Midir, Rudhraighe, King Fachtna Fathach,
            With their warlike kinsmen.
            Ciar with his foot-soldiers, Conmac with his
            [...]

            Of great wealth,
            The Corca-Dallan, the Corca-Eoluim,
            The Corcumruaidh.
            Dal mBuain, Confinn, of powerful deeds,
            Of fierce valour,
            Mogh Roith, the protector, are all of the race of Fergus
            The son of Ross.
            The kings of the race of Fachtna, the Dal n-Araidhe,
            Warlike, fierce,
            The seven Laigse of Leinster the wealthy,
            The seven Soghans.
            The race of Conall Glas, son of Ech,
            Spread themselves listlessly
            To Magh Fothaid, to Magh Uisnigh,
            To Magh Moghna,
            To Magh Sulidhe, to Fernmaigh,
            To Magh Macha,
            To Inbher Buais, of bursting torrents,
            To the land of Aiche.
            Eocho Mairedha, the rebellious son,
            Of wonderful adventure,
            Who was overwhelmed in lucid Linnmhuine,
            With the clear lake over him.
            The heroes of the race of Righbard, son of Brige,
            Of valour undaunted,
            Corc-Oiche, humblers of the proud, without fear,
            The noble Dal Selle.
            Six tribes who are not of Breoghan's people,
            Who hold lands:
            The Gabraighe Succa, Ui Tairsigh,
            Galeons of Leinster.
            Fully have we made our Chronicle,
            Who will criticise it?
            It has its middle, and its beginning,
            And its end.
            It is certain to me that whatsoever I have related,
            Since the first invasion of Eri,
            There will be found to be nothing more true
            Or more plain.
            Sufficiently have we followed their true history,
            Much more do we know.
            The race of Bregon, as it is handed down,
            From whence is their origin.

APPENDIX.

IV. DUAN ALBANACH.

Of the Dalriadans, of whom we have lately spoken, we have no doubt of the truth of the little we have attempted of their origin and genealogy in this book. We set down, however, here an ancient poem of the history of the Kings of Scotland.

Thus it speaks, although it is defective in counting the kings in the last quatrain, and according to other accounts:


            O all ye learned of Alba!
            Ye well skilled host of yellow hair!
            What was the first invasion — is it known to you?
            Which took the land of Alba?
            Albanus possessed it, numerous his hosts;
            He was the illustrious son of Isacon,
            He and Briutus were brothers without deceit,
            From him Alba of ships has its name.
            Briutus banished his active brother
            Across the stormy sea of Icht.
            Briutus possessed the noble Alba,
            As far as the conspicuous promontory of Fothudan.
            Long after Briutus the prosperous, the good,
            The race of Nemhidh took it,
            Erglan, after having disembarked from his ships,
            After the destruction of Conaing's tower.
            The Cruithnians seized it afterwards,
            After they had come from the plain of Eri,
            Seventy noble kings of them
            Possessed the Cruithnian plain.
            Cathluan was the first king of them,
            (I tell unto you briefly),
            The last king of them was
            The brave hero Cusaintin.
            The children of Eochadh after them
            Seized upon Alba, after great wars;
            The children of Conaire, the comely man,
            Chosen men were the mighty Gaedhil.
            The three sons of Erc, son of Eochadh the valiant,
            Three who obtained the blessing of Patrick,
            Seized upon Alba, exalted was their courage,
            Loarn, Feargus, and Aongus.
            Ten years was Loarn (it is known to fame)
            In the government of the bounds of Alba,
            After the generous, courageous Loarn,
            Seven and twenty years reigned Fergus.
            Domhangart, the son of noble Fergus,
            Numbered for five turbulent years;
            Twenty-four without a battle
            Are assigned to Comhghall, son of Domhangart.
            Two prosperous years without contempt,
            After Comhghall, are assigned to Gabhran,
            Three years five times without interruption,
            Was Conall, son of Comhghall, king.
            Four years and twenty in possession,
            Was Aodhan, king of many provinces;
            Ten years seven times, a glorious career,
            Was the sovereignty of Eochadh Buidhe,
            Connchad Cearr reigned a quarter, renowned in fame,
            Sixteen years his son Fearchar,
            After Fearchar (inspect the poems),
            The fourteen years of Domhnall.
            After Domhnall Breac, of the towns,
            Conall and Dungall, ten years,
            The thirteen years of Domhnall Dunn,
            After Dungall and Conall.
            Maeldun, son of Conall, of forays,
            Reigned seventeen years legitimately,
            Fearchair the Long, behold thou
            Passed one year over twenty.
            The two years of Eochadh of steeds,
            He was the brave king of royal mansions;
            For one year was king afterwards
            Aincheallach the Good, son of Fearchair.
            The seven years of Dungal the impetuous,
            And four to Alpin,
            The three years of Muireadhach the good,
            Thirty to Aodh, as supreme king.
            Four and a score, not imbecile,
            Of years Domhnall spent;
            The two years of Conall of glorious career,
            And the four of another Conall.
            The nine years of Cusaintin the fair;
            The nine of Aongus over Alban;
            The four years of Aodh the noble;
            And the thirteen of Eoghanan.
            The thirty years of Cionaoith the hardy,
            Four Domhnall of the ruddy countenance,
            Thirty years, with his vigour,
            To the hero, to Cusaintin.
            Two years (hard was his complexion)
            To his brother, to Aodh, of the white flowers;
            Domhnal, son of Cusaintin the fair,
            Reigned a year four times.
            Cusaintin, brave was his combat,
            Reigned six and two score years;
            Maolcoluim four years;
            Indolph eight, of supreme sovereignty.
            The seven years of Dubhoda the vehement,
            And four of Cuilen,
            Twenty-seven over every clan,
            To Cionoath, son of Maoilcholuim.
            Seven years to Cusaintin, listen!
            And four to Mac Duibh,
            Thirty years (as verses mark)
            Was Maelcolaim king of Monaidh.
            The six years of Donnchad the wise,
            Seventeen years the son of Fionnlaoich;
            After Mac Beathaidh, the renowned,
            Seven months was Lughlaigh in the sovereignty.
            Maelcoluim is now the king,
            Son of Donnchad the florid, of lively visage,
            His duration knoweth no man
            But the Wise One, the Most Wise. O ye learned.
            Two kings over fifty, listen!
            To the son of Donnchadh of royal countenance,
            Of the race of Erc, the noble, in the east,
            Obtained Alba, O ye learned.

The Story of Tuan mac Carill

The Story of Tuan mac Carill

1. After Finnen of Moville

had come with the Gospel to Ireland, into the territory of the men of Ulster, he went to a wealthy warrior there, who would not let them come to him into the stronghold, but left them fasting there over Sunday. The warrior’s faith was not good. Said Finnen to his followers: ‘There will come to you a good man, who will comfort you, and who will tell you the history of Ireland from the time that it was first colonised until to-day.’

2. Then on the morrow early in the morning there came to them a venerable cleric, who bade them welcome. ‘Come with me to my hermitage,’ said he, ‘that is meeter for you.’ They went with him, and they perform the duties of the Lord’s day, both with psalms and preaching and offering. Thereupon Finnen asked him to tell his name. Said he to them: ‘Of the men of Ulster am I. Tuan, son of Cairell, son of Muredach Red-neck, am I. I have taken this hermitage, in which thou art, upon the hereditary land of my father. Tuan, son of Starn, son of Sera, son of Partholon’s brother, that was my name of yore at first.’

3. Then Finnen asked him about the events of Ireland, to wit, what had happened in it from the time of Partholon, son of Sera. And Finnen said they would not eat with him until he had told them the stories of Ireland. Said Tuan to Finnen: ‘It is hard for us not to meditate upon the Word of God which thou hast just told to us.’ But Finnen said: ‘Permission is granted thee to tell thy own adventures and the story of Ireland to us now.

4. ‘Five times, verily,’ said he, ‘Ireland was taken after the Flood, and it was not taken after the Flood until 312 years had gone. Then Partholon, son of Sera, took it. He had gone upon a voyage with twenty-four couples. The cunning of each of them against the other was not great. They settled in Ireland until there were 5000 of their race. Between two Sundays a mortality came upon them, so that all died, save one man only. For a slaughter is not usual without some one to come out of it to tell the tale. That man am I,’ said he.

5. ‘Then I was from hill to hill, and from cliff to cliff, guarding myself from wolves, for twenty-two years, during which Ireland was empty. At last old age came upon me, and I was on cliffs and in wastes, and was unable to move about, and I had special eaves for myself. Then Nemed, son of Agnoman, my father’s brother, invaded Ireland, and I saw them from the cliffs and kept avoiding them, and I hairy, clawed, withered, grey, naked, wretched, miserable. Then, as I was asleep one night, I saw myself passing into the shape of a stag. In that shape I was, and I young and glad of heart. It was then I spoke these words:

Strengthless to-day’ is Senba’s son,
From vigour he has been parted,
Not under fair fame with new strength,
Senba’s son is an old .

These men that come from the east
With their spears that achieve valour,
I have no strength in foot or hand
To go to avoid them.

Starin, fierce is the man,
I dread Scemel of the white shield,
Andind will not save me, though good and fair,
If it were Beoin, ...

Though Beothach would leave me alive,
Cacher’s rough fight is rough,
Britan achieves valour with his spears,
There is a fit of fury on Fergus.

They are coming towards me, 0 gentle Lord,
The offspring of Nemed, Agnoman’s son,
Stoutly they are lying in wait for my blood,
To compass my first wounding.

Then there grew upon my head
Two antlers with three score points,
So that I am rough and grey in shape
After my age has changed from feebleness.

7. ‘After this, from the time that I was in the shape of a stag, I was the leader of the herds of Ireland, and wherever I went there was a large herd of stags about me. In that way I spent my life during the time of Nemed and his offspring. When Nemed came with his fleet to Ireland, their number was thirty-four barques, thirty in each barque, and the sea cast them astray for the time of a year and a half on the Caspian Sea, and they were drowned and died of hunger and thirst, except four couples only together with Nemed. Thereafter his race increased and had issue until there were 4030 couples. However, these all died.

8. ‘Then at last old age came upon me, and I fled from men and wolves. Once as I was in front of my cave -- I still remember it - I knew that I was passing from one shape into another. Then I passed into the shape of a wild boar. ‘Tis then I said:

A boar am I to-day among herds,
A mighty lord I am with great triumphs,
He has put me in wonderful grief,
The King of all, in many shapes.

In the morning when I was at Dun Bré,
Fighting against old seniors
Fair was my troop across the pooi,
A beautiful host was following us.

My troop, they were swift
Among hosts in revenge,
They would throw my spears alternately
On the warriors of Fál on every side.

When we were in our gathering
Deciding the judgments of Partholon,
Sweet to all was what I said,
Those were the words of true approach.

Sweet was my brilliant judgment
Among the women with beauty,
Stately was my fair chariot,
Sweet was my song across a dark road.

Swift was my step without straying
In battles at the onset,
Fair was my face, there was a day,
Though to-day I am a boar.

9. ‘In that shape, he said, I was then truly, and I young and glad of mind. And I was king of the boar-herds of Ireland, and I still went the round of my abode when I used to come into this land of Ulster at the time of my old age and wretchedness; for in the same place I changed into all these shapes. Therefore I always visited that place to await the renewal.

10. ‘Thereupon Semion, the son of Stariath, seized this island. From them are the Fir Dornnann, and the Fir Bolg, and the Galiuin; and these inhabited this island for the time that they dwelt in Ireland. Then old age came upon me, and my mind was sad, and I was unable to do all that I used to do before, but was alone in dark caves and in hidden cliffs.

11. ‘Then I went to my own dwelling always. I remembered every shape in which I had been before. I fasted my three days as I had always done. I had no strength left. Thereupon I went into the shape of a large hawk. Then my mind was again happy. I was able to do anything. I was eager and lusty. I would fly across Ireland; I would find out everything. ‘Tis then I said:

A hawk to-day, a boar yesterday,
Wonderful . . . inconstancy!
Dearer to me every day
God, the friend who has shapen me.

Many are the offspring of Nemed
Without obedience . . . to the certain King,
Few to-day are the race of Sera;
I know not what caused it.

Among herds of boars I was,
Though to-day I am among bird-flocks;
I know what will come of it:
I shall still be in another shape.

Wonderfully has dear God disposed
Me and the children of Nemed;
They at the will of the demon of God,
While, for me, God is my help.

12. ‘Beothach, the son of Iarbonel the prophet, seized this island from the races that dwelt in it. From them are the Tuatha Dé and Andé, whose origin the learned do not know, but that it seems likely to them that they came from heaven, on account of their intelligence and for the excellence of their knowledge.

13. ‘Then I was for a long time in the shape of that hawk, so that I outlived all those races who had invaded Ireland. However, the sons of Mu took this island by force from the Tuatha Dé Danann. Then I was in the shape of that hawk in which I had been, and was in the hollow of a tree on a river.

14. ‘There I fasted for three days and three nights, when sleep fell upon me, and I passed into the shape of a river-salmon there and then. Then God put me into the river so that I was in it. Once more I felt happy and was vigorous and well-fed, and my swimming was good, and I used to escape from every danger and from every snare -- to wit, from the hands of fishermen, and from the claws of hawks, and from fishing spears -- so that the scars which each one of them left are still on me.

15. ‘Once, however, when God, my help, deemed it time, and when the beasts were pursuing me, and every fisherman in every pool knew me, the fisherman of Cairell, the king of that land, caught me and took me with him to Cairell’s wife, who had a desire for fish. Indeed I remember it; the man put me on a gridiron and roasted me. And the queen desired me and ate me by herself, so that I was in her womb. Again, I remember the time that I was in her womb, and what each one said to her in the house, and what was done in Ireland during that time. I also remember when speech came to me, as it comes to any man, and I knew all that was being done in Ireland, and I was a seer; and a name was given to me -- to wit, Tuan, son of Cairell. Thereupon Patrick came with the faith to Ireland. Then I was of great age; and I was baptized, and alone believed in the King of all things with his elements.’

16. Thereupon they celebrate mass and go into their refectory, Finnen with his followers and Tuan, after he had told them these stories. And there they stay a week conversing together. Every history and every pedigree that is in Ireland, ‘tis from Tuan, son of Cairell, the origin of that history is. He had conversed with Patrick before them, and had told him; and he had conversed with Colum Cille, and had prophesied to him in the presence of the people of the land. And Finnen offered him that he should stay with him, but he could not obtain it from him. ‘Thy house will be famous till doom,’ said Tuan.


 




The Intoxication of the Ulstermen

The Intoxication of the Ulstermen

When the sons of Mil of Spain reached Erin,

their sagacity circumvented the Tuatha De Danann, so that Erin was left to the partition of Amergin Glunmar, son of Mil; for he was a king- poet and a king-judge. And he divided Erin into two parts, and gave the part that was underground to the Tuatha De Danann, and the other part to the sons of Mil, his own mortal people.

The Tuatha De Danann went into the hills and fairy places, so that they spoke with the fairy folk underground. They left five of their number before the five provinces of Erin, to excite war and conflict and valor and strife between the sons of Mil. They left five of them before the province of Ulster in particular. The names of these five were: Brea son of Belgan, in Dromana-Breg; Redg Rotbel in the slopes of Mag Itha; Tinnel the son of Boclachtna, in Sliab Edlicon; Grici in Cruachan Aigle; Gulbann the Grey son of Grac, in the Ben of Gulban Gort son of Ungarb.

They excited a quarrel amongst the sections of Ulster, regarding its division into three parts, when the province was at its best, to wit, during the time of Conchobar son of Fachtna Fathach. They who shared the province with Conchobar were his own fosterling, Cu Chulainn mac Sualtach, and Fintan son of Niall Niamglonnach, from Dun-da-Benn.

The partition that was made of the province was this: from the hills of Uachtar Forcha, which is called Usnech of Meath, to the middle of Traig Baile, was Cu Chulainn's portion of the province. Conchobar's third, moreover, was from Traig Baile to Traig Thola, in Ulster. Fintan's third was from Traig Thola to Rinn Seimne and Latharna.

A year was the province thus, in three divisions, until the feast of Samain was made by Conchobar in Emain Macha. The extent of the banquet was a hundred vats of every kind of ale. Conchobar's officers said that all the nobles of Ulster would not be too many to partake of the banquet, because of its excellence.

The resolution formed by Conchobar was to send his woman messenger, Leborcham, for Cu Chulainn to Dun Delgan, and Findchad Fer Benduma son of Traglethan, for Fintan son of Niall Niamglonnach, to Dun-da-Benn.

Leborcham reached Dun Delgan, and told Cu Chulainn to go and speak with his fair guardian, to Emain Macha. Cu Chulainn was then giving a great banquet for the people of his own territory in Dun Delgan; and he said that he would not go, but that he would attend the people of his own country. His wife, the fair-haired Emer, daughter of Forgall Monach, the sixth best woman that Erin contained, said that he should go and speak with his guardian Conchobar.

"Harnessed are the horses, and yoked is the chariot," said Loeg; "wait not for the evil hour, that thou mayest not be hindered of thy valor. Jump into it when thou likest."

Cu Chulainn took his warlike apparel around him; and he leaped into his chariot, and proceeded on by the most direct road, and shortest way to Emain Macha. And Sencha mac Ailill came to bid welcome to Cu Chulainn on the green of Emain Macha. This is the welcome he offered to him:

"Welcome, ever welcome thy coming, thou glorious head of the host of Ulster; thou gem of valor and bravery of the Gael; thou dear, subduing, purple-fisted son of Dechtire."

"That is the welcome of a gift-asking Man," said Cu Chulainn.

"It is indeed," said Sencha mac Ailill.

"Name the gift thou requirest," said Cu Chulainn.

"I will, provided there be fit securities regarding it."

"Say what are the securities thou dost require, in consideration of a counter-gift for me."

"The two Conalls and Loegaire, viz. Conall Anglonnach son of Iriel Glunmar, and Conall the Victorious son of Amergin, and the furious Loegaire the Triumphant."

The boon was secured upon these guarantees, in consideration of a counter-gift for Cu Chulainn.

"What are the securities thou dost desire regarding the counter-gift?" asked Sencha.

"The three young, noble, distinguished gillies: Cormac Conlonges son of Conchobar, Mesdead son of Amergin, and Eochaid Cenngarb son of Celtchar."

"What I ask," said Sencha mac Ailill, "is that thou wouldst cede to Conchobar, for a year, the third of Ulster which is in thy hand."

"If the the province were the better for his having it for a year, it is not hard; for he is the fountain in its proper site that cannot be stained or defiled, the descendant of the kings of Erin and Alba. Therefore if the province were the better for its being in his possession for a year, it is not hard that he should have it; but if it is not the better, we will insist that he must be placed upon his own third at the end of a year."

Fintan son of Niall Niamglonnach arrived. The illustrious good druid Cathbad met him and bade him welcome.

"Welcome thy coming, O beautiful, illustrious youth; thou mighty warrior of the great province of Ulster, against whom neither plunderers nor spoilers nor pirates can contend; thou border-man of the province of Ulster."

"That is the welcome of a man that asks a boon," said Fintan.

"It is, truly," said Cathbad.

"Speak, that it may be given thee," said Fintan.

"I will speak, provided that I have my fit securities regarding it."

"Say, what securities requirest thou, in consideration of a return boon for me?" said Fintan.

"Celtchar son of Uthecar; Uma, son of Remanfisech, from the brooks of Cooley; and Ergi Echbel from Bri Ergi."

They bound upon those guarantees.

"Speak now, O Fintan; what securities wilt thou accept regarding thy return boon?"

"The three sons of the valiant Usnech; the three torches of valor of Europe: Naisi, Anli, and Ardan."

Those guarantees were ratified on both sides.

They came into the house in which Conchobar was, to wit, into the Tete Brecc.

"Conchobar is now king of Ulster," said Cathbad, "if Fintan will give him his third."

"Yes," said Sencha, "for Cu Chulainn has given his."

"If so," said Cu Chulainn, "let him come to drinking and delight with me; for that is my counter-request."

"Where are my securities and bonds," asked Fintan, "when that is permitted to be said?"

The guarantees of each of them advanced savagely; and such was the fierceness of the uprising, that nine were covered with wounds, and nine with blood, and nine in death agonies, amongst them on one side and the other.

Sencha mac Ailill arose, and waved the peaceful branch of Sencha, so that the Ulstermen were quiet.

"Too much have you quarrelled," said Sencha, "for Conchobar is not King of Ulster until the end of a year."

"We will agree," said Cu Chulainn, " provided that you come not between us at the end of a year."

"I will not do so, truly," said Sencha.

Cu Chulainn bound him to this.

They remained during three days and nights, drinking that banquet of Conchobar until it was finished. They went then to their houses and forts and good residences.

He that came at the end of a year found the province a fountain of desire and of wealth with Conchobar; so that there was not a residence waste or empty from Rinn Seimne and Latharna to the hill of Uachtar Forcha and to Dub and to Drobais, without a son in the place of his father and his grandfather, serving his hereditary lord.

At this time a conversation occurred between Cu Chulainn and Emer.

"Methinks," said Emer, "Conchobar is now High-King of Ulster."

"Not sad, if it were so," said Cu Chulainn.

"It is time to prepare his banquet of sovereignty for him now," said Emer, "because he is a king forever."

The banquet was prepared; and there were a hundred vats of every kind of ale in it.

It was at the same time that Fintan son of Niall Niamglonnach decided to prepare his banquet; and there were a hundred vats of every kind of ale in it. And it was prepared and ready. On the same day both were begun, and on the same day they were ready. On the same day their horses were harnessed for them, and their chariots yoked. Cu Chulainn arrived the first at Emain. He had only unyoked his horses when Fintan arrived. Cu Chulainn was there, inviting Conchobar to his banquet, when Fintan arrived.

"Where are my bonds and guarantees, when that is permitted to be said?" asked Fintan.

"Here we are," said the sons of Usnech, rising up together.

"Even I," said Cu Chulainn, "am not without guarantees."

The Ulstermen advanced furiously to their arms; and because Sencha did not dare to come between them, they were so quarrelsome that Conchobar could do nothing for them but leave to them the royal hall in which they were. And a son of his followed him, whose name was Furbaide, whom Cu Chulainn had fostered. And Conchobar looked upon him.

"Good, O my son," said Conchobar, "if it pleased thee, the pacification of the Ulstermen would come through thee."

"How is that?" said the youth.

"By weeping and grieving in the presence of thy fair guardian, Cu Chulainn; for he was never in any difficulty of battle or conflict, that his mind would not be fixed on thee."

The boy went back and wept and grieved in the presence of his guardian, Cu Chulainn. Cu Chulainn asked what ailed him. The youth said to Cu Chulainn that "Just when the province is a fountain of desire, thou shouldst be disturbing and spoiling it, for the sake of the exchange of one night."

"I have pledged my word regarding it," said Cu Chulainn, "and it shall not be transgressed."

"I have sworn my oath," said Fintan, "that the Ulstermen shall come with me tonight."

"I would find an excellent counsel for you," said Sencha mac Ailill: "the first half of the night to Fintan, and the last half to Cu Chulainn, in order to appease the little boy's grief."

"I will allow it," said Cu Chulainn.

"I will agree, too," said Fintan.

The Ulstermen then rose up about Conchobar; and he sent messengers throughout the province, to muster the people of the province to Fintan's banquet. Conchobar himself went, with the company of the Craeb Ruad (Red Branch) around him, to Dun-da-Benn, to the house of Fintan son of Niall Niamglonnach.

The Ulstermen arrived at the festival assembly, so that there was not a man from a village in Ulster that did not come there. The way in which they came was, each noble with his lady; each king with his queen; each musician with his accompaniments; each hunter with his huntress. As if only a company of nine had reached the place – so were they attended to. There were fair-formed, bright-shaped sleeping-places prepared for them. There were splendid, lofty pavilions, littered with bent and fresh rushes, and long houses for the multitude, and immense, wide, capacious cooking-houses; and a variegated, wide-mouthed hall, which was broad and capacious, protective, square, four-doored, in which the nobles of Ulster, both men and women, might be accommodated at drinking and enjoyment. Provisions of food and ale were poured out for them, so that the allowance of a hundred of food and ale reached every nine of them.

The drinking house was afterwards arranged by Conchobar according to deeds, and parts, and families; according to grades, and arts, and customs, with a view to the fair holding of the banquet. Distributors came to distribute, and cup-bearers to deal, and door-keepers for door-keeping. Their music, and their minstrelsy, and their harmonies were played. Their lays, and their poesies, and their eulogies were chanted for them; and jewels and valuables and treasures were distributed to them.

It was then that Cu Chulainn said to Loeg mac Riangabra: "Go out, my master Loeg; observe the stars of the air and ascertain when the midnight comes; for often hast thou been watching and waiting for me in far distant countries."

Loeg went out. He continued watching and observing until midnight came. As midnight came Loeg proceeded to the place where Cu Chulainn was.

"It is midnight now, O Cu of the Feats," said he.

When Cu Chulainn heard this, he informed Conchobar, who was then in the hero-seat in front of him. Conchobar stood up with a speckled-bright bugle-horn. Mute and silent were the Ulstermen when they saw the king standing. Such was the silence that if a needle fell from the roof to the floor it would be heard.

One of the prohibitions of the Ulstermen was to speak before the king; and one of the prohibitions of the king was to speak before his druids.

It was then the excellent druid Cathbad asked, "What is it, O magnificent High-King of Ulster, O Conchobar?"

"Cu Chulainn here; he thinks it time to go and drink his banquet."

"Does he wish to merit the blessings of the assembled Ulstermen, and leave our weaklings and our women and our youths behind?"

"I should like it," said Cu Chulainn, "provided that our fighters, our champions, our warriors, our musicians, our poets, and our minstrels come with us."

The Ulstermen advanced as the advance of one man out upon the hard-surfaced green. "Good, O my master Loeg," said Cu Chulainn, "give a light course to the chariot." The charioteer possessed the three virtues of charioteering in that hour; to wit, turning around and straight backing and "leap over gap."

"Good, O my master Loeg," said Cu Chulainn, " give ardor of speed to the horses."

Cu Chulainn's horses broke into a furious sudden start. The horses of the Ulstermen followed their example. And where they went was into the green of Dun-da-Benn, to Cathar Osrin, to Li Thuaga, to Dun-Rigain, to Ollarbi, and by the shores of Ollarbi, into Mag Macha, into Sliab Fuait, and into Ath an Foraire, to Port Not of Cu Chulainn, into Mag Muirthemne, into Crich Saithi, across Dubid, across the stream of the Boyne, into Mag Breg and Meath, into Mag Lena, into Cliather Cell, across the Brosnas of Bladma; their left towards the gap of Mer daughter of Treg, which is to-day called Bernan Ele; their right to the Hills of Eblinne, daughter of Guaire, across the fair stream which is called the river of Ua Cathbad, into the great plain of Munster, through the middle of Artine, and into Smertaini; their right toward the rocks of Loch Gair; across the pool-stream of Maig, to Cliu Mail maic Ugaine, into the territory of Deise Beg, into the land of Cu Roi mac Dairi. Every hill over which they passed they leveled, so that they left it in low glens; every wood through which they passed, the iron wheels of the chariots cut the roots of the great trees, so that it was open country after them; the streams and fords and pools which they crossed were fully-dry flags after them for a long time, and for long periods, from the quantity which the cavalcades carried away with their own bodies out of the contents of cascade, ford, and pool.

Then it was that Conchobar King of Ulster said, "We have not found this way between Dun-da-Benn and Dun Delgan (Cu Chulainn's stronghold)."

"We pledge our word truly," said Bricriu; "but it is more dignified for us to whisper than for another to cry out loud. It seems to us that it is not in the territory of Ulster that we are at all."

"We give our word," said Sencha mac Ailill, "that it is not in the territory of Ulster at all we are."

"We give our word," said Conall the Victorious, "that it is true."

It was then that the charioteers of the Ulstermen tightened the bits in the mouths of their horses, from the first charioteer to the last charioteer; whereupon Conchobar said, "Who will ascertain for us in what territory we are?"

"Who should ascertain it for thee but Cu Chulainn?" said Bricriu, "for it is he it is that has said that there was not a district in which he had not committed the slaughter of a hundred."

"Of me it comes, O Bricriu," said Cu Chulainn; "I will go."

Cu Chulainn proceeded into Drum Colchailli, which is called Ani Cliach.

"Say, my master Loeg, knowest thou in what territory we are?"

"I know not, indeed," said Loeg.

"But I know," said Cu Chulainn. "This is to the south of Cenn Abrat of Sliab Cain. The mountains of Eblinne are these to the north-east. That bright lake which thou see is the inn of Limerick. This is Drum Colchailli in which we are, which is called Ani Cliach, in the territory of the Deise Beg. Before us, to the south, is the host, in Cliu Mail maic Ugaine, in the land of Cu Roi mac Dairi maic Dedad."

While they were so engaged, tremendous heavy snow poured upon the Ulstermen, until it reached to their shoulders, and to the shafts of the chariots. Defences were made by the charioteers of the Ulstermen, who between them raised stone columns to shelter their horses, between them and the snow; so that the /echlasa/ of the horses of Ulster remain still, from that time to this. And these are the proofs of the story.

Cu Chulainn and his charioteer Loeg advanced to the place where the Ulstermen were.

"Query, then," asked Sencha mac Ailill; "what is the territory in which we are?"

"We are," said Cu Chulainn, "in the territory of the Deise Beg , in the land of Cu Roi mac Dairi; to wit, in Cliu Mail maic Ugaine."

"Woe to us in that case," said Bricriu, "and woe to the Ulstermen."

"Say not so, O Bricriu," answered Cu Chulainn, "for I will give guidance to the Ulstermen in the return of the same way, so that we will reach our enemies before it be day."

"Woe to the Ulstermen," said Celtchar mac Uthecair, "that the one was born who gives this counsel."

"We have never known thee to have, O Cu Chulainn," said Fergna, a valor-chief of the Ulstermen, "a counsel of weakness, timidity, or cowardice for the Ulstermen until this night."

"Alas! that the person who gives the counsel should go," said red-hand Lugaid, son of Leit, king of Dal Araide, "without making him a mark of darts and arms and edges."

"Query, however," said Conchobar; "what do you wish?"

"We desire," said Celtchar mac Uthecair, "to be a day and a night in the territory in which we are, because it would be a sign of defeat for us to go out of it; for it is not 'a fox's track' with us in valley or waste or wood."

"Speak then, O Cu Chulainn," said Conchobar; "what is the proper place of encampment for us during this day and night?"

"The fair-green of Senchlochar is here," said Cu Chulainn; "and this rough winter season is not fair-time. And Tara Luachra is on the slopes of eastern Luachar; and in it are residences and houses."

"To go to Tara Luachra, then, is what is right," said Sencha mac Ailill.

They went on in the straight direction of the road to Tara Luachra, and Cu Chulainn as a guide before them.

Now Tara Luachra, if it were empty before or after, it is not that night it was empty. No wonder, indeed, for a son had been born to Ailill and Medb, whose name was Maine Mo Epert, and he was given in fosterage to Cu Roi mac Dairi; and Ailill and Medb had come that night, accompanied by the chieftains of their province, to drink at the end of that son's first month. Though these were all there, Eochaid mac Luchta likewise was there with the men of his province; and Cu Roi mac Dairi was there also, with all the Clan Dedad. And though these were all there, a provident woman was the amazonian Medb, daughter of the High-King of Erin, that is, Eochaid Fedlech; there were two observers and druids guarding her. Their names were Crom Deroil and Crom Darail, two foster-sons of the good, illustrious druid Cathbad.

It happened to them, then, to be on the wall of Tara Luachra at that time, looking and guarding, observing and viewing, on every side from them. It was then that Crom Deroil said, "Have you seen the thing which has appeared to me?"

"What thing?" said Crom Darail.

"It seems to me that it is swords of crimson warfare and the tread of multitudes that I perceive coming over the side of lr Luachair from the east," answered the other druid.

"I would not think a clot of gore and blood too much in the mouth of him that utters that," said Crom Darail; "for that is not an army or a multitude, but the gigantic oaks past which we came yesterday."

"If it were they, why the immense royal chariots under them?" "They are not chariots," said Crom Darail, "but the royal strongholds past which we came."

"If they are strongholds, why are those splendid all-white shields on them?"

"They are not shields at all," said Crom Darail, "but the columns that are in the doors of those royal strongholds."

"If they are columns," said Crom Deroil, "what is the cause of the profusion of red-armed spears above the great black breasts of the mighty host?"

"They are not spears, either," said Crom Darail, "but the stags and wild beasts of the country, with their horns and antlers above them."

"If they are stags and wild beasts," said Crom Deroil, "what causes the quantity of sods which their horses send from their shoes, so that it is pitch dark to the mighty air over their heads?"

"They are not horses," said Crom Darail, "but the herds and flocks and cattle of the country, after being let out of their sheds, for it is in those pastures the birds and winged animals alight in the snow."

"My conscience, if they are birds and winged animals, they are not a flock of one bird."

If they are flocks, with the hue of a flock,
They are not the flock of one bird.
A white-speckled, golden garment
Is, you would think, about each bird.

If they are flocks of a rough glen,
From out of the black clefts,
Not few are the angry spears
Above the fierce darts.

Methinks they are not snow showers,
But stout, active men,
Who are in threatening bands
Above the adjusted darts;
A man under each hard, purple shield.
Prodigious is the flock.

"And reprove me not therefore," said Crom Deroil, "for it is I that speak the truth. As they come past the points of the trees of Ir Luachair from the east, what would make them stoop, unless they were men?"

. . .

The fair-visaged Cu Roi mac Dairi heard the dispute of the two druids on the walls of Tara Luachra before him. "It is not at one these druids outside are," said the King of the World, the fair-visaged Cu Roi mac Dairi.

It was then the sun rose over the orb of the earth. "Visible to us now is the host," said Crom Deroil.

. . .

Not long were they there, the two watchers, the two druids, until a full, fierce rush of the first band broke thither past the glen. Such was the fury with which they advanced, that there was not left a spear on a rack, nor a shield on a spike, nor a sword in an armory in Tara Luachra, that did not fall down. From every house on which was thatch in Tara Luachra, the thatch fell in immense flakes. One would think that it was the sea that had come over the walls and over the recesses of the world to them.

The forms of countenances were changed, and there was chattering of teeth in Tara Luachra within. The two druids fell in fits and in faintings and in paroxysms; one of them, Crom Derail, fell over the wall outside, and Crom Deroil over the wall inside. And notwithstanding, Crom Deroil got up, and cast an eye over the first band that came into the green.

The host alighted on the green, and sat in one band on the green. The snow dissolved and melted thirty feet on either side of them, from the ardor of the great powerful warriors of Ulster.

Crom Deroil came into the house in which were Medb and Ailill and Cu Roi and Eochaid mac Luchta; and Medb asked whence came the clamor that occurred; whether it was down from the air, or across the sea from the west, or from Erin, from the east.

"It is from Erin, from the east, across the slopes of the Ir Luachair, undoubtedly," said Crom Deroil. "I see a barbaric host, and I know not whether they are Irishmen or foreigners; but if they are Irishmen, and if they are not foreigners, they are Ulstermen."

"Should not the descriptions of the Ulstermen be known to Cu Roi there?" asked Medb; "for often has he been on raids, and on hostings, and on journeyings along with them."

"I would know them," said Cu Roi, "if I could obtain a description of them."

"The description of the first band that came into the place I have, indeed," said Crom Deroil.

"Give it to us then," said Medb.

"I saw before the stronghold to the east, outside," said Crom Deroil, "a royal, immense band; the equal of a king was every man in the band. There were three in front of the band, and a broad-eyed, royal, gigantic warrior between them in the middle. Comparable to a moon in its great fifteenth was his countenance, his visage, and his face. His beard was fair, forked, and pointed; his bushy, reddish-yellow hair was looped to the slope of his hood. A purple-bordered garment encircled him, a brooch of wrought gold being in the garment over his white shoulder. Next to his white skin was a shirt of kingly satin. A purple-brown shield, with rims of yellow gold, was over him. He had a gold-hilted, embossed sword; a purple-bright, well-shaped spear in his white firm right hand, accompanied by its forked dart. At his right stood a true warrior; brighter than snow was his countenance, his visage, and his face. At his left side a little black-browed man, greatly resplendent. A fair, very-brilliant man was playing the edge-feat over them; his sharp inlaid sword in the one hand, his large warrior-like sword in the other hand. These he sent up and down past one another, so that they would touch the hair and forehead of the great central hero; but before they could reach the ground the same man would catch their points, both backs and edges."

"Regal is the description," said Medb.

"Regal is the band whose description it is," said Cu Roi.

"What, then; who are they?" asked Ailill.

"Not hard to tell," said Cu Roi. "That great central hero is Conchobar, son of Fachtna Fathach, the lawful, worthy king of Ulster, descendant of the kings of Erin and Alba. On his right side is Fintan, son of Niall Niamglonnach, the man of the third of Ulster, whose countenance and face is more bright than snow. The little black-browed man is Cu Chulainn son of Sualtam. Ferchertne, son of Corpre, son of Ilia, is the fair beaming man who is playing warlike feats over them. A king-poet of the king-poets of Ulster is he, and a rear-guard of Conchobar when he goes into his enemies' country. Whoever would wish to solicit or speak to the king, it is not permitted until that man is appeased."

"Here before these to the east, outside," said Crom Deroil, "I saw a splendid, active trio, clothed in warrior's dress. Two of them were young, child-like; the third had a forked, purple-brown beard. They would not remove the dew from the grass, for the celerity and lightness with which they came; as if not one of the great host perceived them, and they see the whole host."

"Gentle and light and peaceful is the description," said Medb.

"Gentle and peaceful is the band whose description it is," said Cu Roi.

"Who are they?" asked Ailill.

"Not hard to tell," said Cu Roi. "Three noble youths of the Tuatha De Danann are there: Delbaeth son of Ethliu, and Angus Oc son of the Dagda, and Cermat Honey-mouth. They came at the end of night this day, to excite valor and battle, and they have mixed themselves through the host. And it is true that the hosts do not perceive them; but they see the hosts."

"Here before them to the east, outside," said Crom Deroil, "I see a warlike, valorous company, with three distinguished persons advancing in front of them. A wrathful brown hero is there; sad a fair truly-splendid hero; and a valiant, king-stout, mighty champion, with thick red-yellow hair; and comparable to a honey-comb at the end of harvest, or clasps of fair gold, is the bright glistening of his hair; two-forked, black-brown is his beard, which is equal to the measure of a hero's hand in length; like the purple hue of the gilly-flower, or sparkles of fresh fire, his countenance, his visage, and his face. They bear three knightly, brown-red shields; three immense, whizzing, warlike spears; three heavy, stout-striking swords. Three shapely suits of purple apparel about them."

"Heroic and knightly, by our conscience, is the description," said Medb.

"Heroic and knightly is the band whose description it is," said Cu Roi.

"What, then; who are they?" said Ailill.

"Not hard to tell," said Cu Roi. "Three prime heroes of Ulster are they—the two Conalls and Loegaire—viz., Conall Anglonnach son of Iriel Glunmar, and Conall the Victorious son of Amergin, and Loegaire the Triumphant from Rath Immil."

"Here before them to the east, outside," said Crom Deroil, "I saw a hideous, unknown trio in the front of the band, with three linen shirts girding their bodies; three hairy, dark-gray garments in folds about them; three iron pins in the garments over their bosoms; three coarse dark-brown heads of hair on them; three bright-grey shields, with hard osier bindings upon them; three broad-bladed lances with them; three gold-hilted swords have they. Like the baying of a, foreign hound in the chase is the loud heart-bellowing of each warrior of them when hearing of their enemies in this fortress."

"Fierce and warlike is the description," said Medb.

"Fierce is the band whose description it is," said Cu Roi.

"What, then; who are they?" said Ailill.

"Not hard to tell," said Cu Roi. "Three leaders of battle of the Ulstermen are they—Uma son of Remanfisech, from Fedan of Cooley; Ergi Echbel, from Bri Ergi; and Celtchar the Great, son of Uthecar, from Rath Celtchar, from Dun da Lethglas."

"Here in front of them to the east, outside," said Crom Deroil, "I saw a large-eyed, large-thighed, noble-great, immensely-tall man, with a splendid gray garment about him; with seven short, black, equally-smooth cloaklets around him; shorter was each upper one, longer each lower. At either side of him were nine men. In his hand was a terrible iron staff, on which were a rough end and a smooth end. His play and amusement consisted in laying the rough end on the heads of the nine, whom he would kill in the space of a moment. He would then lay the smooth end on them, so that he would reanimate them in the same time."

"Wonderful is the description," said Medb.

"Great is the person whose description it is," said Cu Roi.

"What, then; who is he?" said Ailill.

"Not hard to tell," said Cu Roi. "The great Dagda son of Ethliu, the good god of the Tuatha De Danann. To magnify valor and conflict he wrought confusion upon the host in the morning this day; and no one in the host sees him."

. . .

"Here before them, to the east, outside," said Crom Deroil, "I saw a band of their rabble. One man in their midst, with a black, pointed thick head of hair, having large, subtle, all-white eyes in his head, and a smooth-blue Ethiopian countenance; a ribbed garment in folds about him; a brazen clasp in his garment, over his breast; a large bronze wand in his hand, and a melodious little bell beside him, which he touches with his wand before the host, so that it gives pleasure and delight to the High-King and to the whole host."

"Laughable and amusing is the description," said Medb.

"Laughable is the person whose description it is," said Cu Roi.

"Who is he?" said Ailill.

"Not hard to tell," said Cu Roi. "That is the royal fool Roimid, Conchobar's fool. There never was fatigue or sorrow on any man of the Ulstermen that he would heed, if only he saw the royal fool, Roimid."

. . .

"Here before them, to the east, outside," said Crom Deroil, "I saw a prodigious royal band. One man in front of it, with coarse, black hair. An expression of gentleness in one of his eyes; foam of crimson blood in the other eye; that is, at one time a gentle, friendly aspect, at another time a fierce expression. An open-mouthed otter on each of his two shoulders. A smooth, white-surfaced shield upon him. A white-hilted sword with him. A large, warrior-like spear to the height of his shoulder. When its spear-ardor seized it, he would deal a blow of the handle of the mighty spear upon his hand when the full measure of a sack of fiery particles would burst over its side and edge. A blood-black cauldron of horrid, noxious liquid before him, composed, through sorcery, of the blood of dogs, cats, and druids. And the head of the spear was plunged in that poisonous liquid when its spear-ardor came."

"By our conscience, the description is venomous," said Medb.

"Venomous is he whose description it is," said Cu Roi.

"Who, then, is he?" asked Ailill.

"That is Dubtach Chafertongue, of Ulster," said Cu Roi; "a man who never merited thanks from anyone; and when a prey falls to the Ulstermen, a prey falls to him alone. The quick, deedful spear (/Luin/) of Celtchar is in his hand, on loan, and a cauldron of crimson blood is before it, for it would burn its handle, or the man that is bearing it, unless it was bathed in the cauldron of noxious blood. And foretelling battle it is."

"Here before them, to the east, outside," said Crom Deroil, "I see another band there. A sedate, gray-haired man in front thereof . A fair bright garment about him, with borders of all- white silver. A beautiful white shirt next to the surface of his skin; a white-silver belt around his waist; a bronze branch at the summit of his shoulder; the sweetness of melody in his voice; his utterance loud but slow."

"Judicial and sage, by our conscience, is the description," said Medb.

"Sage and judicial the person whose description it is," said Cu Roi.

"Who, then, is he?" asked Ailill.

"Not hard to tell. Sencha the Great, son of Ailill son of Maelchloid, from Carn Mag of Ulster; the most eloquent man of the men of earth, and the peace-maker of the hosts of the Ulstermen. The men of the world, from the rising to the setting, he would pacify with his three fair words."

. . .

That is the description of the first division that came into the fair-green. The great druid was not able to describe them further.

"They are the Ulstermen," said Medb.

"They are indeed," said Cu Roi.

"Was it imagined before or after; or is it in prediction or prophecy with you?"

"That we know not," said Cu Roi.

"Is there in the stronghold any one that knows?" asked Medb.

"There is," said Cu Roi, "the senior of the Clan Dedad, to wit, Gabalglinni son of Dedad, who has been, and he blind, maintained thirty years in this stronghold."

"Let some one go and ask him if they were expected; and let it be asked of him what preparation was made for them."

"Who shall go there?" asked Cu Roi.

"Let Crom Deroil and Faenglinni, son of Dedad, go."

They went to the house where Gabalglinni was maintained.

"Who is this?" asked he.

"Crom Deroil and Faenglinni, son of Dedad, are here," said they, "to inquire of thee if the coming of the Ulstermen was in prediction or in prophecy; or if so, whether there is any preparation for them?"

"Long has their coming been in prophecy. That they may be attended to, this is the provision. An iron house, and two wooden houses about it; and a subterranean house under it, and a strong iron flag upon that; and all the faggots and inflammable materials and coal that were found were collected into the subterranean house, so tilt it is quite full. It is what was prophecied for us, that the nobles of Ulster would be congregated in one night in that house. There are seven chains of good iron here under the feet of this bed. Let them be firmly fastened to the seven pillar-stones that are on the green outside."

Then Crom Deroil and Faenglinni came into the house in which were Medb and Ailill of Connacht and the nobles of the province of Munster, and related to them how the Ulstermen were awaited.

"Let one from me and one from thee go to bid them welcome, O Cu Roi," said Medb.

The Intoxication of the Ulstermen

"Who shall go there?" asked Cu Roi.

"These same two," said Medb, "that welcome may be given to them from me with the nobles of the province of Connacht, and from thee with the nobles of the two provinces of Munster."

"I shall know," said Cu Roi, "by the person that answers whether they come with peace or with battle; for if it is Dubtach Chafertongue of Ulster that answers, it is with discord they come; if it is Sencha mac Mill that answers, it is with peace they come."

The messengers went on to the place where the Ulstermen were on the green.

"Welcome, ever-welcome, thy coming, O high-puissant, high-noble High-King of Ulster, from Medb and from Ailill, and from the chieftains of the province of Connacht along with them," said Crom Deroil.

"Welcome, ever-welcome, thy coming, O high-puissant, high-noble High-King of Ulster, from Cu Roi mac Dairi, with the nobles of the two provinces of Munster, who are yonder in the stronghold," said Faenglinni mac Dedad.

"It is pleasing to us and pleasing to the king," said Sencha mac Ailill; "and it was not to commit injury or conflict the Ulstermen came but in a drunken escapade, from Dun-da-Benn to Cliu Mail maic Ugaine; and they deemed it not honorable to get out of the district until they should be a night encamped in it."

The messengers proceeded to the place in which were Medb and Ailill and Cu Roi and Eochaid, with the nobles of the three provinces, and they related the news to them.

The poets, the minstrels, and the entertainers were sent to the Ulstermen, while a house was being arranged for them, to furnish amusement for them.

Messengers were then sent to them, to inform them that the best hero of the Ulstermen might select the choicest house for them. A quarrel arose about that among the Ulstermen. A hundred powerful warriors rose up together upon their arms; but Sencha mac Ailill pacified them.

"Let Cu Chulainn go there," said Sencha; "about the measure of his house you have come; and you shall be under his guarantee until you return again."

Cu Chulainn went. The Ulstermen advanced as one man after Cu Chulainn. Cu Chulainn looked upon the largest house that was in the place; it happened to be the iron house, about which the two wooden houses were.

Their attendants came to them, and an enormous bonfire was lighted for them; and provisions of food and ale were dealt to them. As night approached, their attendants and servants stole away from them one by one, until the last man, who closed the door after him. And the seven chains of iron were fixed upon the house, and fastened to the seven pillars that were upon the green outside. Thrice fifty smiths were brought, with their smith's-bellows, to blow the fire. Three circles were made around the house; and the fire was ignited from above and from below, in the house, until the heat from the fire came through the house from below. Then the hosts shouted loudly about the house, so that the Ulstermen were silent, speechless, until Bricriu said, "What, O Ulstermen, is the great heat that seizes our feet? But it is fitter that I should know than any other person. It seems to me they are burning us from below, and from above; and the house is closed fast."

"There will be a means by which we shall know," said Triscatal Strongman, getting up and delivering a blow with his foot on the iron door. But the door neither creaked nor resounded nor was injured.

"Not well hast thou made thy banquet for the Ulstermen, O Cu Chulainn," said Bricriu; "thou hast brought them into an enemy's pen."

"Say not so, O Bricriu," answered Cu Chulainn. "I will do my hero feat, a deed through which the Ulstermen will all get out."

Cu Chulainn plunged his sword up to the hilt through the iron house, and through the two houses of boards.

"An iron house here," said Cu Chulainn, " between two houses of boards."

"Worse than all, alas!" said Bricriu.

(The conclusion of this form of the story is lost. There is. however, another version, the beginning of which is lost, in one of our oldest manuscripts, which dates from the eleventh century. This fragment begins with the dispute of the Ulstermen over which of them should lead the way into the enclosure. There is apparently no iron house in this version. The visitors are lodged in a wooden house and besieged by the hosts of the Erna. Ailill and his sons try to protect the Ulstermen.)

"'Tis I," said Triscoth."[1] Any man of them whom I shall look fiercely at—his lips shall die."

"'Tis I" said the fool Reorda.[2]

"'Tis I" said Nia na Trebuin-cro.

"'Tis I," said Daeltenga (Chafertongue.)

"Either of us shall go," said Dub and Rodub.

Each man rose against the other, regarding it.

"Can you not decide that thing?" asked Sencha. "The man whom the Ulstermen honor, though he were not the best warrior here, 'tis he should go."

"Which of us is that?" asked the Ulstermen.

"Cu Chulainn there; even though he were not the best warrior here, 'tis he should go."

They then advanced into the enclosure of the fort, and Cu Chulainn in front of them.

"Is this the youth that is the best warrior among the Ulstermen?" asked Fintan.

Thereupon Cu Chulainn jumped up until he was on the summit of the enclosure, and leaped valorously on the bridge, so that the weapons that were in the stronghold fell from their racks. The Ulstermen were afterwards taken into a secure oaken house, with a yew door, three feet thick, having two iron hooks, and an iron spit through them. The house was furnished with flock-beds and bed-clothes. Crom Deroil sent their weapons after them; and they sat down; and Cu Chulainn's weapons were elevated over them.

"Let water for washing be heated for them," said Ailill. And ale and food were given them until they were intoxicated. Crom Deroil visited them again, to know if there was anything they would wish.

When they were merry drunk Sencha clapped his hands. They all listened to him. "Give now your blessing on the prince who has protected you, who has been generous to you. lt is not 'a hand in a poor, garnered field.' Plentiful are food and ale for you with the prince who has protected you. It was not necessary to wait for cooking."

"It is true," said Chafertongue. "I swear by my people's gods that there shall never reach your country anything but what birds may carry away of you in their claws; but the men of Erin and Alba will possess your land, and take your women and treasures and break your children's heads against stones."

lt was of him Fergus said thus in the "Cattle-Raid":

Let off Dubtach Chafertongue,
Behind the host drag him;
No good has he done.
He slew the maiden-band.

He did a hateful, hideous act—
The killing of Fiacha, Conchobar's son.
Not more famous for him, it was heard,
The killing of Maine son of Fedlimid.

The kingship of Ulster he contest not,—
The son of Lugaid son of Casruba;
What he does against men is,
To attack them when they sit.

"That is not false, however," said Dubtach. "Observe the strength of the house and the fastening that is on the house. See you not that though you be anxious to leave it, you cannot? I am now deceived, unless there is a, contest about our being brought out. However, that hero who is the best warrior among the Ulstermen—let him bring some news from the opponents."

Cu Chulainn advanced, and made a somersault upwards, carried away the upper roof of the house, and was on the roof of another house, when he saw the multitude down below. They formed into a battle-throng to attack the Ulstermen inside. Ailill placed his back to the door to protect them. His seven sons joined hands with him before the door. The multitude burst into the middle of the enclosure; Cu Chulainn returned to his people, and gave the door a kick, so that his leg went through it up to the knee. "lf it were to a woman that was given," said Chafertongue, "she would be in her bed." Cu Chulairm delivered another kick, and the door fell down before him. "May I be saved," said Sencha; "it is Cu Chulainn that is here this time. Every virtue that is a virtue to heroes fighting, you shall have. Your companions are coming to you here.

"What is your counsel?" asked Sencha.

"Put your back, all, against the wall, and let everyone have his weapons in front of him; and send one man to speak with them."

Heavy as it was, they threw the house from off them.

"Who shall speak to them?" asked Sencha.

"I will speak to them," said Triscoth. "Any one of them that I look upon—his lips shall die."

The others were holding their council outside.

"Query: who shall speak to them, and, go the first to them into the house?" said the warriors outside.

"I shall go," said Lopan.

Lopan then went into the house to them, accompanied by nine persons. "Is that pleasant, O heroes?" asked he.

"Yes," said the heroes.

"Man against man?" said Triscoth.

"True, true."

"Triscoth here, speaking for the Ulstermen! They have not good speakers besides." Triscoth looked fiercely at him so that he fainted.

Fer Caille came into the house; nine men with him. "Is that pleasant, O warriors?" said he.

"The full pleasure," said Triscoth, "is one man against another."

Triscoth looked fiercely at him, and he fainted.

Mianach "the unknown" came into the house; nine men with him.

"Pale to us," said he, "appear the sick that are on the floor."

Triscoth looked at him.

"Look at me," said Mianach, "and see if I would die of it."

The other took him by the leg and dashed him against the three nines that were in the house, so that not one of them escaped alive. The multitude outside gathered around the house, to take it against the Ulstermen. But the Ulstermen upset the house, so that three hundred of the host outside it fell under the house. The battle closed between them. They were engaged in battle until mid-day on the morrow. The Ulstermen were wounded, however, and they were fewer in number.

Ailill was on the rampart of the stronghold, looking at them. "The stories of the Ulstermen were stories worth telling me until today," said he. "It was told me that not in Erin were there heroes equal to them. But I perceive that they do nought but treachery today. It has long been a proverb 'no battle should be fought without a king.' If it were about me that battle were going on, it would not continue long. You see," said Ailill to the Ulstermen, "I am not able for them; and I have been profaned regarding you."

Thereupon Cu Chulainn dashed suddenly through the multitude and assailed them thrice. Furbaide Ferbenn son of Conchobar attacked them also all around. The others would not wound him because of his beauty.

"Why do you not wound this warrior?" said one of them. "Not agreeable the deeds he performs. I swear by my people's gods, though it were a head of gold he had, I would slay him when he slew my brother." Furbaide pierced him with a spear and he died thereof. The battle was subsequently gained over the Erna; only three of them escaped from it.

The Ulstermen then plundered the entire stronghold, but protected Ailill and his seven sons, because they were not in the battle against them. From that time forth Tara Luachra was not inhabited.

Crimthann Nia Nair of the Erna escaped. from the battle. He met with Richis, a female satirist, westwards of the Laune. "Was my son lost?" asked she.

"Yes," said Crimthann.

"Come with me," said she, "until you avenge him."

"What revenge?" asked Crimthann.

"That you slay Cu Chulainn for his sake," replied she.

"How can that be done?" asked Crimthann.

"Not difficult. If you only use your two hands upon him, you will need nothing more; for you will find him unprepared."

They then went in pursuit of the host of the Ulstermen, and found Cu Chulainn on a ford before them in the country of Owney. Richis took off her clothes in presence of Cu Chulainn, who hid his face downwards, that he might not see her nakedness. "Attack him now, O Crimthann," said Richis.

"The man approaches thee," said Loeg.

"Not so, indeed," said Cu Chulainn. "Whilst the woman is in that condition I shall not rise up."

Loeg took a stone out of the chariot and cast it at her, which hit her across the /luthan/, so that her back was broken in two; and she died thereof afterwards.

Cu Chulainn then advanced against Crimthann and fought with him and carried away his head and spoils.

Then Cu Chulainn and his charioteer went after the host until all arrived at Cu Chulainn's stronghold, where they rested that night. They were all entertained to the end of forty nights on the same feast by Cu Chulainn. And they afterwards departed from him and left a blessing with him.

Ailill came from the south towards the Ulstermen and remained as a friend with them. The width of his face was given to him of gold and silver and the worth of seven bondmaids was given to each of his sons. He subsequently went to his own country in peace and unity with the Ulstermen.



  1. Triscatal in the other version.

  2. Roimid in the other version.

 

Conchobar was afterward without destruction of his kingship whilst he lived.

The Raid for Dartaid's Cattle

The Raid for Dartaid's Cattle

(Táin bó Dartada, Egerton 1782, Yellow Book of Lecan. Trans. A. H. Leahy)


This tale is given by Windisch (Irische Texte, II. pp. 185-205), from two versions; one, whose translation he gives in full, except for one doubtful passage, is from the manuscript in the British Museum, known as Egerton, 1782 (dated 1414); the other is from the Yellow Book of Lecan (fourteenth century), in the library of Trinity College, Dublin.

The version in the Yellow Book is sometimes hard to read, which seems to be the reason why Windisch prefers to translate the younger authority, but though in some places the Egerton version is the fuller, the Yellow Book version (Y.B.L.) often adds passages, some of which Windisch has given in notes; some he has left untranslated. In the following prose version as much of Y.B.L. as adds anything to the Egerton text has been translated, with marks of interrogation where the attempted rendering is not certain: variants from the text adopted are placed below the prose version as footnotes. The insertions from Y.B.L. are indicated by brackets; but no note is taken of cases where the Egerton version is fuller than Y.B.L.

The opening of the story (the first five lines in the verse rendering) is in the eleventh century Book of the Dun Cow: the fragment agrees closely with the two later texts, differing in fact from Y.B.L. in one word only. All three texts are given in the original by Windisch.

The story is simple and straightforward, but is a good example of fairy vengeance, the description of the appearance of the troop recalls similar descriptions in the Tain bo Fraich, and in the Courtship of Ferb. The tale is further noticeable from its connection with the province of Munster: most of the heroic tales are connected with the other three provinces only. Orlam, the hero of the end of the tale, was one of Cuchulain's earliest victims in the Tain bo Cualgne.

The Passages that occur only in the Yellow Book (Y.B.L.) are indicated by being placed in square brackets.


Eocho Bec, the son of Corpre, king of Cliu[1], dwelt in the Dun of Cuillne[2], and with him were forty fosterlings, all sons of the kings of Munster; he had also forty milch-cows for their sustenance. By Ailill and Medb messengers were sent, asking him to come to a conference. "[In a week,"][3] said Eocho, "I will go to that conference;" and the messengers departed from him.

One night Eocho lay there in his sleep, when he saw something approach him; a woman, and a young man in her attendance. "Ye are welcome!" said Eocho. ["Knowest thou us?"] said she, "Where hast thou learned to know us?" "It seems to me as if I had been near to you." "I think that we have been very near to one another, though we have not seen each other face to face!" "In what place do ye dwell?" said Eocho. "Yonder in Sid Cuillne (the fairy mound of Cuillne)," said she. "And, wherefore have ye come?" "In order to give thee counsel," said she. For what purpose is the counsel," said he, "that thou givest me?"

"Something," she said, "that will bring thee honour and renown on thy journey at home and abroad. A stately troop shall be round thee, and goodly foreign horses shall be under thee[4]." "With how many shall I go?" said Eocho. "Fifty horsemen is the number that is suitable for thee," she answered.

"To-morrow in the morning fifty black horses, furnished with bridles of gold and silver, shall come to thee from me; and with them fifty sets of equipment of the equipment of the Sidé; and all of thy foster-children shall go with thee; well it becomes us to help thee, because thou art valiant in the defence of our country and our soil." Then the woman left him.

Early in the morning they arise, there they see something: the fifty black horses, furnished with bridles of gold and silver tied fast to the gate of the castle, also fifty breeches of silver with embellishment of gold; and fifty youths' garments with their edges of spun gold, and fifty white horses with red ears and long tails, purple-red were all their tails and their manes, with silver bits[5] (?) and foot-chains of brass upon each horse; there were also fifty whips of white bronze (findruine), with end pieces of gold that thereby they might be taken into hands[6].

Then King Eocho arises, and prepares himself (for the journey): they depart with this equipment to Cruachan Ai[7]: and the people were well-nigh overcome with their consequence and appearance: their troop was great, goodly, splendid, compact: [fifty heroes, all with that appearance that has just been related.

"How is that man named?" said Ailill. "Not hard, Eocho Bec, the king of Cliu." They entered the Liss (outer court), and the royal house; welcome was given to them, he remained there three days and three nights at the feasting.]

"Wherefore have I have been invited to come?" said Eocho to Ailill: "To learn if I can obtain a gift from thee," said Ailill; "for a heavy need weighs upon me, even the sustenance of the men of Ireland for the bringing of the cattle from Cualgne."

"What manner of gift is it that thou desirest?" said Eocho. "Nothing less than a gift of milking-kine," said Ailill. "There is no superfluity of these in my land," said Eocho; "I have forty fosterlings, sons of the kings of Munster, to bring them up (to manhood); they are here in My company, there are forty cows to supply the needs of these, to supply my own needs are seven times twenty milch-cows [there are fifty men for this cause watching over them].

"Let me have from thee," said Ailill, "one cow from each farmer who is under thy lordship as my share; moreover I will yield thee assistance if at any time thou art oppressed by superior might." "Thus let it be as thou sayest," said Eocho; "moreover, they shall come to thee this very day."

For three days and three nights they were hospitably entertained by Ailill and Medb, and then they departed homewards, till they met the sons of Glaschu, who came from Irross Donnan (the peninsula of Donnan, now Mayo); the number of those who met them was seven times twenty men, And they set themselves to attack each other, and to strive with each other in combat, and [at the island of O'Conchada (Inse Ua Conchada)] they fought together. In that place fell the forty sons of kings round Eocho Bec, and that news was spread abroad over all the land of Ireland, so that four times twenty kings' sons, of the youths of Munster, died, sorrowing for the deaths of these princes.

On another night, as Ailill lay in his sleep, upon his bed, he saw some thing, a young man and a woman, the fairest that could be found in Ireland. "Who are ye?" said Ailill. "Victory and Defeat are our names," she said. "Victory indeed is welcome to me, but not so Defeat," said Ailill. "Victory shall be thine in each form!" said she. ["What is the next thing after this that awaits us?" said Ailill. "Not hard to tell thee," said she] "let men march out from thy palace in the morning, that thou mayest win for thyself the cattle of Dartaid, the daughter of Eocho. Forty is the number of her milch-cows, it is thine own son, Orlam mac Ailill, whom she loves. Let Orlam prepare for his journey with a stately troop of valiant men, also forty sons of those kings who dwell in the land of Connaught; and by me shall be given to them the same equipment that the other youths had who fell in yon fight, bridles and garments and brooches; [early in the morning shall count of the treasure be made, and now we go to our own land," said she].

Then they depart from him, and forthwith they go to [Corp[8] Liath (the Gray),] who was the son of Tassach. His castle was on the bank of the river Nemain, upon the northern side, he was a champion of renown for the guarding of the men of Munster; longer than his hand is the evil he hath wrought. To this man also they appeared, and "What are your names?" said he: "Tecmall and Coscrad (Gathering of Hosts, and Destruction)," said they. "Gathering of Hosts is indeed good," said Corp Liath, "an evil thing is destruction": "There will be no destruction for thee, and thou shalt destroy the sons of kings and nobles": "And what," said Corp Liath, "is the next thing to be done?"

"That is easy to say," they said[9]; "each son of a king and a queen, and each heir of a king that is in Connaught, is now coming upon you to bear off cows from your country, for that the sons of your kings and queens have fallen by the hand of the men of Connaught. To-morrow morning, at the ninth hour they will come, and small is their troop; so if valiant warriors go thither to meet them, the honour of Munster shall be preserved; if indeed thine adventure shall meet with success."

"With what number should I go?" he said. "Seven times twenty heroes thou shouldest take with thee," she replied, ["and seven times twenty warriors besides"]: "And now" said the woman, "we depart to meet thee to-morrow at the ninth hour."

At the time (appointed), when morning had come, the men of Connaught saw the horses and the raiment of which we have spoken, at the gate of the fort of Croghan, [even as she (the fairy) had foretold, and as we have told, so that at that gate was all she had promised, and all that had been seen on the sons of kings aforetime], and there was a doubt among the people whether they should go on that quest or not. "It is shame," said Ailill, "to refuse a thing that is good"; and upon that Orlam departed [till[10] he came to the house of Dartaid, the daughter of Eocho, in Cliu Classach (Cliu the Moated), on the Shannon upon the south (bank).

There they halted], and the maiden rejoiced at their coming: "Three of the kine are missing." "We cannot wait for these; let the men take provision on their horses, [for rightly should we be afraid in the midst of Munster. Wilt thou depart with me, O maiden?" said he. "I will indeed go with thee," said she]. "Come then thou," said he, "and with thee all of thy cows."

[Then the young men go away with the cows in the midst, and the maiden was with them; but Corp Liath, the son of Tassach, met them with seven times twenty warriors to oppose their march. A battle was fought], and in that place fell the sons of the kings of Connaught, together with the warriors who had gone with them, all except Orlam and eight others[11], who carried away with them the kine, even the forty milch-cows, and fifty heifers, [so that they came into the land of Connaught]; but the maiden fell at the beginning of the fight.

Hence is that place called Imlech Dartaid. (the Lake Shore of Darta), in the land of Cliu, [where Dartaid, the daughter of Eocho, the son of Corpre, fell: and for this reason this story is called the Tain bo Dartae, it is one of the preludes to the Tain bo Cualnge].



  1. Y.B.L. inserts Dartaid's death at this point: "and Dartaid fell at the beginning of the fight, together with the stately sons of Connaught."

THE VOYAGE OF MAILDUN

AN ACCOUNT OF THE ADVENTURES OP MAILDUN AND HIS CREW, AND OF THE WONDERFUL THINGS THEY SAW DURING THEIR VOYAGE OF THREE YEARS AND SEVEN MONTHS, IN THEIR CURRAGH, ON THE WESTERN SEA

THE VOYAGE OF MAILDUN

CHAPTER I: MAILDUN'S CHILDHOOD AND YOUTH. HE BEGINS HIS VOYAGE IN QUEST OF THE PLUNDERERS WHO SLEW HIS FATHER

THERE was once an illustrious man of the tribe of Owenaght of Ninus, Allil Ocar Aga by name, a goodly hero, and lord of his own tribe and territory. One time, when he was in his house unguarded, a fleet of plunderers landed on the coast, and spoiled his territory. The chief fled for refuge to the church of Dooclone; but the spoilers followed him thither, slew him, and burned the church over his head.
Not long after Allil's death, a son was born to him. The child's mother gave him the name of Maildun; and, wishing to conceal his birth, she brought him to the queen of that country, who was her dear friend. The queen took him to her, and gave out that he was her own child ; and he was brought up with the king's sons, slept in the same cradle with them, and was fed from the same breast and from the same cup. He was a very lovely child; and the people who saw him thought it doubtful if there was any other child living at the time equally beautiful.
As he grew up to be a young man, the noble qualities of his mind gradually unfolded themselves. He was high-spirited and generous, and he loved all sorts of manly exercises. In ball-playing, in running and leaping, in throwing the stone, in chess-playing, in rowing, and in horse-racing, he surpassed all the youths that came to the king's palace, and won the palm in every contest.
One day, when the young men were at their games, a certain youth among them grew envious of Maildun; and he said, in an angry and haughty tone of voice; "It is a cause of much shame to us that we have to yield in every game, whether of skill or of strength, whether on land or on water, to an obscure youth, of whom no one can tell who is his father or his mother, or what race or tribe he belongs to."
On hearing this, Maildun ceased at once from play; for until that moment he believed that he was the son of the king of the Owenaght, and of the queen who had nursed him. And going anon to the queen, he told her what had happened; and he said to her; "If I am not thy son, I will neither eat nor drink till thou tell me who my father and mother are."
She tried to soothe him, and said, "Why do you worry yourself searching after this matter? Give no heed to the words of this envious youth. Am I not a mother to you? And in all this country, is there any mother who loves her son better than I love you?"
He answered, "All this is quite true; yet I pray thee let me know who my parents are."
The queen then, seeing that he would not be put off, brought him to his mother, and put him into her hands. And when he had spoken with her, he asked her to tell him who his father was.
"You are bent on a foolish quest, my child," she said; "for even if you knew all about your father, the knowledge would bring neither advantage nor happiness to you; for he died before you were born."
"Even so," he replied, "I wish to know who he was."
So his mother told him the truth, saying, "Your father was Allil Ocar Aga, of the tribe of Owenaght of Ninus."
Maildun then set out for his father's territory; and his three foster brothers, namely, the king's three sons, who were noble and handsome youths like himself, went with him. When the people of his tribe found out that the strange youth was the son of their chief, whom the plunderers had slain years before, and when they were told that the three others were the king's sons, they gave them all a joyful welcome, feasting them, and showing them much honour; so that Maildun was made quite happy, and soon forgot all the abasement and trouble he had undergone.
Some time after this, it happened that a number of young people were in the churchyard of Dooclone the same church in which Maildun's father had been slain exercising themselves in casting a hand-stone. The game was to throw the stone clear over the charred roof of the church that had been burned; and Maildun was there contending among the others. A foul-tongued fellow named Brickna, a servant of the people who owned the church, was standing by; and he said to Maildun; "It would better become you to avenge the man who was burned to death here, than to be amusing yourself casting a stone over his bare, burnt bones."
"Who was he?" inquired Maildun.
"Allil Ocar Aga, your father," replied the other.
"Who slew him?" asked Maildun.
"Plunderers from a fleet slew him and burned him in this church," replied Brickna; "and the same plunderers are still sailing in the same fleet."
Maildun was disturbed and sad after hearing this.
He dropped the stone that he held in his hand, folded his cloak round him, and buckled on his shield. And he left the company, and began to inquire of all he met, the road to the plunderers' ships. For a long time he could get no tidings of them; but at last some persons, who knew where the fleet lay, told him that it was a long way off, and that there was no reaching it except by sea.
Now Maildun was resolved to find out these plunderers, and to avenge on them the death of his father. So he went without delay into Corcomroe, to the druid Nuca, to seek his advice about building a curragh, and to ask also for a charm to protect him, both while building it, and while sailing on the sea afterwards.
The druid gave him full instructions. He told him the day he should begin to build his curragh, and the exact day on which he was to set out on his voyage ; and he was very particular about the number of the crew, which, he said, was to be sixty chosen men, neither more nor less.
So Maildun built a large triple-hide curragh, following the druid's directions in every particular; chose his crew of sixty, among whom were his two
friends, Germane and Diuran Lekerd; and on the day appointed put out to sea.
When he had got only a very little way from the land, he saw his three foster brothers running down to the shore, signalling and calling out to him to return and take them on board; for they said they wished to go with him.
"We shall not turn back," said Maildun; "and you cannot come with us; for we have already got our exact number."
"We will swim after you in the sea till we are drowned, if you do not return for us," replied they; and so saying, the three plunged in and swam after the curragh.
When Maildun saw this, he turned his vessel towards them, and took them on board rather than let them be drowned.

THE VOYAGE OF MAILDUN

CHAPTER II: THE FIRST ISLAND. TIDINGS OF THE PLUNDERERS

THEY sailed that day and night, as well as the whole of next day, till darkness came on again ; and at midnight they saw two small bare islands, with two great houses on them near the shore. When they drew near, they heard the sounds of merriment and laughter, and the shouts of revellers intermingled with the loud voices of warriors boasting of their deeds. And listening to catch the conversation, they heard one warrior say to another; "Stand off from me, for I am a better warrior than thou; it was I who slew Allil Ocar Aga, and burned Dooclone over his head; and no one has ever dared to avenge it on me. Thou hast never done a great deed like that!"
"Now surely," said Germane and Diuran to Maildun, "Heaven has guided our ship to this place! Here is an easy victory. Let us now sack this house, since God has revealed our enemies to us, and delivered them into our hands!"
While they were yet speaking, the wind arose, and a great tempest suddenly broke on them. And they were driven violently before the storm, all that night and a part of next day, into the great and boundless ocean; so that they saw neither the islands they had left nor any other land; and they knew not whither they were going.
Then Maildun said, "Take down your sail and put by your oars, and let the curragh drift before the wind in whatsoever direction it pleases God to lead us;" which was done.
He then turned to his foster brothers, and said to them, "This evil has befallen us because we took you into the curragh, thereby violating the druid's directions; for he forbade me to go to sea with more than sixty men for my crew, and we had that number before you joined us. Of a surety more evil will come of it."
His foster brothers answered nothing to this, but remained silent.

THE VOYAGE OF MAILDUN

CHAPTER III: THE ISLAND OF THE MONSTROUS ANTS

FOR three days and three nights they saw no land. On the morning of the fourth day, while it was yet dark, they heard a sound to the north-east; and Germane said; "This is the voice of the waves breaking on the shore."
As soon as it was light they saw land and made towards it. While they were casting lots to know who should go and explore the country, they saw great flocks of ants coming down to the beach, each of them as large as a foal. The people judged by their numbers, and by their eager and hungry look, that they were bent on eating both ship and crew; so they turned their vessel round and sailed quickly away.
Their multitudes countless, prodigious their size;
Were never such ants seen or heard of before.
They struggled and tumbled and plunged for the prize,
And fiercely the famine-fire blazed from their eyes,
As they ground with their teeth the red sand of the shore!

THE VOYAGE OF MAILDUN

CHAPTER IV: THE TERRACED ISLE OF BIRDS

AGAIN for three days and three nights they saw no land. But on the morning of the fourth day they heard the murmur of the waves on the beach; and as the day dawned, they saw a large high island, with terraces all round it, rising one behind another. On the terraces grew rows of tall trees, on which were perched great numbers of large, bright-coloured birds. When the crew were about to hold council as to who should visit the island and see whether the birds were tame, Maildun himself offered to go. So he went with a few companions; and they viewed the island warily, but found nothing to hurt or alarm them; after which they caught great numbers of the birds and brought them to their ship.
A shield-shaped island, with terraces crowned, And great trees circling round and round:
From the summit down to the wave-washed rocks,
There are bright-coloured birds in myriad flocks
Their plumes are radiant; but hunger is keen
So the birds are killed,
Till the curragh is filled,
And the sailors embark on the ocean green!

THE VOYAGE OF MAILDUN

CHAPTER V: A MONSTER

THEY sailed from this, and on the fourth day discovered a large, sandy island, on which, when they came near, they saw a huge, fearful animal standing on the beach, and looking at them very attentively. He was somewhat like a horse in shape ; but his legs were like the legs of a dog ; and he had great, sharp claws of a blue colour.
Maildun, having viewed this monster for some time, liked not his look; and, telling his companions to watch him closely, for that he seemed bent on mischief, he bade the oarsmen row very slowly towards land.
The monster seemed much delighted when the ship drew nigh the shore, and gambolled and pranced about with joy on the beach, before the eyes of the voyagers; for he intended to eat the whole of them the moment they landed.
"He seems not at all sorry to see us coming," said Maildun; "but we must avoid him and put back from the shore."
This was done. And when the animal observed them drawing off, he ran down in a great rage to the very water's edge, and digging up large, round pebbles with his sharp claws, he began to fling them at the vessel; but the crew soon got beyond his reach, and sailed into the open sea.
A horrible monster, with blazing eyes,
In shape like a horse and tremendous in size,
Awaiting the curragh, they saw;
With big bony jaws
And murderous claws,
That filled them with terror and awe:
How gleeful he dances,
And bellows and prances,
As near to the island they draw;
Expecting a feast
The bloodthirsty beast
With his teeth like edge of a saw:
Then he ran to the shore,
With a deafening roar,
Intending to swallow them raw:
But the crew, with a shout,
Put their vessel about,
And escaped from his ravenous maw!

THE VOYAGE OF MAILDUN

CHAPTER VI: THE DEMON HORSE-RACE

AFTER sailing a long distance, they came in view of a broad, flat island. It fell to the lot of Germane to go and examine it, and he did not think the task a pleasant one. Then his friend Diuran said to him; "I will go with you this time ; and when next it falls to my lot to visit an island, you shall come with me." So both went together.
They found the island very large; and some distance from the shore they came to a broad green race-course, in which they saw immense hoof-marks, the size of a ship's sail, or of a large dining-table. They found nut-shells, as large as helmets, scattered about ; and although they could see no one, they observed all the marks and tokens that people of huge size were lately employed there at sundry kinds of work.
Seeing these strange signs, they became alarmed, and went and called their companions from the boat to view them. But the others, when they had seen them, were also struck with fear, and all quickly retired from the place and went on board their curragh.
When they had got a little way from the land, they saw dimly, as it were through a mist, a vast multitude of people on the sea, of gigantic size and demoniac look, rushing along the crests of the waves with great outcry. As soon as this shadowy host had landed, they went to the green, where they arranged a horse-race.
The horses were swifter than the wind; and as they pressed forward in the race, the multitudes raised a mighty shout like thunder, which reached the crew as if it were beside them. Maildun and his men, as they sat in their curragh, heard the strokes of the whips and the cries of the riders ; and though the race was far off, they could distinguish the eager words of the spectators: "Observe the grey horse!" "See that chestnut horse!" "Watch the horse with the white spots!" "My horse leaps better than yours!"
After seeing and hearing these things, the crew sailed away from the island as quickly as they were able, into the open ocean, for they felt quite sure that the multitude they saw was a gathering of demons.
A spacious isle of meadowy plains, with a broad and sandy shore:
Two bold and trusty spies are sent, its wonders to explore.
Mysterious signs, strange, awful sights, now meet the wanderers' eyes:
Vast hoof-marks, and the traces dire of men of monstrous size:
And lo ! on the sea, in countless hosts, their shadowy forms expand;
They pass the affrighted sailors by, and like demons they rush to land;
They mount their steeds, and the race is run, in the midst of hell's uproar:
Then the wanderers quickly raise their sails, and leave the accursed shore.

THE VOYAGE OF MAILDUN

CHAPTER VII: THE PALACE OF SOLITUDE

THEY suffered much from hunger and thirst this time, for they sailed a whole week without making land; but at the end of that time they came in sight of a high island, with a large and very splendid house on the beach near the water's edge. There were two doors one turned inland, and the other facing the sea; and the door that looked towards the sea was closed with a great flat stone. In this stone was an opening, through which the waves, as they beat against the door every day, threw numbers of salmon into the house.
The voyagers landed, and went through the whole house without meeting any one. But they saw in one large room an ornamented couch, intended for the head of the house, and in each of the other rooms was a larger one for three members of the family: and there was a cup of crystal on a little table before each couch. They found abundance of food and ale, and they ate and drank till they were satisfied, thanking God for having relieved them from hunger and thirst.
Aloft, high towering o'er the ocean's foam,
The spacious mansion rears its glittering dome.
Each day the billows, through the marble door,
Shoot living salmon floundering on the floor.
Couches that lure the sailors to recline,
Abundant food, brown ale, and sparkling wine;
Tables and chairs in order duly placed,
With crystal cups and golden goblets graced.
But not a living soul the wanderers found;
'Twas silence all and solitude profound.
They eat and drink, give thanks, then hoist their sail,
And skim the deep once more, obedient to the gale.

THE VOYAGE OF MAILDUN

CHAPTER VIII: THE ISLAND OF THE WONDERFUL APPLE TREE

AFTER leaving this, they suffered again from hunger, till they came to an island with a high hill round it on every side. A single apple tree grew in the middle, very tall and slender, and all its branches were in like manner exceedingly slender, and of wonderful length, so that they grew over the hill and down to the sea. When the ship came near the island, Maildun caught one of the branches in his hand. For three days and three nights the ship coasted the island, and during all this time he held the branch, letting it slide through his hand, till on the third day he found a cluster of seven apples on the very end. Each of these apples supplied the travellers with food and drink for forty days and forty nights.

THE VOYAGE OF MAILDUN

CHAPTER IX: THE ISLAND OF BLOODTHIRSTY QUADRUPEDS

A BEAUTIFUL island next came in view, in which they saw, at a distance, multitudes of large animals shaped like horses. The voyagers, as they drew near, viewed them attentively, and soon observed that one of them opened his mouth and bit a great piece out of the side of the animal that stood next him, bringing away skin and flesh. Immediately after, another did the same to the nearest of his fellows. And, in short, the voyagers saw that all the animals in the island kept worrying and tearing each other from time to time in this manner ; so that the ground was covered far and wide with the blood that streamed from their sides.
In needless strife they oft contend,
A cruel, mutua -mangling brood;
Their flesh with gory tusks they rend,
And crimson all the isle with blood.

THE VOYAGE OF MAILDUN

CHAPTER X: AN EXTRAORDINARY MONSTER

THE next island had a wall all round it. When they came near the shore, an animal of vast size, with a thick, rough skin, started up inside the wall, and ran round the island with the swiftness of the wind. When he had ended his race, he went to a high point, and standing on a large, flat stone, began to exercise himself according to his daily custom, in the following manner. He kept turning himself completely round and round in his skin, the bones and flesh moving, while the skin remained at rest.
When he was tired of this exercise, he rested a little; and he then began turning his skin continually round his body, down at one side and up at the other like a mill-wheel; but the bones and flesh did not move.
After spending some time at this sort of work, he started and ran round the island as at first, as if to refresh himself. He then went back to the same spot, and this time, while the skin that covered the lower part of his body remained without motion, he whirled the skin of the upper part round and round like the movement of a flat-lying millstone. And it was in this manner that he spent most of his time on the island.
Maildun and his people, after they had seen these strange doings, thought it better not to venture nearer. So they put out to sea in great haste. The monster, observing them about to fly, ran down to the beach to seize the ship ; but finding that they had got out of his reach, he began to fling round stones at them with great force and an excellent aim. One of them struck Maildun's shield and went quite through it, lodging in the keel of the curragh; after which the voyagers got beyond his range and sailed away.
In a wall-circled isle a big monster they found,
With a hide like an elephant, leathery and bare;
He threw up his heels with a wonderful bound,
And ran round the isle with the speed of a hare.
But a feat more astounding has yet to be told:
He turned round and round in his leathery skin;
His bones and his flesh and his sinews he rolled
He was resting outside while he twisted within!
Then, changing his practice with marvellous skill,
His carcase stood rigid and round went his hide;
It whirled round his bones like the wheel of a mill
He was resting within while he twisted outside!
Next, standing quite near on a green little hill,
After galloping round in the very same track,
While the skin of his belly stood perfectly still,
Like a millstone he twisted the skin of his back!
But Maildun and his men put to sea in their boat,
For they saw his two eyes looking over the wall;
And they knew by the way that he opened his throat,
He intended to swallow them, curragh and all!

THE VOYAGE OF MAILDUN

CHAPTER XI: THE ISLE OF RED-HOT ANIMALS

NOT daring to land on this island, they turned away hurriedly, much disheartened, not knowing whither to turn or where to find a resting-place. They sailed for a long time, suffering much from hunger and thirst, and praying fervently to be relieved from their distress. At last, when they were beginning to sink into a state of despondency, being quite worn out with toil and hardship of every kind, they sighted land.
It was a large and beautiful island, with innumerable fruit trees scattered over its surface, bearing abundance of gold-coloured apples. Under the trees they saw herds of short, stout animals, of a bright red colour, shaped somewhat like pigs"; but coming nearer, and looking more closely, they perceived with astonishment that the animals were all fiery, and that their bright colour was caused by the red flames which penetrated and lighted up their bodies.
The voyagers now. observed several of them approach one of the trees in a body, and striking the trunk all together with their hind legs, they shook down some of the apples and ate them. In this manner the animals employed themselves every day, from early morning till the setting of the sun, when they retired into deep caves, and were seen no more till next morning.
Numerous flocks of birds were swimming on the sea, all round the island. From morning till noon, they continued to swim away from the land, farther and farther out to sea; but at noon they turned round, and from that to sunset they swam back towards the shore. A little after sunset, when the animals had retired to their caves, the birds flocked in on the island, and spread themselves over it, plucking the apples from the trees and eating them.
Maildun proposed that they should land on the island, and gather some of the fruit, saying that it was not harder or more dangerous for them than for the birds; so two of the men were sent beforehand to examine the place. They found the ground hot under their feet, for the fiery animals, as they lay at rest, heated the earth all around and above their caves; but the two scouts persevered notwithstanding, and brought away some of the apples.
When morning dawned, the birds left the island and swam out to sea; and the fiery animals, coming forth from their caves, went among the trees as usual, and ate the apples till evening. The crew remained in their curragh all day; and as soon as the animals had gone into their caves for the night, and the birds had taken their place, Maildun landed with all his men. And they plucked the apples till morning, and brought them on board, till they had gathered as much as they could stow into their vessel.

THE VOYAGE OF MAILDUN

CHAPTER XII: THE PALACE OF THE LITTLE CAT

AFTER rowing for a long time, their store of apples failed them, and they had nothing to eat or drink; so that they suffered sorely under a hot sun, and their mouths and nostrils were filled with the briny smell of the sea. At last they came in sight of land a little island with a large palace on it. Around the palace was a wall, white all over, without stain or flaw, as if it had been built of burnt lime, or carved out of one unbroken rock of chalk; and where it looked towards the sea it was so lofty that it seemed almost to reach the clouds.
The gate of this outer wall was open, and a number of fine houses, all snowy white, were ranged round on the inside, enclosing a level court in the middle, on which all the houses opened. Maildun and his people entered the largest of them, and walked through several rooms without meeting with any one. But on reaching the principal apartment, they saw in it a small cat, playing among a number of low, square, marble pillars, which stood ranged in a row; and his play was, leaping continually from the top of one pillar to the top of another. When the men entered the room, the cat looked at them for a moment, but returned to his play anon, and took no further notice of them.
Looking now to the room itself, they saw three rows of precious jewels ranged round the wall from one door-jamb to the other. The first was a row of brooches of gold and silver, with their pins fixed in the wall, and their heads outwards ; the second, a row of torques of gold and silver; and the third, a row of great swords, with hilts of gold and silver.
Round the room were arranged a number of couches, all pure white and richly ornamented. Abundant food of various kinds was spread on tables, among which they observed a boiled ox and a roast hog; and there were many large drinking-horns, full of good, intoxicating ale.
"Is it for us that this food has been prepared?" said Maildun to the cat.
The cat, on hearing the question, ceased from playing, and looked at him; but he recommenced his play immediately. Whereupon Maildun told his people that the dinner was meant for them; and they all sat down, and ate and drank till they were satisfied, after which they rested and slept on the couches.
When they awoke, they poured what was left of the ale into one vessel; and they gathered the remnants of the food to bring them away. As they were about to go, Maildun's eldest foster brother asked him;
"Shall I bring one of those large torques away with me?"
"By no means," said Maildun; "it is well that we have got food and rest. Bring nothing away, for it is certain that this house is not left without some one to guard it."
The young man, however, disregarding Maildun's advice, took down one of the torques and brought it away. But the cat followed him, and overtook him in the middle of the court, and, springing on him like a blazing, fiery arrow, he went through his body, and reduced it in a moment to a heap of ashes. He then returned to the room, and, leaping up on one of the pillars, sat upon it.
Maildun turned back, bringing the torque with him, and, approaching the cat, spoke some soothing words; after which he put the torque back to the place from which it had been taken. Having done this, he collected the ashes of his foster brother, and, bringing them to the shore, cast them into the sea. They all then went on board the curragh, and continued their voyage, grieving for their lost companion, but thanking God for His many mercies to them.

THE VOYAGE OF MAILDUN

CHAPTER XIII: AN ISLAND THAT DYED BLACK AND WHITE

ON the morning of the third day, they came to another island, which was divided into two parts by a wall of brass running across the middle. They saw two great flocks of sheep, one on each side of the wall; and all those at one side were black, while those at the other side were white.
A very large man was employed in dividing and arranging the sheep; and he often took up a sheep and threw it with much ease over the wall from one side to the other. When he threw over a white sheep among the black ones, it became black immediately; and in like manner, when he threw a black sheep over, it was instantly changed to white.
The travellers were very much alarmed on witnessing these doings; and Maildun said; "It is very well that we know so far. Let us now throw something on shore, to see whether it also will change colour ; if it does, we shall avoid the island."
So they took a branch with black-coloured bark and threw it towards the white sheep, and no sooner did it touch the ground than it became white. They then threw a white-coloured branch on the side of the black sheep, and in a moment it turned black.
"It is very lucky for us," said Maildun, "that we did not land on the island, for doubtless our colour would have changed like the colour of the branches."
So they put about with much fear, and sailed away.

THE VOYAGE OF MAILDUN

CHAPTER XIV: THE ISLAND OF THE BURNING RIVER

ON the third day, they came in view of a large, broad island, on which they saw a herd of gracefully shaped swine; and they killed one small porkling for food. Towards the centre rose a high mountain, which they resolved to ascend, in order to view the island; and Germane and Diuran Lekerd were chosen for this task.
When they had advanced some distance towards the mountain, they came to a broad, shallow river; and sitting down on the bank to rest, Germane dipped the point of his lance into the water, which instantly burned off the top, as if the lance had been thrust into a furnace. So they went no farther.
On the opposite side of the river, they saw a herd of animals like great hornless oxen, all lying down; and a man of gigantic size near them: and Germane began to strike his spear against his shield, in order to rouse the cattle.
"Why are you frightening the poor young calves in that manner?" demanded the big shepherd, in a tremendous voice.
Germane, astonished to find that such large animals were nothing more than calves, instead of answering the question, asked the big man where the
mothers of those calves were.
"They are on the side of yonder mountain," he replied.
Germane and Diuran waited to hear no more; but, returning to their companions, told them all they had seen and heard; after which the crew embarked and left the island.

THE VOYAGE OF MAILDUN

CHAPTER XV: THE MILLER OF HELL

THE next island they came to, which was not far off from the last, had a large mill on it; and near the door stood the miller, a huge-bodied, strong, burly man. They saw numberless crowds of men and horses laden with corn, coming towards the mill ; and when their corn was ground they went away towards the west. Great herds of all kinds of cattle covered the plain as far as the eye could reach, and among them many wagons laden with every kind of wealth that is produced on the ridge of the world. All these the miller put into the mouth of his mill to be ground ; and all, as they came forth, went westwards.
Maildun and his people now spoke to the miller, and asked him the name of the mill, and the meaning of all they had seen on the island. And he, turning quickly towards them, replied in few words; "This mill is called the Mill of Inver-tre-Kenand, and I am the miller of hell. All the corn and all the riches of the world that men are dissatisfied with, or which they complain of in any way, are sent here to be ground; and also every precious article, and every kind of wealth, which men try to conceal from God. All these I grind in the Mill of Inver-tre-Kenand, and send them afterwards away to the west."
He spoke no more, but turned round and busied himself again with his mill. And the voyagers, with much wonder and awe in their hearts, went to their curragh and sailed away.

THE VOYAGE OF MAILDUN

CHAPTER XVI: THE ISLE OF WEEPING

AFTER leaving this, they had not been long sailing when they discovered another large island, with a great multitude of people on it. They were all black, both skin and clothes, with black head-dresses also; and they kept walking about, sighing and weeping and wringing their hands, without the least pause or rest. It fell to the lot of Maildun's second foster brother to go and examine the island. And when he went among the people, he also grew sorrowful, and fell to weeping and wringing his hands, with the others.
Two of the crew were sent to bring him back; but they were unable to find him among the mourners; and, what was worse, in a little time they joined the crowd, and began to weep and lament like all the rest.
Maildun then chose four men to go and bring back the others by force, and he put arms in their hands, and gave them these directions; "When you land on the island, fold your mantles round your faces, so as to cover your mouths and noses, that you may not breathe the air of the country; and look neither to the right nor to the left, neither at the earth nor at the sky, but fix your eyes on your own men till you have laid hands on them."
They did exactly as they were told, and having come up with their two companions, namely, those who had been sent after Maildun's foster brother, they seized them and brought them back by force. But the other they could not find. When these two were asked what they had seen on the island, and why they began to weep, their only reply was;
"We cannot tell; we only know that we did what we saw the others doing."
And after this the voyagers sailed away from the island, leaving Maildun's second foster brother behind.

THE VOYAGE OF MAILDUN

CHAPTER XVII: THE ISLE OF THE FOUR PRECIOUS WALLS

THE next was a high island, divided into four parts by four walls meeting in the centre. The first was a wall of gold ; the second, a wall of silver; the third, a wall of copper; and the fourth, a wall of crystal. In the first of the four divisions were kings; in the second, queens; in the third, youths; and in the fourth, young maidens.
When the voyagers landed, one of the maidens came to meet them, and leading them forward to a house, gave them food. This food, which she dealt out to them from a small vessel, looked like cheese, and whatever taste pleased each person best, that was the taste he found on it. And after they had eaten till they were satisfied, they slept in a sweet sleep, as if gently intoxicated, for three days and three nights. When they awoke on the third day, they found themselves in their curragh on the open sea; and there was no appearance in any direction either of the maiden or of the island.

THE VOYAGE OF MAILDUN

CHAPTER XVIII: THE PALACE OF THE CRYSTAL BRIDGE

THEY came now to a small island, with a palace on it, having a copper chain in front, hung all over with a number of little silver bells. Straight before the door there was a fountain, spanned by a bridge of crystal, which led to the palace. They walked towards the bridge, meaning to cross it, but every time they stepped on it they fell backwards flat on the ground.
After some time, they saw a very beautiful young woman coming out of the palace, with a pail in her hand; and she lifted a crystal slab from the bridge, and, having filled her vessel from the fountain, she went back into the palace.
"This woman has been sent to keep house for Maildun," said Germane.
"Maildun indeed!" said she, as she shut the door after her.
After this they began to shake the copper chain, and the tinkling of the silver bells was so soft and melodious that the voyagers gradually fell into a gentle, tranquil sleep, and slept so till next morning. When they awoke, they saw the same young woman coming forth from the palace, with the pail in her hand; and she lifted the crystal slab as before, filled her vessel, and returned into the palace.
"This woman has certainly been sent to keep house for Maildun," said Germane.
"Wonderful are the powers of Maildun!" said she, as she shut the door of the court behind her.
They stayed in this place for three days and three nights, and each morning the maiden came forth in the same manner, and filled her pail. On the fourth day, she came towards them, splendidly and beautifully dressed, with her bright yellow hair bound by a circlet of gold, and wearing silver-work shoes on her small, white feet. She had a white mantle over her shoulders, which was fastened in front by a silver brooch studded with gold; and under all, next her soft, snow-white skin, was a garment of fine white silk.
"My love to you, Maildun, and to your companions," she said; and she mentioned them all, one after another, calling each by his own proper name.
"My love to you," said she. "We knew well that you were coming to our island, for your arrival has long been foretold to us."
Then she led them to a large house standing by the sea, and she caused the curragh to be drawn high up on the beach. They found in the house a number of couches, one of which was intended for Maildun alone, and each of the others for three of his people. The woman then gave them, from one vessel, food which was like cheese; first of all ministering to Maildun, and then giving a triple share to every three of his companions; and whatever taste each man wished for, that was the taste he found on it. She then lifted the crystal slab at the bridge, filled her pail, and dealt out drink to them; and she knew exactly how much to give, both of food and of drink, so that each had enough and no more.
"This woman would make a fit wife for Maildun," said his people. But while they spoke, she went from them with her pail in her hand.
When she was gone, Maildun's companions said to him, "Shall we ask this maiden to become thy wife?"
He answered, "What advantage will it be to you to ask her?"
She came next morning, and they said to her, "Why dost thou not stay here with us? Wilt thou make friendship with Maildun; and wilt thou take him for thy husband?"
She replied that she and all those that lived on the island were forbidden to marry with the sons of men; and she told them that she could not disobey, as she knew not what sin or transgression was.
She then went from them to her house; and on the next morning, when she returned, and after she had ministered to them as usual, till they were satisfied with food and drink, and were become cheerful, they spoke the same words to her.
"To-morrow," she replied, "you will get an answer to your question;" and so saying, she walked towards her house, and they went to sleep on their couches.
When they awoke next morning, they found themselves lying in their curragh on the sea, beside a great high rock; and when they looked about, they saw neither the woman, nor the palace of the crystal bridge, nor any trace of the island where they had been sojourning.

THE VOYAGE OF MAILDUN

CHAPTER XIX: THE ISLE OF SPEAKING BIRDS

ONE night, soon after leaving this, they heard in the distance, towards the north-east, a confused murmur of voices, as if from a great number of persons singing psalms. They followed the direction of the sound, in order to learn from what it proceeded; and at noon the next day, they came in view of an island, very hilly and lofty. It was full of birds, some black, some brown, and some speckled, who were all shouting and speaking with human voices; and it was from them that the great clamour came.

THE VOYAGE OF MAILDUN

CHAPTER XX: THE AGED HERMIT, AND THE HUMAN SOULS

AT a little distance from this they found another small island, with many trees on it, some standing singly, and some in clusters, on which were perched great numbers of birds. They also saw an aged man on the island, who was covered thickly all over with long, white hair, and wore no other dress. And when they landed, they spoke to him, and asked him who he was and what race he belonged to.
"I am one of the men of Erin," he replied. "On a certain day, a long, long time ago, I embarked in a small curragh, and put out to sea on a pilgrimage; but I had got only a little way from shore, when my curragh became very unsteady, as if it were about to overturn. So I returned to land, and, in order to steady my boat, I placed under my feet at the bottom, a number of green surface sods, cut from one of the grassy fields of my own country, and began my voyage anew. Under the guidance of God, I arrived at this spot ; and He fixed the sods in the sea for me, so that they formed a little island. At first I had barely room to stand; but every year, from that time to the present, the Lord has added one foot to the length and breadth of my island, till in the long lapse of ages it has grown to its present size. And on one day in each year, He has caused a single tree to spring up, till the island has become covered with trees. Moreover, I am so old that my body, as you see, has become covered with long, white hair, so that I need no other dress.
"And the birds that ye see on the trees," he continued, "these are the souls of my children, and of all my descendants, both men and women, who are sent to this little island to abide with me according as they die in Erin. God has caused a well of ale to spring up for us on the island; and every morning the angels bring me half a cake, a slice of fish, and a cup of ale from the well ; and in the evening the same allowance of food and ale is dealt out to each man and woman of my people. And it is in this manner that we live, and shall continue to live till the end of the world; for, we are all awaiting here the day of judgment."
Maildun and his companions were treated hospitably on the island by the old pilgrim for three days and three nights; and when they were taking leave of him, he told them that they should all reach their own country except one man.

THE VOYAGE OF MAILDUN

CHAPTER XXI: THE ISLAND OF THE BIG BLACKSMITHS

WHEN they had been for a long time tossed about on the waters, they saw land in the distance. On approaching the shore, they heard the roaring of a great bellows, and the thundering sound of smiths' hammers striking a large glowing mass of iron on an anvil; and every blow seemed to Maildun as loud as if a dozen men had brought down their sledges all together.
When they had come a little nearer, they heard the big voices of the smiths in eager talk.
"Are they near?" asked one.
"Hush! silence!" says another.
"Who are they that you say are coming?" inquired a third.
"Little fellows, that are rowing towards our shore in a pigmy boat," says the first.
When Maildun heard this, he hastily addressed the crew; "Put back at once, but do not turn the curragh: reverse the sweep of your oars, and let her move stern forward, so that those giants may not perceive that we are flying!"
The crew at once obey, and the boat begins to move away from the shore, stern forward, as he had commanded.
The first smith again spoke. "Are they near enough to the shore?" said he to the man who was watching.
"They seem to be at rest," answered the other; "for I cannot perceive that they are coming closer, and they have not turned their little boat to go back."
In a short time the first smith asks again, "What are they doing now?"
"I think," said the watcher, "they are flying; for it seems to me that they are now farther off than they were a while ago."
At this the first smith rushed out of the forge a huge, burly giant holding, in the tongs which he grasped in his right hand, a vast mass of iron sparkling
and glowing from the furnace; and, running down to the shore with long, heavy strides, he flung the red-hot mass with all his might after the curragh. It fell a little short, and plunged down just near the prow, causing the whole sea to hiss and boil and heave up around the boat. But they plied their oars, so that they quickly got beyond his reach, and sailed out into the open ocean.

THE VOYAGE OF MAILDUN

CHAPTER XXII: THE CRYSTAL SEA

AFTER a time, they came to a sea like green crystal. It was so calm and transparent that they could see the sand at the bottom quite clearly, sparkling in the sunlight. And in this sea they saw neither monsters, nor ugly animals, nor rough rocks; nothing but the clear water and the sunshine and the bright sand. For a whole day they sailed over it, admiring its splendour and beauty.

THE VOYAGE OF MAILDUN

CHAPTER XXIII: A LOVELY COUNTRY BENEATH THE WAVES

AFTER leaving this they entered on another sea, which seemed like a clear, thin cloud; and it was so transparent, and appeared so light, that they thought at first it would not bear up the weight of the curragh.
Looking down, they could see, beneath the clear water, a beautiful country, with many mansions surrounded by groves and woods. In one place was a single tree; and, standing on its branches, they saw an animal fierce and terrible to look upon.
Round about the tree was a great herd of oxen grazing, and a man stood near to guard them, armed with shield and spear and sword; but when he looked up and saw the animal on the tree, he turned anon and fled with the utmost speed. Then the monster stretched forth his neck, and, darting his head downward, plunged his fangs into the back of the largest ox of the whole herd, lifted him off the ground into the tree, and swallowed him down in the twinkling of an eye; whereupon the whole herd took to flight.
When Maildun and his people saw this, they were seized with great terror ; for they feared they should not be able to cross the sea over the monster, on account of the extreme mist-like thinness of the water; but after much difficulty and danger they got across it safely.

THE VOYAGE OF MAILDUN

CHAPTER XXIV: AN ISLAND GUARDED BY A WALL OF WATER

WHEN they came to the next island, they observed with astonishment that the sea rose up over it on every side, steep and high, standing, as it were, like a wall all round it. When the people of the island saw the voyagers, they rushed hither and thither, shouting, "There they are, surely! There they come again for another spoil!"
Then Maildun's people saw great numbers of men and women, all shouting and driving vast herds of horses, cows, and sheep. A woman began to pelt the crew from below with large nuts; she flung them so that they alighted on the waves round the boat, where they remained floating; and the crew gathered great quantities of them and kept them for eating.
When they turned to go away, the shouting ceased; and they heard one man calling aloud, "Where are they now?" and another answering him, "They are gone away!"
From what Maildun saw and heard at this island, it is likely that it had been foretold to the people that their country should some day be spoiled by certain marauders; and that they thought Maildun and his men were the enemies they expected.

THE VOYAGE OF MAILDUN

CHAPTER XXV: A WATER-ARCH IN THE AIR

ON the next island they saw a very wonderful thing, namely, a great stream of water which, gushing up out of the strand, rose into the air in the form of a rainbow, till it crossed the whole island and came down on the strand at the other side. They walked under it without getting wet; and they hooked down from it many large salmon. Great quantities of salmon of a very great size fell also out of the water over their heads down on the ground; so that the whole island smelled of fish, and it became troublesome to gather them on account of their abundance.
From the evening of Sunday till the evening of Monday, the stream never ceased to flow, and never changed its place, but remained spanning the island like a solid arch of water. Then the voyagers gathered the largest of the salmon, till they had as much as the curragh would hold; after which they sailed out into the great sea.

THE VOYAGE OF MAILDUN

CHAPTER XXVI: THE SILVER PILLAR OF THE SEA

THE next thing they found after this was an immense silver pillar standing in the sea. It had eight sides, each of which was the width of an oar-stroke of the curragh, so that its whole circumference was eight oar-strokes. It rose out of the sea without any land or earth about it, nothing but the boundless ocean; and they could not see its base deep down in the water, neither were they able to see the top on account of its vast height.
A silver net hung from the top down to the very water, extending far out at one side of the pillar; and the meshes were so large that the curragh in full
sail went through one of them. When they were passing through it, Diuran struck the mesh with the edge of his spear, and with the blow cut a large piece off it.
"Do not destroy the net," said Maildun; "for what we see is the work of great men."
"What I have done," answered Diuran, "is for the honour of my God, and in order that the story of our adventures may be more readily believed; and I shall lay this silver as an offering on the altar of Armagh, if I ever reach Erin."
That piece of silver weighed two ounces and a half, as it was reckoned afterwards by the people of the church of Armagh.
After this they heard some one speaking on the top of the pillar, in a loud, clear, glad voice ; but they knew neither what he said, nor in what language he spoke.

THE VOYAGE OF MAILDUN

CHAPTER XXVII: AN ISLAND STANDING ON ONE PILLAR

THE island they saw after this was named Encos; and it was so called because it was supported by a single pillar in the middle. They rowed all round it, seeking how they might get into it; but could find no landing-place. At the foot of the pillar, however, down deep in the water, they saw a door securely closed and locked, and they judged that this was the way into the island. They called aloud, to find out if any persons were living there; but they got no reply. So they left it, and put out to sea once more.

THE VOYAGE OF MAILDUN

CHAPTER XXVIII: THE ISLAND QUEEN DETAINS THEM WITH HER MAGIC THREAD-CLEW.

THE next island they reached was very large. On one side rose a lofty, smooth, heath-clad mountain, and all the rest of the island was a grassy plain. Near the sea-shore stood a great high palace, adorned with carvings and precious stones, and strongly fortified with a high rampart all round. After landing, they went towards the palace, and sat to rest on the bench before the gateway leading through the outer rampart; and, looking in through the open door, they saw a number of beautiful young maidens in the court.
After they had sat for some time, a rider appeared at a distance, coming swiftly towards the palace; and on a near approach, the travellers perceived that it was a lady, young and beautiful and richly dressed. She wore a blue, rustling silk head-dress; a silver-fringed purple cloak hung from her shoulders; her gloves were embroidered with gold thread; and her feet were laced becomingly in close-fitting scarlet sandals. One of the maidens came out and held her horse, while she dismounted and entered the palace; and soon after she had gone in, another of the maidens came towards Maildun and his companions and said; "You are welcome to this island. Come into the palace; the queen has sent me to invite you, and is waiting to receive you."
They followed the maiden into the palace; and the queen bade them welcome, and received them kindly. Then, leading them into a large hall in which a plentiful dinner was laid out, she bade them sit down and eat. A dish of choice food and a crystal goblet of wine were placed before Maildun; while a single dish and a single drinking-bowl, with a triple quantity of meat and drink, were laid before each three of his companions. And having eaten and drunk till they were satisfied, they went to sleep on soft couches till morning.
Next day, the queen addressed Maildun and his companions; "Stay now in this country, and do not go a-wandering any longer over the wide ocean from island to island. Old age or sickness shall never come upon you ; but you shall be always as young as you are at present, and you shall live for ever a life of ease and pleasure."
"Tell us," said Maildun, "how you pass your life here."
"That is no hard matter," answered the queen.
"The good king who formerly ruled over this island was my husband, and these fair young maidens that you see are our children. He died after a long reign, and as he left no son, I now reign, the sole ruler of the island. And every day I go to the Great Plain, to administer justice and to decide causes among my people."
"Wilt thou go from us to-day?" asked Maildun.
"I must needs go even now," she replied, "to give judgments among the people; but as to you, you will all stay in this house till I return in the evening, and you need not trouble yourselves with any labour or care."
They remained in that island during the three months of winter. And these three months appeared to Maildun's companions as long as three years, for
they began to have an earnest desire to return to their native land. At the end of that time, one of them said to Maildun; "We have been a long time here; why do we not return to our own country?"
"What you say is neither good nor sensible," answered Maildun, "for we shall not find in our own country anything better than we have here."
But this did not satisfy his companions, and they began to murmur loudly. "It is quite clear," said they, "that Maildun loves the queen of this island; and as this is so, let him stay here; but as for us, we will return to our own country."
Maildun, however, would not consent to remain after them, and he told them that he would go away with them.
Now, on a certain day, not long after this conversation, as soon as the queen had gone to the Great Plain to administer justice, according to her daily custom, they got their curragh ready and put out to sea. They had not gone very far from land when the queen came riding towards the shore; and, seeing how matters stood, she went into the palace and soon returned with a ball of thread in her hand.
Walking down to the water's edge, she flung the ball after the curragh, but held the end of the thread in her hand. Maildun caught the ball as it was passing, and it clung to his hand; and the queen, gently pulling the thread towards her, drew back the curragh to the very spot from which they had started in the little harbour. And when they had landed, she made them promise that if ever this happened again, some one should always stand up in the boat and catch the ball.
The voyagers abode on the island, much against their will, for nine months longer. For every time they attempted to escape, the queen brought them back by means of the clew, as she had done at first, Maildun always catching the ball.
At the end of the nine months, the men held council, and this is what they said; "We know now that Maildun does not wish to leave the island; for he loves this queen very much, and he catches the ball whenever we try to escape, in order that we may be brought back to the palace."
Maildun replied, "Let some one else attend to the ball next time, and let us try whether it will cling to his hand."
They agreed to this, and, watching their opportunity, they again put off towards the open sea. The queen arrived, as usual, before they had gone very far, and flung the ball after them as before. Another man of the crew caught it, and it clung as firmly to his hand as to Maildun's; and the queen began to draw the curragh towards the shore. But Diuran, drawing his sword, cut off the man's hand, which fell with the ball into the sea; and the men gladly plying their oars, the curragh resumed her outward voyage.
When the queen saw this, she began to weep and lament, wringing her hands and tearing her hair with grief; and her maidens also began to weep and cry aloud and clap their hands, so that the whole palace was full of grief and lamentation. But none the less did the men bend to their oars, and the curragh sailed away; and it was in this manner that the voyagers made their escape from the island.

THE VOYAGE OF MAILDUN

CHAPTER XXIX: THE ISLE OF INTOXICATING WINE-FRUITS

THEY were now a long time tossed about on the great billows, when at length they came in view of an island with many trees on it. These trees were somewhat like hazels, and they were laden with a kind of fruit which the voyagers had not seen before, extremely large, and not very different in appearance from apples, except that they had a rough, berry-like rind.
After the crew had plucked all the fruit off one small tree, they cast lots who should try them, and the lot fell on Maildun. So he took some of them, and, squeezing the juice into a vessel, drank it. It threw him into a sleep of intoxication so deep that he seemed to be in a trance rather than in a natural slumber, without breath or motion, and with the red foam on his lips. And from that hour till the same hour next day, no one could tell whether he was living or dead.
When he awoke next day, he bade his people to gather as much of the fruit as they could bring away with them; for the world, as he told them, never produced anything of such surpassing goodness. They pressed out the juice of the fruit till they had filled all their vessels; and so powerful was it to produce intoxication and sleep, that, before drinking it, they had to mix a large quantity of water with it to moderate its strength.

THE VOYAGE OF MAILDUN

CHAPTER XXX: THE ISLE OF THE MYSTIC LAKE

THE island they came to next was larger than most of those they had seen. On one side grew a wood of yew trees and great oaks; and on the other side was a grassy plain, with one small lake in the midst. A noble-looking house stood on the near part of the plain, with a small church not far off; and numerous flocks of sheep browsed over the whole island.
The travellers went to the church, and found in it a hermit, with snow-white beard and hair, and all the other marks of great old age. Maildun asked who he was, and whence he had come.
He replied, "I am one of the fifteen people, who, following the example of our master, Brendan of Birra, sailed on a pilgrimage out into the great ocean. After many wanderings, we settled on this island, where we lived for a long time; but my companions died one after another, and of all who came hither, I alone am left."
The old pilgrim then showed them Brendan's satchel, which he and his companions had brought with them on their pilgrimage; and Maildun kissed it, and all bowed down in veneration before it. And he told them that as long as they remained there, they might eat of the sheep and of the other food of the island ; but to waste nothing.
One day, as they were seated on a hill, gazing out over the sea, they saw what they took to be a black cloud coming towards them from the south-west. They continued to view it very closely as it came nearer and nearer; and at last they perceived with amazement that it was an immense bird, for they saw quite plainly the slow, heavy flapping of his wings. When he reached the island, he alighted on a little hillock over the lake; and they felt no small alarm, for they thought, on account of his vast size, that if he saw them, he might seize them in his talons, and carry them off over the sea. So they hid themselves under trees and in the crannies of rocks; but they never lost sight of the bird, for they were bent on watching his movements.
He appeared very old, and he held in one claw a branch of a tree, which he had brought with him over the sea, larger and heavier than the largest full-grown oak. It was covered with fresh, green leaves, and was heavily laden with clusters of fruit, red and rich-looking like grapes, but much larger.
He remained resting for a time, on the hill, being much wearied after his flight, and at last he began to eat the fruit off the branch. After watching him for some time longer, Maildun ventured warily towards the hillock, to see whether he was inclined to mischief; but the bird showed no disposition to harm him. This emboldened the others, and they all followed their chief.
The whole crew now marched in a body round the bird, headed by Maildun, with their shields raised; and as he still made no stir, one of the men, by
Maildun's directions, went straight in front of him, and brought away some of the fruit from the branch which he still held in his talons. But the bird went on plucking and eating his fruit, and never took the least notice.
On the evening of that same day, as the men sat looking over the sea to the south-west, where the great bird first appeared to them, they saw in the distance two others, quite as large, coming slowly towards them from the very same point. On they came, flying at a vast height, nearer and nearer, till at last they swooped down and alighted on the hillock in front of the first bird, one on each side.
Although they were plainly much younger than the other, they seemed very tired, and took a long rest. Then, shaking their wings, they began picking the old bird all over, body, wings, and head, plucking out the old feathers and the decayed quill points, and smoothing down his plumage with their great beaks. After this had gone on for some time, the three began plucking the fruit off the branch, and they ate till they were satisfied.
Next morning, the two birds began at the very same work, picking and arranging the feathers of the old bird as before; and at midday they ceased, and began again to eat the fruit, throwing the stones and what they did not eat of the pulp, into the lake, till the water became red like wine. After this the old bird plunged into the lake and remained in it, washing himself, till evening, when he again flew up on the hillock, but perched on a different part of it, to avoid touching and defiling himself with the old feathers and the other traces of age and decay, which the younger birds had removed from him.
On the morning of the third day, the two younger birds set about arranging his feathers for the third time; and on this occasion they applied themselves to their task in a manner much more careful and particular than before, smoothing the plumes with the nicest touches, and arranging them in beautiful lines and glossy tufts and ridges. And so they continued without the least pause till midday, when they ceased. Then, after resting for a little while, they opened their great wings, rose into the air, and flew away swiftly towards the south-west, till the men lost sight of them in the distance.
Meantime the old bird, after the others had left, continued to smooth and plume his feathers till evening; then, shaking his wings, he rose up, and flew
three times round the island, as if to try his strength. And now the men observed that he had lost all the appearances of old age: his feathers were thick and glossy, his head was erect and his eye bright, and he flew with quite as much power and swiftness as the others. Alighting for the last time on the hillock, after resting a little, he rose again, and turning his flight after the other two, to the point from which he had come, he was soon lost to view, and the voyagers saw no more of him.
It now appeared very clear to Maildun and his companions that this bird had undergone a renewal of youth from old age, according to the word of the prophet, which says, "Thy youth shall be renewed as the eagle." Diuran, seeing this great wonder, said to his companions; "Let us also bathe in the lake, and we shall obtain a renewal of youth like the bird."
But they said, "Not so, for the bird has left the poison of his old age and decay in the water."
Diuran, however, would have his own way; and he told them he was resolved to try the virtue of the water, and that they might follow his example or not, whichever they pleased. So he plunged in and swam about for some time, after which he took a little of the water and mixed it in his mouth; and in the end he swallowed a small quantity. He then came out perfectly sound and whole ; and he remained so ever after, for as long as he lived he never lost a tooth or had a grey hair, and he suffered not from disease or bodily weakness of any kind. But none of the others ventured in.
The voyagers, having remained long enough on this island, stored in their curragh a large quantity of the flesh of the sheep; and after bidding farewell to the ancient cleric, they sought the ocean once more.
Now once again, when winds and tide combine,
The flying cnrragh cleaves the crested brine.
Far to the west an island rose to view,
With verdant plains, clear streams, and mountains blue.
An aged hermit, bred in Erin's. land,
Welcomed and blessed the chieftain and his band;
Brought food and drink, and bade them rest awhile,
And view the wonders of that lovely isle.
Lo, from the sea, three birds of monstrous size,
With vast wings slowly moving, cleave the skies;
And as they nearer drew, the sailors saw
One held a fruit branch firmly in his claw.
Down by the clear, mysterious lake they light,
Eat from the branch, and rest them from their flight.
The aged bird, with plumes decayed and thin,
Paused on the brink awhile, then, plunging in,
He bath'd and smooth' d his feathers o'er and o'er,
Shook his great wings and rested on the shore.
Now while the other two his plumes arrange,
Through all his frame appears a wondrous change:
His eyes grow bright, his head erect and bold,
His glossy plumage shines like burnished gold;
Free from old age, his glorious form expands;
In radiant youth and beauty proud he stands!
Such was the gift that lake of wonder gave;
Such was the virtue of its mystic wave.

THE VOYAGE OF MAILDUN

CHAPTER XXXI: THE ISLE OF LAUGHING

THEY next came to an island with a great plain extending over its whole surface. They saw a vast multitude of people on it, engaged in sundry youthful games, and all continually laughing. The voyagers cast lots who should go to examine the island; and the lot fell upon Maildun's third foster brother.
The moment he landed he went among the others and joined in their pastimes and in their laughter, as if he had been among them all his life. His companions waited for him a very long time, but were afraid to venture to land after him; and at last, as there seemed no chance of his returning, they left him and sailed away.

THE VOYAGE OF MAILDUN

CHAPTER XXXII: THE ISLE OF THE BLEST

THEY came now to a small island with a high wall of fire all round it, and there was a large open door in the wall at one side near the sea. They sailed backward and forward many times, and always paused before the door; for whenever they came right in front of it, they could see almost the whole island through it.
And this is what they saw: A great number of people, beautiful and glorious-looking, wearing rich garments adorned and radiant all over, feasting joyously, and drinking from embossed vessels of red gold which they held in their hands. The voyagers heard also their cheerful, festive songs; and they marvelled greatly, and their hearts were full of gladness at all the happiness they saw and heard. But they did not venture to land.

THE VOYAGE OF MAILDUN

CHAPTER XXXIII: THE HERMIT OF THE SEA-ROCK

A LITTLE time after leaving this, they saw something a long way off towards the south, which at first they took to be a large white bird floating on the sea, and rising and falling with the waves; but on turning their curragh towards it for a nearer view, they found that it was a man. He was very old, so old that he was covered all over with long, white hair, which grew from his body; and he was standing on a broad, bare rock, and kept continually throwing himself on his knees, and never ceased praying.
When they saw that he was a holy man, they asked and received his blessing; after which they began to converse with him; and they inquired who he was, and how he had come to that rock. Then the old man gave them the following account:
"I was born and bred in the island of Tory. When I grew up to be a man, I was cook to the brotherhood of the monastery; and a wicked cook I was; for every day I sold part of the food intrusted to me, and secretly bought many choice and rare things with the money. Worse even than this I did; I made secret passages underground into the church and into the houses belonging to it, and I stole from time to time great quantities of golden vestments, book- covers adorned with brass and gold, and other holy and precious things.
"I soon became very rich, and had my rooms filled with costly couches, with clothes of every colour, both linen and woollen, with brazen pitchers and caldrons, and with brooches and armlets of gold. Nothing was wanting in my house, of furniture and ornament, that a person in a high rank of life might be expected to have ; and I became very proud and overbearing.
"One day, I was sent to dig a grave for the body of a rustic that had been brought from the mainland to be buried on the island. I went and fixed on a spot in the little graveyard; but as soon as I had set to work, I heard a voice speaking down deep in the earth beneath my feet; "' Do not dig this grave!'
"I paused for a moment, startled ; but, recovering myself, I gave no further heed to the mysterious words, and again I began to dig. The moment I did
so, I heard the same voice, even more plainly than before.'
"'Do not dig this grave! I am a devout and holy person, and my body is lean and light; do not put the heavy, pampered body of that sinner down upon me!'
"But I answered, in the excess of my pride and obstinacy, ' I will certainly dig this grave ; and I will bury this body down on you!'
"'If you put that body down on me, the flesh will fall off your bones, and you will die, and be sent to the infernal pit at the end of three days; and, moreover, the body will not remain where you put it.'
"'What will you give me,' I asked, 'if I do not bury the corpse on you?'
"'Everlasting life in heaven,' replied the voice.
"'How do you know this; and how am I to be sure of it?' I inquired.
"And the voice answered me, 'The grave you are digging is clay. Observe now whether it will remain so, and then you will know the truth of what I tell you. And you will see that what I say will come to pass, and that you cannot bury that man on me, even if you should try to do so.'
"These words were scarce ended, when the grave was turned into a mass of white sand before my face. And when I saw this, I brought the body away, and buried it elsewhere.
"It happened, some time after, that I got a new curragh made, with the hides painted red all over; and I went to sea in it. As I sailed by the shores and islands, I was so pleased with the view of the land and sea from my curragh that I resolved to live altogether in it for some time; and I brought on board all my treasures silver cups, gold bracelets, and ornamented drinking-horns, and everything else, from the largest to the smallest article.
"I enjoyed myself for a time, while the air was clear and the sea calm and smooth. But one day, the winds suddenly arose and a storm burst upon me,
which carried me out to sea, so that I quite lost sight of land, and I knew not in what direction the curragh was drifting. After a time, the wind abated to a gentle gale, the sea became smooth, and the curragh sailed on as before, with a quiet, pleasant movement.
"But suddenly, though the breeze continued to blow, I thought I could perceive that the curragh ceased moving, and, standing up to find out the cause, I saw with great surprise an old man not far off, sitting on the crest of a wave.
"He spoke to me; and, as soon as I heard his voice, I knew it at once, but I could not at the moment call to mind where I had heard it before. And I became greatly troubled, and began to tremble, I knew not why.
"'Whither art thou going?' he asked.
"'I know not,' I replied; 'but this I know, I am pleased with the smooth, gentle motion of my curragh over the waves.'
"'You would not be pleased,' replied the old man, 'if you could see the troops that are at this moment around you.'
"'What troops do you speak of?' I asked. And he answered; "'All the space round about you, as far as your view reaches over the sea, and upwards to the clouds, is one great towering mass of demons, on account of your avarice, your thefts, your pride, and your other crimes and vices.'
"He then asked, 'Do you know why your curragh has stopped?'
"I answered, 'No;' and he said, 'It has been stopped by me; and it will never move from that spot till you promise me to do what I shall ask of you.'
"I replied that perhaps it was not in my power to grant his demand.
"'It is in your power,' he answered; 'and if you refuse me, the torments of hell shall be your doom.'
"He then came close to the curragh, and, laying his hands on me, he made me swear to do what he demanded.
"'What I ask is this,' said he; 'that you throw into the sea this moment all the ill-gotten treasures you have in the curragh.'
"This grieved me very much, and I replied, 'It is a pity that all these costly things should be lost.'
"To which he answered, 'They will not go to loss; a person will be sent to take charge of them. Now do as I say.'
"So, greatly against my wishes, I threw all the beautiful precious articles overboard, keeping only a small wooden cup to drink from.
"'You will now continue your voyage,' he said ; ' and the first solid ground your curragh reaches, there you are to stay.'
"He then gave me seven cakes and a cup of watery whey as food for my voyage; after which the curragh moved on, and I soon lost sight of him. And now I all at once recollected that the old man's voice was the same as the voice that I had heard come from the ground, when I was about to dig the grave for the body of the rustic. I was so astonished and troubled at this discovery, and so disturbed at the loss of all my wealth, that I threw aside my oars, and gave myself up altogether to the winds and currents, not caring whither I went; and for a long time I was tossed about on the waves, I knew not in what direction.
"At last it seemed to me that my curragh ceased to move; but T was not sure about it, for I could see no sign of land. Mindful, however, of what the old man had told me, that I was to stay wherever my curragh stopped, I looked round more carefully; and at last I saw, very near me, a small rock level with the surface, over which the waves were gently laughing and tumbling. I stepped on to the rock; and the moment I did so, the waves seemed to spring back, and the rock rose high over the level of the water; while the curragh drifted by and quickly disappeared, so that I never saw it after. This rock has been my abode from that time to the present day.
"For the first seven years, I lived on the seven cakes and the cup of whey given me by the man who had sent me to the rock. At the end of that time the cakes were all gone ; and for three days I fasted, with nothing but the whey to wet my mouth. Late in the evening of the third day, an otter brought me a salmon out of the sea; but though I suffered much from hunger, I could not bring myself to eat the fish raw, and it was washed back again into the waves.
"I remained without food for three days longer; and in the afternoon of the third day, the otter returned with the salmon. And I saw another otter bring firewood ; and when he had piled it up on the rock, he blew it with his breath till it took fire and lighted up. And then I broiled the salmon and ate till I had satisfied my hunger.
"The otter continued to bring me a salmon every day, and in this manner I lived for seven years longer. The rock also grew larger and larger daily, till it became the size you now see it. At the end of seven years, the otter ceased to bring me my salmon, and I fasted for three days. But at the end of the third day, I was sent half a cake of fine wheaten flour and a slice of fish; and on the same day my cup of watery whey fell into the sea, and a cup of the same size, filled with good ale, was placed on the rock for me.
"And so I have lived, praying and doing penance for my sins to this hour. Each day my drinking- vessel is filled with ale, and I am sent half a wheat-flour cake and a slice of fish; and neither rain nor wind, nor heat, nor cold, is allowed to molest me on this rock."
This was the end of the old man's history. In the evening of that day, each man of the crew received the same quantity of food that was sent to the old hermit himself, namely, half a cake and a slice of fish ; and they found in the vessel as much good ale as served them all.
The next morning he said to them, "You shall all reach your own country in safety. And you, Maildun, you shall find in an island on your way, the very man that slew your father ; but you are neither to kill him nor take revenge on him in any way. As God has delivered you from the many dangers you have passed through, though you were very guilty, and well deserved death at His hands; so you forgive your enemy the crime he committed against you."
After this they took leave of the old man and sailed away.

THE OLD HERMIT'S STORY

The storms may roar and the seas may rage,
But here, on this bare, brown rock,
I pray and repent and I tell my beads,
Secure from the hurricane's shock.
For the good, kind God, in pity to me,
Holds out His protecting hand;
And cold nor heat nor storm nor sleet,
Can molest me where I stand.
I robbed the churches and wronged the poor,
And grew richer day by day;
But now on this bare, brown ocean rock,
A heavy penance I pay.
A bloated sinner died unshrived,
And they brought his corse to me
"Go, dig the grave and bury the dead,
And pray for the soul set free."
I dug the grave, but my hands were stayed
By a solemn and fearful sound,
For the feeble tones of a dead man's voice
Came up from the hollow ground!
The dead monk speaks up from the grave
Place not that pampered corse on mine,
For my bones are weak and thin;
I cannot bear the heavy weight
Of a body defiled by sin.
I was a meek and holy man;
I fasted and watched and prayed;
A sinner's corse would defile the clay
Where my wasted body is laid
The old hermit continues his story
The voice then ceased, and I heard no more
Its hollow, beseeching tone;
Then I closed the grave, and left the old monk
To rest in his coffin alone.
My curragh sailed on the western main,
And I saw, as I viewed the sea,
A withered old man upon a wave;
And he fixed his eyes on me.
He spoke, and his voice my heart's blood froze,
And I shook with horror and fear:
'Twas the very voice of the dead old monk
That sounded in mine ear!
The dead monk speaks again
Far from my grave the sinner's corse
In unhallowed clay lies deep;
And now in my coffin, undefiled,
For ever in peace I sleep.
Go, live and pray on the bare, brown rock,
Far out in the stormy sea;
A heavy penance for heavy crimes,
And heaven at last for thee!
The old hermit ends his story
And here I live from age to age;
I pray and repent and fast;
An otter brings me food each day,
And I hope for heaven at last.
The tempests roar and the billows rage,
But God holds forth His hand,
And cold nor heat nor storm nor sleet,
Can harm me where I stand.

THE VOYAGE OF MAILDUN

CHAPTER XXXIV: SIGNS OF HOME

SOON after they saw a beautiful verdant island, with herds of oxen, cows, and sheep browsing all over its hills and valleys; but no houses nor inhabitants were to be seen. And they rested for some time on this island, and ate the flesh of the cows and sheep.
One day, while they were standing on a hill, a large falcon flew by; and two of the crew, who happened to look closely at him, cried out, in the hearing of Maildun; "See that falcon ! he is surely like the falcons of Erin!"
"Watch him closely," cried Maildun; "and observe exactly in what direction he is flying!"
And they saw that he flew to the south-east, without turning or wavering.
They went on board at once; and, having unmoored, they sailed to the south-east after the falcon. After rowing the whole day, they sighted land in the
dusk of the evening, which seemed to them like the land of Erin.

THE VOYAGE OF MAILDUN

CHAPTER XXXV: MAILDUN MEETS HIS ENEMY, AND ARRIVES HOME

ON a near approach, they found it was a small island; and now they recognised it as the very same island they had seen in the beginning of their voyage, in which they had heard the man in the great house boast that he had slain Maildun's father, and from which the storm had driven them out into the great ocean.
They turned the prow of their vessel to the shore, landed, and went towards the house. It happened that at this very time the people of the house were seated at their evening meal; and Maildun and his companions, as they stood outside, heard a part of their conversation.
Said one to another, "It would not be well for us if we were now to see Maildun."
"As to Maildun," answered another, "it is very well known that he was drowned long ago in the great ocean."
"Do not be sure," observed a third; "perchance he is the very man that may waken you up some morning from your sleep."
"Supposing he came now," asks another, "what should we do?"
The head of the house now spoke in reply to the last question; and Maildun at once knew his voice; "I can easily answer that," said he. "Maildun has been for a long time suffering great afflictions and hardships; and if he were to come now, though we were enemies once, I should certainly give him a welcome and a kind reception."
When Maildun heard this he knocked at the door, and the door-keeper asked who was there; to which Maildun made answer; "It is I, Maildun, returned safely from all my wanderings."
The chief of the house then ordered the door to be opened; and he went to meet Maildun, and brought himself and his companions into the house. They were joyfully welcomed by the whole household; new garments were given to them; and they feasted and rested, till they forgot their weariness and their hardships.
They related all the wonders God had revealed to them in the course of their voyage, according to the word of the sage who says, "It will be a source of pleasure to remember these things at a future time."
After they had remained here for some days, Maildun returned to his own country. And Diuran Dekerd took the five half-ounces of silver he had cut
down from the great net at the Silver Pillar, and laid it, according to his promise, on the high altar of Armagh.'

Táin Bó Cúailnge

Táin Bó Cúailnge

A great army was mustered

 by the Connachtmen, that is, by Ailill and Medb, and word went from them to the three other provinces. And Ailill sent messengers to the seven sons of Mágu: Ailill, Anlúan, Moccorb, Cet, Én, Bascall and Dóche, each with his fighting force of three thousand, and also to Cormac Conn Longas the son of Conchobor, who was billeted with his three hundred men in Connacht. They all came on then until they reached Crúachain Aí

Now Cormac's men were in three companies as they marched to Crúachain. The first band wore vari-coloured cloaks wrapped around them. Their hair was shorn. They had tunics falling to the knee. They carried long shields, and each man bore in his hand a broad, bright spear on a slender shaft. The second band wore dark-grey cloaks and red-embroidered tunics reaching down to their calves. Their long hair hung down behind. They carried white shields, and in their hands they bore five-pronged spears. ‘It is not Cormac as yet’, said Medb.

Then came the third band. They wore purple cloaks and hooded red-embroidered tunics reaching to their feet. Their trimmed hair fell down to their shoulders. They bore curved shields with scalloped rims, and each man carried a spear as great as the pillar of a palace in his hand. ‘This is Cormac now,’ said Medb.

So then the four provinces of Ireland were gathered together in Crúachain Aí. Their prophets and druids did not permit them to go thence, but kept them for a fortnight awaiting an auspicious omen. Then, on the day that they set forth, Medb said to her charioteer:

‘All those who part here today from comrade and friend will curse me for it is I who have mustered this hosting.’ ‘Wait then,’ said the charioteer, ‘until the chariot has turned right- handwise to strengthen the good omen so that we may come back again.’

When the charioteer turned back the chariot and they were about to descend, they saw in front of them a grown maiden. She had yellow hair. She wore a vari- coloured cloak with a golden pin in it and a hooded tunic with red embroidery. She had shoes with golden fastenings. Her face was oval, narrow below, broad above. Her eyebrows were dark and black. Her beautiful black eyelashes cast a shadow on to the middle of her cheeks. Her lips seemed to be made of partaing. Her teeth were like a shower of pearls between her lips. She had three plaits of hair: two plaits wound around her head, the third hanging down her back, touching her calves behind. In her hand she carried a weaver's beam of white bronze, with golden inlay. There were three pupils in each of her eyes. The maiden was armed and her chariot was drawn by two black horses.

‘What is your name,’ asked Medb of the maiden. ‘I am Feidelm, the poetess of Connacht,’ said the maiden. ‘Whence do you come?’ asked Medb. ‘From Albion after learning the art of divination,’ answered the maiden. ‘Have you the power of prophecy called imbas forosna?’ ‘I have indeed,’ said the maiden. ‘Look for me then and tell me how it will fare with my hosting.’ Then the maiden looked and Medb said: ‘O Feidelm Prophetess, how do you see the fate of the army?’ Feidelm answered and said: ‘I see it bloody, I see it red.’ ‘That is not so,’ said Medb, ‘for Conchobor lies in his debility in Emain together with the Ulstermen and all the mightiest of their warriors, and my messengers have come and brought me tidings of them. O Feidelm Prophetess, how do you see our host?’ asked Medb again. ‘I see it blood-stained, I see it red,’ said the maiden. ‘That is not so,’ said Medb, ‘for Celtchar mac Uthidir is in Dún Lethglaise together with a third of the men of Ulster, and Fergus mac Roeich meic Echdach is here in exile with us with three thousand men. O Feidelm Prophetess, how do you see our host?’ ‘I see it blood-stained, I see it red,’ answered the maiden. ‘That matters not indeed,’ said Medb, ‘for in every muster and in every army assembled in a great encampment there are quarrels and strife and bloody woundings. So look once more for us, and tell us the truth. O Feidelm Prophetess, how do you see our host?’

‘I see it blood-stained, I see it red,’ said Feidelm and she spoke as follows:

  1. I see a fair man who will perform weapon-feats, with many a wound in his flesh. A hero's light is on his brow. His forehead is the meeting-place of many virtues.
  2. In each of his eyes are the seven jewel-bright pupils of a hero. His spearpoints(?) are unsheathed. He wears a red mantle with clasps.
  3. His face is beautiful. He amazes women-folk.This lad of handsome countenance looks in the battle like a dragon.
  4. Like is his prowess to that of Cú Chulainn of Murthemne.I know not who is this Cú Chulainn of fairest fame, but this I do know, that by him the army will be bloodily wounded.
  5. I see a tall man in the plain who gives battle to the host. In each hand he holds four small swords with which to perform great deeds.
  6. He attacks with his gáe bolga and also with his ivory-hilted sword and his spear. He can ply them on the host. Each weapon as he casts it has its own special use.
  7. This man wrapped in a red mantle sets his foot on every battle-field. Across the left wheel-rim of his chariot he attacks them. The distorted one kills them. I see that he has changed from the form in which hitherto he has appeared to me.
  8. He has moved forward to the battle. Unless heed be taken, there will be destruction. I think that it is Cú Chulainn mac Súaldaim who now comes to you.
  9. He will lay low your entire army. He will slaughter you in dense crowds. Ye will leave with him a thousand severed heads. The prophetess Feidelm does not conceal your fate.
  10. Blood will flow from heroes' bodies. Much harm will be wrought by the hand of this hero. He will kill warriors; the men of Clanna Dedad meic Sin will flee. Men's bodies will be hacked and women will weep because of the Hound of the Smith whom I now see.


On the Monday after the autumn festival of Samain they set out. They travelled south-east from Crúachain Aí, past Mucc Cruinb, past Terloch Teóra Crích, past Túaim Móna, past Cúil Silinne

i.e. Loch Carrcín", and got its name from Silend daughter of Madchar
, past Fid, past Bolga, past Coltain, past Glune Gabair, past Mag Trego, past northern Tethbab

i.e. Cairpre
, past southern Tethba, past Tíarthechta, past Ord, southwards past Slais, past Indeóind, past Carn, past Ochtrach, past Mide, past Findglassa Assail, past Delt, past Delind, past Sailig, past Slaibre, past Slechta (where they hewed down the trees), past Cúil Sibrinne, southwards past Ochuinn, northwards past Úata, past Dub, southwards past Comur, past Tromma and eastwards past Fothromma, past Sláne and Gort Sláni, southwards past Druim Licce, past Áth Gabla, past Ardachad, northwards past Féraind, past Findabair, southwards past Aisse, past Druim Sálfind, past Druim Caín, past Druim mac nDega, past Eódond Mór and Eódond Bec, past Méthe Tog[maill] and Méthe Eóin; past Druim Cáemtechta, past Scúap and Imscúap, past Cend Ferna, past Baile, past Aile, past Báil Scena and Dáil Scena, past Ferste, past Ross Lochad, past Sále, past Lochmach, past Ánmag, past Deind, past Delt, past Dubglais, past Fid Mór

i.e. Trúalli"
, past Colptha, past Crond in Cúailnge. From Findabair in Cúailnge the armies of Ireland spread out over the province in quest of the Bull. For they had gone past all these places before reaching Findabair.

Here ends the introductory part. The story in due order now begins.

Táin Bó Cúailnge

The Story in Due Order

When they had come on the first stage of their journey from Crúachain to Cúil Silinne, the site of Loch Cairrcín today, Medb told her charioteer to harness her nine chariots

She was always accompanied by nine chariots, so that the dust raised by the great army should not soil her
for her that she might drive around the encampment and see who among them was reluctant and who was glad to go on the hosting. Now his tent was pitched for Ailill and his equipment was placed therein, both beds and blankets. Fergus mac Róich was next to Ailill in his tent. Cormac Conn Longas, son of Conchobor, was next to him. Then came Conall Cernach, with Fíacha mac Fir Fhebe, the son of Conchobor's daughter, beside him. Medb, the daughter of Eochu Feidlech was on the other side of Ailill, with Finnabair, the daughter of Ailill and Medb, beside her and Flidais next to Finnabair. This was not counting the servants and attendants.

After she had surveyed the host, Medb came back and said that it would be vain for the rest to go on that expedition if the division of the Gailióin went also. ‘Why do you belittle the men?’ asked Ailill. ‘I am not belittling them,’ said Medb. ‘They are splendid warriors. When the others were making their shelters, the Gailióin had already finished thatching their shelters and cooking their food. When the rest were eating, they had already finished their meal and their harpers were playing to them. So it is useless for them to go on this expedition,’ said Medb, ‘for it is they who will take credit for the victory of the army.’ ‘Yet it is for us they fight,’ said Ailill. ‘They shall not go with us,’ said Medb. ‘Let them stay here then,’ said Ailill. ‘Indeed they shall not,’ said Medb. ‘They will overpower us when we have come back and seize our land.’ ‘Well then, what shall be done with them,’ asked Ailill, ‘since neither their staying nor their going pleases you?’ ‘Kill them!’ said Medb.

‘I shall not deny that is a woman's counsel,’ said Ailill. ‘You speak foolishly,’ said Fergus in a low voice. ‘It shall not happen unless we are all killed, for they are allies of us Ulstermen.’ ‘Nevertheless,’ said Medb, ‘we could do it. For I have here with me my own household retinue numbering two divisions, and the seven Maines are here, my seven sons, with seven divisions. Their luck can protect them,’ said she. ‘Their names are Maine Máthramail, Maine Aithremail, Maine Mórgor, Maine Mingor, Maine Mo Epirt, who is also called Maine Milscothach, Maine Andóe and Maine Cotageib Uile—he it is who has inherited the appearance of his mother and his father and the dignity of them both ’

‘That will not be,’ said Fergus, ‘There are here seven kings from Munster, allies of us Ulstermen, and a division with each king. I shall give you battle in the middle of the encampment where we now are, supported by those seven divisions, by my own division and by the division of the Gailióin. But I shall not argue the point,’ said Fergus. ‘We shall arrange the warriors of the Gailióin so that they shall not prevail over the rest of the army. Seventeen divisions,’ said Fergus, ‘is the number here in our encampment, not counting the camp-followers and our boys and our women- folk—for each chief here in Medb's company has brought his wife. The eighteenth division is that of the Gailióin. Let them be distributed throughout all the host.’ ‘I care not,’ said Medb, ‘provided that they do not remain in the close battle array in which they now are.’ This then was done; the Gailióin were distributed among the host. Next morning they set out for Móin Choltna. There they met with eight score deer in a single herd. They encircled them and killed them. Wherever there was a man of the Gailióin, it was he who got a deer, for the rest of the host got only five of the deer. They came on then to Mag Trego and there they encamped and prepared food for themselves.

According to one version it was then that Dubthach chanted this lay:

  1. Admit that hitherto ye have not heard nor listened to the trance-speech of Dubthach. A fierce hosting lies before you, contending for Findbenn, the bull of Ailill's wife.
  2. There will come a leader of armies who will try to recover the cattle of Murthemne. Because of the companionship of the two swineherds, ravens on the battle-field will drink men's blood.
  3. The watchful river Crann will offer them resistance and will not let them cross into Murthemne until the work of warriors is finished in the mountain north of Ochaíne.
  4. ‘Quickly,’ said Ailill to Cormac, ‘come and hold back your son.’ None comes from the plains where the cattle graze but is affrighted(?) by the din of the army.
  5. In due course a battle will be fought here with Medb and a third of the army. Men's corpses will then lie here if the distorted one come to you.


Thereupon the Némain, that is, the war-goddess, attacked them. That was not the quietest of nights for them with the trance-speech of the boorish Dubthach as he slept. The hosts rose up at once and the army was thrown into confusion until Medb came and quelled them.

Then, after the army had been led astray across bogs and streams, they went and spent the night in Granard in northern Tethba. For the sake of kinship Fergus sent a warning to the Ulstermen who were still suffering from their debility, all except Cú Chulainn and his father Súaltaim. When the warning message had come from Fergus, Cú Chulainn and his father went as far as Irard Cuillenn, that is, Crossa Cail, there to watch for the enemy host. ‘I have a premonition that the host will arrive tonight,’ said Cú Chulainn to his father. ‘Take a warning from us to the men of Ulster. I must go to Feidelm Noíchride’—he meant to tryst with her handmaiden who was secretly Cú Chulainn's concubine—‘to fulfil my own pledge which I gave her.’ Then before he went, he twisted a withe into a ring and wrote an ogam inscription on its peg, and cast it over the top of a pillar-stone. Then Fergus was given the task of leading the army along the path. He went far astray to the south to give the Ulstermen time to complete the mustering of their army. This he did out of affection for his own kin.

Ailill and Medb noticed this, and Medb said:

  1. O Fergus, this is strange. What manner of path do we travel? We go astray to south and to north, past every strange district.
  2. Ailill of Mag Aí with his army fears that you will betray him. Until now he heeded not where the path led.
  3. If you feel the pull of kinship, do not lead horses any longer. Perhaps someone else may be found to guide us on our way.


Fergus answered:

  1. O Medb, what perturbs you? This is not anything resembling treachery. O woman, the land across which I shall lead you belongs to the men of Ulster.
  2. Not with intent to harm the hosting do I go in turn along each devious road, but that I may avoid the great one who guards Mag Murthemne.
  3. It is not to save my mind from weariness that I go thus aside from the path, but I am trying to avoid meeting Cú Chulainn mac Súaltaim even at a later time.


They went on then to Irard Cuilenn, today called Crossa Caíl. The four sons of Irard mac Anchinnel

or the four sons of Nera mac Núada meic Taccain, as is found in other versions
, Eirr and Indell with Foich and Fochlam their two charioteers, were those who always preceded the hosts to protect their brooches and their rugs and their mantles that the dust raised by the army might not soil them. These men found the withe Cú Chulainn had cast and they noticed the grazing made by the horses. For Súaltaim's two horses had cropped the grass to its roots in the earth while Cú Chulainn's horses had licked the soil down to the bedrock beneath the grass. Then these four men sat still till the host came up, and their musicians played to them. They handed the withe to Fergus mac Róich; he read out the ogam inscription that was on it.

When Medb arrived she asked: ‘Why are you waiting here?’ ‘We are waiting,’ said Fergus, ‘because of yonder withe. There is on its peg an ogam inscription which reads: ‘Let none go past till there be found a man to throw a withe made of one branch as it is in the same way with one hand. But I except my friend Fergus.’ In truth,’ said Fergus, ‘it is Cú Chulainn who has cast it and it is his horses which grazed this plain.’ And he put the withe in the druid's hand and chanted this song:


  1. Here is a withe. What is its message for us? What is its secret meaning? And how many put it there? Was it few or many?
  2. Will it bring ruin on the army if they go past it? Find out, O ye druids, why the withe was left there.


A druid answered:

  1. A hero cast it there, the swift cutting(?) of a hero, a source of perplexity to warriors, containment of chiefs with their followers. One man cast it there with one hand.
  2. Does not the king's army obey him unless they have broken faith? I know no reason why the withe was cast there save that one of you should cast a withe even as one man did.


Then said Fergus to them ‘If ye flout this withe or if ye go past it, though it be in a man's possession or in a locked house, it will go after the man who wrote the ogam inscription, and he will kill one of you before morning unless one of you cast a withe in like manner.’ ‘We do not wish, however, that any one of us should be killed straight away,’ said Ailill. ‘Let us go to the end of yon great wood to the south of us, Fid Dúin. We shall go no farther than that.’ The army then hewed down the wood to make a path for the chariots. That place is called Slechta. It is there that the Partraige (now) live.

—According to others, however, it was here that the dialogue between Medb and Feidelm Banfháith as we have related above took place, and it was after the answer Feidelm made to Medb that the wood was cut down. Thus: ‘Look for me,’ said Medb, ‘(to see) how will my expedition fare.’ ‘It is hard for me,’ said the maiden. ‘The wood prevents me from seeing them properly.’ ‘That can be arranged,’ said Medb. ‘We shall cut down the wood.’ it was done, and Slechta is the name of that place.—

They spent the night then in Cúil Sibrille, that is, Cennannas. Heavy snow fell on them, reaching to the girdles of the men and the wheels of the chariots. They rose early on the morrow. That had not been a restful night for them because of the snow, nor had they prepared food for themselves that night. But Cú Chulainn did not come early from his tryst; he remained until he had washed and bathed. Then he came on to the track of the army. ‘Would that we had not gone thither nor betrayed the men of Ulster!’ cried Cú Chulainn. ‘We have let the enemy host come upon them unawares. Make an estimate of the host for us,’ said Cú Chulainn to Lóeg, ‘that we may know their number.’ Lóeg did so and said to Cú Chulainn ‘I am confused. I cannot estimate exactly.’ ‘If only I come, I shall not see them confusedly,’ said Cú Chulainn. ‘Get out of the chariot,’ said Lóeg. Cú Chulainn got out of the chariot and for a long time he estimated the number of the host. ‘Even you,’ said Lóeg, ‘do not find it easy.’ ‘It is easier for me, however, than for you. For I have three gifts, namely, the gift of sight, the gift of understanding, the gift of reckoning. I have reckoned up the numbers here.

This is one of the three cleverest yet most difficult reckonings ever made in Ireland, the three being this reckoning of the men of Ireland made by Cú Chulainn in the Táin, the reckoning made by Lug of the Fomorians in the battle of Mag Tuired and the reckoning of the army in Bruiden Da Derga made by Ingcél, [marginal note]
There are here in number eighteen divisions, but the eighteenth division, that is, the division of the Gailióin, has been distributed among the whole host so that it is confusing to count them.’

Then Cú Chulainn went round the host until he was at Áth nGrencha. There he cut down a forked branch with one blow of his sword and fixed it in the middle of the stream so that a chariot could not pass it on this side or on that. While he was thus engaged Eirr and Indell with their two charioteers, Fóich and Fochlam, came up with him. He cut off their four heads and impaled them on the four prongs of the forked branch. Hence the name Áth nGabla.

that is, at the place called Beloch Caille Móire to the north of Cnogba, [marginal note]
.

Then the horses of the four men went towards the host, with their bloodstained trappings. The host thought that there had been a battle in the ford before them. A band went from them to survey the ford; they saw only the track of one chariot and the forked branch with the four heads and an ogam inscription on its side. At that point the whole army arrived.

‘Are yonder heads those of some of our people?’ asked Medb. ‘They are of our people and of our choice men,’ said Ailill. One of them read aloud the ogam inscription that was on the side of the forked branch: ‘One man has cast this forked branch with one hand, and ye shall not go past it unless one of you, but not Fergus, has cast it with one hand.’ ‘It is marvellous,’ said Ailill, ‘how quickly the four were slain.’ ‘Do not think that marvellous,’ said Fergus, ‘but rather the cutting of the forked branch from its root with one blow, and if its end shows one cutting, it is all the greater achievement, and (it is marvellous) that it should have been driven in in this manner, for no hole was dug for it but it was cast from the back of a chariot with one hand.’ ‘Deliver us in this difficulty, Fergus,’ said Medb. ‘Give me a chariot then,’ said Fergus, ‘that I may pull the branch out so that it may be seen if its end shows one cutting.’ Then Fergus smashed fourteen of their chariots but from his own chariot he drew the forked branch out of the ground and he saw that its end was one cutting.

 ‘We must take heed of the nature of the people to whom we are going,’ said Ailill. ‘Let all of you prepare food. Last night was not restful for you with the snow. And let some of the adventures and stories of the people to whom we go be related to us.’ So then they were told the adventures of Cú Chulainn.

Ailill asked ‘Is it Conchobar who has done this?’ ‘It is not indeed,’ said Fergus. ‘He would not have come to the marches unless he was accompanied by a number sufficient to give battle.’ ‘Was it Celtchar mac Uthidir?’ ‘It was not indeed,’ said Fergus. ‘He would not have come to the marches without a number sufficient to give battle around him.’ ‘Was it Eógan mac Durthacht?’ ‘It was not indeed,’ said Fergus. ‘He would not have come past the marches without thirty scythed chariots. The man who would have done the deed is Cú Chulainn,’ said Fergus. ‘It is he who would have cut down the tree with one blow from its root, and he who would have killed the four men as quickly as they were killed, and he who would have come to the border accompanied (only) by his charioteer.’

Táin Bó Cúailnge

The Eulogy of Cú Chulainn

‘What manner of man,’ asked Ailill, ‘is this Hound whom we have heard of among the Ulstermen? What age is that famous youth?’ ‘I can tell you that,’ said Fergus. ‘In his fifth year he went to the boys in Emain Macha to play. In his sixth year he went to learn feats of arms to Scáthach and went to woo Emer. In his seventh year he took up arms. At the present time he is seventeen years old.’

‘Is he the most formidable among the Ulstermen?’ asked Medb. ‘More so than any one of them,’ answered Fergus. ‘You will not encounter a warrior harder to deal with, nor a spear-point sharper or keener or quicker, nor a hero fiercer, nor a raven more voracious, nor one of his age to equal a third of his valour, nor a lion more savage, nor a shelter in battle nor a sledge-hammer for smiting, nor a protector in fighting, nor doom of hosts, nor one better able to check a great army. You will not find there any man his equal in age like unto Cú Chulainn in growth, in dress, in fearsomeness, in speech, in splendour, in voice and appearance, in power and harshness, in feats, in valour, in striking power, in rage and in anger, in victory and in doom- dealing and in violence, in stalking, in sureness of aim and in game-killing, in swiftness and boldness and rage, with the feat of nine men on every spear- point.’

‘I reek little of that,’ said Medb. ‘He has but one body; he suffers wounding; he is not beyond capture. Moreover he is only the age of a grown girl and as yet his manly deeds have not developed.’ ‘Nay,’ said Fergus. ‘It were no wonder that he should perform a goodly exploit today, for even when he was younger, his deeds were those of a man.’

Táin Bó Cúailnge

The Boyhood Deeds

‘He was reared,’ said Fergus, ‘by his father and mother at the Airgthech in Mag Muirthemne. He was told the famous tales of the youths in Emain. For,’ said Fergus, ‘thrice fifty youths are usually there engaged in play. This is how Conchobor spends his time of sovereignty: one third of the day spent watching the youths, another third playing fidchell, another third drinking ale till he falls asleep therefrom. Though we have been exiled by him, (I still maintain that) there is not in Ireland a warrior more wonderful,’ said Fergus.

‘Cú Chulainn asked his mother to let him go to join the boys. ‘You shall not go,’ said his mother, ‘till you be escorted by some of the Ulster warriors.’ ‘I think it too long to wait for that,’ said Cú Chulainn. ‘Point out to me in what direction is Emain.’ ‘To the north there,’ said his mother, ‘and the journey is hard. Slíab Fúait lies between you and Emain.’ ‘I shall make an attempt at it at all events,’ said Cú Chulainn. He went off then with his wooden shield and his toy javelin, his hurley and his ball. He kept throwing the javelin in front of him and catching it by the point before its end touched the ground.’

‘Then he went to the boys without binding them over to protect him. For no one used to come to them in their playing-field till his protection was guaranteed, but Cú Chulainn was not aware of the fact that this was tabu for them. ‘The boy insults us,’ said Follomon mac Conchobair. ‘Yet we know he is of the Ulstermen. Attack him.’ They threw their thrice fifty javelins at him, and they all stuck in his toy shield. Then they threw all their balls at him and he caught them, every single ball, against his breast. Then they threw their thrice fifty hurling-clubs at him. He warded them off so that they did not touch him, and he took a load of them on his back.’

‘Thereupon he became distorted. His hair stood on end so that it seemed as if each separate hair on his head had been hammered into it. You would have thought that there was a spark of fire on each single hair. He closed one eye so that it was no wider than the eye of a needle; he opened the other until it was as large as the mouth of a mead-goblet. He laid bare from his jaw to his ear and opened his mouth rib-wide(?) so that his internal organs were visible. The champion's light rose above his head.’

‘Then he attacked the boys. He knocked down fifty of them before they reached the gate of Emain. Nine of them came past me and Conchobar where we were playing chess. Cú Chulainn leapt over the chess-board in pursuit of the nine. Conchobar seized him by the forearm. ‘The boys are not well treated.’ said Conchobar. ‘It was right for me (to treat them so), master Conchobar,’ said he. ‘I came to play with them from my home, from my father and mother, and they were not kind to me.’ ‘What is your name?’ said Conchobar. ‘I am Sétanta the son of Súaltaim and of Deichtire, your sister. It was not to be expected that I should be tormented there.’ ‘Why were the boys not bound over to protect you?’ asked Conchobar. ‘I did not know of (the need of) that,’ said Cú Chulainn. ‘Undertake to protect me against them.’ ‘I agree,’ said Conchobar. But then he turned again and attacked the boys throughout the house. ‘What have you got against them now?’ asked Conchobar. ‘Let me be bound over to protect them,’ said Cú Chulainn. ‘Undertake it then,’ said Conchobar. ‘I agree,’ said Cú Chulainn. So they all went into the playing field. And those boys who had been knocked down there rose to their feet, helped by their fostermothers and their foster- fathers.’

‘At one time,’ said Fergus, ‘when Cú Chulainn was a boy, he never slept in Emain. ‘Tell me,’ said Conchobar to him, ‘Why do you not sleep?’

 ‘I do not sleep unless my head and my feet are equally high.’ So a pillar-stone was placed by Conchobar at his head and another at his feet, and a special couch was made for him between them. On another occasion a certain man went to wake him and with his fist Cú Chulainn struck him on the forehead, driving the front of his forehead on to his brain, while with his arm he knocked down the pillar-stone. ‘Surely,’ said Ailill, ‘that was the fist of a warrior and the arm of a strong man!’’ ‘From that time on,’ said Fergus, ‘they never dared to wake him (but left him) till he woke of his own accord.’

Táin Bó Cúailnge

The Death of the Boys

‘Another time he was playing ball in the playing-field east of Emain, he alone on one side against the thrice fifty boys. He kept defeating them in every game in that way all the time. Eventually the boy began to belabour them with his fists and fifty of them died. Whereupon he fled and hid under the pillow of Conchobar's couch. The Ulstermen rose up around him but I and Conchobar stood up to defend him. The boy rose to his feet under the couch and on to the floor of the house he threw from him the couch together with the thirty warriors who were in it.’

‘Then the Ulstermen sat around him in the house and we arranged matters and made peace between the boys and him,’ said Fergus.

Táin Bó Cúailnge

The Fight between Eógan mac Durthacht and Conchobar

‘There was strife between the Ulstermen and Eógan mac Durthacht. The Ulstermen went to battle while Cú Chulainn was left behind asleep. The Ulstermen were defeated. Conchobar and Cúscraid Menn Macha and many others besides were left on the field. Their groans awoke Cú Chulainn. Then he stretched himself so that the two flag-stones which were about him were smashed. Bricriu yonder witnessed this happening,’ said Fergus. ‘Then he arose. I met him in front of the fort as I came in severely wounded. ‘Hey! Welcome! master Fergus,’ said he. ‘Where is Conchobar?’ ‘I do not know,’ said He went on his way then. The night was dark. He made for the battlefield. He saw in front of him a man with half a head carrying the half of another man on his back.’

‘‘Help me, Cú Chulainn!’ said he. ‘I have been wounded and I have brought half of my brother on my back. Take a turn with me in carrying him.’ ‘I will not,’ said he. Whereupon the other threw the burden he was carrying to him, but Cú Chulainn cast it off. They wrestled then and Cú Chulainn was thrown. He heard the war- goddess crying from among the corpses. ‘Poor stuff to make a warrior is he who is overthrown by phantoms!’ Whereupon Cú Chulainn rose to his feet, and, striking off his opponent's head with his hurley, he began to drive the head like a ball before him across the plain’.

‘‘Is my master Conchobar on this battle-field?’ Conchobar answered him. Cú Chulainn went towards him and saw him in the ditch with the earth around him on all sides hiding him. ‘Why have you come to the battle-field’ said Conchobar, ‘where you may die of fright?’ He lifted Conchobar out of the ditch then. Six of our strong men in Ulster could not have lifted him out more courageously. ‘Go before us to yonder house,’ said Conchobar, ‘and make a fire for me there.’ He kindled a big fire for him.’

‘‘Well,’ said Conchobar, ‘if I now had a roast pig, I should live.’ ‘I will go and fetch one,’ said Cú Chulainn. He went off then and saw a man at a cooking-pit in the middle of the wood, with one hand holding his weapons, the other cooking a pig. Great was the fearsomeness of the man. Nevertheless he attacked him and carried off his head and his pig. Afterwards Conchobar ate the pig. ‘Let us go to our house,’ said Conchobar. They met Cúscraid mac Conchobair. He too bore severe wounds, Cú Chulainn carried him on his back. The three of them went on to Emain Macha.’

Táin Bó Cúailnge

The fate of the twenty-seven men and the reason why none dared to wound the Ulstermen when they were in their debility.

‘On another occasion the Ulstermen were in their debility. ‘Among us,’ said Fergus, ‘women and boys do not suffer from the debility nor does anyone Cú Chulainn and his father, and so none dares to shed their blood for whosoever wounds them at once suffers himself from the debility or he wastes away or his life-span is shortened.’’

‘Twenty-seven men came to us from the Isles of Faiche. While we were suffering the debility they climbed over into our backcourt. The women in the fort cried out in warning. The boys who were in the playing-field came on hearing the cries, but when they saw the dark gloomy men, they all fled except Cú Chulainn alone. He cast hand-stones at them and belaboured them with his hurley. He killed nine of them but they dealt him fifty wounds, and then they went off’.

‘If a man did those deeds when he was five years old, it were no wonder that he should have come to the marches, and cut off the heads of yon four men.’

Táin Bó Cúailnge

The killing of the Smith's Hound by Cú Chulainn and the reason why he is called Cú Chulainn

‘Indeed we know that boy’, said Conall Cernach, ‘and we know him all the better in that he is a fosterling of ours. Not long after the deed which Fergus has just related, he performed another exploit.’

‘When Culann the smith prepared a feast for Conchobar, he asked Conchobar not to bring a great crowd with him for the feast he had made was not provided by his possession of land or estate but was gained by the work of his hands and his tongs. Then Conchobar set off together with fifty chariot-warriors, the noblest and most illustrious of the heroes.’

‘Conchobar visited the playing-field then. It was always his custom to pay the boys a fleeting visit to ask a greeting of them. There he saw Cú Chulainn playing ball against thrice fifty boys, and defeating them. When they were engaged in driving the ball into the hole, he would fill the hole with his balls and the boys would not be able to ward him off. When it was they who were throwing at the hole, he by himself would ward them off so that not even a single ball would go into it. When they were wrestling, he alone would throw the thrice fifty boys, yet not all of them together could surround him to throw him. When they were engaged in the game of stripping one another, he would strip them all stark-naked but they could not even take his brooch from his mantle. Conchobor marvelled at this. He asked if the boy's deeds would correspond (to his present ones) when he attained the age of manhood. They all said that they would. Conchobor said to Cú Chulainn outside the territory of Ulster, nor yet I. ‘Come with me to the feast to which we are going since you are a guest.’ ‘I have not yet had my fill of play, master Conchobor,’ said the boy. ‘I shall follow you.’ When they had all come to the feast, Culann asked Conchobar: ‘Do you expect anyone to follow you?’ ‘No,’ said Conchobor. He did not remember the arrangement with his fosterling to come after him. ‘I have a blood hound,’

[i.e. a hound brought from overseas, i.e. the whelp of a mastiff.] said Culann. ‘There are three chains on him and three men holding each chain. He was brought from Spain. Let him be loosed to guard our cattle and our stock and let the fort be shut.’ At that point the boy arrived. The dog made for him. He still kept on with the play; he would throw his ball and then throw his hurley after it so that it struck the ball, neither stroke being greater than the other. And he threw his toy spear after them and caught it before it fell. And though the dog was approaching him, it interfered not with his play. Conchobor and his household were so dismayed by this that they could not move. They thought they would not reach him alive though the fort was open. Now when the hound came towards the boy, he cast aside his ball and his hurley, and he tackled the dog with both hands, that is, he put one hand on the apple of the hound's throat and the other at the back of his head, and dashed him against the pillar-stone that was beside him so that all the hound's limbs sprang apart. According to another version, however, he threw his ball into the hound's mouth and it drove his entrails out through him.’

‘The Ulstermen rose up to fetch the boy, some leaping over the wall of the court, others going out by the gate. They placed him in Conchobar's arms. A great alarm was raised by them at the thought that the son of the king's sister had almost been killed. At that point Culann entered the house.’

‘‘Welcome, little lad, for your mother's sake. But as for myself, would that I had not prepared a feast! My livelihood is now a livelihood wasted, my husbandry a husbandry lost without my hound. That hound was not one of the three hounds that were in the brain of Conganchness, as some hold, for it was to take vengeance for Cú Roí's death on the men of Ulster that Conganchness had gone and that happened long after the Cattle-Raid, but Cú Chulainn was only seven years old when he killed the smith's hound. Thus the theory held by those people is false; the smith's hound had been brought from Spain, as is asserted in the text of the tale. The servant who has been taken from me, that is, my hound, maintained life and honour for me. He was defence and protection for my goods and my cattle. He guarded all my beasts for me in field and in house.’’

‘‘That is no great matter,’ said the boy. ‘A whelp of the same litter will be reared by me for you, and until such time as that hound grows and is fit for action, I myself shall be a hound to protect your cattle and to protect yourself. And I shall protect all Mag Murthemne; neither flock nor herd shall be taken thence from me without my knowing it.’ ‘Your name shall be Cú Chulainn (the Hound of Culann) then,’ said Catbhad. ‘I am glad that it should be my name,’ said Cú Chulainn. It were no cause of wonder that one who had done this when he was seven, should have performed a valiant deed now that he is seventeen years old,’ said Conall Cernach.

Táin Bó Cúailnge

The Death of Nechta Scéne's Three Sons

‘He did still another exploit,’ said Fiachu mac Fir Fhebe. ‘Cathbad the druid was with his son Conchobar mac Nessa. There were with him a hundred active men learning the druid's art—that was the number that Cathbad used to instruct. One of his pupils asked him for what that day would be of good omen. Cathbad said that if a warrior took up arms on that day, his name for deeds of valour would be known throughout Ireland and his fame would last for ever. Cú Chulainn heard this. He went to Conchobar to ask for arms. Conchobar asked: ‘Who prophesied good fortune for you?’ ‘Master Cathbad,’ said Cú Chulainn. ‘We know him indeed,’ said Conchobar. He gave him a spear and a shield. Cú Chulainn brandished them in the middle of the hall so that not one was left unbroken of the fifteen spare sets of weapons which were kept in Conchobar's household to replace broken weapons or to provide for the taking up of arms by someone. Finally Conchobar's own arms were given to him. They withstood him, and he brandished them and blessed the king whose arms they were, saying: ‘Happy the people and race over whom reigns the owner of these arms’’

‘Then Cathbad came to them and asked: ‘Is the boy taking up arms?’ ‘Yes,’ said Conchobar. ‘That is not lucky for the son of his mother,’ said he. ‘Why, was it not you who instructed him?’ ‘It was not I indeed,’ said Cathbad. ‘What use is it for you to deceive me so, you sprite?’ said Conchobar to Cú Chulainn. ‘O king of the Fían, it is no deceit,’ said Cú Chulainn. ‘He prophesied good fortune for his pupils this morning and I heard him from where I was on the south side of Emain, and then I came to you.’ ‘It is indeed a day of good omen,’ said Cathbad. ‘It is certain that he who takes up arms today will be famous and renowned, but he will, however, be short-lived.’ ‘A mighty thing!’ said Cú Chulainn. ‘Provided I be famous, I am content to be only one day on earth.’’

‘On another day a certain man asked the druids for what that day was a good omen. ‘The name of one who goes (for the first time) into a chariot on this day,’ said Cathbad, ‘will be famed throughout Ireland for ever.’ Then Cú Chulainn heard this, and he came to Conchobar and said to him: ‘Master Conchobar, give me a chariot.’ Conchobar gave him a chariot. Cú Chulainn put his hand between the two shafts and the chariot broke. In the same way he smashed twelve chariots. So finally Conchobar's chariot was given to him and it withstood the test. Thereafter he went into the chariot with Conchobar's charioteer. The charioteer, whose name was Ibor, turned the chariot under him. ‘Come out of the chariot now,’ said the charioteer. ‘These are fine horses.’ ‘I am fine too, lad,’ said Cú Clulainn. ‘Just go on around Emain and you shall be rewarded for it.’’

‘The charioteer drove off and Cú Chulainn made him go along the road that he might greet the boys, ‘and so that the boys may wish me well.’ Then he besought him to go back over the road again. When they had come there Cú Chulainn said to the charioteer: ‘Ply the goad on the horses.’ ‘In what direction?’ asked the charioteer. ‘As far as the road will lead,’ said Cú Chulainn.’

‘Thence they came to Slíab Fúait where they found Conall Cernach. It had fallen to Conall to guard the province that day. For each warrior of the Ulstermen spent a day in turn in Slíab Fúait, to protect anyone who came that way with poetry or with challenge to battle, so that there he might be encountered and so that no one should go unnoticed into Emain. ‘I wish you prosperity, victory and triumph!’ said Conall. ‘Go to the fort, Conall, and leave me here to watch now,’ said Cú Chulainn. ‘That will do,’ said Conall, ‘if it is (merely) to undertake the protection of one coming with poetry. However, if it be to fight some one, it is still too soon for you to do that.’ ‘Perhaps it will not be necessary at all,’ said Cú Chulainn. ‘Meanwhile let us go to take a look at the sand-bank of Loch Echtra. There are usually warriors staying there.’ ‘I am willing,’ said Conall. So they set out.’

‘Cú Chulainn threw a stone from his sling and the shaft of Conall Cernach's chariot broke. ‘Why have you thrown the stone, lad?’ asked Conall. ‘To test my shooting and the accuracy of my shot,’ said Cú Chulainn, ‘And it is the custom with you Ulstermen that you do not drive on in a chariot which is unsafe. Go back to Emain master Conall, and leave me here to keep watch.’ ‘I am willing,’ said Conall. Conall Cernach did not go past that spot afterwards.’

‘Cú Chulainn went on to Loch Echtra but they found no one there. The charioteer told Cú Chulainn that they should go to Emain to be in time for the feasting there. ‘No,’ said Cú Chulainn. ‘What mountain is that over there?’ ‘Slíab Monduirnd,’ said the charioteer. ‘Let us go to it,’ said Cú Chulainn.’

‘Then they went to it, and when they had reached the mountain, Cú Chulainn asked ‘What white cairn is that over there on the mountain-top?’ ‘Finncharn,’ said the charioteer. ‘What plain is that yonder?’ asked Cú Chulainn. ‘Mag mBreg,’ said the charioteer.’

‘So he told him the name of every chief fort between Temair and Cennannas. He named, moreover, their meadowlands and their fords, their renowned places and their dwellings, their forts and their fortified heights. He showed him too the fort of the three sons of Nechta Scéne, from Inber Scene. Fer Ulli mac Lugdach was their father and Nechtan Scéne their mother. The Ulstermen had killed their father which is the reason they were at war with the Ulstermen to wit, Fóill, Fannall and Túachell. ‘Is it they who say,’ asked Cú Chulainn, ‘that there are not more Ulstermen alive than they have killed of them?’ ‘It is they indeed,’ said the charioteer. ‘Let us go to meet them,’ said Cú Chulainn. ‘It is dangerous for us,’ said the charioteer.’

‘‘Indeed it is not to avoid danger that we go,’ said Cú Chulainn. Then they set off, and they unyoked their horses at the confluence of a bog and a river, on the south above the fort of the sons of Nechta Scéne. And Cú Chulainn cast the withe that was on the pillar-stone as far as his arm could throw it out into the river and let it float downstream. This violated a tabu which bound the sons of Nechta Scéne who noticed what had been done and came towards them. But Cú Chulainn, after letting the withe drift with the current, fell asleep at the pillar-stone, having said to the charioteer: ‘Do not wake me for a few, but wake me for several.’’

‘However the charioteer was now sore afraid, and he harnessed the chariot and he tugged at the rugs and skin-coverings that were under Cú Chulainn, though he did not dare to waken him because Cú Chulainn had previously told him not to waken him for a few.’

‘Then came the sons of Nechta Scéne. ‘Who is here?’ said one of them. ‘A little lad who has come on an expedition in a chariot today,’ answered the charioteer. ‘May his first taking up of arms not bring him prosperity or success. He must not stay in our land and the horses must not graze here any longer,’ said the warrior. ‘Their reins are ready in my hand.’ said the charioteer. ‘You had no reason to show yourself unfriendly to him, and anyway,’ said Ibor to the warrior, ‘the lad is asleep.’ ‘I am no lad indeed,’ said Cú Chulainn, ‘but the lad who is here has come to seek battle with a man.’ ‘That pleases me well,’ said the warrior. ‘It will please you well now in yonder ford,’ said Cú Chulainn. ‘This is fitting for you,’ said the charioteer. ‘Beware of the man who comes against you. Fóill (Sly) is his name. If you reach him not with the first thrust, you will never reach him.’ ‘I swear by the god by whom my people swear, he shall not play that trick again on Ulstermen if once the broad spear of my master Conchobar reach him from my hand. It will mean an outlaw's hand, that is, death, for him.’ Then Cú Chulainn cast the spear at Fóill so that his back broke therefrom and he carried off his spoils and his severed head then.’

‘‘Beware of the next man,’ said the charioteer. ‘Fannall (Swallow) is his name. He skims over water as lightly as a swan or a swallow.’ ‘I swear that he will not play that stick on Ulstermen again,’ said Cú Chulainn. ‘You have seen how I travel across the pool in Emain.’ Then they met in the ford. Cú Chulainn killed that man and carried off his spoils and his head.’

‘‘Beware of the next man who comes to you,’ said the charioteer. ‘Túachell (Cunning) is his name, and it is no misnomer for no weapons wound him.’ ‘Here is the deil chlis for him to confound him so that it may riddle him like a sieve,’ said Cú Chulainn. Then he cast the spear at him and knocked him down. He went towards him and cut off his head. He carried off his head and his spoils to his own charioteer. Then he heard the cry of their mother, Nechta Scéne, bewailing them. He carried off the spoils and brought the three heads with him in his chariot and said ‘I will not part from these tokens of my triumph until I reach Emain.’ Thereupon they set forth with their trophies. Cú Chulainn said to the charioteer: ‘You promised us a good drive, and we need it now because of the fight and because of the pursuit behind us.’’

‘They drove on then to Slíab Fúait. So swift was the run they made across Brega after his urging of the charioteer that the chariot-horses used to outstrip the wind and birds in flight, and Cú Chulainn used to catch the stone he had thrown from his sling before it reached the ground.’

‘On reaching Slíab Fuait they found a herd of deer before them. ‘What are those nimble cattle over there?’ asked Cú Chulainn. ‘Wild deer,’ said the charioteer. ‘Which would the Ulstermen deem best, that I should take them to them alive or dead?’ ‘It is more wonderful (to take them) alive’ said the charioteer. ‘Not every one can do so, but there is not one of them who cannot take them dead. But you cannot carry off any one of them alive,’ added the charioteer. ‘Indeed I can,’ said Cú Chulainn. ‘Ply the goad on the horses and drive them to the bog.’ The charioteer did so, and the horses stuck fast in the bog. Cú Chulainn sprang out of the chariot and caught the deer that was nearest to him and the finest of the herd. He lashed the horses through the bog and subdued the deer immediately and tied it up between the two poles of the chariot.’

‘Again they saw before them a flock of swans. ‘Which would the Ulstermen deem best,’ asked Cú Chulainn, ‘that I should carry them alive to them or carry them dead?’ ‘The bravest and most active carry them off alive,’ said the charioteer. Cú Chulainn then threw a small stone at the birds and brought down eight of them. Again he threw a big stone and struck twelve of them. All this was done by his ‘return-stroke’. ‘Collect the birds for me,’ said Cú Chulainn to his charioteer. ‘If I go to get them, the wild deer will spring on you.’’

‘‘It is not easy for me to go there,’ said the charioteer. ‘The horses have become wild so that I cannot go past them. Nor can I go past the iron wheels of the chariot because of their sharpness, and I cannot go past the deer for his antlers have filled all the space between the two poles of the chariot.’ ‘Step from his antlers then,’ said Cú Chulainn. ‘I swear by the god by whom the Ulstermen swear, that I shall so nod at him and so glare at him that he will not move his head towards you and will not dare to stir.’ That was done then. Cú Chulainn fastened the reins and the charioteer collected the birds. Then Cú Chulainn tied the birds to the strings and cords of the chariot. In this wise he went to Emain Macha with a wild deer behind his chariot, a flock of swans fluttering over it and three severed heads in his chariot.’

‘They reached Emain then. ‘A chariot-warrior is driving towards you!’ cried the watchman in Emain Macha. ‘He will shed the blood of every man in the fort unless heed be taken and naked women go out to meet him.’’

‘Then he turned the left side of his chariot towards Emain which was tabu for it. And Cú Chulainn said. ‘I swear by the god by whom Ulstermen swear that, unless some man is found to fight with me, I shall shed the blood of everyone in the fort.’ ‘Send forth naked women to meet him !’ ordered Conchobor. Then the women-folk of Emain came forth to meet him led by Mugain,

or by Férach, according to other versions [gloss] the wife of Conchobor mac Nessa, and they bared their breasts to him. ‘These are the warriors who will encounter you today,’ said Mugain.

or Férach [gloss]" .’

‘He hid his face. Then the warriors of Emain seized him and cast him into a tub of cold water. That tub burst about him. The second tub into which he was plunged boiled hands high therefrom. The third tub into which he went after that he warmed so that its heat and its cold were properly adjusted for him. Then he came out and the queen, Mugain, put on him a blue mantle with a silver brooch therein, and a hooded tunic, and he sat at Conchobor's knee which was his resting-place always after that.’

‘One who did that in his seventh year,’ said Fiachu mac Fir Pebe, ‘it were no wonder that he should triumph over odds and overcome in fair fight now that his seventeen years are complete today.’</poem>

Táin Bó Cúailnge

A different Version up to the Death of Órlám

‘Let us go forward now,’ said Ailill. Then they reached Mag Mucceda. There Cú Chulainn cut down an oaktree in their path and on its side he wrote an ogam inscription which said that none should go past it until a warrior should leap across it in a chariot. They pitched their tents at that spot and they came to leap across it in their chariots. Thirty horses fell in the attempt and thirty chariots were broken there. Bélach nÁne is the name of that place ever since.

Táin Bó Cúailnge

Neue SeiteThe Death of Fráech

They remained there till the morrow. Fráech was summoned to them. ‘Help us, Fráech,’ said Medb. ‘Deliver us in this strait. Go for us to meet Cú Chulainn to see if perhaps you may encounter him in battle.’ Fráech set forth, a company of nine men, early in the morning and reached Áth Fúait. He saw a warrior bathing in the river. ‘Wait here,’ said Fráech to his followers, ‘till I fight with yonder man. He is not good in water.’ He took off his clothes and went into the water to Cú Chulainn. ‘Do not come against me,’ said Cú Chulainn. ‘You will die if you do and I should be sorry to kill you.’
‘Indeed I shall go,’ said Fráech, ‘so that we may meet in the water, and give me fair play.’ ‘Arrange that as you please,’ said Cú Chulainn. ‘Let each of us clasp the other (and wrestle),’ said Fráech. For a long time they kept wrestling in the water, and Fráech was submerged. Cú Chulainn lifted him up again. ‘Now this time will you yield and accept your life?’ said Cú Chulainn. ‘I will not,’ said Fráech.

Cú Chulainn thrust him down again and Fráech died. He came to land. His people carried his body to the encampment. Ever after that ford was called Áth Fraích. The whole encampment mourned for Fráech. They saw a band of women dressed in green tunics bending over the corpse of Fráech mac Idaid. They carried him off into the fairy mound which was called Síd Fraích ever afterwards.

Táin Bó Cúailnge

Fergus leapt across the oak-tree in his own chariot.

They went on as far as Áth Taiten. There Cú Chulainn overthrew six of them, namely, the six Dungail Irruis. Thence they went on to Fornocht. Medb had a young hound named Baiscne. Cú Chulainn threw a stone at it and took its head off. Druim Baiscne was the name of that place henceforth. ‘It is a disgrace for you,’ said Medb, ‘that you do not hunt down that wicked hind who is killing you.’ So they went in pursuit of him then and the shafts of their chariots broke in the hunting.

Táin Bó Cúailnge

The Death of Órlám

On the morrow they went over Iraird Culenn. Cú Chulainn went forward and came upon the charioteer of Órlám, son of Ailill and Medb, at a place called Tamlachta Órláim a little to the north of Dísert Lochait where he was cutting wood.

According to another version, however, it was the shaft of Cú Chulainn's chariot that had broken and he had gone to cut a new shaft when he met the charioteer of &Óacute;rlám. But according to this version it was the charioteer who cut the shafts.

‘It is a bold action on the part of the Ulstermen if it is they who are yonder,’ said Cú Chulainn, ‘while the army is on their track.’ He went to the charioteer to reprimand him, thinking he was one of the Ulstermen. He saw the man cutting wood, that is, chariot-shafts.
‘What are you doing here?’ said Cú Chulainn. ‘Cutting chariot-shafts,’ said the charioteer. ‘We have broken our chariots hunting yon wild deer, Cú Chulainn. Help me,’ said the charioteer. ‘Decide whether you will collect the shafts or strip them.’ ‘I will strip them,’ said Cú Chulainn. Then Cú Chulainn stripped the shafts between his fingers in the presence of the other, and he cleaned them both of bark and of knots. ‘It was not your proper work that I set you,’ said the charioteer who was sore afraid. ‘Who are you?’ asked Cú Chulainn. ‘I am the charioteer of &Óacute;rlám, son of Ailill and Medb,’ said he. ‘And who are you?’ ‘My name is Cú Chulainn,’ said he. ‘Woe is me !’said the charioteer. ‘Fear nothing,’ said Cú Chulainn. ‘Where is your master?’ ‘He is on the mound yonder,’ said the charioteer. ‘Come on then with me,’ said Cú Chulainn, ‘for I do not kill charioteers.’

Cú Chulainn went to &Óacute;rlám, killed him and cut off his head and brandished it before the host. He put the head then on the charioteer's back and said: ‘Take that with you and go thus to the camp. If you do not go thus, I shall cast a stone at you from my sling.’ When the charioteer drew near the camp, he took the head from his back, and related his adventures to Ailill and Medb. ‘It is not like catching a fledgling,’ said she. ‘And he said that if I did not bring the head to the camp on my back, he would break my head for me with a stone.’

Táin Bó Cúailnge

The Death of the three Sons of Gárach

Then the three Meic Gárach remained at their ford. Their names were Lon, Úalu and Diliu, and Mes Lir, Mes Lóech and Mes Lethan were their three charioteers. They thought Cú Chulainn had gone too far in doing what he had done, namely, killing the king's two foster-sons and his son and brandishing his son's head before the host. (They came then) that they might kill Cú Chulainn in revenge for &Óacute;rlám and so that they might themselves alone remove this cause of anxiety from the host. They cut three wooden rods for their charioteers so that the six of them together might do battle with Cú Chulainn. But then he killed all of them for they had broken the terms of fair play. At that time &Óacute;rlám's charioteer was standing between Ailill and Medb. Cú Chulainn threw a stone at him and his head broke and his brains gushed out over his ears. His name was Fer Teidil. So it is not true that Cú Chulainn never slew charioteers; but he did not kill them unless they were at fault.

Táin Bó Cúailnge

The Death of the Marten and of the Pet Bird

Cú Chulainn threatened in Méithe that, wherever afterwards he should see Ailill or Medb, he would cast a stone from his sling at them. He did so indeed; he threw a stone from his sling and killed the marten on Medb's shoulder south of the ford. Hence is the name Méithe Togmaill. And north of the ford he killed the bird that was on Ailill's shoulder. Hence the name Méithe nEoin. —Or, according to another version, both marten and bird were on Medb's shoulder and their heads were struck off by the stones cast. Then Reúin was drowned in his lake; hence the name Loch Reóin.

‘Your opponent is not far from you,’ said Ailill to the Maines. They rose to their feet and gazed around. When they sat down again Cú Chulainn struck one of them and smashed his head. ‘That was no successful expedition! It ill befitted you to boast,’ said Maenén the jester. ‘I should have cut his head off.’ Then Cú Chulainn cast a stone at him and smashed his head.

In this manner then these men were killed: first of all &Óacute;rlám on his height, then the three Meic Gárach at their ford, Fer Teidil at his dedil and Maenén on his hill.

‘I swear by the god by whom my people swear,’ said Ailill, ‘that I shall cut in twain whatever man shall make a mock of Cú Chulainn here. Come on now, I beg you, travelling by day and by night until we reach Cúailnge. That man will kill two thirds of your army (if he continue) in this way.’

Then the harpers of Caín Bile came to them from Ess Ruaid to entertain them with music. But they thought that the harpers had come from the Ulstermen to spy on them. So they hunted them until they went before them into the pillar-stones at Lía Mór in the north, transformed into deer, for (in reality) they were druids possessed of great occult knowledge.

Táin Bó Cúailnge

The Death of Lethan

Lethan came on to his ford over the Níth in Conaille, and he indeed waited to encounter Cú Chulainn. He was grieved by what Cú Chulainn had already done. Cú Chulainn cut off his head and left it there beside the body. Hence is the name Áth Lethan on the Níth. And their chariots broke when they met on the ford beside it. Hence is the name Áth Carpat. Mulcha, Lethan's charioteer, fell on the shoulder of the hill that lies between Áth Lethan and Áth Carpat. Hence comes the place-name Gúala Mulcha.

While the army was going over Mag mBreg Allecto came for a while, that is, the Mórrígan, in the form of a bird which perched on the pillar-stone in Temair Cúailnge and said to the bull: ‘Does the restless Black Bull know (it) without destructive falsehood? ... I have a secret that the Black Bull will know if he graze(?) ... on the green grass ... Fierce is the raven, men are dead, a sorrowful saying ... every day the death of a great tribe ... ’ Then the bull went with fifty heifers to Slíab Cuillinn, and his herdsman, Forgaimen, followed him. The bull threw off the thrice fifty boys who used to play on his back and killed two thirds of them. And before he went he pawed the earth in Tir Margéni in Cúailnge.

Cú Chulainn did not kill anyone between the Saili Imdoirchi in the district of Conaille until they reached Cúailnge. Cú Chulainn was then on the mountain Cuinche. He threatened that wherever he saw Medb he would cast a stone at her head. This was not easy for him, for Medb travelled surrounded by half the army and with a screen of shields over her head.

Táin Bó Cúailnge

The Death of Lócha


A handmaid of Medb's called Lócha went with a great company of women to fetch water. Cú Chulainn thought that she was Medb. He threw a stone at her from Cuinche and killed her on her plain. Hence comes the place-name Réid Lócha in Cúailnge.

From Findabair Cúailnge the army scattered and set the country on fire. They gathered together all the women, boys, girls and cows that were in Cúailnge and brought them all to Findabair. ‘Your expedition was not successful,’ said Medb. ‘I do not see that you have the bull.’ ‘He is not in the province at all,’ said they all. Lóthar. Medb's cowherd was summoned to them. ‘Where do you think the bull is?’ she asked. ‘I am afraid to tell,’ said the cowherd. ‘The night that the Ulstermen fell into their debility the bull went away with sixty heifers and he is now in Dubchaire in Glenn Gat.’

‘Go,’ said Medb, ‘and take a withe between each pair of you.’ They did so then, and hence the glen is called Glenn Gat. Then they brought the bull to Findabair. When the bull caught sight of Lóthar the cowherd, he rushed at him and disembowelled him with his horns. Then together with his thrice fifty heifers the bull made for the encampment and fifty warriors were killed by him.That is the Death of Lóthar on the Foray.

Then the bull went away from them out of the camp, but they knew not where he had gone and they were grieved. Medb asked the cowherd if he knew where the bull was. ‘I fancy that he might be in the recesses of Slíab Cuillinn.’ So they turned back after ravaging Cúailnge but they did not find the bull there. The river Cronn rose up against them as high as the tops of the trees. They spent the night by the river-bank. And Medb ordered some of her people to go across.</poem>

Táin Bó Cúailnge

The Death of Úalu

On the morrow a valiant hero called Úalu went and took a great flagstone on his back to go across the water. But the river turned him over and he lay with his stone on his belly. His grave and his headstone are on the road beside the stream. Lia Úalann is its name.

Afterwards they went round the river Cronn as far as its source, and they would have gone between its source and the mountain only that Medb would not allow it. She preferred that they should go across the mountain so that the track they made might remain there for ever as an insult to the men of Ulster. So they remained there three days and three nights until they had dug up the earth in front of them (to make a pass through the mountain) which was called Bernas Bó Cúailnge.

Then Cú Chulainn killed Cronn and Cóemdele and fought a furious(?) combat. A hundred warriors died by his hand ... together with Roán and Roae, the two historians of the Táin. A hundred and forty-four kings were slain by him beside that same stream.

After that they came through the pass Bernas Bó Cúailnge with the stock and cattle of Cúailnge, and they spent the night in Glenn Dáil Imda in Cúailnge. Botha is the name of that place because they made huts (botha) to shelter them there. On the morrow they went on to the river Colptha. They heedlessly tried to cross it but it rose in flood against them and carried off to sea a hundred of their chariot- warriors. Cluain Carpat is the name of the district where they were drowned. They went round the river Colptha then to its source at Belat Alióin and spent the night at Liasa Liac. It is so called because they made sheds (liasa) for their calves there between Cúailnge and Conaille. They came through Glenn Gatlaig and the river Glais Gatlaig rose in flood against them. Before that its name was Sechaire, but from that time it was called Glais Gatlaig because they had taken their calves across bound together with wither. They spent the night in Druim Féne in Conaille.

Those then were their journeyings from Cúailnge to Machaire according to this version. But other authors and books give a different account of their wanderings from Findabair to Conaille, which is as follows

Táin Bó Cúailnge

The Harrying of Cúailnge

When they had all arrived with their booty and assembled at Findabair Cúailnge, Medb said ‘Let the army be divided here. All the cattle cannot be taken by one route. Let Ailill go with half of them by Slige Midlúachra. Fergus and I will go by Bernas Bó nUlad.’ ‘The half of the drove that has fallen to our share is not lucky for us,’ said Fergus. ‘The cattle cannot be taken across the mountain unless they are divided.’ So it was done. Whence comes the name Bernas Bó nUlad.

Then Ailill said to Cuillius, his charioteer: ‘Spy for me today on Medb and Fergus. I do not know what has brought them thus together. I shall be glad if you can bring me a proof.’ Cuillius arrived when they were in Cluichri. The lovers remained behind while the warriors went on ahead. Cuillius came to where they were, but they did not hear the spy. Fergus's sword happened to be beside him and Cuillius drew it out of its scabbard, leaving the scabbard empty.

Then he came back to Ailill. ‘Well?’ said Ailill. ‘Well indeed,’ said Cuillius. ‘Here is a proof for you.’ ‘That is well,’ said Ailill. They exchanged smiles. ‘As you thought,’ said Cuillius, ‘I found them both lying together.’
 ‘She is right (to behave thus),’ said Ailill. ‘She did it to help in the cattle-driving. Make sure that the sword remain in good condition. Put it under your seat in the chariot, wrapped in a linen cloth.’

Then Fergus rose up to look for his sword. ‘Alas!’ he cried. ‘What ails you?’asked Medb. ‘I have wronged Ailill,’ said he. ‘Wait here until I come out of the wood, and do not wonder if it is a long time until I return.’ Now in fact Medb did not know of the loss of the sword. Fergus went off, taking his charioteer's sword in his hand. In the wood he cut a wooden sword. Hence the Ulstermen have the place-name Fid Mórdrúalle.

‘Let us go on after the others,’ said Fergus. All their hosts met in the plain. They pitched their tents. Fergus was summoned to Ailill to play chess. When he came into the tent Ailill began to laugh at him.

Fergus said: ‘Well for the man who is being laughed at if he be not deluded by the foolish violence of his fateful deed. By the point of my sword, halidom of Macha, swiftly shall we wreak vengeance on swords following on a cry (for help) from the Gaileóin had not a woman's triumph misdirected (me); following on a tryst bloody and gravestrewn and with blunt-edged spears between a great host with [their] commanders, there shall be fought a battle [extending] to the mountain of Nessa's grandson (Cú Chulainn) by a stout host, and the battle shall scatter the headless trunks of men.’

Then Ailill spoke: ‘Do not wage battle after the loss of your sword ... It defends Medb against many tribes ... Sit down then,’ said Ailill, ‘so that we may play a game of chess. Your arrival is welcome.’ Then Ailill said ‘Play chess and draughts before a king and a queen. They have prepared a game for great eager armies. It matters not(?) what stake you lay ... I am well- skilled. Perhaps in truth the first guilt will lie on the women ... Findabair loves the bold Fergus, Fergus mac Rossa Róich with lowing cattle and great armies surrounded(?) by tribes with great possessions, Fergus with the beauty of a king, the fierceness of a dragon, the venemous breath of a viper, the powerful blow of a lion.’ Then they began to play chess. They moved the gold and silver chessmen across the bronze chessboard.
Ailill was heard speaking: ‘It is not the due of a king ... ’ Medb was heard to say: ‘Cease those uncouth speeches. A noble lady is not the secret love of a stranger ... I am not given to destruction and unjust judgments ... ’ Then Fergus was heard saying: ‘Alas! With many words they wage war facing many tribes, and with secret counsels they will be nourished(?) and with treasure they will be bewitched(?), and with spears they will be cleared away ... that is, you will be obeyed.’ They remained there that night and on the following morning they heard Ailill say ‘A great champion comes to face the mighty army by Cronn, the river of Nessa's grandson. The men of Connacht will fight against an opponent. There will flow streams of blood from headless necks in a bloody and grave-strewn meeting of heroes. Many waters rise up against the beardless champion who will come from Ulster to the fray.’

Then Medb spoke: ‘Do not contend, O arrogant son of Máta ... men are herded together, women are carried off ... great armies propose to come from the battle-field of Cúailnge and the hosts sleep on.’ Fergus was heard: ‘Let a great prince(?) be seized ... Let them swear by their people, let them make promises to their queens, let them fight against their enemies.’ Medb was heard saying: ‘Let what he says be done, let it be done.’ Medb spoke: ‘He judges in submission to you for many armies. Let them advance while Ailill is in your power...’ They set forth on their way to the river Cronn, and Mane mac Ailella was heard to say: ‘If I am quickly sent forth against a fair opponent of many feats, he will ward off father and mother on horned cattle ... ’

Then Fergus was heard saying: ‘Do not go, O valorous boy. They will give no other counsel until a beardless lad shall strike your head from your neck ... ’ ‘Let me go in front with the banished Ulstermen,’ said Fergus, ‘to make sure that the lad gets fair play, with the cattle before us and the army in our rear, and the women folk behind the army.’
Then Medb was heard saying: ‘Hark, O Fergus! for the sake of your honour ... ward off (the enemy) with your fine army. Do not drive away the Ulstermen ... In Mag nAí you prevail over a meeting of companies.’

Fergus spoke: ‘Alas! O foolish Medb whose voice I do not hear ... I am not the son of a weakling ... I shall not strike a great blow upon the tribes. Cease to cast stones at me ... ’

Cú Chulainn came to Áth Cruinn to meet them. ‘My friend Láeg,’ said he to his charioteer, ‘the armies are coming towards us.’

Láeg spoke: ‘I swear by the gods that I shall perform a great deed in front of chariot- warriors in the small remnant of the battle. They are carried on slender steeds with silver yokes and golden wheels (on their chariots) ... You will march against kings. They will conquer with their power of leaping.’

Cú Chulainn spoke: ‘Take heed, O Láeg, that you grasp the reins with the great victory of Macha ... I beseech the rivers to come to my help. I call upon heaven and earth and especially the river Cronn to aid me.’

  1. The plaintive river Cronn offers them resistance and will not let them cross into Muirthemne until the work of warriors is finished in the mountain north of Ochaíne.


Thereupon the river rose in flood as high as the tree-tops.

Maine, the son of Ailill and Medb came forward before the others. Cú Chulainn slaughtered him on the ford and thirty horsemen of his household were submerged in the water. Cú Chulainn overthrew thirty-two of their brave warriors again at the river. They pitched their tents at that ford. Lugaid mac Nóis uí Lomairc Allchomaig accompanied by thirty horsemen came on a fleeting visit to parley with Cú Chulainn.

‘Welcome, Lugaid,’ said Cú Chulainn. ‘If birds fly over Mag Murthemne you shall have a barnacle goose and a half. Or else if fish swim into the estuaries you shall have a salmon and a half. Or else you shall have three sprigs, a sprig of cress, a sprig of laver, a sprig of seaweed. A man shall take your place (to fight) at the ford.’ ‘That is welcome,’ said Lugaid. ‘I wish all goodness of the tribe for the lad.’ ‘Your army is fine,’ said Cú Chulainn.
 ‘You will not suffer even though the company you bring against them is few,’ said Lugaid. ‘Grant me fair play and goodly combat,’ said Cú Chulainn. ‘O friend Lugaid, do the army hold me in fear?’ ‘I swear by the god of my people,’ said Lugaid, ‘that not one man or two dare go outside the camp to make water unless they go in companies of twenty or of thirty.’ ‘It will be a fine thing for them,’ said Cú Chulainn, ‘if I begin to pelt them with stones from my sling. If every man's strength is put forth against me, it will be right for you, Lugaid, (to remember) your alliance with the men of Ulster. Tell me now what it is that you want.’ ‘I want a truce from you for my company.’

‘You shall have that provided that they bear a special sign (that I may recognize them.) And tell my friend Fergus that his company too should bear a special sign. Tell the physicians to make their company also bear a sign and let them swear to preserve my life and send me food every night.’ Lugaid left him then. Now it chanced that Fergus was in his tent with Ailill. Lugaid called him out and gave him the message.

Ailill was heard speaking: ‘Cair iss i sanassaib ... Let us go with a small army, to a choice tent and an encampment ... ’ ‘I swear by the god of my people that it is not so,’ said Fergus, ‘unless I ask the lad. Come, Lugaid, go and ask him if Ailill and his division of three thousand may join together with my company. Take him an ox and a flitch of bacon and a barrel of wine.’ Then Lugaid goes to him and gives him that message. ‘I do not mind if he go,’ said Cú Chulainn. So the two companies joined them. They remained there until night. Cú Chulainn wounded thirty of their warriors with stones from his sling. —Or, as some books tell it, they remained there for twenty nights. ‘Your journeyings will be unpleasant,’ said Fergus. ‘The Ulstermen will recover from their debility and they will crush us into the dust and gravel. We are ill-placed for battle. Come on to Cúil Airthir.’ It happened that Cú Chulainn went that night to speak with the men of Ulster.

‘What tidings have you?’ asked Conchobar. ‘Women are taken captive,’ said he, ‘cattle are driven away, men are slain.’ ‘Who takes them captive? Who drives them away? Who kills them?’ ‘... The man foremost in slaughter and killing, Ailill mac Máta, carries them off and Fergus mac Róich, the brave one, who wields a sword ...’ ‘That is not of much benefit to you,’ said Conchobar. ‘Today we have been smitten (by the cess) as before.’

Thereafter Cú Chulainn left them. He saw the army going forth.

Ailill spoke: ‘Alas! I see a chariot with bright points ... he will slay men in fords and capture cows, and the thirty will act when the army has come from Laigin. Blood will flow from headless necks. They will fall fighting for the cattle of the Ulstermen in the ford.’ Cú Chulainn killed thirty of their warriors at Áth Durn. They made no stop then until at nightfall they reached Cúil Airthir. He killed thirty of them at that spot and they pitched their tents there.

Ailill's charioteer, Cuillius, was at the ford early in the morning washing the wheels of the chariot. Cú Chulainn hit him with a stone and killed him. Hence the place-name Áth Cuillne in Cúil Airthir.

They travelled on then and spent the night in Druim Féine in Conaille, as we have related above. Cú Chulainn attacked them there. On each of the three nights that they were there he killed a hundred of them. He let fly at them with his sling from Ochaíne near them.

‘Our army will not long survive with Cú Chulainn attacking us in this fashion,’ said Ailill. ‘Let an offer of terms from us be made to him, namely, that he shall have an extent of Mag nAí equal to Mag Muirthemne, the best chariot in Mag nAí and the equipment of twelve men. Or, if he prefer, this plain in which he was reared and thrice seven cumala. And all that has been destroyed in his household or among his cattle shall be made good, and he shall be compensated for it. And let him take service with me, it is better for him than to be in the service of a princeling.’ ‘Who will go on that mission?’ they asked. ‘Mac Roth yonder.’

Mac Roth, the messenger of Ailill and Medb—he it is who could go all round Ireland in one day—went to Delga on that mission, for Fergus believed that Cú Chulainn was in Delga.

‘I see a man coming towards us,’ said Láeg to Cú Chulainn. ‘He has yellow hair. He wears the linen garments of his office. In his hand a great club and at his waist an ivory-hilted sword. He wears a hooded tunic with red insertion.’
 ‘That is one of the king's warriors,’ said Cú Chulainn.

Mac Roth asked Láeg whose vassal he was. ‘Vassal to yonder man below,’ said Láeg. Cú Chulainn was sitting stark-naked in the snow which reached up to his thighs, examining his shirt for lice. So Mac Roth asked Cú Chulainn whose vassal he was. ‘Vassal of Conchobor mac Nessa,’ said Cú Chulainn. ‘Have you no more definite description?’ ‘That is sufficient,’ said Cú Chulainn. ‘Where is Cú Chulainn then?’ asked Mac Roth. ‘What would you say to him?’ said Cú Chulainn. So Mac Roth told him the whole message as we have (already) related. ‘Even if Cú Chulainn were here near at hand, he would not agree to that. He will not exchange his mother's brother for another king.’

Once again Cú Chulainn was visited (by Mac Roth) and he was told that he would be given the noblest of the (captured) women and the dry kine on condition that he should not ply his sling on them by night even if he killed them by day. ‘I will not agree,’ said Cú Chulainn. ‘If our base-born women are carried off, then our noble women will work at querns, and if our milch cows are taken away we shall be left without milk.’ A third time Cú Chulainn was visited by Mac Roth and he was told that he would get the base-born women and the milch cows. ‘I will not agree,’ said Cú Chulainn. ‘The Ulstermen will take their base born women to bed and base offspring will be born to them, and they will use their milch cows for meat in the winter.’ ‘Is there anything else then?’ asked the messenger. ‘There is,’ said Cú Chulainn, ‘but I shall not tell you. It will be agreed to if some one (else) tell you.’ ‘I know what it is,’ said Fergus. ‘The man has arranged that I should make it known. But indeed it is of no advantage to you. These then are the terms: that for a day and a night the cattle shall not be taken away from the ford on which he shall fight in single combat, in the hope that help may come from the Ulstermen to him. And I find it strange,’ said Fergus, ‘that they are so long in recovering from their debility.’ ‘It is better for us indeed,’ said Ailill, ‘to lose one man every day than a hundred men every night.’

Táin Bó Cúailnge

The death of Etarcomol and the terms offered by the men of Ireland as told to Cú Chulainn by Fergus:

Then Fergus went on that mission. Etarcomol, the son of Ed and Leithrinn, fosterson of Ailill and Medb, followed Fergus. ‘I do not wish you to go,’ said Fergus, ‘and it is not out of hatred of you that I say so, but I dislike the thought of a fight between you and Cú Chulainn because of your pride and insolence and because of the fierceness and violence, the boldness and fury of your opponent, Cú Chulainn. No good will come of your encounter.’ ‘Can you not protect me from him?’ said Etarcomol. ‘I can,’ said Fergus, ‘provided that you do not provoke a quarrel.’

They set off then for Delga in two chariots. At that time Cú Chulainn was playing draughts with Láeg: the back of his head was towards them and Láeg was facing them. ‘I see two chariots coming towards us,’ said Láeg. ‘There is a tall dark man in the first chariot. He has dark bushy hair. He wears a purple cloak in which is a golden brooch, and a hooded tunic with red insertion. He carries a curved shield with a scalloped rim of white gold. In his hand he holds a broad spear with perforations from point to upper shaft (?). Across his thighs a sword as long as a boat's rudder.’ ‘That great rudder carried by my master Fergus is empty,’ said Cú Chulainn, ‘for there is no sword in the scabard, only a sword of wood. I have been told,’ said Cú Chulainn, ‘that Ailill came unawares upon Fergus and Medb as they slept, and he took away Fergus's sword and gave it into the keeping of his charioteer, and a wooden sword was put into its scabbard.’ At that point Fergus arrived.

‘Welcome, master Fergus,’ said Cú Chulainn. ‘If fish swim into the estuaries you shall have a salmon and a half; or else if a flock of birds fly over the plain you shall have a barnacle goose and the half of another; or you shall have a handful of cress or seaweed, a handful of laver, a drink from the sand. I shall to go the ford to encounter an opponent if he challenge (you) and you shall be guarded until you shall have slept.’ ‘I trust your welcome,’ said Fergus, ‘but it is not for food that I have come. I know what provisions you have here.’ Then Cú Chulainn received the message from Fergus, and Fergus departed.

Etarcomol remained behind gazing at Cú Chulainn. ‘What are you looking at?’ said Cú Chulainn.

‘You,’ said Etarcomol. ‘An eye can soon glance over that,’ said Cú Chulainn. ‘So I see,’ answered Etarcomol. ‘I see no reason why anyone should fear you. I see in you no horror or fearfulness or superiority in numbers. You are merely a handsome youth with wooden weapons and fine feats of arms.’ ‘Though you revile me’ said Cú Chulainn, ‘I will not kill you because of Fergus. But for your being under his protection, I would have sent back your distended loins and your dismembered body behind your chariot to the encampment.’ ‘Do not threaten me thus,’ said Etarcomol. ‘As for the wonderful agreement you made, namely, to engage in single combat, it is I who will be the first of the men of Ireland to fight with you tomorrow.’ Then he went away, but he turned back again from Méithe and Ceithe, saying to his charioteer: ‘I boasted in the presence of Fergus that I would encounter Cú Chulainn tomorrow. It is not easy for me, however, to wait until then. Turn the horses back again from the hill.’

Láeg saw what was happening and said to Cú Chulainn ‘The chariot is coming again and has turned its left side to us.’ ‘That is a challenge which must be met,’ said Cú Chulainn. ‘Let us go down to meet him at the ford and find out (what he wants).’

‘I do not wish to do what you ask,’ said Cú Chulainn (to Etarcomol). ‘You must do it, however,’ said Etarcomol. Cú Chulainn struck the sod beneath his feet and he fell prostrate with the sod on his belly. ‘Begone!’ said Cú Chulainn. ‘I am loath to dip my hands in your blood. I should have cut you into pieces just now but for Fergus.’ ‘We shall not part like this,’ said Etarcomol, ‘until I carry off your head or until I leave my head with you.’ ‘The latter is what will happen,’ said Cú Chulainn. Then Cú Chulainn struck him with his sword under his armpits so that his garments fell off him, but he did not cut his skin. ‘Begone then!’ said Cú Chulainn. ‘No,’ said Etarcomol. Cú Chulainn touched him then with the edge of his sword and cut his hair off as cleanly as if it had been shaved off with a razor. He did not even scratch his skin. Then since the fellow was troublesome and pertinacious, he struck him on the crown of his head and clove him down to the navel.

Fergus saw the chariot go past with only one man in it. He turned back to scold Cú Chulainn. ‘It was wicked of you, you whippersnapper,’ said he, ‘to violate my protection (of Etarcomol). You think my club is short.’ ‘Do not be angry with me, master Fergus,’ said Cú Chulainn, ‘...Do not reproach me, master Fergus.’ He bowed down and let Fergus's chariot go past him three times. ‘Ask his charioteer if I was the one who instigated the fight.’ ‘Indeed it was not you,’ said Etarcomol's charioteer. ‘He said,’ went on Cú Chulainn, ‘that he would not go away till he carried off my head or left his own head with me. Which would you prefer, master Fergus?’ ‘Indeed I prefer what has been done,’ said Fergus, ‘for it is he who was insolent.’

Then Fergus put a spanceling band through Etarcomol's heels and dragged him behind his own chariot to the camp. Whenever Etarcomol's body went over rocks, one half would part from the other; when the path was smooth, the two parts would come together again. Medb looked at him. ‘That was not kind treatment for a young hound, Fergus,’ said Medb. ‘It is no source of annoyance to me,’ said Fergus, ‘that the mongrel should have waged battle with the great hound for whom he was no match.’

Then Etarcomol's grave was dug and his headstone was planted in the ground; his name was written in ogam and he was mourned. That night Cú Chulainn did not attack them with his sling.

Táin Bó Cúailnge

The Death of Nad Crantail

‘What man have you got to encounter Cú Chulainn tomorrow?’ asked Lugaid. ‘They will give you him tomorrow,’ said Maine son of Ailill. ‘We can get no one to encounter him,’ said Medb. ‘Let us make a truce with him till a man be sought for him.’ A truce was granted them. ‘Whither will you send,’ asked Ailill, ‘to seek a man to encounter Cú Chulainn?’ ‘There is no one in Ireland to be got for him,’ said Medb, ‘unless Cú Roí mac Dáire or Nad Crantail the warrior be brought.’

One of Cú Roí's followers was in the tent. ‘Cú Roí will not come,’ said he. ‘He thinks that enough of his people have already come.’ ‘Let a message be sent to Nad Crantail then.’ Maine Andoí went to Nad Crantail. They related their tidings to him. ‘Come with us for the sake of the honour of Connacht.’ ‘I will not,’ said he, ‘unless Findabair is given to me.’ He came with them then. They brought his weapons in a cart from the east of Connacht to the encampment. ‘You shall get Findabair,’ said Medb, ‘as a reward for encountering yonder man.’ ‘I shall do so,’ said he. That night Lugaid came to Cú Chulainn. ‘Nad Crantail is coming to meet you tomorrow. Alas for you! You will not stand out against him.’ ‘That is no matter,’ said Cú Chulainn.

—According to another version it was then that Cú Chulainn chanted the verse: ‘If Nad Crantail should fall.’—

On the morrow Nad Crantail went forth from the camp, taking with him nine stakes of holly, sharpened and charred. Cú Chulainn was there engaged in fowling, with his chariot beside him. Nad Crantail cast a stake at Cú Chulainn. Cú Chulainn sprang on to the top of that stake but it did not hinder him in his fowling. Similarly with the other eight stakes. When Nad Crantail cast the ninth stake, the flock of birds flew away from Cú Chulainn who went in pursuit of them. Then, like a bird himself, he stepped on to the points of the stakes, going from one stake to another, pursuing the birds that they might not escape him. They were all certain, however, that Cú Chulainn was fleeing from Nad Crantail.

‘That Cú Chulainn of yours,’ said Nad Crantail, ‘has taken to flight before me.’ ‘It was to be expected,’ said Medb, ‘if goodly warriors opposed him, that the sprite would not hold out against bold men.’ Fergus and the Ulstermen were grieved to hear this. Fíacha mac Fir Fhebe was sent by them to upbraid Cú Chulainn. ‘Tell him,’ said Fergus, ‘that it was fine for him to attack the warriors as long as he acted bravely. It is better for him, however, to hide himself when he flees from a single opponent, for it is no greater dishonour for him than for the rest of the Ulstermen.’ ‘Who boasted that I fled?’ asked Cú Chulainn. ‘Nad Crantail,’ said Fíacha.
‘If he had boasted of the feat I had performed in his presence; it would have become him better,’ said Cú Chulainn. ‘But he would not boast if only he had a weapon in his hand. You know that I kill no man unarmed. So let him come tomorrow and stand between Ochaíne and the sea, and however early he come, he shall find me waiting there and I shall not flee from him.’

Cú Chulainn ended the meeting, and he cast his mantle around him after his night watch, but he did not notice the great pillar-stone as big as himself which was beside him and he covered it over between himself and his mantle and sat down beside it.

Then Nad Crantail arrived. His weapons were brought by him in a wagon. ‘Where is Cú Chulainn?’ he asked. ‘There he is over there,’ said Fergus. ‘That is not how he appeared to me yesterday,’ said Nad Crantail. ‘Are you the famous Cú Chulainn?’ ‘And what if I am?’ said Cú Chulainn. ‘If you are,’ said Nad Crantial, ‘then until I carry the head of a little lamb to the camp, I shall not take back your head which is the head of a beardless boy.’ ‘I am not Cú Chulainn at all,’ said Cú Chulainn. ‘Go round the hill to him.’

Cú Chulainn came to Láeg. ‘Smear a false beard on me. The champion refuses to fight with me since I am beardless.’ So it was done for him. He went to meet Nad Crantail on the hill. ‘I think that better,’ said Nad Crantail. ‘Grant me fair play now.’ ‘You shall have it provided that we know it.’ said Cú Chulainn. ‘I will throw a cast at you,’ said Nad Crantail, ‘and do not avoid it.’ ‘I shall avoid it only by leaping upwards,’ said Cú Chulainn. Nad Crantail threw a cast at him and Cú Chulainn leapt upwards as it came. ‘You do ill to avoid the cast,’ said Nad Crantail. ‘Avoid my cast upwards also,’ said Cú Chulainn.

Cú Chulainn threw the spear at him but it was upwards he threw so that the spear came down on the crown of Nad Crantail's head and went through him to the ground. ‘Indeed,’ he cried, ‘you are the best warrior in Ireland! I have twenty- four sons in the encampment. Let me go and tell them what hidden treasures I have. And I shall come back so that you may behead me for I shall die if the spear is taken out of my head.’ ‘Good,’ said Cú Chulainn, ‘provided that you come back again.’

Then Nad Crantail went to the encampment. They all came forth to meet him. ‘Where is the head of the distorted one that you have brought?’ they all asked. ‘Stay, O warriors, until I tell my tale to my sons and go back again to fight with Cú Chulainn.’

He went off to meet Cú Chulainn and cast his sword at him. Cú Chulainn leapt up so that the sword struck the pillar-stone and broke in two. Cú Chulainn was distorted as he had been when with the boys in Emain. Thereupon Cú Chulainn leapt on to Nad Crantail's shield and cut off his head. He struck him again on his headless neck (and split him) down to the navel and Nad Crantail fell in four sections to the ground. Then Cú Chulainn spoke these words

  1. If Nad Crantail has fallen, there will be increase of strife. Alas that I do not now give battle to Medb with a third of the host!
Táin Bó Cúailnge

The Finding of the Bull according to this Version

Then Medb went with a third of the army to Cuib in search of the bull and Cú Chulainn followed them. She went along Slige Midlúachra then as far as Dún Sobairche to harry the Ulstermen and the Cruithne. Cú Chulainn caught sight of Buide mac Báin from Slíab Cuilinn with the bull and fifteen heifers. Sixty warriors of Ailill's household formed his company, each man wrapped in a mantle. Cú Chulainn came towards them. ‘Whence have you brought the cattle?’ asked he. ‘From yonder mountain,’ answered the warrior. ‘Tell me, where is their cow-herd?’ said Cú Chulainn. ‘He is where we found him,’ said the warrior. Cú Chulainn gave three leaps to follow them as far as the ford, seeking to have speech with them. Then he spoke to their leader.

‘What is your name?’ said he. ‘One who hates you not, who loves you not, Buide mac Báin,’ said he. ‘Here is this spear for Buide,’ said Cú Chulainn.
He cast a small spear at him and it went into his armpit, and his liver on the other side broke in two at the impact of the spear. Cú Chulainn killed him at his ford. Hence the place-name Áth mBuide. Thereupon the bull was brought into the encampment. Then they decided in debate that if Cú Chulainn were deprived of his javelin, he would be no more formidable (than anyone else)./<poem>

===The Death of Redg the Satirist===

<poem>Then Redg the satirist went, on Ailill's advice, to ask Cú Chulainn for the javelin, that is, Cú Chulainn's spear. ‘Give me your spear,’ said the satirist. ‘No indeed,’ said Cú Chulainn, ‘but I will give your treasure.’ ‘I shall not accept that,’ said the satirist. So he wounded the satirist since he did not accept what was offered him, and Redg said that he would bring dishonour on him (by satire) unless he got the javelin. So Cú Chulainn threw the javelin at him and it went right through his head. ‘This treasure was quickly delivered indeed,’ said the satirist. Hence the name Áth Tolam Sét.

There is also a ford to the east of that place where the copper from the spear landed. Umarrith (Umashruth) is the name of that ford.

It was in Cuib that Cú Chulainn killed all those that we have mentioned, namely, Nath Coirpthe at his trees, Cruthen on his ford, Meic Búachalla at their cairn, Marc on his hill, Meille in his stronghold, Bodb in his tower, Bogaine in his marsh.

Cú Chulainn turned back again into Mag Muirthemne. He preferred to guard his own homeland. After going there he killed the men of Crochen (or Crónech), that is, Focherda, he cast off twenty men. He come upon them as they were setting up camp, ten cupbearers and ten warriors.

Medb turned back again from the north when she had remained there for a fortnight, ravaging the province, and when she had fought a battle against Findmór the wife of Celtchar mac Uthidir. After the destruction of Dún Sobairche in the territory of Dál Riada against Findmór she carried off fifty women captives. Wherever in Cuib Medb planted her horsewhip is named Bile Medba. Every ford and every hill by which she spent the night is named Áth Medba and Dindgna Medba. Then they all met at Focherd, Ailill and Medb and the men who drove the bull. His herdsman took the bull from them but by beating their shields with sticks they drove the bull across into a narrow pass and the cattle trampled the herdsman into the ground. His name was Forgemen. And the hill there is called Forgemen.

Their only anxiety that night was to get some one from among them to contend with Cú Chulainn at the ford. ‘Let us ask Cú Chulainn for a truce,’ said Ailill. ‘Let Lugaid go on that mission,’ said they all. So Lugaid went to speak with him. ‘What do the army think of me now?’ asked Cú Chulainn. ‘They think that the request you made of them is a great disgrace, namely, that they should return to you your women and girls and half your cattle. But they think it more grievous than anything else that you should go on killing them and yet be provided with food by them.’ Then every day for a week a man fell there at Cú Chulainn's hands. Terms of fair play were broken against him; twenty men were sent to attack him all together, but he killed them all.

‘Go to him, Fergus,’ said Ailill, ‘and ask if he will allow us to move camp.’ So they went then to Crónech. In that place there fell by him in single combat two men called Roth, two called Lúan, two female thieves, ten jesters, ten cupbearers, ten men called Fergus, six called Fedelm and six called Fiachrach. All these were killed by him in single combat. Then when they had pitched their tents in Crónech, they debated as to what they should do about Cú Chulainn.

‘I know what is right in this matter,’ said Medb. ‘Send a message asking him to grant a truce with the host and say that he shall have half the cattle that are here.’ That message was taken to him. ‘I shall do so,’ said Cú Chulainn, ‘on condition that you do not violate the agreement.’

Táin Bó Cúailnge

The Meeting of Cú Chulainn and Finnabair

Aithremail went to him, and he went first to Láeg. ‘Whose vassal are you?’ he asked. Láeg did not address him. Maine asked him the same question three times. ‘I am Cú Chulainn's vassal,’ said Láeg, ‘and do not plague me lest perchance I strike your head off.’ ‘What a bad-tempered fellow !’ said Maine turning away from him. So then Maine went to speak to Cú Chulainn. Cú Chulainn had taken off his shirt and was sitting in the snow up to his waist while around him the snow had melted a man's length, so great was the fierce ardour of the warrior. Maine asked him three times in the same way whose vassal he was. ‘Conchobor's vassal, and do not plague me. If you bother me any more, I shall cut off your head as the head is cut off a blackbird’. ‘It is not easy to speak to these two,’ said Maine.

He left them then and told Ailill and Medb what had happened. ‘Let Lugaid go to him,’ said Ailill, ‘and speak to him (and offer him) the maid.’

So Lugaid went and gave Cú Chulainn the message. ‘Friend Lugaid,’ said Cú Chulainn, ‘this is a trick.’ ‘It is the word of a king,’ said Lugaid. ‘There will be no trickery.’ ‘So be it done,’ said Cú Chulainn. Thereupon Lugaid went from him and told that answer to Ailill and Medb.

‘Let the jester go disguised as me,’ said Ailill, ‘wearing a king's crown on his head. And let him stand far away from Cú Chulainn that he may not recognize him. And the girl shall go with him and he shall betroth her to Cú Chulainn. They shall come away quickly then and very likely you will deceive Cú Chulainn in that way and he will not hinder you until such time as he comes with the Ulstermen to the great battle.’

So the jester went, accompanied by the maid, to Cú Chulainn and from afar off he addressed him. Cú Chulainn went to meet them. But in fact he recognized by the man's speech that he was a jester. He threw at him a sling-stone which he had in his hand and it went into the jester's head and drove his brains out. He came to the girl. He cut off her two plaits and thrust a stone through her mantle and her tunic. Then he thrust a stone through the middle of the jester. Their two pillar-stones are still there, Finnabair's stone and the jester's stone. Cú Chulainn left them thus.

Messengers came from Ailill and Medb in search of their people, for it seemed to them that they had long been gone. They were found in that plight. The whole story spread through the camp. Thereafter there was no truce between them and Cú Chulainn.

Táin Bó Cúailnge

The Combat of Munremar and Cú Roí

When the hosts were there in the evening, they saw one stone thrown at them from the east and another thrown to meet it from the west. The stones collided in the air and they kept falling between Fergus's camp and that of Ailill and that of the Érainn. This performance went on until the same time next day, and the hosts were standing, holding their shields over their heads to protect them from the battle-stones, until the plain was full of stones. Hence the name Mag Clochair. In fact it was Cú Ruí mac Dáire who had done this; he came to help his followers and he was in Cotail facing Munremar mac Gerrcinn. Munremar had come from Emain Macha to Ard Róich to the assistance of Cú Chulainn. Cú Roí knew that there was no one in the army who could withstand Munremar. So they both carried on this performance (with the stones). The host begged them to desist. Then Munremar and Cú Roí made peace and Cú Roí went to his house while Munremar returned to Emain Macha and did not come (again) until the day of the great battle. Cú Roí, however, did not come until the fight with Fer Diad.

‘Ask Cú Chulainn,’ said Medb and Ailill, ‘to allow us to move camp.’ They were given permission and they moved camp. By this time the debility of the Ulstermen was at an end. As they awoke from their torpor, some of them kept still attacking the army until they were once more smitten by their affliction.

Táin Bó Cúailnge

The Death of the Youths

Then the youths of Ulster took counsel together in Emain Macha. ‘Alas for us,’ said they, ‘that our friend Cú Chulainn should be left unaided!’ ‘Tell me,’ said Fiachna Fuilech mac Fir Fhebi, a brother of Fíachach Fialdána mac Fir Fhebi, ‘shall I have a band of fighters from among you so that I may go and help him thus?’ Thrice fifty boys, a third of the youths of Ulster, went with him, carrying their hurleys. The army saw them approaching across the plain. ‘There is a great host coming towards us across the plain,’ said Ailill. Fergus went to see them.

‘Those are some of the boys of Ulster,’ he said, ‘and they are coming to help Cú Chulainn.’ ‘Let a band of armed men go to meet them,’ said Ailill, ‘but without Cú Chulainn's knowledge, for if they meet with him, you will not withstand them.’
Thrice fifty warriors went to encounter them. Both sides fell and not one of those splendid boys escaped alive at Lia Toll. Hence the place-name Lia Fiachrach meic Fir Fhebi for it is here he fell. ‘Take counsel,’ said Ailill. ‘Ask Cú Chulainn to let you leave this place for you will hardly escape from him now that his hero's flame has sprung forth.’

For it was usual with him that when his hero's flame sprang forth his feet would turn to the back and his hams turn to the front and the round muscles of his calves would come on to his shins, while one eye sank into his head and the other protruded. A man's head would go into his mouth. Every hair on him would be as sharp as a spike of hawthorn and there would be a drop of blood on every hair. He would recognise neither comrades nor friends. He would attack alike before him and behind him. Hence the men of Connacht named Cú Chulainn the Distorted One.

Táin Bó Cúailnge

The Bloodless Fight of Rochad

Cú Chulainn sent his charioteer to Rochad mac Fathemain of Ulster to ask him to come to his aid. Now it happened that Finnabair was in love with Rochad for he was the handsomest of the Ulster warriors of the day. The charioteer went to Rochad and asked him to come and help Cú Chulainn if he had recovered from his debility, and he suggested that they should set a snare for the host to entrap some of them and kill them. Rochad came from the north with a hundred men. ‘Scan the plain for us today,’ said Ailill. ‘I see a troop coming across the plain,’ said the watchman, ‘and a youthful warrior among them. He towers shoulder-high above the other warriors.’

‘Who is that, Fergus?’ asked Ailill.

‘Rochad mac Fathemain,’ said he, ‘and he comes to help Cú Chulainn. I know what you must do,’ said Fergus. ‘Send a hundred men with the maid yonder as far as the middle of the plain, and let the maid go in front of them. A messenger shall go and speak to Rochad and ask him to come alone to talk to the maid, and then let him be seized and that will save us from attack by his followers.’ This was done then. Rochad went to meet the messenger. ‘I have come to you from Finnabair to ask you to go and speak with her.’

So he went alone to speak with her. The host rushed about him on all sides; he was captured and seized. His followers took to flight. Afterwards he was released and bound over not to attack the host until he came with all the Ulstermen. He was promised that Finnabair should be given to him, and then he went away from them. That is the Bloodless Fight of Rochad.

Táin Bó Cúailnge

The Death of the Royal Mercenaries

‘Let Cú Chulainn be asked for a truce for us,’ said Ailill and Medb. Lugaid went with that message and Cú Chulainn granted the truce. ‘Send a man to the ford for me tomorrow,’ said Cú Chulainn. There were with Medb six royal mercenaries, that is, six royal heirs of Clanna Dedad, to wit, three called Dub from Imlech, and three called Derg from Sruthair. ‘Why should we not go against Cú Chulainn?’ said they. So they went to meet him on the morrow and Cú Chulainn killed the six of them.

Táin Bó Cúailnge

The Death of Cúr

Then Cúr mac Da Lath was asked by them to encounter Cú Chulainn. He from whom Cúr drew blood died before the ninth day. ‘If he kill Cú Chulainn,’ said Medb, ‘it means victory. If he is himself killed, it will be a relief to the host. It is not pleasant to consort with Cúr eating and sleeping.’

So Cúr went forth. But he disliked going to encounter a beardless whipper- snapper of a boy.

‘In truth,’ said he, ‘ye make little account of me. Had I known that I was sent against this man, I should not have stirred to meet him. I should think it enough to send a boy of his own age from my followers to encounter him.’ ‘Nay,’ said Cormac Cond Longas. ‘It would be a wonderful thing for us were you yourself to repel him.’ ‘However that be,’ said Cúr, ‘since I have been entrusted with this task, ye shall go on your way early tomorrow for it will not take me long to kill that young deer.’

So early in the morning on the morrow he went to meet Cú Chulainn, and he told the host to start on their journey for it would be a joyful expedition for him to go and meet Cú Chulainn. So he went off. Cú Chulainn at that time was practising feats.

Táin Bó Cúailnge

A List of the Feats

The ball-feat, the blade-feat, the feat with horizontally-held shield, the javelin-feat, the rope-feat, the feat with the body, the cat-feat, the hero's salmon-leap, the cast of a wand, the leap across ..., the bending of a valiant hero, the feat of the gae bolga, the feat of quickness (?), the wheel-feat, the eight-men feat, the overbreath feat, the bruising with a sword, the hero's war-cry, the well-measured blow, the return-stroke, the mounting on a spear and straightening the body on its point, with the bond of a valiant champion.

For a third of the day Cúr was plying his weapons against him protected by the boss of his shield, and no blow or thrust reached Cú Chulainn in the wild excitement of his feats, nor did he realise that the man was attacking him until Fíacha mac Fir Fhebe cried to him: ‘Beware of the man who is attacking you!’ Cú Chulainn glanced at Cúr and cast the ball-feat which he held in his hand so that it went between the boss and the centre of the shield and back through the fellow's head. —According to another version it was in (the battle of) Imshlige Glendamnach that Cúr fell.— Fergus turned to the host.

‘If your surety binds you,’ said he, ‘stay here until tomorrow.’ ‘Not here,’ said Ailill, ‘but we shall go back to our encampment.’ Then Láth mac Da Bró was asked to fight him even as Cúr had been asked. He too fell. Fergus turned again to enforce their surety. So they remained there until there were slain Cúr mac Da Lath and Lath mac Da Bro and Foirc mac Trí nAignech and Srubgaile mac Eóbith. These men were all killed in single combat.

Táin Bó Cúailnge

The Death of Fer Baeth

‘Go for me, friend Láeg, to the encampment and consult Lugaid mac Nóis uí Lomairc, and find out who is coming to fight me tomorrow. Question him closely and greet him.’

Láeg went off then. ‘Welcome!’ said Lugaid. ‘Cú Chulainn is indeed in unlucky plight, fighting single handed against the men of Ireland.’ ‘Who is coming to fight him tomorrow?’ ‘It is Fer Báeth—bad luck to him in his fighting!—who goes to meet him tomorrow, Fer Báeth, the comrade of us both. He has been given Finnabair for doing so and sway over his own people.’ Láeg returned to where Cú Chulainn was.

‘My friend Láeg is not glad of the answer he got,’ said Cú Chulainn. Láeg recounted it all to him, telling him how Fer Báeth had been summoned to Ailill and Medb in their tent and told to sit beside Finnabair and that she would be given to him as a reward for fighting with Cú Chulainn, for he was her chosen lover. They considered that he was a match for Cú Chulainn for they had both learnt the same art of war with Scáthach. Fer Báeth was plied with wine until he was intoxicated. He was told that they prized that liquor for only fifty wagon-loads of it had been brought by them. And the maiden used to serve him his share of the wine. ‘I do not wish to go,’ said Fer Báeth. ‘Cú Chulainn is my foster brother and bound to me by solemn covenant. Nevertheless I shall go and oppose him tomorrow and cut off his head.’ ‘You will be the man to do it,’ said Medb.

Cú Chulainn told Láeg to go and ask Lugaid to come and speak with him. Lugaid came to him. ‘So it is Fer Báeth who comes to oppose me tomorrow,’ said Cú Chulainn. ‘It is he indeed,’ said Lugaid. ‘It is an evil day,’ said Cú Chulainn. ‘I shall not survive this encounter. We two are of equal age, of equal swiftness and of equal weight. Leave me now so that we may meet, and tell him that it is unworthy of his valour that he should come against me. Ask him to come and meet me and speak to me tonight.’

Lugaid told this to Fer Báeth. Since Fer Báeth did not avoid the conflict, he went that night accompanied by Fíacha mac Fir Fhbe, to renounce his friendship with Cú Chulainn. Cú Chulainn adjured him by his foster-brotherhood and by their common foster-mother Scáthach. ‘I must fight,’ said Fer Báeth. ‘I have promised to do so.’ ‘Renounce your bond of friendship then,’ said Cú Chulainn. Cú Chulainn went away from him in anger. He trampled a sharp shoot of holly into his foot and it came up to his knee and appeared there. Cú Chulainn pulled it out.

‘Do not go away, Fer Báeth, until you see what I have found.’ ‘Throw it here,’ said Fer Báeth.

Then Cú Chulainn threw the holly shoot after Fer Báeth and it struck the depression at the back of his neck and went out through his mouth, and he fell on his back in the glen. ‘That is indeed a throw,’ said Fer Báeth. From this comes the place-name Focherd Muirthemne.

—Or (according to another version), Fíacha said: ‘Your throw is lucky today, Cú Chulainn.’ Whence the place-name Focherd Muirthemne.— Fer Báeth fell dead at once in the glen. Whence the place-name Glend Fir Baíth.

Fergus was heard saying:

  1. O Fer Báeth, foolish is your expedition on this spot wherein is your grave. Ruin has reached you there ... in Cróen Corand. The hill is named Fríthe; forever it will be Cróenech in Muirthemne. Henceforth its name will be Focherd, the place in which you fell,


a Fer Báeth

‘Your opponent has fallen,’ said Fergus. ‘Tell me, will that man give compensation tomorrow?’ ‘He will indeed,’ said Cú Chulainn. Cú Chulainn sent Láeg again to find out how matters stood in the camp and whether Fer Báeth was alive. Lugaid said: ‘Fer Báeth has died, and tell Cú Chulainn to come presently to talk with me.’

Táin Bó Cúailnge

The Combat of Láiríne mac Nóis

‘Let one of you go speedily tomorrow to meet your opponent,’ said Lugaid. ‘No one will be got,’ said Ailill, ‘unless ye employ some trickery in this matter. Give wine to every man that comes to you until he is gladdened in mind, and tell him: ‘That is all that is left of the wine that was brought from Crúachain. We are grieved that you should have only water to drink in the camp.’—and let Finnabair be placed at his right hand, and tell him: ‘You shall have her if you bring back to us the head of the distorted one.’’

A message was sent to each warrior on his night, and he was told that. But Cú Chulainn killed each of them in turn. At last no one could be got to oppose him.
Láríne mac Nóis, brother of Lugaid King of Munster, was summoned to them. His pride was over-weening. He was plied with wine and Finnabair was placed at his right hand. Medb looked at the two. ‘I think that couple well matched,’ said she. ‘A marriage between them would be fitting.’ ‘I shall not oppose you,’ said Ailill. ‘He shall have her if he bring me the head of the distorted one.’ ‘I shall do so indeed,’ said Láiríne. Thereupon Lugaid arrived.

‘What man have ye got to send to the ford tomorrow?’ ‘Láiríne is going,’ said Ailill. Then Lugaid went to speak with Cú Chulainn. They met in Glend Fir Baíth. Each greeted the other in friendly fashion. ‘This is why I have come to speak with you,’ said Lugaid. ‘There is a boorish fellow, foolish and arrogant, yonder, my brother who is called Láiríne. He is being tricked about the same girl. By our friendship do not kill him, do not leave me without my brother, for he is being sent to you in order that we two may quarrel. But I am willing for you to give him a sound thrashing, for it is against my wishes he goes.’

On the morrow Láiríne came to meet Cú Chulainn and the maiden came with him to encourage him. Cú Chulainn came unarmed to attack him, and forcibly took his weapons from Láiríne. Then he seized him with both hands and squeezed him and shook him until he drove his excrement out of him and the water of the ford was turbid with his dung and the air of the firmament was polluted with his stench.

Then Cú Chulainn threw him into Lugaid's arms. As long as Láiríne lived, his inward parts never recovered. He was never without chest-disease; he never ate without pain. Yet he is the only man of all those who met Cú Chulainn on the Táin who escaped from him, even though it was a poor escape.

Táin Bó Cúailnge

The Conversation of the Mórrígan with Cú Chulainn

Cú Chulainn saw coming towards him a young woman of surpassing beauty, clad in clothes of many colours. ‘Who are you?’ asked Cú Chulainn. ‘I am the daughter of Búan the king,’ said she. ‘I have come to you for I fell in love with you on hearing your fame, and I have brought with me my treasures and my cattle.’

‘It is not a good time at which you have come to us, that is, our condition is ill, we are starving (?). So it is not easy for me to meet a woman while I am in this strife.’ ‘I shall help you in it.’ ‘It is not for a woman's body that I have come.’

‘It will be worse for you’, said she, ‘when I go against you as you are fighting your enemies. I shall go in the form of an eel under your feet in the ford so that you shall fall.’ ‘I prefer that to the king's daughter,’ said he. ‘I shall seize you between my toes so that your ribs are crushed and you shall suffer that blemish until you get a judgment blessing.’ ‘I shall drive the cattle over the ford to you while I am in the form of a grey she-wolf.’ ‘I shall throw a stone at you from my sling so and smash your eye in your head, and you shall suffer from that blemish until you get a judgment blessing.’ ‘I shall come to you in the guise of a hornless red heifer in front of the cattle and they will rush upon you at many fords and pools yet you will not see me in front of you.’ ‘I shall cast a stone at you,’ said he, ‘so that your legs will break under you, and you shall suffer thus until you get a judgment blessing.’ Whereupon she left him.

—(According to one version) he was a week at Áth nGreacha and every day a man fell by him at Áth nGrencha, that is, at Áth Darteisc.

Táin Bó Cúailnge

The Death of Lóch Mac Mo Femis

Then Lóch mac Emonis was summoned like the others and he was promised the extent of Mag Muirthemne in the arable land of Mag nAí, the equipment of twelve men, and a chariot worth seven cumala. But he scorned to encounter a mere lad. He had a brother, namely Long mac Ebonis. The same payment was offered to him, the maiden, the raiment, chariot and land.

Long went to meet Cú Chulainn. Cú Chulainn killed him and he was brought back dead and set down before his brother Lóch. Then Lóch said that if he knew that it was a bearded man who killed his brother he would himself kill him in revenge. ‘Attack him vigorously,’ said Medb to her men, ‘over the ford from the west, so that ye may cross the river, and let terms of fair play be broken against him.’

The seven Maines, the warriors, went first and saw him on the brink of the ford to the west. That day Cú Chulainn put on his festive apparel. The women kept climbing on the men's shoulders to get a glimpse of him. ‘I am grieved,’ said Medb, ‘that I do not see the lad around whom they gather there.’ ‘You would be no more joyful for seeing him,’ said Lethrend, Ailill's groom. She came then to the ford where he was.

‘Who is that man yonder, Fergus?’ asked Medb. ‘A lad who defends with sword and shield ... if it be Cú Chulainn.’ So Medb too climbed on the men to get a look at him. Then the women told Cú Chulainn that he was jeered at in the camp since he was beardless and goodly warriors did not oppose him, only mere boys. It were better for him to put on a beard of blackberry juice. So this he did in order to seek combat with a grown man, that is, with Lóch. Then Cú Chulainn took a handful of grass and chanted a spell over it and they all thought that he had a beard. ‘Yes,’ said the women, ‘Cú Chulainn is bearded. It is fitting that a warrior should fight with him.’ This they said in order to goad Lóch. ‘I shall not fight with him until the end of seven days from today,’ said Lóch. ‘It is not right for us to leave him unattacked for that length of time,’ said Medb. ‘Let us send a band of warriors to seek him out every night in the hope of catching him unawares.’

It was done thus. Every night a band of warriors would go looking for him and he used to kill them all. These are the names of those that fell there: seven called Conall, seven called Óengus, seven called Úargus, seven called Celtre, eight called Fiac, ten called Ailill, ten called Delbaeth, ten called Tasach. Those were his deeds during that week at Áth nGrencha.

Medb sought counsel as to what she would do against Cú Chulainn, for she was sorely perturbed by the number of her army that was slain by him. The plan she decided on was to send brave and arrogant men to attack him all together when he should come to a rendez-vous with her to parley with her. For she had made a tryst with Cú Chulainn for the next day to make a mock peace with him and so capture him. She sent a messenger to him asking him to come and meet her, and stipulated that he should come unarmed for she herself would come to him accompanied only by her women attendants.
The messenger, Traigthrén, went to where Cú Chulainn was and gave him Medb's message. Cú Chulainn promised that he would do as she asked. ‘How do you intend to go and meet Medb tomorrow, Cú Chulainn,’ asked Láeg. ‘As Medb asked me,’ said Cú Chulainn. ‘Many are Medb's treacherous deeds,’ said the charioteer. ‘I fear that she has help behind the scenes.’ ‘What should we do then?’ said he. ‘Gird your sword at your waist,’ said the charioteer, ‘so that you may not be taken unawares. For if a warrior is without his weapons, he has no right to his honour-price, but in that case he is entitled only to the legal due of one who does not bear arms.’ ‘Let it be done so then,’ said Cú Chulainn.

The meeting was in Ard Aignech, which is today called Fochaird. Then Medb came to the meeting and she set in ambush for Cú Chulainn fourteen men, the most valorous of her own household. These are they: two called Glas Sinna, sons of Briccride, two called Ardán, sons of Licc, two called Glas Ogna, sons of Crond, Drúcht and Delt and Dathen, Téa and Tascur and Tualang, Taur and Glese. Then Cú Chulainn came to meet her. The men rose up to attack him and all together they threw fourteen spears at him. Cú Chulainn took shelter from them and not a spear touched his skin or surface. Then he attacked them and killed the fourteen men. Those are the fourteen men of Fochaird, and they are (also) the men of Crónech for they were killed in Crónech at Fochaird.

Of this deed Cú Chulainn said

  1. Splendid is my heroic deed. I strike fearsome blows against a brilliant spectral army. I wage battle against many hosts to destroy valiant warriors together with Ailill and Medb ... There comes treachery, coldly impetuous, to strike against valiant warriors who take wise well-judged counsel from one who can well advise them to perform heroic deeds.


So it was from that exploit that Focherd remained as the name of the place, that is, fó cerd, good was the feat of arms which Cú Chulainn performed there. Then Cú Chulainn came and found them pitching camp and he killed two men called Daigre, two called Ánle and four Dúngais Imlich among them. So Medb began to incite Lóch. ‘It is a great shame for you,’ said she, ‘that the man who killed your brother should be destroying our army and that you do not go to do battle with him. For we are sure that a sharp, boastful lad like yonder fellow will not stand out against the rage and fury of such as you, and anyway it was the same fostermother and teacher who taught you both the arts of war.’

So Lóch, since he saw that Cú Chulainn had a beard, came to attack him to avenge his brother's death. ‘Come to the upper ford,’ said Lóch. ‘We shall not meet in the polluted ford where Long fell.’ When Cú Chulainn came to the ford, the men drove the cattle across. ‘There will be lack of water here today,’ said Gabrán, the poet. Hence the names Áth Darteisc and Tír Mór Darteisc ever since for that place. Then when the combatants met on the ford and began to fight and to strike one another and when each began to belabour the other, the eel twined itself in three coils round Cú Chulainn's feet so that he fell prostrate athwart the ford. Lóch attacked him with the sword until the ford was blood-red with his gore. ‘That is indeed a wretched performance in the presence of the enemy!’ said Fergus. ‘Let one of you taunt the man, my men,’ said he to his people, ‘lest he fall in vain.’

Bricriu Nemthenga mac Carbada rose up and began to incite Cú Chulainn. ‘Your strength is exhausted,’ said he, ‘if a puny opponent overthrows you now that the Ulstermen are on their way to you, recovered from their torpor. It is hard for you to undertake a hero's deed in the presence of the men of Ireland and to ward off a formidable opponent with your weapons in that way.’ Whereupon Cú Chulainn arose and struck the eel and its ribs were broken within it, and the cattle rushed eastwards over the army, carrying off the tents on their horns, so great was the thunder-feat of the two warriors in the ford. The she-wolf attacked him and drove the cattle on him westwards. He threw a stone from his sling and her eye broke in her head. Then she went in the guise of a red hornless heifer and the cattle stampeeded into the streams and fords. Cú Chulainn said then: ‘I cannot see the fords for the streams.’ He cast a stone at the red hornless heifer and her leg broke. Thereupon Cú Chulainn chanted:

  1. I am here all alone, guarding the flocks. I neither hold them back nor let them go. In the cold hours I stand alone to oppose many peoples.
  2. Let some one tell Conchobar that it is time for him to come to my aid. The sons of Mágu have carried off their cows and shared them out amongst them.
  3. One man alone may be defended but a single log will not catch fire. If there were two or three, then their firebrands would blaze up.
  4. My enemies have almost overcome me, so many single combats have I fought. I cannot now wage battle against splendid warriors as I stand here alone.


Then it was that Cú Chulainn did against the Mórrígan the three things that he had threatened her with in the Táin Bó Regamna. And he overcame Lóch in the ford with the gáe bolga which the charioteer threw to him downstream. He attacked him with it and it entered his body through the anus, for Lóch had a hornskin when he was fighting with an opponent. ‘Retreat a step from me,’ said Lóch. Cú Chulainn did so, so that it was on the other side (of the ford) that Lóch fell. Hence the place-name Áth Traiged in Tír Mór.

Then the terms of fair play were violated against Cú Chulainn on that day when five men came simultaneously to attack him, namely, two called Crúaid, two called Calad and one named Derothor. Single-handed Cú Chulainn slew them. The place is called Cóicsius Focherda and Cóicer Óengoirt. Or else it is because Cú Chulainn was fifteen days in Focherd that the name Cóicsius Focherda comes in the Tain. Cú Chulainn pelted them (with sling-stones) from Delga so that no living creature, neither man nor beast, could get past him to the south between Delga and the sea.
The Healing of the Mórrígan

While Cú Chulainn lay thus in great weariness, the Mórrígan came to him in the guise of an old crone, one-eyed and half-blind and engaged in milking a cow with three teats. He asked her for a drink. She gave him the milk of one teat. ‘She who gave it will at once be whole,’ said Cú Chulainn. ‘The blessing of gods and of non-gods be on you!’ —The magicians were their gods but the husbandmen were their non- gods.— Thereupon her head was made whole. Then she gave him the milk of the second teat, and her eye was healed. She gave him the milk of the third teat, and her leg was cured.

 —And it is suggested that on each occasion he said: ‘The judgment of blessing be on you!’— ‘But you told me,’ said the Mórrígan, ‘that I should never get healing from you.’ ‘Had I known that it was you,’ said Cú Chulainn, ‘I should never have healed you.’ —In another version the name of this tale in the Táin is Ríamdrong Con Culainn for Tarthesc.—

Then Fergus demanded of his sureties that Cú Chulainn should get fair play. So they came to oppose him in single combat, and he killed the five men of Cend Coriss or of Dún Chind Coross which is now called Delgu Murthemne. Then Cú Chulainn killed Fota in his field; Bó Mailce on his ford; Salach in his marsh, Muinne in his stronghold; Lúar in Lethbera and Fer Toíthle in Toíthle. Wherever any one of those men fell their names have remained for ever in those districts.

Cú Chulainn also killed Traig and Dorna and Derna, Col and Mebal and Eraise at Méthe and Cethe on this side of Áth Tíre Móir. These were three druids and their wives. Then Medb sent out a hundred men of her household to kill Cú Chulainn but he slew them all at Áth Chéit Chúile. Whereupon Medb said: ‘Indeed we deem it a crime that our people should be slain!’ Whence the place-names Glais Chró and Cuillenn Cind Dúin and Áth Chéit Chúle.

Táin Bó Cúailnge

The Scythed Chariot and Breslech Mór Maige Muirthemne

Then the four provinces of Ireland pitched their camp at the place called Breslech Mór in Mag Muirthemne. They sent their share of the cattle and booty on ahead southwards to Clithar Bó Ulad.

Cú Chulainn took up position at the mound in Lerga close beside them, and his charioteer, Láeg mac Ríangabra, kindled a fire for him in the evening of that night. Cú Chulainn saw afar off, over the heads of the four provinces of Ireland, the fiery glitter of the bright gold weapons at the setting of the sun in the clouds of evening. Anger and rage filled him when he saw the host, because of the multitude of his foes and the great number of his enemies. He seized his two spears and his shield and his sword. He shook his shield and brandished his spears and waved his sword, and he uttered a hero's shout deep in his throat. And the goblins and sprites and spectres of the glen and demons of the air gave answer for terror of the shout that he had uttered. And Némain, the war goddess, attacked the host, and the four provinces of Ireland made a clamour of arms round the points of their own spears and weapons so that a hundred warriors among them fell dead of fright and terror in the middle of the encampment on that night.

As Láeg was there he saw a single man coming straight towards him from the north-east across the encampment of the men of Ireland. ‘A single man approaches us now, little Cú,’ said Láeg. ‘What manner of man is there?’ asked Cú Chulainn. ‘A man fair and tall, with a great head of curly yellow hair. He has a green mantle wrapped about him and a brooch of white silver in the mantle over his breast. Neat to his white skin he wears a tunic of royal satin with red-gold insertion reaching to his knees. He carries a black shield with a hard boss of white-bronze. In his hand a five-pointed spear and next to it a forked javelin. Wonderful is the play and sport and diversion that he makes (with these weapons). But none accosts him and he accosts none as if no one could see him.’

‘That is true, lad,’ said he. ‘That is one of my friends from the fairy mounds come to commiserate with me, for they know of my sore distress as I stand now alone against the four great provinces of Ireland on the Foray of Cúailnge.’ It was indeed as Cú Chulainn said. When the warrior reached the spot where Cú Chulainn was he spoke to him and commiserated with him. ‘Bravo, Cú Chulainn,’ said he. ‘That is not much indeed,’ said Cú Chulainn. ‘I shall help you,’ said the warrior. ‘Who are you?’ asked Cú Chulainn. ‘I am your father, Lug mac Ethlend, from the fairy mounds.’ ‘My wounds are indeed grievous. It were time that I should be healed.’ ‘Sleep now for a little while, Cú Chulainn,’ said the warrior, ‘your heavy slumber at the mound in Lerga for three days and three nights, and during that time I shall fight against the hosts.’ Then he chanted a low melody to him which lulled him to sleep until Lug saw that every wound he bore was quite healed. Then Lug spoke:

Táin Bó Cúailnge

The Incantation of Lug

‘Arise, O son of mighty Ulster now that your wounds are healed ... Help from the fairy mound will set you free ... A single lad is on his guard ... Strike ... and I shall strike with you. They have no strong length of life, so wreak your furious anger mightily on your vile(?) enemies. Mount your safe chariot, so then arise.’

For three days and three nights Cú Chulainn slept. It was right that the length of his sleep should correspond to the greatness of his weariness. From the Monday after Samain until the Wednesday after the festival of Spring Cú Chulainn had not slept except when he dozed for a little while after midday, leaning against his spear with his head resting on his clenched fist and his fist holding his spear and his spear on his knee, but he kept striking and cutting down, slaying and killing the four great provinces of Ireland during all that time. Then the warrior from the fairy mound put plants and healing herbs and a curing charm in the wounds and cuts, in the gashes and many injuries of Cú Chulaihn so that he recovered during his sleep without his perceiving it at all.

It was at this time that the youths came southwards from Emain Macha, thrice fifty of the kings' sons of Ulster led by Fallamain, the son of Conchobar. Thrice they gave battle to the host and three times their own number fell by them, but the youths fell too, all except Fallamain mac Conchobair. Fallamain vowed that he would never go back to Emain until he carried off Ailill's head with its golden diadem. No easy task was it that faced him. For the two sons of Beithe mac Báin, the sons of Ailill's fostermother and fosterfather, came up with him and wounded him so that he fell dead at their hands. That is the Death of the Youths from Ulster and of Fallamain mac Conchobair./P[gt ]

Cú Chulainn, however, lay in a deep sleep at the mound in Lerga until the end of three days and three nights. Then he rose up from his sleep and passed his hand over his face and blushed crimson from head to foot. His spirits were as high as if he were going to an assembly or a march or a tryst or a feast or to one of the great assemblies of Ireland. ‘How long have I been asleep now, O warrior?’ asked Cú Chulainn. ‘Three days and three nights,’ answered the warrior. ‘Woe is me then!’ said Cú Chulainn. ‘Why is that?’ asked the warrior. ‘Because the hosts have been left unattacked for that length of time,’ said Cú Chulainn.
‘They have not indeed,’ said the warrior. ‘Why, how was that?’ asked Cú Chulainn. ‘The youths came south from Emain Macha, thrice fifty of the kings' sons of Ulster, led by Fallamain mac Conchobair and during the three days and three nights that you were asleep, they fought three times with the hosts, and three times their own number fell by them and the youths themselves fell, all except Fallamain mac Conchobair. Fallamain swore that he would carry off Ailill's head, but that proved no easy task for he was killed himself.’ ‘Alas that I was not in my full strength, for had I been, the youths would not have fallen as they did, nor would Fallamain have fallen.’ ‘Fight on, little Cú, it is no reproach to your honour, no disgrace to your valour.’ ‘Stay here with us tonight, O warrior,’ said Cú Chulainn, ‘that together we may take vengeance on the host for the death of the boys.’

‘Indeed I shall not stay,’ said the warrior, ‘for though a man do many valorous and heroic deeds in your company, the fame and glory of them will redound not on him but on you. Therefore I shall not stay. But exert your valour, yourself alone, on the hosts, for not with them lies any power over your life at this time.’

‘What of the scythed chariot, my friend Láeg?’ said Cú Chulainn. ‘Can you yoke it and have you its equipment? If you can yoke it and have its equipment, then do so. But if you have not its equipment, do not yoke it.’

Then the charioteer arose and put on his warlike outfit for chariot-driving. Of this outfit which he donned was his smooth tunic of skins, which was light and airy, supple and filmy, stitched and of deerskin, which did not hinder the movement of his arms outside. Over that he put on his overmantle black as raven's feathers. Simon Magus had made it for Darius King of the Romans, and Darius had given it to Conchobar and Conchobar had given it to Cú Chulainn who gave it to his charioteer. This charioteer now put on his helmet, crested, flat- surfaced, rectangular with variety of every colour and form, and reaching past the middle of his shoulders. This was an adornment to him and was not an encumbrance. His hand brought to his brow the circlet, red-yellow like a red- gold plate of refined gold smelted over the edge of an anvil, which was a sign of his charioteer status to distinguish him from his master. In his right hand he took the long spancel of his horses and his ornamented goad. In his left he grasped the thongs to check his horses, that is, the reins of his horses which controlled his driving.
Then he put on his horses their iron inlaid armour, covering them from forehead to forehand and set with little spears and sharp points and lances and hard points, and every wheel of the chariot was closely studded with points, and every corner and edge, every end and front of the chariot lacerated as it passed.

Then he cast a protective spell over his horses and over his companion, so that they were not visible to anyone in the camp, yet everyone in the camp was visible to them. It was right that he should cast this spell, for on that day the charioteer had three great gifts of charioteering, to wit, léim dar boilg, foscul ndírich and imorchor ndelind.

Then the champion and warrior, the marshalled fence of battle of all the men of earth who was Cú Chulainn, put on his battle-array of fighting and contest and strife. Of that battle-array which he put on were the twenty-seven shirts, waxed, board-like, compact, which used to be bound with strings and ropes and thongs next to his fair body that his mind and understanding might not be deranged whenever his rage should come upon him. Outside these he put on his hero's battle-girdle of hard leather, tough and tanned, made from the choicest part of seven yearling ox-hides which covered him from the thin part of his side to the thick part of his armpit. He wore it to repel spears and points and darts and lances and arrows, for they used to glance from it as if they had struck on stone or rock or horn. Then he put on his apron of filmy silk with its border of variegated white gold against the soft lower part of his body. Outside his apron of filmy silk he put on his dark apron of pliable brown leather made from the choicest part of four yearling ox-hides with his battle-girdle of cows' hides about it. Then the royal hero took up his weapons of battle and contest and strife. Of these weapons were his eight small swords together with his ivory- hilted bright-faced sword. He took his eight little spears with his five-pronged spear. He took his eight little javelins with his ivory-handled javelin. He took his eight little darts together with his deil chliss. He took his eight shields together with his curved dark-red shield into the boss of which a show boar would fit, with its sharp, keen razor-like rim all around it, so sharp and keen and razor-like that it would cut a hair against the current. Whenever the warrior did the ‘edge-feat’ with it, he would slash alike with shield or spear or sword. Then he put on his head his crested war-helmet of battle and strife and conflict. From it was uttered the shout of a hundred warriors with a long-drawn-out cry from every corner and angle of it. For there used to cry from it alike goblins and sprites, spirits of the glen and demons of the air before him and above him and around him wherever he went, prophesying the shedding of the blood of warriors and champions. He cast around him his protective cloak made of raiment from Tír Tairngire, brought to him from his teacher of wizardry.

Then a great distortion came upon Cú Chulainn so that he became horrible, many-shaped, strange and unrecognizable. All the flesh of his body quivered like a tree in a current or like a bulrush in a stream, every limb and every joint, every end and every member of him from head to foot. He performed a wild feat of contortion with his body inside his skin. His feet and his shins and his knees came to the back; his heels and his calves and his hams came to the front. The sinews of his calves came on to the front of his shins, and each huge round knot of them was as big as a warrior's fist. The sinews of his head were stretched to the nape of his neck and every huge immeasurable, vast, incalulable round ball of them was as big as the head of a month-old child. Then his face became a red hollow (?). He sucked one of his eyes into his head so deep that a wild crane could hardly have reached it to pluck it out from the back of his skull on to his cheek. The other eye sprang out on to his cheek. His mouth was twisted back fearsomely. He drew back his cheek from his jawbone until his inward parts were visible. His lungs and his liver fluttered in his mouth and his throat. His upper palate clashed against the lower in a mighty pincer-like movement(?) and every stream of fiery flakes which came into his mouth from his throat was as wide as a ram's skin. The loud beating of his heart against his ribs was heard like the baying of a bloodhound ... or like a lion attacking bears. The torches of the war-goddess, virulent rain-clouds and sparks of blazing fire, were seen in the air over his head with the seething of fierce rage that rose in him. His hair curled about his head like branches of red hawthorn used to re-fence a gap in a hedge. If a noble apple-tree weighed down with fruit had been shaken about his hair, scarcely one apple would have reached the ground through it, but an apple would have stayed impaled on each separate hair because of the fierce bristling of his hair above his head. The hero's light rose from his forehead, as long and as thick as a hero's fist and it was as long as his nose, and he was filled with rage as he wielded the shields and urged on the charioteer and cast sling-stones at the host. As high, as thick, as strong, as powerful and as long as the mast of a great ship was the straight stream of dark blood which rose up from the very top of his head and dissolved into a dark magical mist like the smoke of a palace when a king comes to be waited on in the evening of a winter's day.

After being thus distorted, the hero Cú Chulainn sprang into his scythed chariot, with its iron points, its thin sharp edges, its hooks and its steel points, with its nails which were on the shafts and thongs and loops and fastenings in that chariot. Thus was the chariot: it had a framework of narrow and compact opening, high enough for great feats, sword-straight, worthy of a hero. In it would fit eight sets of royal weapons, and it moved as swiftly as a swallow or as the wind or as a deer across the level plain. It was drawn by two swift horses, fierce and furious, with small round pointed heads, with pricked ears, with broad hoofs, with roan breast, steady, splendid, easily harnessed to the beautiful shafts(?) of Cú Chulainn's chariots. One of these horses was lithe(?) and swift-leaping, eager for battle, arched of neck, with great hoofs which scattered the sods of the earth. The other horse had a curling mane, and narrow, slender feet and heels.

Then Cú Chulainn performed the thunderfeat of a hundred and the thunderfeat of two hundred, the thunderfeat of three hundred and the thunderfeat of four hundred. And at the thunderfeat of five hundred he ceased for he thought that that was a sufficient number to fall by him in his first attack and in his first contest of battle against the four provinces of Ireland. And in that manner he came forth to attack his enemies and drove his chariot in a wide circuit outside the four great provinces of Ireland. And he drove his chariot furiously so that the iron wheels sank deep into the ground casting up earth sufficient to provide fort and fortress, for there arose on the outside as high as the iron wheels dykes and boulders and rocks and flagstones and gravel from the ground. He made this warlike encirclement of the four great provinces of Ireland so that they might not flee from him nor disperse around him until he pressed them close to take vengeance on them for the deaths of the youths of Ulster. And he came across into the middle of their ranks and three times he threw up great ramparts of his enemies' corpses outside around the host. And he made upon them the attack of a foe upon his foes so that they fell, sole of foot to sole of foot, and headless neck to headless neck, such was the density of the carnage. Three times again he encircled them in this way leaving a layer of six corpses around them, that is, the soles of three men to the necks of three men, all around the encampment. So that the name of this tale in the Táin is Sesrech Breslige, the Sixfold Slaughter. It is one of the three slaughters in which the victims cannot be numbered, the three being Sesrech Breslige and Imshlige Glennamnach and the battle at Gáirech and Irgáirech. But on this occasion hound and horse and man suffered alike.

—Other versions say that Lug mac Eithlend fought beside Cú Chulainn in the battle of Sesrech Breslige.

Their number is not known nor is it possible to count how many of the common soldiery fell there, but their leaders alone have been reckoned. Here follow their names: two men called Crúaid, two called Calad, two called Cír, two called Cíar, two called Ecell, three called Crom, three called Caurath, three called Combirge, four called Feochar, four called Furachar, four called Cass, four called Fota, five called Caurath, five called Cerman, five called Cobthach, six called Saxan, six called Dách, six called Daíre, seven called Rochaid, seven called Rónán, seven called Rúrthech, eight called Rochlad, eight called Rochtad, eight called Rindach, eight called Cairpre, eight called Mulach, nine called Daigith, nine called Dáire, nine called Dámach, ten called Fiac, ten called Fíacha, ten called Fedelmid.

Seven score and ten kings did Cú Chulainn slay in the battle of Breslech Mór in Mag Muirthemne, and a countless number besides of hounds and horses, of women and boys and children, and of the common folk. For not one man in three of the men of Ireland escaped without his thigh-bone or the side of his head or one eye being broken or without being marked for life. Then Cú Chulainn, after he had fought that battle against them, came from them with no wound or gash inflicted upon himself or his charioteer or on either of his horses.

Táin Bó Cúailnge

The Description of Cú Chulainn

Cú Chulainn came on the morrow to survey the host and to display his gentle and beautiful form to women and girls and maidens, to poets and men of art, for he held not as honourable or dignified the dark magical appearance in which he had appeared to them the previous night. So for that reason he now came on this day to display his beautiful fair appearance. Beautiful indeed was the youth who thus came to display his form to the hosts, namely, Cú Chulainn mac Súaltaim. He seemed to have three kinds of hair: dark next to his skin, blood-red in the middle and hair like a crown of gold covering them outside. Fair was the arrangement of that hair with three coils in the hollow in the nape of his neck, and like gold thread was each fine hair, looseflowing, bright-golden, excellent, long-tressed, splendid and of beautiful colour, which fell back over his shoulders. A hundred bright crimson ringlets of flaming red-gold encircled his neck.

 Around his head a hundred strings interspersed with carbunclegems. Four shades (?) in each of his cheeks, a yellow shade and a green, a blue shade and a purple. Seven brilliant gem-like pupils in each of his noble eyes. Seven toes on each of his feet; seven fingers on each of his hands with the grasp of a hawk's claws and the grip of a hedghog's claws in each separate toe and finger.

So on that day he donned his festive apparel, namely, a fair mantle, well- fitting, bright purple, fringed, five-folded. A white brooch of silver inset with inlaid gold over his white breast as it were a bright lantern that men's eyes could not look at by reason of its brilliance and splendour. Next to his skin he wore a tunic of silky satin reaching to the top of his dark apron, dark- red, soldierly, of royal satin. He carried a dark-red purple shield with five concentric circles of gold and a rim of white bronze. At his girdle hung, ready for action, a golden-hilted, ornamented sword with great knobs of red gold at its end. In the chariot beside him was a long shining-edged spear together with a sharp attacking javelin with rivets of burning gold. In one hand he held nine heads, in the other ten, and these he brandished at the hosts. Those were the trophies of one night's fighting by Cú Chulainn.

Then the women of Connacht climbed up on the hosts and the women of Munster climbed on men's shoulders that they might behold the appearance of Cú Chulainn. But Medb hid her face and dared not show her countenance, but through fear of Cú Chulainn she sheltered under a cover of shields. That is why Dubthach Dóel Ulad said (these verses):

  1. If this is the distorted one, men's corpses will lie here and cries will be heard around the courts. There will be tales in the lands(?).
  2. Headstones will be erected over graves. More and more kings will be slain. Not well do ye fight on the battle-field against that champion.
  3. I see how he drives around with eight severed heads on the cushions of his chariot. I see the shattered spoils he brings and ten heads as trophies.
  4. I see how your woman-folk raise their heads above the battle (to see him), but I see that your great queen does not seek to come to the fight.
  5. Were I your counseller, then warriors would lie in ambush all around him so that they might cut short his life, if this is the distorted. one.


Then Fergus chanted these verses:

  1. Take Dubthach Déoltengaid away. Drag him to the rear of the army. He has done nought of good since he slew the maidens (in Ulster).
  2. He performed a wicked and ill-omened deed when he killed Fíacha, the son of Conchobar. Nor was the slaying of Coirpre, son of Fedelmid, any less wicked.
  3. Dubthach, the son of Lugaid mac Casruba, does not contend for the lordship of Ulster, but this is how he treats them; those not killed he sets at loggerheads.
  4. The Ulster exiles will grieve if their beardless lad is slain. If the Ulster army come upon you, they will turn back the herds.
  5. The debility of the Ulstermen will be greately prolonged before they finally recover.
  6. Messengers will bring great tidings. Great queens will be there. Men's wounded bodies will be mangled and many slaughtered.
  7. Corpses will be trampled underfoot. Vultures will feast. Shields will lie flat on the battle fields. Marauders will find shelter.
  8. Warriors' blood will be spilt on the ground by this army of curs in human shape. If they get there, the exiles will penetrate far into Ulster. He cannot heed the prophecy of what lies before you. Take Dubthach Dóeltenga away.
  9. Thereupon Fergus hurled Dubthach away from him and he landed flat on his face outside those who stood there.


Then Ailill was heard saying: ‘O Fergus, do not fight against the women and cattle of Ulster. I can see by their mountain passes that many will be killed there. Strike even though they will be struck down only one by one. He slays them in the ford every day.’ Then Medb was heard: ‘O Ailill, arise with war-bands ... (Your) sons will kill in passes(?) and on fords, in great sandy places and in dark pools. And Fergus the brave and the exiled warriors will be victorious. After the battle there will be restitution ...’ Then Fergus spoke: ‘Do not listen to the foolish counsels of a woman. Hear them not...’ Then Gabrán the poet spoke: ‘Speak no words ... do not earn hatred.’ ‘Refuse not your opponent. Come to meet him at the ford,’ said Fergus. ‘Hear Ailill!’ said Medb. Ailill was heard speaking: ‘Fergus knows ...’ Then Fergus was heard: ‘O Medb, do not send the great heroes of your mighty exiles...’

Táin Bó Cúailnge

The Mis-throw at Belach Eóin


Fíacha Fíaldána Dimraith came to have speech with the son of his mother's sister, whose name was Maine Andóe. Dócha mac Mágach came with Maine Andóe and Dubthach Dóel Ulad came with Fíacha Fíaldána Dimraith. Dócha cast a spear at Fíacha and it went into Dubthach. Then Dubthach cast a spear at Maine and it went into Dócha. The mothers of Dubthach and Dócha were also two sisters. Hence the name Imroll Belaig Eúin, the Miscast at Belach Eúin.

—Or, according to another version, the origin of the name Imroll Belaig Eúin is as follows:

The hosts came to Belach Eóin. Both armies halted there. Diarmait mac Conchobair came from the north from Ulster. ‘Send a messenger,’ said Diarmait, ‘asking Maine to come with one man to parley with me, and I shall go with one man to meet him.’ Then they met. ‘I have come from Conchobar,’ said Diarmait, ‘to ask you to tell Medb and Ailill that they must let all the cattle (they have taken) go and their depredations will be overlooked. And let the bull from the west be brought hither to the bull (Donn Cúailnge) that they may encounter each other, for so Medb has promised.’ ‘I shall go and tell them,’ said Maine. So he gave the message to Medb and Ailill. ‘These terms cannot be got from Medb,’ said Maine. ‘Well then, let us exchange weapons,’ said Diarmait, ‘if you prefer.’ ‘I am willing,’ said Maine. Each of them cast a spear at the other and both of them died, so that Imroll Belaig Eóin is the name of that place. The army rushed upon the opposing force. Three score of them fell on each side. Hence the name Ard in Dírma.

Táin Bó Cúailnge

The Death of Taman the Jester

Ailill's people put his king's crown on Taman the Jester. Ailill himself did not venture to wear it. Cú Chulainn cast a stone at him at the place called Áth Tamuin and smashed his head. Whence the names Áth Tamuin and Tuga im Thamun.

Táin Bó Cúailnge

The Death of Óengus mac Óenláime

Then Óengus mac Óenláime Gaibe, a bold warrior of the Ulstermen, turned back the whole army at Moda Loga (which is the same name as Lugmod) as far as Áth Da Fherta. He did not allow them to go farther and he pelted them with stones. Learned men say that he would have driven them on before him to be put to the sword at Emain Macha if only they had encountered him in single combat. But they did not grant him fair play. They killed him as he fought against odds.

Táin Bó Cúailnge

The Meeting of Fergus and Cú Chulainn

‘Let one of you come to meet me at Áth Da Fherta,’ said Cú Chulainn. ‘It will not be I!’ ‘It will not be I!’ cried one and all from the place where they were. ‘No scapegoat is owed by my people, and even if he were, it is not I who would go in his stead as a victim.’ Then Fergus was begged to go against him. But he refused to encounter his foster-son, Cú Chulainn. He was plied with wine then until he was greatly intoxicated, and again he was asked to go and fight. So then he went forth since they were so earnestly importuning him.

Then Cú Chulainn said ‘It is with (a feeling of) security you come against me, master Fergus, seeing that you have no sword in your scabbard.’ —For, as we have already told, Ailill had stolen it from the scabbard.— ‘I care not indeed,’ said Fergus. ‘Even if there were a sword in it, it would not be wielded against you. Retreat a step from me, Cú Chulainn.’ ‘You in turn will retreat before me,’ said Cú Chulainn. ‘Even so indeed,’ answered Fergus.

Then Cú Chulainn retreated before Fergus as far as Grellach Dolluid so that on the day of the great battle Fergus might retreat before him. Afterwards Cú Chulainn dismounted (from his chariot) in Grellach Dolluid. ‘Go after him, Fergus!’ they all cried. ‘Nay,’ said Fergus. ‘Until my turn come round I shall not go, for it is no easy task for me. That man is too lively for me.’

They went on then and pitched camp in Crích Rois. Ferchú Loingsech, who had been exiled by Ailill, heard of this and came to encounter Cú Chulainn. Thirteen men was the number of his force. Cú Chulainn killed them at the place called Cingit Ferchon. Their thirteen headstones mark the spot.

Táin Bó Cúailnge

The Fight with Mand

Medb sent Mand Muresci, the son of Dáire of the Domnannaig, to fight against Cú Chulainn. Mand was own brother to Damán, the father of Fer Diad. This Mand was a violent fellow, excessive in eating and sleeping. He was scurrilous and foul-spoken like Dubthach Dóel Ulad. He was strong and active and mighty of limb like Munremar mac Errcind. He was a fierce champion like Triscod, the strong man of Conchobar's household. ‘I shall go forth unarmed and crush him in my bare hands, for I scorn to use weapons against a beardless whippersnapper.’ So Mand went to attack Cú Chulainn who, with his charioteer, was on the plain keeping a look-out for the host. ‘A man comes towards us,’ said Láeg to Cú Chulainn. ‘What manner of man?’ asked Cú Chulainn. ‘A dark, strong, fierce man who comes unarmed.’ ‘Let him go past,’ said Cú Chulainn. Thereupon Mand came to them.

‘I have come to fight against you,’ said Mand. Then they fell to wrestling for a long time and thrice did Mand throw Cú Chulainn, so that the charioteer urged him on, saying: ‘If you were striving for the hero's portion in Emain,’ said Láeg, ‘you would be powerful over the warriors there.’ So then his hero's rage and his warrior's fury arose in Cú Chulainn, and he dashed Mand against the pillarstone and shattered him into fragments. Hence the name Mag Mandachta, that is, Mand Échta, which means the death of Mand was there.

The next day Medb sent twenty-nine men against him to Cú Chulainn's bog. Fuiliarn is the name of the bog which is on this side of Áth Fhir Diad. These men were Gaile Dáne and his twenty-seven sons and his sister's son, Glas mac Delgna. At once they cast their twenty-nine spears at Cú Chulainn. Then as they all reached for their swords, Fíacha mac Fir Fhebe came after them out of the encampment. He leapt from his chariot when he saw all their hands raised against Cú Chulainn, and he struck off their twenty-nine forearms. Then said Cú Chulainn ‘What you have done is timely help.’ ‘Even this little,’ said Fíacha, ‘is in breach of our covenant for us Ulstermen. If any one of them reach the encampment (to tell of it), our whole division will be put to the sword.’ ‘I swear my people's oath,’ said Cú Chulainn, ‘that now that I have drawn my breath, not one of those men shall get there alive.’

Thereupon Cú Chulainn killed the twenty-nine men, with the two sons of Ficce helping him in the killing. These were two brave warriors of Ulster who had come to exert their might against the host. That was their exploit on the Foray until they came with Cú Chulainn to the great battle. In the stone in the middle of the ford there is still the mark of the boss of their (twenty-nine) shields and of their fists and knees. Their twenty-nine headstones were erected there.

Táin Bó Cúailnge

The Fight of Fer Diad and Cú Chulainn

Then they debated among themselves as to which man would be capable of repelling Cú Chulainn. The four provinces of Ireland named and confirmed and decided whom they should send to the ford to meet Cú Chulainn. They all declared that it was the hornskinned man from Irrus Domnann, the one whose attack cannot be endured, the battle-stone of doom, Cú Chulainn's own dear fosterbrother. Cú Chulainn possessed no feat that Fer Diad had not, except only the feat of the gáe bulga. And they thought that Fer Diad could avoid even that and protect himself from it, for he had a horn-skin which weapons and swords could not pierce. Medb sent messengers for Fer Diad, but he did not come with those messengers. Then Medb sent to fetch him poets and artists and satirists who might satirise him and disgrace him and put him to shame, so that he would find no resting- place in the world until he should come to the tent of Medb and Ailill on the Foray. So for fear that he should be put to shame by them Fer Diad came with those messengers.

Finnabair, the daughter of Medb and Ailill was placed at his side. It was she who handed Fer Diad every goblet and cup; it was she who gave him three kisses with every one of those cups; it was she who gave him fragrant apples over the bosom of her tunic. She kept saying that Fer Diad was her beloved, her chosen lover from among all the men of the world. When Fer Diad was sated and cheerful and merry, Medb said ‘Well now, Fer Diad, do you know why you have been summoned to this tent?’ ‘I know not indeed,’ said Fer Diad, ‘except that the nobles of the men of Ireland are here, so why should it be less fitting for me to be here than any other nobleman?’ ‘That is not why, indeed,’ said Medb, ‘but (you have been summoned for us) to give you a chariot worth thrice seven cumala, the equipment of twelve men, the equivalent of Mag Muirthemne in the arable land of Mag nAí, permission to remain at all times in Crúachu with wine poured for you there, and your descendants and your race to be free for ever from tax or tribute, and my leaf-shaped brooch of gold in which there are ten score ounces and ten score half-ounces and ten score crosachs and ten score quarters bestowed on you, and Finnabair, my daughter and Ailill's, as your wedded wife, and my own intimate friendship. And in addition to that, if you require it, you will get the gods as guarantee.’ ‘Those gifts are great,’ said they all. ‘That is true,’ said Fer Diad. ‘They are indeed great. But great though they be, Medb, you will keep them yourself if I am to go and fight with my foster-brother.’
‘O my men,’ said Medb, intending to stir up strife and dissension and speaking as if she had not heard Fer Diad at all, ‘what Cú Chulainn said is true.’ ‘What did he say, Medb?’ asked Fer Diad. ‘He said, my friend, that he thought you should fall by his choicest feat of arms in the province to which he would go.’ ‘It was not right for him to say that for he never found weakness or cowardice in me, day or night. I swear by my people's god that I shall be the first man to come tomorrow morning to the ford of combat.’ ‘A blessing on you!’ said Medb. ‘I prefer that rather than finding weakness or cowardice in you. Every man has kindly feeling for his own people. So is it any more fitting for him to work for Ulster's weal since his mother was of Ulster, than for you to seek the good of Connacht, for you are the son of a Connacht king?’

Even as they bound their covenants and made this compact, they made a song there:

  1. You shall have a reward of many bracelets, and a share of plain and forest, together with freedom for your posterity from today until doomsday. O Fer Diad mac Damáin, you shall receive beyond all expectation. It is right for you to accept what all others accept.
  2. I shall not accept anything without surety for no warrior without skill in casting am I. It will be an oppressive task for me tomorrow. The exertion will be hard for me. A Hound called the Hound of Culann, it will not be easy to resist him. Hard the task, great the disaster.
  3. What avails it for you to delay? Bind it as it may please you by the right hand of kings or princes who will go surety for you ... You shall have all that you ask, for it is certain that you will kill him who will come to encounter you.
  4. I shall not consent unless I get six sureties—let it not be less— before performing my exploits in the presence of the army. Were I to have my wish ... I shall go to fight with brave Cú Chulainn.
  5. O Medb great in boastfulness! The beauty of a bridegroom does not touch you. I am certain that you are master in Crúachu of the mounds. Loud your voice, great your fierce strength. Bring me satin richly variegated. Give me your gold and your silver in the amount that they were offered to me.
  6. Take landowner or reaver, take the bardic folk as sureties. You will certainly have them. Take Morand as security if you wish for fulfilment (of my promises).Take Cairbre Nia Manand, and take our two sons.
  7. I shall take those sureties as guarantees, and I shall sing a requiem for brave Cú Chulainn.
  8. You are the heroic leader to whom I shall give my circular brooch. You shall have until Sunday, no longer shall the respite be. O strong and famous warrior, all the finest treasures on earth shall thus be given to you. You shall have them all.
  9. Finnabair of the champions, the queen of the west of Inis Elga, when the Hound of the Smith has been killed, you shall have, O Fer Diad.


A wonderful warrior of the Ulstermen, Fergus mac Róig, was present when they made that compact.

Fergus came to his tent. ‘Woe is me for the deed that will be done tomorrow morning!’ ‘What deed is that?’ asked those in the tent. ‘The killing of my noble foster-son, Cú Chulainn.’ ‘Why, who makes such a boast?’ ‘His own dear foster-brother, Fer Diad mac Damáin. Why do ye not take my blessing and one of you go with a friendly warning to Cú Chulainn in the hope that he might not come to the ford tomorrow morning.’ ‘We swear,’ said they, ‘that even if you yourself were at the ford, we would not go there to you.’ ‘Well, driver,’ said Fergus, ‘harness our horses and yoke the chariot.’ The charioteer arose and harnessed the horses and yoked the chariot. They came forward to the ford of combat where Cú Chulainn was. ‘A single chariot is coming towards us, little Cú,’ said Láeg. For the charioteer had his back turned to his master.—He used to win every second game of draughts and chess from his master. Apart from that he acted as sentinel and watchman on the four airts of Ireland. ‘What manner of chariot?’ asked Cú Chulainn. ‘A chariot like a great palace, with yoke of solid gold and a strong panel of copper, with its shafts of bronze, its frame with narrow compact opening, high and sword-straight, fit for a hero, drawn by two black horses, active, spirited, vigorous, easily yoked, ... A single royal, wide-eyed warrior is driven in the chariot. He has a thick, forked beard reaching down past the soft lower part of his navel. It would protect fifty warriors on a day of storm and rain if they were under the deep shelter of the hero's beard. He carries a curved variegated shield with white shoulder piece and three beautiful concentric circles. A litter-bed for four bands of ten men would fit upon the hide which stretches across the broad circumference of the warrior's shield. He has a long, hard-edged, broad, red sword in a sheath with interlaced design of bright silver ... Over the chariot he holds a strong, three ridged spear with rings and bands of pure white silver.’ ‘It is not hard to recognize him,’ said Cú Chulainn. ‘That is my master Fergus, coming to give me a friendly warning against all the four provinces of Ireland.’

Fergus arrived and descended from his chariot. Cú Chulainn bade him welcome. ‘Your arrival is welcome, master Fergus,’ said Cú Chulainn. ‘I trust that welcome,’ said Fergus. ‘You may well trust it,’ said Cú Chulainn. ‘If a flock of birds fly across the plain, you shall have a wild goose and a half: or if fish come to the estuaries, you shall have a salmon and a half, or else a handful of watercress, a handful of laver and a handful of seaweed, and after that a drink of cold sandy water.’ ‘That is a meal fit for an outlaw,’ said Fergus. ‘That is so. I have an outlaw's portion,’ said Cú Chulainn, ‘for from the Monday after Samain until now I have not spent a night entertained as guest, but have been strongly holding back the men of Ireland on the Foray of Cúailnge.’ ‘If we had come for hospitality,’ said Fergus, ‘we should be all the better pleased to get it, but that is not why we have come.’

‘Why then have you come?’ asked Cú Chulainn. ‘To tell you that a warrior will come to fight and do combat with you tomorrow morning,’ said Fergus. ‘Let us know who it is and hear it from you,’ said Cú Chulainn. ‘It is your own foster-brother, Fer Diad mac Damáin,’ ‘I vow that he is not the one we would prefer to meet,’ said Cú Chulainn, ‘not through fear of him indeed, but rather because of our great love for him.’ ‘It is right to fear him,’ said Fergus, ‘for he has a horn-skin when he fights with an opponent, and neither weapons nor sharp points can pierce it.’

‘Do not say that,’ said Cú Chulainn, ‘for I swear the oath of my people that his every joint and limb will bend beneath my swordpoint as pliantly as a rush in mid-stream, if he once appear before me on the ford.’ As they spoke thus, they made a lay:

  1. O Cú Chulainn—clear covenant—I see that it is time for you to rise. Fer Diad mac Damáin of the ruddy countenance comes here to meet you in his wrath.
  2. I am here strongly holding back the men of Ireland—no easy task. I do not retreat one step to avoid encounter with a single opponent.
  3. It is not that I attribute cowardice to you, O famed Cú Chulainn, but Fer Diad of the many followers has a hornskin against which no fight or combat can prevail.
  4. When I and Fer Diad the valorous meet at the ford, it will not be a fight without fierceness. Our sword-fight will be wrathful.
  5. Strong is his hand which wreaks his anger with his hard red sword. There is the strength of a hundred in his body; brave is the hero. The point of weapons wounds him not, the edge of weapons cuts him not.
  6. Hold your peace! Do not argue the matter, O Fergus of the mighty weapons. Over every land and territory there will be no fight against overwhelming odds for me.
  7. O Cú Chulainn of the red sword, I should prefer above any reward that you were the one to take the spoils of proud Fer Diad eastwards.
  8. I vow clearly, though I am not given to vaunting, that I shall be the one to triumph over the son of Damán mac Dáire.
  9. It was I who, in requital for the wrong done me by the Ulsterman, collected and brought these forces to the east. With me the heroes and the warriors came from their own lands.
  10. Were it not that Conchobar lies in his debility, our meeting would indeed be hard. Medb of Mag in Scáil has never come on a more uproarious march.
  11. A greater deed now awaits your hand-to fight with Fer Diad mac Damáin. Have with you, O Cú Chulainn, weapons harsh and hard and famed in song.


After that, Cú Chulainn asked: ‘Why have you come, master Fergus?’ ‘That is my message,’ said Fergus. ‘It is a happy augury,’ said Cú Chulainn, ‘that it was not someone else from among the men of Ireland who brought that message. But unless all the four provinces of Ireland join together (to attack me), I think nothing of a warning against the coming of a single warrior.’ Thereafter Fergus came back to his tent. Concerning Cú Chulainn: ‘What will you do tonight?’ asked Láeg. ‘What indeed?’ said Cú Chulainn. ‘Fer Diad will come against you freshly beautified, washed and bathed, with hair plaited and beard shorn, and the four provinces of Ireland will come with him to watch the fight. I should like you to go to where you will get the same adorning, to the spot where Emer Fholtchaín is, to Cairthenn Clúana Da Dam in Slíab Fuait.’

So on that night Cú Chulainn came to that place and spent the night with his own wife. His doings apart from that are not recorded here now, but those of Fer Diad. Fer Diad came to his tent. Sullen and dispirited were those in Fer Diad's tent that night. They felt certain that when the two world champions met, they would both fall, or else that the result would be the fall of their own lord. For it was no easy matter to encounter Cú Chulainn on the Foray.

That night great anxieties preyed upon Fer Diad's mind and kept him awake. One great anxiety was the fear that he would lose all the treasures and the maid offered to him for engaging in single combat. For if he did not fight that one man, he must fight with six warriors on the next day. But there weighed upon him a greater anxiety than all that: he was sure that if he once appeared before Cú Chulainn on the ford, he would no longer have power over his own body or soul.

And Fer Diad arose early on the morrow. ‘My lad,’ said he, ‘harness our horses and yoke the chariot.’ ‘On my word,’ said the charioteer, ‘it is no more advisable for us to go on this expedition than not to go at all.’
As Fer Diad spoke to the charioteer, he made this little song to urge him on:

  1. Let us go to this encounter, to contend with this man, until we reach that ford above which the war-goddess will shriek. Let us go to meet Cú Chulainn, to wound his slender body, so that a spear-point may pierce him and he may die thereof.
  2. It were better for us to stay here. The threats ye will exchange will not be mild. There will be one to whom sorrow will come. Your fight will be short. An encounter with a fosterling of the Ulstermen is one from which harm will come. It will long be remembered. Woe to him who goes on that course!
  3. What you say is wrong, for diffidence does not become a warrior. You must not show timidity. We shall not stay here for you. Be silent, lad! We shall presently be brave, for stoutness of heart is better than cowardice. Let us go to the encounter.


The charioteer harnessed the horses and prepared the chariot, and they drove forward out of the camp. ‘My lad,’ said Fer Diad, ‘it is not right for us to go without bidding farewell to the men of Ireland. Turn back the horses and chariot to face the men of Ireland.’ Three times the charioteer turned horses and chariot to face the men of Ireland. Medb was urinating on the floor of the tent. ‘Is Ailill asleep now?’ asked Medb. ‘No indeed,’ said Ailill. ‘Do you hear your new son-in-law bidding you farewell?’ ‘Is that what he is doing?’ asked Ailill. ‘It is indeed,’ said Medb. ‘But I swear my people's oath that he who is so bidding you farewell will not return to you on his own feet.’ ‘Because of what we have gained by this marriage,’ said Ailill, ‘we care not if both of them fall, provided that Cú Chulainn is killed by him. But indeed we should be the better pleased if Fer Diad escaped.’ Fer Diad came forward to the ford of combat. ‘Look and see, lad, if Cú Chulainn is at the ford.’ said Fer Diad. ‘He is not,’ said the charioteer. ‘Look closely for us,’ said Fer Diad. ‘Cú Chulainn is no small hidden trifle, wherever he might be.’ said the charioteer.
 ‘That is so, driver. Until today Cú Chulainn never heard of a brave warrior or a noble opposing him on the Foray, and when he did hear of one, he went from the ford.’ ‘It is shameful to revile him in his absence, for do you remember how ye both fought against Germán Garbglas above the shores of the Tyrrhene Sea and you left your sword with the enemy hosts, and how Cú Chulainn slew a hundred warriors to get it back for you, and how he gave it to you? And do you remember where we were that night?’ ‘I do not know,’ said Fer Diad. ‘We were in the house of Scáthach's steward,’ said the charioteer, ‘and you were the first of us to go eagerly and proudly into the house. The churlish fellow struck you in the small of your back with the three-pronged fork and pitched you out the door. Cú Chulainn came in and struck the fellow with his sword and clove him in twain. As long as ye remained in that stead, I acted as your steward. If it were that day now, you would not say that you were a better warrior than Cú Chulainn.’ ‘You have done wrong (not to speak before this), driver,’ said Fer Diad, ‘for if you had told me that at first, I should not have come to the fight. Why do you not pull the shafts of the chariot under my side and the skin- coverings beneath my head that I may sleep a while?’ ‘Alas!’ said the charioteer, ‘such a sleep is the sleep of a doomed one faced by stag and hounds.’ ‘Why then, driver, are you not capable of keeping watch for me?’ ‘I am,’ said the driver, ‘and unless they come out of the clouds and the air to attack you, none shall come from east or from west to fight with you without due warning.’ The shafts of his chariot were pulled beneath his side, and his skin-coverings placed under his head, and yet he slept not at all.

Now as regards Cú Chulainn ‘Good, my friend Láeg, harness the horses and prepare the chariot. If Fer Diad is awaiting us, he will deem it long.’ The charioteer arose. He harnessed the horses and he yoked the chariot. Cú Chulainn mounted the chariot and they drove forward towards the ford. As for Fer Diad's charioteer, he was not long on the watch when he heard the rumble of a chariot approaching them. As he awoke his master, he made this lay:

  1. I hear the sound of a chariot with fair yoke of silver. (I perceive) the form of a man of great size, rising above the front of the strong chariot. Past Broinfeirste Broine they advance along the road, past the side of Baile in Bile. Victorious is their triumph.
  2. A plundering Hound drives, a bright chariot-fighter harnesses, a noble hawk lashes his steeds towards the south. I am certain that he will come ... He will give us battle.
  3. Woe to him who is on the hill awaiting the worthy Hound. Last year I foretold that he would come at some time, the Hound of Emain Macha, the Hound with beauty of every colour, the Hound of spoils, the Hound of battle. I hear him and he hears(us).
Táin Bó Cúailnge

A description of Cú Chulainn's chariot, one of the three principal chariots in story-telling, on the Foray of Cúailnge:

‘How does Cú Chulainn look to you?’ said Fer Diad to his charioteer. ‘I see,’ he answered, ‘a beautiful roomy chariot of white crystal, with solid gold yoke, with great sides of copper, with shafts of bronze, with lungeta of white gold, with framework of narrow compact opening and fair awning, a framework in which heroic feats are displayed and which would hold seven sets of weapons fit for princes. Beautiful is the seat for its lord which that chariot contains, the chariot of Cú Chulainn which travels with the swiftness of a swallow or a great deer hastening across a plain on high ground, such is the speed and swiftness with which they drive for it is towards us they travel. That chariot is drawn by two horses with small round heads, round-eyed, prick-eared, broad-hoofed, redchested, steady, splendid, easily harnessed ... One of these horses is strong, swift-jumping, battlesome, with great hoofs and skittish ... The other horse has curling mane, narrow slender feet, small heels, ... The chariot has two dark black wheels and there is a chariotpole of bronze with enamel of beautiful colour. There are two ornamented golden bridles.’

‘In the chief place in that chariot is a man with long curling hair. He wears a dark purple mantle and in his hand he grasps a broadheaded spear, bloodstained, fiery, flaming. It seems as if he has three heads of hair, to wit, dark hair next to the skin of his head, blood-red hair in the middle and the third head of hair covering him like a crown of gold. Beautifully is that hair arranged, with three coils flowing down over his shoulders. Like golden thread whose colour has been hammered out on an anvil or like the yellow of bees in the sunshine of a summer day seems to me the gleam of each separate hair. Seven toes on each of his feet; seven fingers on each of his hands.

A warrior's grasp in each of his hands (gloss)
. In his eyes the blazing of a huge fire. His horses' hoofs maintain a steady pace.’

‘In front of him is a charioteer fully worthy of his master. He has curling jet-black hair, a great head of hair. He wears a fullskirted hooded cape with an opening at his elbows and a light-grey mantle. In his hand he holds a beautiful golden horsewhip

In his hand a goad of white silver (alternative reading incorporated in text)
with which he goads the horses along whatever road the valorous warrior

He is his friend (gloss, incorporated in text)
in the chariot travels...’ And Fer Diad said to his charioteer: ‘Arise, lad,’ said Fer Diad. ‘Too highly do you extol that man. Prepare the weapons for our encounter with him at the ford.’ ‘If I were to turn my face in the direction to which my back is now turned, I think that the shafts of the chariot would pierce the nape of my neck.’ ‘O lad,’ said Fer Diad, ‘too highly do you extol Cú Chulainn, for he has not given you a reward for your praise.’ And as he described him, he said

  1. It is time now for help for this is no deed of friendship (? ). Be silent. Do not praise him for he is no overhanging doom. If you see the hero of Cúailnge with his proud feats, then he shall be dealt with by us. Since it is for reward, he shall soon be destroyed.
  2. If I see the hero of Cúailnge with his proud feats, he does not flee from us but towards us he comes. Though skilful, he is not grudging. For his excellence we praise him. He runs and not slowly but like the swift thunderbolt.
  3. So greatly have you praised him that it is almost ground for a quarrel. Why have you chosen him (for praise) since he came forth from his dwelling? Now they are challenging him and attacking him, and only cowardly churls come to attack him.


Not long afterwards they met in the middle of the ford, and Fer Diad said to Cú Chulainn ‘Where do you come from, Cúa?’

For Cúa is the word for squinting in old Irish and Cú Chulainn had seven pupils in his royal eyes, two of which were asquint. But this was more an adornment than a disfigurement to Cú Chulainn, and if he had had a greater bodily blemish, Fer Diad would undoubtedly have taunted him with that. And as Fer Diad proclaimed this, he made a lay and Cú Chulainn made answer until the lay was ended.

  1. Whence do you come, O Cúa, to fight with fresh strength? Your flesh will be blood-red above the steam of your horses. Woe to him who comes as you do, for it will be as vain as the kindling of a fire with one stick of firewood. You will be in need of healing if you reach your home again.
  2. I have come, a wild boar of troops and herds, before warriors, before battalions, before hundreds, to thrust you beneath the waters of the pool. In anger against you and to prove you in a many-sided encounter, so that harm may come to you as you defend your life.
  3. How shall we meet? Shall we groan over corpses as we meet at the ford? Shall it be with strong spear-points or with hard swords that you will be slain before your hosts if your time has come?
  4. Before sunset, before nightfall, if you are in straits ... When you meet with Boirche, the battle will be bloody. The Ulstermen are calling you. They have taken you unawares(?) Evil will be the sight for them. They will be utterly defeated.
  5. You have come to the gap of danger. The end of your life is at hand. Sharp weapons will be wielded on you. It will be no gentle purpose. A great champion will slay (you). Two shall meet in conflict. You shall not be the leader of even three men from now until doomsday.
  6. When we were with Scáthach, by dint of our wonted valour we would fare forth together and traverse every land. You were my loved comrade, my kith and kin. Never found I one dearer to me. Sad will be your death.
  7. Leave off your warning. You are the most boastful man on earth. You shall have neither reward nor remission for you are no outstanding hero. Well I know that you are but a nervous lad, you with the heart of a fluttering bird, without valour, without vigour.
  8. Too much do you neglect your honour that we may not do battle, but before the cock crows your head will be impaled on a spit. O Cú Chulainn of Cúailnge, frenzy and madness have seized you. All evil shall come to you from us, for yours is the guilt.


Then Cú Chulainn asked his charioteer to urge him on when he was overcome and to praise him when he was victorious fighting against his opponent. So his charioteer said to him ‘Your opponent goes over you as a tail goes over a cat. He belabours you as flag-heads(?) are beaten in a pond. He chastises you as a fond woman chastises her son.’ Then they betook themselves to the ‘ford-feat,’ and did all that Scáthach had taught both of them. They performed wonderful feats. After that Cú Chulainn leapt on to Fer Diad's shield, and Fer Diad cast him off three times into the ford, so that the charioteer kept on inciting him once more. Cú Chulainn swelled and grew big as a bladder does when inflated. His size increased so that he was bigger than Fer Diad.

‘Look out for the gaí bulga!’ cried the charioteer and cast it to him downstream. Cú Chulainn caught it between his toes and cast it at Fer Diad into his anus. It was as a single barb it entered but it became twenty-four (in Fer Diad's body). Thereupon Fer Diad lowered his shield. Cú Chulainn struck him with the spear above the shield, and it broke his ribs and pierced Fer Diad's heart.

  1. Strong is the spear-shaft cast by your right hand. My ribs like spoils are broken; my heart is gore. Well did I fight, but I have fallen, O Cúa!
  2. Alas, O noble warrior! O brave Fer Diad! O strong and beautiful smiter, your arm was victorious.
  3. Our friendship was fair, O delight of my eyes! Your shield had a golden rim. Your sword was beautiful.
  4. Your ring of white silver on your noble hand. Your chess-set of great worth. Your cheeks were rosy and beautiful.
  5. Your curling yellow hair was thick—a fair jewel. Your girdle, supple and ornamented, you wore around your side.
  6. Alas! my loved one, that you should fall at the hand of Cú Chulainn! Your shield which you wore against force afforded you no protection.
  7. Our fight ... our sorrow, the din of our battle. Fine was the great champion. Every army was defeated and trampled underfoot. Alas! O noble warrior, Fer Diad!


  1. All was play and pleasure until I met with Fer Diad in the ford. Alas for the noble champion laid low there at the ford.
  2. All was play and sport until I met with Fer Diad at the ford. I thought that beloved Fer Diad would live after me for ever.


While the enemy hosts were going south from Áth Fhit Diad, Cú Chulainn lay there wounded until Senoll Úathach came to him ahead of the others and Senoll was there with the two Meic Fhice. They brought Cú Chulainn back to the streams of Conaille Muirthemne to heal and bathe his wounds therein. These are the names of those rivers: Sás, Buan Bithshlán, Finnglas, Gleóir, Bedg, Tadg, Talaméd, Rind, Bir, Breinide, Cumang, Cellend, Gaenemain, Dichu, Muach, Miliuc, Den, Delt, Dubglaise. While Cú Chulainn went to bathe in those rivers, the army went south past him and made their encampment at Imorach Smiromrach. Mac Roth left the army and went north to watch out for the men of Ulster, and he came to Slíab Fúait to find out if he might see anyone pursuing them. He told them that he saw only one chariot.

Táin Bó Cúailnge

The Chief Episodes of the Táin

The Hard Fight of Cethern mac Fintain, the Tooth-fight of Fintan, the Red Shame of Mend, the Bloodless Fight of Rochad, the Humorous Fight of Iliach, the Missile-throwing of the Charioteers, the Trance of Aimirgin, the Repeated Warning of Súaltaim, the Mustering of the Ulstermen, the Trance of Dubthach, the Trance of Cormac Con Longes, the Array of the Companies, the Final Decision in Battle, the Fight of the Bulls, the Adventures of Dub Cúailnge on the Foray.

Táin Bó Cúailnge

The Hard Fight of Cethern

‘I see a chariot coming across the plain from the north today,’ said Mac Roth, ‘and (in the chariot) a grey-haired man, unarmed except for a silver spike which he holds in his hand. It seems as if the mist of May surrounds the chariot. With the spike he pricks both charioteer and horses, for he thinks he will scarcely reach the host alive. Before him runs a brindled hunting-dog.’ ‘Who is that, Fergus?’ asked Ailill. ‘Is it likely to be Conchobar or Celtchair?’ ‘It is not likely,’ said Fergus. ‘But I think it might be Cethern, the generous, red-sworded son of Fintan.’ And so indeed it was.

Then Cethern attacked them throughout the encampment and killed many. And he himself was grievously wounded and came from the fighting to Cú Chulainn, with his entrails lying about his feet. Cú Chulainn had compassion on him for his wounding. ‘Get me a physician,’ said Cethern to Cú Chulainn. A litter-bed of fresh rushes with a pillow on it was prepared for him. Then Cú Chulainn sent Láeg to Fiacha mac Fir Fhebe in the encampment of the banished Ulstermen to seek physicians, and said that he would kill them all even if they were to take refuge underground in the encampment unless they came to him to cure Cethern. The physicians found this no pleasant prospect for there was none in the camp whom Cethern would not wound. However the physicians came forth to see Cethern. The first physician who came to him examined him.

‘You will not live,’ said he. ‘Neither will you,’ said Cethern, and struck him a blow with his fist which caused his brains to gush out over his ears. In the same way he killed fifty physicians, or he killed fifteen of them. The last man received only a glancing blow which caused him to swoon. He was later rescued by Cú Chulainn. They sent messengers then to Fíngin, the seer-physician, Conchobar's own physician, asking him to come and examine Cú Chulainn and Cethern.
‘It is not right for you,’ said Cú Chulainn to Cethern, ‘to kill the physicians. It will not be possible to get any (more) of them to come to you.’ ‘It was not right for them to give me a bad prognosis.’ For each physician who examined him used to say that he would not live, that he was not curable, so then Cethern used to strike him with his fist. They saw Fíngin's chariot approaching, for he had been told that Cú Chulainn and Cethern were in distress. Cú Chulainn went to meet him. ‘Examine Cethern for us,’ said Cú Chulainn, ‘but do so from a distance, for he has killed fifteen of their physicians.’ Fíngin came to Cethern. He examined him from afar off.

‘Examine me,’ said Cethern. ‘This first thrust that I received I find painful.’ ‘Those are wounds inflicted by a proud and foolish woman,’ said Fíngin. ‘It is likely that it is so,’ said Cethern. ‘There came to me a tall beautiful woman with pale, tender face and long cheeks. She had long fair hair and two golden birds on her shoulder. She wore a dark purple hooded mantle. On her back she carried a shield five hands in breadth and overlaid with gold. In her hand a javelin, keen, sharp-edged and light. A sword with pointed hilt across her shoulders. Great was her beauty. She it was who first came to me and wounded me.’ ‘Aye indeed,’ said Cú Chulainn. ‘That was Medb from Crúachu.’ ‘These are slight wounds inflicted unwillingly by a kinsman. They will not prove fatal,’ said the physician. ‘That is so,’ said Cethern. ‘A warrior came to me. He carried a curved shield with scalloped rim. In his hand a spear with bent point, across his shoulders an ivory-hilted sword. He had a crest of hair and wore a brown cloak in which was a silver pin wrapped about him. He got a slight wound from me.’ ‘I know him,’ said Cú Chulainn. ‘That was Illann, the son of Fergus mac Róig.’ ‘This is the attack of two warriors,’ said the physician. ‘That is true,’ said Cethern. ‘Two men came to me. They bore long shields, each with two hard chains of silver and a silver boss. They had two five-pronged spears round which was a silver ring. They had thick heads of hair and each man wore a necklet of silver.’ ‘I know them,’ said Cú Chulainn. ‘Those were Oll and Oichne, the two foster-sons of Ailill and Medb. They never go to an assembly but that they are sure to kill someone. It was they who wounded you.’

‘Two other warriors came to me,’ said Cethern. ‘They had splendid bright equipment and they themselves were manly.’ ‘I know them,’ said Cú Chulainn. ‘Those were Bun and Mecon of the king's household.’ ‘These wounds are grave,’ said the physician. ‘They have gone right through your heart and pierced it tranversely. I cannot undertake to heal them. Yet I have such skill that they may not prove fatal.’ ‘This is the bloody onset of the two sons of the King of Caill,’ said the physician. ‘That is true,’ said Cethern. ‘There came to me two grey-haired warriors, each carrying a wooden vessel on his back. Indeed,’ said Cethern, ‘this spear pierced one of them.’ ‘I know them,’ said Cú Chulainn. ‘They were noble warriors from Medb's great household. They were Bróen and Láiréne, the two sons of three lights, the two sons of the King of Caill.’ ‘This is the attack of three warriors,’ said Fíngin, the physician. ‘That is true,’ said he. ‘There came to me three men of equal size, linked together with a chain of bronze ... ’ ‘Those were the three warriors of Banba, followers of Cú Raí mac Dáire.’ ‘This is the onset of three champions,’ said Fíngin. ‘That is true,’ said he. ‘Three champions came to me bearing the equipment of warriors. Each had a silver chain around his neck and carried a handful of javelins. Each man of them thrust a spear into me, and I thrust this spear into each of them.’

‘Those were three of the warriors of Irúath,’ said Cú Chulainn. ‘For their fierceness they were chosen to kill you,’ said the physician. ‘Indeed they have severed the sinews of your heart within you so that it rolls about in you like a ball of thread in an empty bag.’ ‘I cannot cure (you) (?),’ said Fíngin. ‘This is the attack of three bloody-minded men,’ said Fíngin. ‘That is so,’ said Cethern. ‘Three tall stout men came to me. They were inciting me even before they reached me. They had three grey heads of hair.’ ‘Those were the three stewards of Medb and Ailill, Scenb and Rand and Fodail,’ said Cú Chulainn. ‘These are three hostile blows,’ said Fíngin
‘True,’ said Cethern. ‘Three warriors came to me. Each had a head of thick black hair and wore a vari-coloured cape. They carried in their hands three iron clubs.’ ‘Those were the three called Fráech Baíscne, the three tableservants of Medb,’ said Cú Chulainn.

‘This is the attempt of two brothers,’ said Fíngin. ‘That is true,’ said Cethern. ‘There came to me two choice warriors. They wore dark-grey mantles and carried curved shields with scalloped rim. Each had in his hand a broad shining spear on a slender shaft.’ ‘I know them,’ said Cú Chulainn. ‘They were Cormac Colomon ind Ríg, and Cormac Maíle Ogath.’ ‘Numerous indeed are the wounds they both inflicted on you,’ said the physician. ‘They have pierced your throat and their spears moved about within you.’ ‘These are the wounds inflicted by two brothers,’ said the physician. ‘That is likely,’ said Cethern. ‘Two warriors came to me. One had curling yellow hair, the other curling brown hair. They bore white shields ornamented with animal designs in gold. Each had a white-hilted sword across his shoulder. They wore hooded tunics with red insertion.’ ‘I know them,’ said Cú Chulainn. ‘Those were Maine Aithremail and Maine Máithremail.’ ‘These are the thrusts delivered by father and son,’ said the physician. ‘That is so,’ said Cethern. ‘There came to me two huge men with shining eyes, wearing golden diadems on their heads. Each man had at his waist a golden- hilted sword. Scabbards reaching to the haft of each sword and a ring of variegated gold around each.’ ‘I know them,’ said Cú Chulainn. ‘That was Ailill with his son, Maine Condasgeb Uile.’ ‘What prognosis do you give me, master Fíngin?’ asked Cethern.

‘In truth,’ said Fíngin, ‘you should not exchange your grown cows for yearlings now. As long as your attackers were numbered only in twos and threes, it were easy to cure you. But when you bear wounds inflicted by many, you are destined to die in any case,’ With that Fíngin turned the chariot away from him. ‘You pronounce judgment on me like the rest,’ (said Cethern). So he struck Fíngin a blow of his fist so that he fell across the shafts of the chariot and the whole chariot resounded.

Then said Cú Chulainn ‘That is a wicked kick of yours for an old man (?).’ Hence is still the name Ú;achtar Lúa in Crích Rois. ‘You should have attacked enemies rather than physicians,’ said Cú Chulainn. Then the physician Fíngin offered Cethern a choice: either to lie sick for a year and then survive, or straightaway to have sufficient strength for three days and three nights to attack his enemies. The latter is what Cethern chose. Then Cú Chulainn asked for marrow for the physician to cure Cethern. He made a marrow-mash from the bones of the cattle he encountered. Hence the name Smirommair in Crích Rois. After absorbing the marrow, Cethern slept for a day and a night. ‘I have no ribs,’ complained Cethern. ‘Put the ribs of the chariot frame in me.’ ‘You shall have that,’ said Cú Chulainn. ‘If I had my own weapons,’ said Cethern, ‘the deeds I should perform would be remembered for ever.’ ‘What I see now seems fine,’ said Cú Chulainn. ‘What do you see?’ asked Cethern. ‘I think it is the chariot of your wife Find Bee, the daughter of Eochu, coming towards us.’

They saw the woman bringing Cethern's weapons in the chariot. Cethern seized his weapons and attacked the host then with the framework of his chariot bound to his belly to give him more strength. That physician, who had escaped from Cethern and lain unconscious among the corpses of the other physicians now carried a warning of Cethern's arrival into the encampment. Then through fear of Cethern, Ailill's crown was put upon the pillar-stone. Cethern rushed at the pillar-stone and drove his sword through it and his fist after the sword. Hence the place-name Lia Toll in Crích Rois. ‘This is a trick!’ he cried. ‘I shall not cease to attack you until I see this diadem of Ailill on one of you.’ Then for a day and a night he attacked them, until Maine put the diadem on his head and came forward in his chariot. Cethern threw after Maine his shield which split him and his charioteer and went right through the horses into the ground. Then the host hemmed Cethern in on all sides and he attacked them and fell dead among them so doing.

Táin Bó Cúailnge

The Tooth-Fight of Fintan

Fintan came then to avenge his son's death on them. Thrice fifty armed men was the number of his company. They had two spear-heads on each shaft and they were wrapt in mantles. Fintan fought seven battles with the enemy and none of his men escaped, only he himself and his son. Then through fear of Fintan his son was separated from him and was rescued by Ailill under a shelter of shields on condition that Fintan should not attack them until he came with Conchobar to the great battle. So Fintan made a truce with them for delivering his son to him.

Táin Bó Cúailnge

The Red Shame of Mend

Then there came to them Mend mac Sálchada with a band of thirty armed men. Twelve of them fell at Mend's hand and twelve of his own people fell too. Mend himself was grievously wounded while his men were red with blood. Hence the name Ruadrucca Mind, the Red Shame of Mend. Afterwards they evacuated the encampment for Mend and he killed no more of them save only the twelve. He was told that no guilt attached to them for they had not gone near his dwelling by the Boyne in Coirenna. For in fact it was no disgrace to yield the encampment to him until he should come with Conchobar to the great battle.

Táin Bó Cúailnge

The Bloodless Fight of Rochad

Then there came to them Rochad Rigderg mac Faithemain of Ulster with thirty armed men. He took up his position on a hillock near them, and his arrival was announced in the encampment. Then Finnabair said that he was her first love. ‘If you have loved him,’ said Ailill and Medb, ‘crave a truce of him until such time as he comes with Conchobar to the great battle, and spend tomorrow night with him.’ All this was done, though it was not easy to get him to come. Rochad's tent was pitched for him at the place called Finnabair, and he spent the night with the girl.

This was told to the seven kings from Munster. One of them said: ‘I was promised this girl on the surety of fifteen men, in requital for coming on this hosting.’
All seven of them confessed that the same bargain had been made with each of them. So they went to take revenge for it on the sons of Ailill in Glenn Domain where they were guarding the rear of the army. Medb rushed to the rescue. So did the division of the Leinstermen. So too Ailill and Fergus. Seven hundred fell there in the battle of Glenn Domain. That is Bángleó Rochada and Imshlige Glenndomnach. Finnabair heard of this, namely, that seven hundred men had died because of her. She fell dead there of shame. Hence the place-name Finnabair Sléibe.

Táin Bó Cúailnge

The Humorous Fight of Iliach

There came then to them at Áth Feidle Iliach, the grandfather of Lóegaire Búadach who was son of Connad Buide meic Iliach. Iliach was being cared for with filial piety by his grandson in Ráith Immail. He announced to the host that they would die at his hand in revenge.

So he came in this wise: in his shaky, worn-out chariot, without rugs or covering, drawn by two old sorrel nags. And he filled his chariot with stones as high as the skin-coverings. He kept striking all those who came to gaze at him, stark-naked as he was, long- membered, with the clapar down through the frame of the chariot. Then the host noticed in what manner he came and they mocked the naked man. Dócha mac Mágach checked the jeering of the rabble. And for that Iliach told Dócha that at the day's end he, Dócha, should take Iliach's sword and strike his head off, provided only that Iliach had exerted all his strength against the host. At that point Iliach noticed the marrow-mash. He was told that it had been made from the bones of the cows of Ulster. So then he made another marrow-mash from the bones of the men of Connacht beside it, so that the two marrow-mashes are there together. Then in the evening Dócha struck off Iliach's head and carried it to his grandson. He made peace with him and Láegaire kept Iliach's sword. That is Mellgleó Iiach, (so called) because the host laughed at him.
The Missile-throwing of the Charioteers

The army came to Tailtiu then. The charioteers of Ulster, in number thrice fifty, attacked them. Three times their own number fell by the charioteers, and they themselves fell.

Roí Arad is the name of the spot where they fell together with their tackle on the Foray.

Táin Bó Cúailnge

The Trance of Aimirgin

This then is the trance of Aimirgin in Tailtiu. In his trance Aimirgin pelted them so that no man could be found to raise his head in Tailtiu. Then came Cú Raí mac Dáire to the host to fight against Cú Chulainn. He was told how Cú Chulainn had opposed the men of Ireland single-handed during the three months of winter. Cú Raí thought it did not befit a man to attack one stabbed and wounded, for Cú Chulainn had been wounded and lost much blood. So then Cú Raí hurled stones directly against Aimirgin, instead of Cú Chulainn, and the stones collided in the air. Cú Raí asked Aimirgin to let the cattle go past Tailtiu. Aimirgin permitted it. However it was not to be wondered at that they were carried off with difficulty. Cú Raí promised Aimirgin that he would not remain with the host from that time on. So it was done. Cú Raí went away from the host at once. When Aimirgin saw that they challenged him by turning the left board of their chariots to Tailtiu and Ráith Airthir, he began once more to pelt them.

This is one of the three (slaughters) which cannot be counted, namely, the great number of them that he killed. And his son Conall Cernach remained by him, furnishing him with stones and darts.
The Repeated Warning of Súaltaim

While these events which we have related were taking place, Súaltaim from Ráith Súaltaim in Mag Muirthemne heard how his son had been harassed by the twleve sons of Gaile Dána and his sister's son. Then said Súaltaim: ‘Is it the sky that cracks, or the sea that overflows its bounderies, or the earth that splits, or is it the loud cry of my son fighting against odds?’ Then he went to his son. But Cú Chulainn was not pleased that he should come to him, for though he was wounded, Súaltaim would not be strong enough to avenge him.

 ‘Go to the men of Ulster,’ said Cú Chulainn, ‘and let them give battle to the warriors at once. If they do not, vengeance will never be taken on them.’ Then his father saw that there was not on Cú Chulainn's body a spot which the tip of a rush could cover which was not pierced, and even his left hand which the shield protected bore fifty wounds. Súaltaim came to Emain and called out to the men of Ulster ‘Men are slain, women carried off, cattle driven away!’ His first shout was from the side of the court, his second from the ramparts of the royal residence, his third from the Mound of the Hostages in Emain. No one answered, for it was tabu for the Ulstermen that any of them should speak before Conchobar, and Conchobar, spoke only before the three druids. ‘Who carries them off? Who drives them away? Who slays them?’ asked the druid. ‘Ailill mac Máta slays them, carries them off, drives them away, with the guidance of Fergus mac Róig,’ said Súaltaim. ‘Your people have been harassed as far as Dún Sobairche. Their cows, their women-folk and their cattle have been carried off. Cú Chulainn has not let them come into Mag Muirthemne and Crích Rois during the three months of winter. Bent hoops (of wood) hold his mantle (from touching him). Dry wisps plug his wounds. He has been wounded and bled profusely (?).’ ‘It were right,’ said the druid, ‘that one who so incited the king should die.’ ‘It is right that he should,’ said Conchobar. ‘It is right,’ said the Ulstermen. ‘What Súaltaim says is true,’ said Conchobar. ‘From the Monday on the eve of Samain until the Monday on the eve of Spring we have been ravaged.’

Thereupon Súaltaim leapt forth, unsatisfied with the answer he had got, and he fell on to his shield and the scalloped rim of the shield cut off his head. The horse brought his head on the shield back into Emain, and the head uttered the same words.—Though others say that he had been asleep on the stone and on waking had fallen from it on to his shield. ‘Too loud was that shout indeed,’ said Conchobar. ‘(I swear by) the sea before them, the sky above them, the earth beneath them that I shall restore every cow to its byre and every woman and boy to their own homes after victory in battle.’ Then Conchobar laid an injunction on his son Findchad Fer Bend.—He was so called because he bore horns of silver.

Táin Bó Cúailnge

The Muster of the Ulstermen

‘Arise, O Findchad! I send you to Dedad in his inlet, to Leamain, to Fallach, to Illann mac Fergusa, to Gabar, to Dorlunsa, to Imchlár, to Feidlimid Cilair Cétaig, to Fáeladán, to Rochaid mac Faithemain at Rigdonn, to Lugaid, to Lugda, to Cathbath in his inlet, to the three Cairpres, to Aela, to Láeg at his causeway, to Geimen in his valley, to Senoll Úathach at Diabul Arda, to Cethern mac Fintain at Carlag, to Torathor, to Mulaig in his fortress, to the royal poet Aimirgin, to the Úlathadach Fodoblaid, to the Mórrigan at Dún Sobairche, to Ieth, to Roth, to Fiachna at his mound, to Dam Dremed, to Andiaraid, to Maine mac Braitharge, to Dam Derg, to Mod, to Maithes, to Irmaithes, to Corp Cliath, to Gabarleig in Líne, to Eochaid Sainmech in Saimne, to Eochaid Lathach at Latharna, to Uma mac Remarbisi in Fedan, to Muinremur mac Gerrgind, to Senlobair at Canainn Gall, to Follamain, to Lugaid rí Fer mBolc, to Laige Líne, to Búaidgalach, to Ambúach, to Fergna, to Barrene, to Áine, to Errgi Echbél at his hill, to Celtchar mac Cuithechair in Lethglais, to Láegaire Milbél at Breo Láegairi, to the three sons of Dromscalt mac Dregamm, to Drenda, to Drendas, to Cimb, to Cimling, to Cimmene, to Fána Caba, to Fachtna mac Senchath in his rath, to Senchaid at Senchairthe, to Briccir, to Bricirne, to Breic, to Buan, to Bairech, to Óengus mac Leiti, to Fergus mac Leiti, to Óengus Fer mBolg, to Bruachur, to Alamiach the warrior at Slánge, to the three sons of Fiachna in Cúailnge, to Conall Cernach in Midlúachair, to Connad mac Morna in Callainn, to Cú Chulainn mac Súaltaim in Muirthemne, to Aimirgin at Eas Rúaid, to Lóeg, to Léiri, to Menn mac Salcholca at Coirenna, to Cú Rí mac Armargin in his rath, to Óengus Fer Berm Umai, to Ogma Grianainech, to Brecc, to Eo mac Oircne, to Toillchenn to Saithe, to Mogoll Echbél in Magna, to Conla Sáeb, to Carba, to Láegaire Buadach in Immail, to Alile Amargine in Tailtiu, to Furbaide Fer Benn, to Seil, to Manes, to Cuscraid Menn Macha, to Fíngin at Finngabra, to Cremath, to Blae Fichit, to Blae Brugaich, to Fesair, to Eógan mac Durthacht in Fernmag, to Ord, to Seirid, to Serthe, to Oblán, to Cuilén, to Curether at Liana, to Eithbenne, to Fernél, to Finnchath at Slíab Betha, to Talgobain at Bernas, to Menn mac Fer Calca, of Maig Dula, to Íroll, to Bláirige at Tibraite mac Ailchatha, to Ialla Ingraimme of Mag Dobla, to Ros mac Ailchatha, to Mane mac Cruinn, to Nindich mac Cruinn, to Dipsemilid, to Mál mac Rochraidi, to Muinne mac Munremair, to Fiatach Fer nDohre mac Dubthaig, to Muirne Menn.’

It was not difficult, however, for Findchad to deliver that summons, for all of the province of Conchobar, every lord among them, was awaiting Conchobar. All those who were east or north or west of Emain came now to Emain Macha. When they had assembled they heard that Conchobar had recovered from his debility in Emain. They went on past Emain to the south in pursuit of the (enemy) host. The first stage of their journey was from Emain to Iraird Cuillenn. ‘What are you waiting for here?’ asked Conchobar. ‘We are waiting for your sons,’ said the host. ‘They have gone with a company of soldiers to Tara to seek Erc, the son of Cairbre Nia Fer and of Feidelm Noíchride. We shall not leave this spot, until the two companies come to join us.’ ‘I shall not wait, indeed,’ said Conchobar, ‘until the men of Ireland learn that I have recovered from the debility in which I have been.’

So Conchobar and Celtchair went off with thrice fifty chariot fighters, and brought back eight score (enemy) heads from Áth Airthir Mide. Hence the name Áth Féne. These men had been there keeping guard against Conchobar's army. Their share of the booty was eight score women. Their heads were brought there and Conchobar and Celtchair sent them to the encampment. Then Celtchair said to Conchobar: ‘Ramparts with bloodstained sides and a valorous king ... with spoils of war ... On Conchobar's behalf we prepare for battle. His warriors rouse themselves. Battle will be fought(?) at Gáirech and Irgáirech,’ said he. —Or it may have been Cúscraid Menn Macha, the son of Conchobar, who chanted this song of exhortation on the night before the great battle, after Láegaire Buadach had chanted his song ‘Arise, kings of Macha. Be on your guard etc.’, and it may have been sung in the eastern encampment. That was the night when Dubthach Dóel Mad saw a vision in which the army stood at Gáirech and Irgáirech, and in his trance he spoke:

Táin Bó Cúailnge

The Vision of Dubthach

‘A wonderful morning for a battle, a wonderful time when armies will be thrown into confusion, kings will be overthrown, men's necks will be broken and the sand will be red with blood. Three armies will be overcome in the wake of the army led by Conchobar.
They will defend their womenfolk. Their herds will come on the morning after. Heroes will be slain. Hounds will be checked. Horses will be destroyed ... from the assemblies of great tribes.’ Thereupon he awoke from his trance. The war-goddess attacked the host. A hundred of them fell dead. When they fell silent(?) they heard Cormac Con Longes once more—Or it may have been Ailill mac Máta chanting in the encampment in the west.

Táin Bó Cúailnge

The Trance of Ailill

‘Great is the truce, the truce of Cuillenn. Great the parleys, the parleys of Delend. Great the cavalcades (?), the cavalcades of Asal. Great the afflictions, the afflictions of Túath Bressi.’

Táin Bó Cúailnge

The March of the Companies

Now while these prophetic visions were happening the men of Connacht, on the advice of Ailill and Medb and Fergus, decided to send messengers to see if the men of Ulster had reached the plain. Then said Ailill: ‘Go, Mac Roth, and find out for us if those men are in this plain of Meath where we now are, I have carried off their cattle and their prey. They will give me battle if they so wish. But if they have not reached the plain, I shall not await them here any longer.’ So Mac Roth went to reconnoitre the plain. He returned again to Ailill and Medb and Fergus. The first time Mac Roth gazed into the distance around Slíab Fúait, he saw that all the wild beasts had come out of the wood into the whole plain. ‘The second time I looked out over the plain,’ said Mac Roth, ‘I saw that a dense mist had filled the glens and valleys, so that the hills between them rose up like islands in lakes. Then I saw sparks of fire flashing in that dense mist, and I seemed to see the variegation of every colour in the world. Then I saw the lightning and I heard the din and the thunder, and I felt a great wind which almost blew the hair from my head and threw me on my back, and yet the wind that day was not strong.’

‘What was that, Fergus?’ said Ailill. ‘Identify it.’ ‘It is not hard for me to recognize what it is,’ said Fergus. ‘Those are the men of Ulster now recovered from their debility. It was they who rushed into the wood. It was the multitiude, the greatness and the violence of the warriors that shook the wood. It is from them the wild beasts fled into the plain. The dense mist you saw which filled the valleys was the breath of those champions which filled the glens and made the hills to rise among them like islands in lakes. The lightning and the flashes of fire and the varied colours that you saw, Mac Roth’, said Fergus, ‘were the eyes of the warriors flashing in their heads like sparks of fire. The thunder and the din and the great uproar that you heard, that was the whistling of swords and ivory-hilted rapiers, the clatter of weapons, the creaking of chariots, the hoof-beats of the horses, the might of the chariot- fighters, the loud roaring of the warriors, the shouts of the soldiers, the ardour and anger and fierceness of the heroes as they rushed in fury to battle. So great is their anger and excitement that they think they will never arrive.’ ‘We shall await them,’ said Ailill. ‘We have warriors to encounter them.’ ‘You will need them,’ said Fergus. ‘For not in all Ireland nor in the western world from Greece and Scythia westwards to the Orkneys and the Pillars of Hercules and to Tor Breogain and the Islands of Gades, will anyone be found who can withstand the men of Ulster when they are in their rage and anger.’

After that Mac Roth went once more to survey the march of the men of Ulster and came to their encampment in Slemain Mide. He came back to Ailill and Medb and Fergus, and gave them a detailed description, and describing them he spoke as follows: ‘There came on to the hill at Slemain Mide,’ said Mac Roth, ‘a great company, fierce, powerful, proud. I think that it numbered three thousand. At once they cast off their garments and dug up a turfy mound as a seat for their leader. A warrior, fair, slender, tall, pleasant, led that company. Fairest in form among kings was he. He had yellow hair, curled, well-arranged, trimmed and wavy, which reached to the hollow between his shoulders. He wore a purple mantle wrapped about him with a beautful brooch of red gold in the mantle over his breast. He had shining, beautiful eyes. His countenance was crimson and comely, narrow below, broad above. He had a forked beard, very curly, golden-yellow. He wore a white hooded tunic with red insertion. Across his shoulders he had a gold-hilted sword, and he carried a white shield with animal designs in gold. In his hand he held a broad shining spear on a slender shaft. His array was the finest of all the princes of the world, alike as regards followers and fierceness and beauty, equipment and garments, as regards terror and battle and triumph, prowess and fearsomeness and dignity.’

‘There came too another company,’ said Mac Roth. ‘They were almost the same as the other in numbers and arrangement and equipment, in dreadfulness and fearsomeness. A fair heroic warrior in the van of that company. A green cloak wrapped about him and a golden brooch on his shoulder. He had yellow curling hair. He carried an ivory-hilted sword at his left side. He wore a bordered(?) tunic reaching to his knee. He carried a smiting shield with scalloped rim. In his hand a spear like a palace torch with a silver band around it which runs now back from shaft to spearhead, now down again to the grip. That company took up position on the left hand of the leader of the first band. And the position they took was with knee to ground and shield-rim held to chin. It seemed to me that the tall haughty warrior who led that band stammered in his speech.’

‘There came yet another band,’ said Mac Roth. ‘It looked to be more than three thousand. A valiant man, handsome and broad headed, was in the van. He had brown curling hair and a long, forked, fine-haired beard. A dark-grey fringed cloak was wrapped about him, with a leaf-shaped brooch of white gold over his breast. He wore a white hooded tunic reaching to his knee. He carried a variegated shield with animal designs. A sword of bright silver with rounded hilt at his waist, and a five-pronged spear in his hand. He sat down in front of the leader of the first company.’

‘Who were those, Fergus?’ asked Ailill. ‘We know those companies indeed,’ said Fergus. ‘It was Conchobar, the king of a province in Ireland, who sat down on the mound of turf. It was Sencha mac Ailella, the eloquent speaker of Ulster, who sat down in front of Conchobar. It was Cúscraid Menn Macha, Conchobar's son, who sat at his father's hand. That spear which Cúscraid has is wont to behave thus before victory; at no other time does the ring run (up and down). Those who came there were goodly men to inflict wounds in the attack of every conflict,’ added Fergus. ‘They will find men to answer them here,’ said Medb. ‘I swear by my people's god,’ said Fergus, ‘that until now there has not been born in Ireland an army which could ever check the Ulstermen.’

‘There came still another company,’ said Mac Roth, ‘in number more than three thousand. In the van was a tall, valiant warrior, hideous, fearsome, swarthy and with fiery countenance. He had dark brown hair which lay smooth and fine over his forehead. He carried a curved shield with scalloped rim. In his hand he had a five-pronged spear and with it a pronged javelin. He bore across his back a bloodstained sword. Around him was wrapped a purple mantle with a golden brooch on his shoulder. He wore a white hooded tunic reaching to his knee.’ ‘Who was that, Fergus?’ asked Ailill. ‘He who came there is the starting of strife, a warrior for conflict, the doom of enemies, to wit, Eógan mac Durrthacht, King of Farney,’ said Fergus.

‘Another great, haughty band came on to the hill in Slemain Mide,’ said Mac Roth. ‘They cast off their garments. In truth they marched valiantly to the hill. Great the horror and vast the fear they brought with them. Terrible the clatter of arms they made as they marched. In the van of the company a man, bigheaded, valiant, heroic, fierce and hideous. He had fine grizzled hair and great yellow eyes. A yellow mantle with a white border wrapped around him. Outside this he carried a smiting shield with scalloped rim. In his hand he held a spear, broad-bladed and longheaded with a drop of blood on its shaft, and a similar spear with the blood of enemies along its edge. A great smiting sword across his shoulders.’ ‘Who was that, Fergus?’ asked Ailill. ‘The warrior who came there shuns not battle nor conflict nor contest. It was Lóegaire Búadach mac Connaid meic Iliach from Immail in the north,’ said Fergus.

‘Another great company came to the hill in Slemain Mide,’ said Mac Roth. ‘A handsome warrior, thick-necked, corpulent, led that company. He had black curling hair and he was swarthy-faced with ruddy cheeks. Shining grey eyes in his head. He wore a duncoloured mantle of curly wool in which was a brooch of white silver. He carried a black shield with boss of bronze, and in his hand he held a shimmering perforated(?) spear. He wore a plaited tunic with red insertion. Outside his garments he carried an ivoryhilted sword.’ ‘Who was that, Fergus?’ asked Ailill. ‘He who came is the stirring up of strife. He is the stormy wave which overwhelms streamlets. He is the man of three shouts. He is the threatening doom of enemies,’ said Fergus. ‘That was Munremur mac Gerrcind from Modorn in the north.’

‘There came still another great company to the hill in Slemain Mide,’ said Mac Roth. ‘A company beautiful and splendid in numbers and arrangement and equipment. Proudly they made for the hill. The clatter of arms they made as they advanced shook the whole army. A handsome and noble warrior led that company. Most beautiful of men was his appearance, alike for hair and eyes and skin, alike for equipment and appearance, and voice and fairness, for dignity, size and honour, for arms and excellence and for garments and weapons and proportion, for worth and wisdom and lineage.’ ‘That is his (exact) description,’ said Fergus. ‘That handsome man Feidlimid who came there is the brilliance of fire, the proud hero, the stormy wave which engulfs, the force, which cannot be endured, with victories in other lands after he has slaughtered his enemies (at home). That was Feidlimid Cilair Cétaig.’

‘There came still another band to the hill in Slemain Mide,’ said Mac Roth, ‘no fewer than three thousand in number. In the front of the band a tall, valiant warrior, of dusky complexion, well-proportioned ... He had black curling hair, round eyes, dull and haughty in his head. He was a strong, bull- like, rough man. He wore a grey mantle with a silver pin on his shoulder, and a white hooded tunic was wrapped around him. He carried a sword on his thigh and bore a red shield with a boss of hard silver. In his hand was a broad-bladed spear with three rivets.’ ‘Who was that, Fergus?’ asked Ailill. ‘He who came there is the fierce ardour of anger, the one who dares(?) every conflict, who wins every battle. That was Connad mac Mornai from Callann,’ said Fergus.

‘There came still another company to the hill in Slemain Mide,’ said Mac Roth. ‘In size it appears an army. Not often is found a hero finer in form and equipment and garments than the leader in the van of that company. He had trimmed auburn hair. His face was comely, ruddy, well-proportioned, a face narrow below and broad above. His lips were red and thin, his teeth shining and pearl-like, his voice loud and clear. His was the most beautiful of the forms of men. He wore a purple mantle wrapped around him with a brooch inlaid with gold over his white breast. On his left side a curved shield with animal emblems in many colours and a boss of silver. In his hand a long spear with shining edge and a sharp, aggressive dagger. On his back a sword with golden hilt. A tunic, hooded and with red insertion, wrapped about him.’ ‘Who was that, Fergus?’ asked Ailill. ‘We know him indeed,’ said Fergus. ‘He who came there is indeed a worthy adversary, he is the dividing of a combat, he is the fierce ardour of a blood- hound. That was Rochaid mac Faithemain from Brig Dumae, your son-in-law, he who wedded your daughter Finnabair.’

‘There came still another company to the hill in Slemain Mide,’ said Mac Roth. ‘A warrior brawny-legged, thick-thighed and tall in the forefront of that company. Each of his limbs was almost as thick as a man. In truth he was every inch a man,’ said he. ‘He had black hair and a ruddy, scarred countenance. A noble eye of many colours in his head. A splendid, eager man was he thus with fearsomeness and horror. He had wonderful equipment in clothes and weapons and raiment and splendour and attire ... with the triumphant exploits of a warrior, with splendid deeds, with eager pride, avoiding equal combat to vanquish overwhelming numbers, with fierce anger towards enemies, attacking many enemy lands without protection (?). In truth the company came boldly to Slemain Mide.’ ‘He had(?) valour and prowess indeed,’ said Fergus, ‘he had(?) hot- bloodedness and violence, strength and diginity in the armies and troops. It was my own foster-brother, Fergus mac Leiti, King of Líne, the point of perfection in battle in the north of Ireland.’

‘There came another great, haughty company to the hill in Slemain Mide,’ said Mac Roth. ‘They wore wonderful garments. A handsome, noble warrior in the van. He had every endowment of beauty in hair and eyes and fairness, in size and demeanour and proportion. He carried a shield made of five concentric circles of gold. He wore a green mantle wrapped about him with a golden brooch in the mantle above his shoulder, and a white hooded tunic. A spear like the turret of a royal palace in his hand, a gold-hilted sword across his shoulders.’ ‘Fierce is the anger of the victorious hero who came there,’ said Fergus. ‘That was Amorgene mac Eccetsalaig from Búas in the north.’

‘There came another company on to the hill in Slemain Mide,’ said Mac Roth, ‘in size like the overwhelming sea, in brightness like fire, in fierceness like a lion, in numbers a battalion, in greatness like a cliff, in strength like a rock, in combativeness like doom, in violence like thunder. A coarse-visaged, fearsome warrior in the forefront of that company, big-bellied, thick-lipped, big-nosed, redlimbed, with coarse grizzled hair. He wore a striped cloak pinned with an iron stake, and carried a curved shield with scalloped rim. He wore a rough plaited tunic and in his hand he held a great grey spear with thirty rivets. Across his shoulders he carried a sword tempered seven times by fire. All the army rose up to meet him and the host was thrown into confusion as he went towards the hill.’
 ‘He who came there is the leader of battle,’ said Fergus. ‘He is a worthy adversary. He is a hero in prowess. He is (like) a stormy wave which overwhelms. He is (like) the sea pouring across boundaries. That was Celtchair mac Cuithechair from Dún Lethglaise in the north.’

‘There came still another company to the hill in Slemain Mide,’ said Mac Roth. ‘A warrior, altogether fair led them. Fair in all points was he, hair and eyebrows and beard and clothing. He carried a shield with golden boss and a sword with ivory hilt. In his hand he had a great perforated spear. Bravely did the troop advance.’ ‘Splendid indeed is the strong-smiting hero who came there,’ said Fergus, ‘the valiant warrior who performs great deeds against enemies and destroys men! That was Feradach Find Fechtnach from Nemed Sléibe Fúait in the north.’ ‘There came still another company to the hill in Slemain Mide,’ said Mac Roth. ‘A fearsome warrior in front of that company, bigbellied, thick-lipped. His lips were as thick as those of a horse. He had brown curling hair, bright cheeks too, and a broad head and long arms. A black swinging mantle around him with a round brooch of bronze over his shoulder. A grey shield across his left side. A great spear with neck-rings in his right hand, a long sword across his shoulders.’ ‘He who came is (like) a lion fiercely combative with bloodstained paws,’ said Fergus. ‘He is the warlike, valorous hero of heroic deeds. He is (like) a fiery, unendurable blast of heat across the land. That was Eirrge Echbél from Brí Eirrge in the north,’ said Fergus.

‘There came still another company to the hill in Slemain Mide,’ said Mac Roth, ‘led by two fair, youthful warriors, both alike. They had yellow hair. They carried two white shields with animal designs in silver. A slight difference of age between them. Together they raised and set down their feet; it is not their wont for one to lift his foot before the other.’ ‘Who are those, Fergus?’ asked Ailill. ‘Those are two warriors, two bright flames, two points of perfection in battle, two heroes, two combative chiefs, two dragons, two fiery ones, two champions, two fighters, two scions, two bold ones, the two beloved by the Ulstermen around their king. They are Fiachna and Fíacha, two sons of Conchobar mac Nesa, the two loved ones of the north of Ireland.’

‘There came still another company to the hill in Slemain Mide,’ said Mac Roth. ‘At their head three noble, fiery swarthy-faced warriors. They had three heads of long yellow hair. Three mantles of the same colour wrapped about them with three golden brooches above their shoulders. They wore three ... tunics with red insertion. They carried three similar shields, with golden-hilted swords across their shoulders and broad shining spears in their right hands. There was a slight difference of age between them.’ ‘Those are the three great champions of Cuib, the three valorous ones of Midlúachair, the three chiefs of Roth, the three veterans of Airther Fúata;’ said Fergus. ‘Those are the three sons of Fiachna who have come in purusit of the Bull, to wit, Rus and Dáire and Imchad,’ said Fergus.

‘There came still another company to the hill in Slemain Mide,’ said Mac Roth. ‘A fine and fierce man in the forefront. Red eyes full of courage in his head. A vari-coloured mantle around him in which was a circular brooch of silver. He carried a grey shield on his left side, a sword with silver hilt on his thigh, and in his avenging right hand a splendid spear with sharp points (?). He wore a white hooded tunic reaching to his knee. Around him was a company bloodstained and wounded, and he too was covered with blood and wounds.’ ‘That,’ said Fergus, ‘is the bold and ruthless one. He is the daring one (?)who rends. He is the boar(?) of battle. He is the mad bull. He is the victorious one from Baile, the valorous one from Bernas, the champion of Colptha, the protector of the north of Ireland, namely, Menn mac Sálchada from Coranna. It is to take vengeance on you for their wounds that that man has come.’

‘There came still another company to the hill in Slemain Mide,’ said Mac Roth, ‘and they were heroic and eager. At their head a tall, sallow-faced, long-cheeked warrior. He had brown, bushy hair. He wore a red mantle of fine wool and a golden brooch in the mantle over his shoulder. He wore a fine tunic. On his left side he had a splendid sword with bright silver hilt. He carried a red shield and in his hand he held a broad shining spear on a beautiful shaft (?) of ash.’ ‘It was the man of three stout blows who came there,’ said Fergus, ‘the man of three roads, the man of three paths, the man of three highways, the man of three triumphs, the man of three battle-cries who is victorious over foes in other lands. That was Fergna mae Findchoíme from Coronn.’

‘There came still another company to the hill in Slemain Mide,’ said Mac Roth. ‘It appeared greater than three thousand in number. A handsome, fair- breasted warrior in the van of that company. He was like Ailill yonder in size and dignity, in dress and equipment. He wore a golden diadem on his head. A beautiful cloak was wrapped around him with a golden brooch in the cloak over his breast. He wore a tunic with red insertion. He carried a smiting shield with golden rims and in his hand a spear like the turret of a palace. Across his shoulders he had a goldhilted sword.’ ‘The man who came there is (like) the sea inundating rivers,’ said Fergus. ‘It is the fierce ardour of a warrior. His rage against his foes cannot be borne. That was Furbaide Fer Benn.’

‘There came still another company to the hill in Slemain Mide, heroic, countless in number,’ said Mac Roth. ‘They wore strange garments unlike those of the other companies. Glorious were their weapons and their equipment and their raiment as they came. In this company was a great, proud army led by a little freckled lad. His form was the most beautiful of all men's forms. In his hand a white-bossed, gold-studded shield with rim of gold. He held a light sharp spear which shimmered. He was wrapped in a purple, fringed mantle, with a silver brooch in the mantle over his breast. He wore a white hooded tunic with red insertion and carried outside his garments a golden-hilted sword.’ Thereupon Fergus fell silent.

‘Indeed I know not,’ said Fergus, ‘anyone like that little lad among the Ulstermen, but in fact I should think it likely that those might be the men of Tara with the fine, noble lad who is Erc, the son of Cairpre Nia Fer and of Conchobar's daughter ... Without asking permission of his father, that boy has come to the assistance of his grandfather. It is because of that lad that you will be defeated in battle. He will experience neither dread nor fear as he makes for you in the middle of your own army. Bravely will the warriors of Ulster roar as they hew down the army before them, rushing to rescue their beloved lad. They will all feel the ties of kinship when they see the boy in that great conflict. Like the baying of a blood-hound will be heard the sound of Conchobar's sword as he comes to the boy's rescue. Cú Chulainn will cast up three ramparts of (dead) men around the battle as he rushes towards that little lad. Mindful of their kinship with the boy, the warriors of Ulster will attack the vast (enemy) host.’ ‘I find it tedious,’ said Mac Roth, ‘to recount all that I saw, but I have come at any rate to bring you tidings.’ ‘You have (indeed) brought (tidings),’ said Fergus.
‘Conall Cernach, however, did not come with his great company,’ said Mac Roth, ‘nor did the three sons of Conchobar with their three divisions. Nor did Cú Chulainn come for he has been wounded fighting against odds. Except only that a single chariot-warrior who came there is probably he.’

‘The chariot was drawn by two strong-haunched steeds, with flowing tail and broad hoofs, broad in back and thin in flank, with head held high and arched neck, with thin mouth and flaring nostrils. Two black, firm(?) wheels, smooth easily-running rims, framework high and creaking and a green ornamented awning. There was a warrior, broad, ruddy-faced, in that chariot. He had a curly jet- black head of hair reaching to the hollow between his shoulders. He wore a red girded mantle. In each hand he carried four daggers and at his left side a gold- hilted sword. He had both shield and spear. He wore twenty-four shirts tied wth cords and ropes. In front of him was a charioteer whose back was turned to the horses and who held the reins between his fingers in front of him. A chess-board spread between the two, half the chessmen of yellow gold, the other half of white gold. His thighs rested on another boardgame, a búanbach. He cast nine feats aloft (?).’ ‘Who were those, Fergus?’ asked Ailill. ‘Easy to tell,’ said Fergus. ‘Those were Cú Chulainn the son of Súaltaim from the fairy mounds and Lóeg mac Riangabra, Cú Chulainn's charioteer.’ ‘Many hundreds indeed and many thousands,’ said Mac Roth, ‘came to this encampment of the Ulstermen. Many heroes and champions and warriors raced their horses to the assembly. Many more companies who had not arrived at the encampment when I (first) came were coming there now. But indeed wherever my eye fell on hill or height in all the space visible to me between Áth Fhir Diad and Slemain Mide, I saw nothing save men and horses.’

‘It was indeed a brave(?) company that you saw,’ said Fergus. Then Conchobar and his army went and made camp beside the others. He asked Ailill for a truce until sunrise on the morrow, and Ailill guaranteed it on behalf of the men of Ireland and the exiled Ulstermen while Conchobar guaranteed it for the men, of Ulster. The men of Ireland's tents were pitched, and before sunset there was scarcely a bare patch of earth between them and the encampment of the Ulstermen. Then the Mórrígan spoke in the dusk between the two encampments, saying ‘Ravens gnaw the necks of men. Blood flows. Battle is fought ... Hail to the men of Ulster! Woe to the Érainn! Woe to the men of Ulster! Hail to the Érainn!’ These were the words she whispered to the Érainn : ‘Woe to the men of Ulster for they have not won(?) the battle.’

Cú Chulainn was beside them in Fedain Collna. Food was brought to him from the hospitallers that night. They used to go and converse with him by day. He killed no one north of Áth Fhir Diad. ‘See a little flock coming from the western encampment to the encampment in the east,’ said the charioteer to Cú Chulainn, ‘and see a band of youths come to meet them.’ ‘Those youths will meet and the flock will go across the plain. He who will not accept quarter will go to help the youths.’ It happened afterwards as Cú Chulainn had said. ‘How do the youth of Ulster fight the battle?’ ‘Bravely,’ said the charioteer. ‘It were right that they should fall in rescuing their flock,’ said Cú Chulainn. ‘And now?’ ‘The beardless young warriors are fighting now,’ said the charioteer. ‘Has a bright cloud come across the sun yet?’ asked Cú Chulainn. ‘No indeed,’ said the charioteer. ‘Alas that I have not the strength to go to them!’ said Cú Chulainn. ‘There is fighting here already today,’ said the charioteer at sunrise. ‘It is proud folk who are now fighting the battle, but there are no leaders for they are still asleep.’ It was at sunrise that Fachtna spoke. —Or (according to another account) Conchobar chanted these words in his trance: ‘Arise, O valiant kings of Macha, generous people! Sharpen your swords. Fight the battle. Dig a trench. Strike your shields. Men's hands are weary. Their flocks are loud voiced ... They all fight with one another ... Sorrow will fill the heart of their queen so that the grassy sod on which they might strike, and on which they might go should be covered with blood. Arise, kings of Macha.’

‘Who has chanted these words?’ asked they all. ‘Conchobar mac Nesa,’ they answered. ‘Or Fachtna chanted them. —Sleep on, sleep on but set your sentinels.’ Láegaire Búadach was heard speaking: ‘Arise, kings of Macha. Strike your kine with the sword. Protect your booty ... He will smite all the world on the plain of Gáirech.’
 ‘Who has chanted that?’they all asked. ‘Láegaire Búadach mac Connaid Buidi meic Iliach. Sleep on, sleep on but set your sentinels.’ ‘Wait on a while,’ said Conchobar, ‘until the sun has risen well above the glens and mounds of Ireland.’ When Cú Chulainn saw the chiefs from the east putting on their diadems and coming to the rescue of the troops, he told his charioteer to arouse the men of Ulster.

The charioteer spoke. —Or else it was the poet Amargin mac Eicit who spoke: ‘Arise, valiant kings of Macha! A generous people. The wargoddess desires the kine of Immail. The blood from men's hearts spreads around ... None like Cú Chulainn was found. Arise!’ ‘I have aroused them,’ said the charioteer. ‘They have come into battle stark-naked except for their weapons. He whose tent-opening faces east, has (in his eagerness) come out westwards through the tent.’ ‘That is speedy help in time of need,’ said Cú Chulainn.

The doings of the men of Ulster are not described for a while. But as for the men of Ireland, Badb and Bé Néit and Némain shrieked above them that night in Gáirech and Irgáirech so that a hundred of their warriors died of terror. That was not the most peaceful night for them.

Táin Bó Cúailnge

The Muster of the Men of Ireland

That night before the battle Ailill mac Máta chanted these words: ‘Arise, O Traigthrén! I send you to the three Conaires from Slíab Mis, the three Lesfinds from Lúachair; the three Meid Corpthe Loste, the three called Bodar from the river Búas, the three called Bodb from the river Búaidnech, the three called Búageltach from the river Barrow, the three Muiredachs from Mairge, the three Láegaires from Lee Derg, the three Suibnes from the river Suir, the three Échtachs from Áine, the three Doíl Eirrig, the three called Damach from Loch Derg, the three Bratrúaid from Lough Ree, the three Mielleths from Lough Erne, the three called Bresal Bodgna, the three Amalgaids from Mag nAí, the three Fiachras from Fid Némain, the three Nechtans from Mag Muirisce, the three Mac Amras from Es Rúaid, the three Ruirechs from Crúacha Aigle, the three called Bruchar from Glais Febrat, the three Conalls from Collamair, the three called Fiac from Finnabair, the three Cairbres of Clíu, the three called Mane Milscoth, the three Descertachs of Dromm Fornochta, the three Fintans from Femen, the three Rathachs from Mag Raigne, the three Eterscéls of Etarbán, the three Guaires of Fid Gaible, the three Aeds from Mag nAidne, the three Mongachs of Mitain, the three Dúadaid Áine, the three Gairb Glunnaidi, the three Deiscirt Uaga, the three Lethluind Linti, the three Coinchind Shile, the three Dauich of Líamain, the three Celtchair of Umall, the three Coscrachs of Clothra, the three Barrchais from Eille, the three Dáires from Tipra Find, the three Arts from Ard Ladrann, the three Muiredachs from Mag Femin, the three Congbaidi of Cliu, the three Morda Mosad, the three Roir of Ros Buite, the three Ánrad of Tráig Thuirbe, the three Eterscéls of Tara, the three Galgaidi Goain, the three Feradaig Fholtchais, the three Feidmnig Rotail, the three Scáil Sobail, the three Ailill Uaiti, the three Gortaig Granaisc, the three Mesaig Maethla, the three Uilleith of Ard Airthir, the three called Corb from Clár, the three called Art from Ard, the three called Foimdech from Irrus, the three Illands of Ireland, the three Sochaide from Shannon, the three Brónachs from Bethra, the three Mongachs from Mag Mucruma, the three Mochmaidne from Mag nAí, the three called Tigemmas from Túath Ambrais, the three Échtachs from Finnabair, the three Cormacs of Uiscre, the three called Odar from Buaile, the three Ruis Ruscae, the three Ferad Find, the three Athchuirp Tulcha, the three Tuathail Tanni, the three Maccáech Femrag, the three Láegaires from Berramain, the three Fidaig Saigthi, the three called Cormac Cúanach, the three called Cairbre Luingi, the three called Odar Conchobair, the three Glais meic Cathbad, the three Duib Drúad, the three Airrig Cluichiur, the three Laitne Luiged, the three called Conchobar Collsen, the three Elair Deiuais, the three Fiadail Duinergin (?), the three Airig Inse Uan, the three Níths from Áth Craibe, the three called Óengus Uisce, the three Fiach Fema nImbais, the three called Dom, the three Bailcbroindi from Móenmag, the three Cais Cuile, the three called Trén from Mag Éle, the three called Sruthmar from Mag nOchtair, the three called Glonnmar from Mag Lethan, the three called Dornmar from Mag nUisci, the three Glaisderg from Tethba, the three Tigirn Taince from Tiprait Talindi.’

These triads made up what was called the Ferchuitred of the men of Ireland, not counting those of them whom Cú Chulainn had previously killed. Tidings of Cú Chulainn are now told: ‘Look for us, my friend Láeg, and see how are the men of Ulster fighting now.’
‘Bravely (they fight),’ answered the charioteer, ‘If I were to go today in my chariot and Óen, the charioteer of Conall Cernach, in his chariot and if we were to travel from one wing (of the army) to the other, no hoof of horse or wheel of chariot would go through (to the ground).’ ‘The makings of a great fight are there,’ said Cú Chulainn. ‘Let nothing be done in the battle,’ said he to his charioteer, ‘that I shall not hear an account of from you.’ ‘That will be so insofar as I can do it,’ said the charioteer. ‘Now as for the warriors from the west, they make a breach eastwards through the battle- line. The same number of warriors from the east breach the battle-line westwards.’ ‘Alas that I am not healed,’ said Cú Chulainn, ‘or my breach too would be clearly seen there like that of all the others.’

Then came the ferchuitred, the triads of that second mustering. When the warriors came afterwards to the battle at Gáirech and Irgáirech, there also arrived the nine chariots of the warriors from Irúath. In front of them were three men on foot who travelled no more slowly than the chariots. Medb allowed them into battle only to drag Ailill out of the conflict if the enemy defeated him, or to kill Conchobar if it were he who was overcome. Then his charioteer told Cú Chulainn that Ailill and Medb were begging Fergus to go into battle. They said that it was not wrong of him to do so for they had shown him great generosity in his exile.

‘If I had my own sword,’ said Fergus, ‘men's heads cut off by me would be as numerous on their shields as hailstones in a swamp to which the king's horses come when they have travelled swiftly into the land.’ Then Fergus swore this oath: ‘I swear my people's oath that I would strike men's jawbones from their necks, men's necks from shoulders, men's shoulders from elbows, men's elbows from forearms, men's forearms and their fists, men's fists and their fingers, men's fingers and their nails, men's nails and the crowns of their heads, men's crowns and their trunks, men's trunks and their thighs, men's thighs and their knees, men's knees and their calves, men's calves and their feet, men's feet and their toes, men's toes and their nails. Their headless necks would sound in the air(?) like a bee flying to and fro on a day of fine weather.’

Then said Ailill to his charioteer: ‘Bring me the sword that cuts (men's) flesh. I swear the oath of my people that, if its condition be worse with you today than on the day I gave it to you on the hillside in the territory of Ulster, even though the men of Ireland were protecting you against me, they would not save you.’. Then his sword was given to Fergus and Ailill said: ‘Take your sword. Though you may smite Ireland, a great warrior of her sons will fight at Gáirech ... For honour's sake do not wreak your fierce anger on us in the presence of the chariot-fighters of Ulster...’ ‘Welcome, O hard blade, the sword of Leite! ... My sword shall not inflict slaughter on you. I am a proud leader as I stand before the men of Ireland.’ ‘A pity that you should fall on a crowded(?) field of battle!’ said Fergus to Ailill. That night Badb and Bé Néit and Mémain shrieked above them at Gáirech and Irgáirech so that a hundred of their warriors fell dead of fright. That was not the most peaceful night for them.

Then Fergus seized his weapons and turned towards the fighting, and holding his sword in both hands he cleared a passage for a hundred through the line of battle. Medb too, took up her weapons and rushed into battle. Thrice she was victorious until a phalanx of spears turned her back. ‘I wonder,’ said Conchobar to his people, ‘who is it who is victorious in the fight against us in the north. Do ye stay here in the battle until I go against him.’ ‘We shall hold the spot where we now stand,’ said the warriors, ‘but unless the ground quakes beneath us or the heavens fall down on us, we shall not flee from here.’

Then Conchobar went to meet Fergus. He raised against him his shield, the Óchaín, which had four golden points and four coverings of gold. Fergus struck three blows on it but not even the rim of the shield above his head touched Conchobar. ‘Who of the men of Ulster raises the shield (against me)?’ asked Fergus. ‘One who is better (than you),’ said Conchobar. ‘One who drove you into exile to dwell with wolves and foxes, one who today will hold you at bay in the presence of the men of Ireland by dint of his own prowess.’ Thereupon Fergus, holding the sword in both hands, aimed a vengeful blow at Conchobar, and the point of the sword touched the ground behind him (as he swung it back). Cormac Con Loinges laid hands on him and grasped him by the arm.
‘That is harsh yet not harsh, friend Fergus,’ said Cormac. ‘That is cautious yet not over-cautious, friend Fergus. Friendship proves hostile. Behold your enemies, your friends have been destroyed. Wicked are these blows that you strike, friend Fergus.’ ‘Tell me,’ said Fergus, ‘whom shall I strike?’ ‘Strike the three hills above them. Turn your hand and strike on all sides of you. Heed them not (?). Remember the honour of the Ulstermen which has not been lost. It will not be lost unless it be through your fault today.’ ‘Go in some other direction, Conchobar,’ said Cormac to his father. ‘This man will no longer wreak his fierce anger here on the men of Ulster.’

Fergus turned away. With his sword he slew a hundred warriors among the Ulstermen in his first onslaught, until he came face to face with Conall Cernach. ‘Too great is that force which you exert against (your own) people and race, following a wanton woman as you do,’ said Conall Cernach. ‘What shall I do, O warrior?’ asked Fergus. ‘Strike the hills beyond them and the trees about them,’ said Conall Cernach. Then Fergus smote the hills and with three blows struck off the (tops of the) three hills in Meath (now called) Máela Midi, the flattopped hills of Meath. Cú Chulainn heard the blows which Fergus had struck on the hills, or (those he had struck) on the shield of Conchobar.

‘Who strikes those great strong blows in the distance?’ asked Cú Chulainn. ‘Blood seals up the heart. Anger destroys the world. Quickly it loosens the dressings of my wounds.’ Láeg answered saying: ‘The finest of men strikes them, Fergus mac Róig, the dauntless. The (coming of the) hero Fergus mac Róig means wounds and increase of slaughter. The sword was hidden in the chariot-pole so that the cavalcade of my master Conchobar did not arrive at the great battle.’ Then said Cú Chulainn: ‘Quickly unfasten the hoops over my wounds. Men are covered in blood. Swords will be wielded. Men's lives will be ended.’ Thereupon the dry wisps which plugged his wounds sprang out of him (and rose up) as high as a lark soars in the air, and the wooden hoops (túaga) sprang from him as far as Mag Túag in Connacht. They flew out of him in all directions. His wounds took violent effect on him and he struck the heads of the two handmaidens one against the other so that each of them was grey with the brains of the other. —These handmaidens had been sent by Medb to pretend to lament over him so that his wounds might break out afresh and to tell him that the Ulstermen had been defeated and that Fergus had fallen opposing them because Cú Chulainn had been unable to join the battle. —Then Cú Chulainn was distorted (with rage). The twenty-seven shirts which he used to wear going into battle, tied to him with ropes and cords, were now brought to him, and he took on his back his chariot with its framework and two wheels and went round the battle towards Fergus. ‘Turn hither, master Fergus!’ cried Cú Chulainn, but (though he said this) three times Fergus did not answer. ‘I swear by the god by whom Ulstermen swear,’ said Cú Chulainn, ‘that I shall drub you as flax-heads(?) are beaten in a pool. I shall go over you as a tail goes over a cat. I shall smite you as a fond woman smites her son.’ ‘Who among the men of Ireland speaks to me thus?’ said Fergus. ‘Cú Chulainn mac Suáltaim, the son of Conchobar's sister,’ said Cú Chulainn, ‘and hold back from me now.’ ‘I have promised to do that,’ said Fergus. ‘Begone then,’ said Cú Chulainn. ‘I agree,’ said Fergus, ‘for you refused to encounter me when you were pierced with wounds.’ So at that juncture Fergus and his division of three thousand went away. The men of Leinster and the men of Munster went away too, and nine divisions, those of Medb and of Ailill and of their seven sons, were left in the battle. It was midday when Cú Chulainn came to the battle. When the sun was sinking behind the trees in the wood, he overcame the last of the bands, and of the chariot there remained only a handful of the ribs of the framework and a handful of the shafts round the wheel.

Then Cú Chulainn overtook Medb going from the battle-field. ‘Spare me!’ cried Medb. ‘If I were to kill you, it would be only right for me,’ said Cú Chulainn. But he spared her life then because he used not to kill women. He convoyed them west to Áth Lúain and across the ford too. He struck three blows of his sword upon the flagstone in Áth Luain. They (i.e. the hills) are called Máelana Áth Lúain. Now when they were finally routed Medb said to Fergus: ‘Men and lesser men(?) meet here today, Fergus.’
‘That is what usually happens,’ said Fergus, ‘to a herd of horses led by a mare. Their substance is taken and carried off and guarded as they follow a women who has misled them.’ In the morning after the battle the bull was taken away, and he met the bull Finnbennach in combat in the place now called Tarbga in Mag nAí.—Tarbga means Bull-sorrow or Bull-battle.—Roí Dedond was the former name of that hill. Everyone who had survived the battle now did nothing except to watch the two bulls fighting. Bricriu Nemthenga had been in the west convalescing after Fergus had fractured his skull with the chessmen. He came now with all the rest to watch the bulls' fight. In their violent struggle the two bulls trampled on Bricriu and so he died. That is the tragical death of Bricriu.

The Donn Cúailnge's foot was impaled on the horn of the other bull. For a day and a night he did not draw his foot away, until Fergus urged him on and struck his hide with a rod. ‘It was bad luck,’ said Fergus, ‘that the belligerent old calf that was brought here and because of whom many now lie dead should dishonour his clan and lineage.’ Thereupon Donn Cúailnge drew back his foot. His leg broke and his opponent's horn sprang out on to the mountain beside him. So Slíab nAdarca was afterwards the name of that place.

He carried off the Finnbennach then for a day and a night's journey and plunged into the lake beside Cruachu, and he came out of it with the loin and shoulder blade and liver of his opponent on his horns. The hosts advanced then with intent to kill him, but Fergus did not allow it and insisted that he should go wherever he pleased. So then the bull made for his own land. As he came he drank a draught in Finnleithe and left there the shoulder-blade of his opponent. That land was afterwards called Finnleithe. He drank another draught at Áth Lúain and left the other bull's loin there. Hence the name Áth Lúain. At Iraird Cuillinn he bellowed so loudly that he was heard throughout the province. He drank again in Troma. There the liver of his opponent fell from his horns. Hence the name Troma. He went then to the place called Étan Tairb and rested his forehead against the hill at Áth Dá Fherta. Hence the name Étan Tairb in Mag Muirthemne. Thereafter he travelled along Slige Midlúachra to Cuib—it was in Cuib he used to abide with the dry cows of Dáire—and there he pawed up the earth. Hence the place-name Gort mBúraig. Then he went on and died in Druim Tairb between Ulster and Uí Echach. That place is called Druim Tairb.
Ailill and Medb made peace with the Ulstermen and Cú Chulainn. For seven years after that no one was killed between them in Ireland. Finnabair remained with Cú Chulainn and the men of Connacht returned to their own land, while the Ulstermen went in triumph to Emain Macha.

Finit. Amen.

The Destruction of Da Derga's Hostel

The Destruction of Da Derga's Hostel

Part I

[1]

 There was a famous and noble king over Erin, named Eochaid Feidlech. Once upon a time he came over the fairgreen of Bri Leith, and he saw at the edge of a well a woman with a bright comb of silver adorned with gold, washing in a silver basin wherein were four golden birds and little, bright gems of purple carbuncle in the rims of the basin. A mantle she had, curly and purple, a beautiful cloak, and in the mantle silvery fringes arranged, and a brooch of fairest gold. A kirtle she wore, long, hooded, hard-smooth, of green silk, with red embroidery of gold. Marvellous clasps of gold and silver in the kirtle on her breasts and her shoulders and spaulds on every side. The sun kept shining upon her, so that the glistening of the gold against the sun from the green silk was manifest to men. On her head were two golden-yellow tresses, in each of which was a plait of four locks, with a bead at the point of each lock. The hue of that hair seemed to them like the flower of the iris in summer, or like red gold after the burnishing thereof.

There she was, undoing her hair to wash it, with her arms out through the sleeve-holes of her smock. White as the snow of one night were the two hands, soft and even, and red as foxglove were the two clear-beautiful cheeks. Dark as the back of a stag-beetle the two eyebrows. Like a shower of pearls were the teeth in her head. Blue as a hyacinth were the eyes. Red as rowan-berries the lips. Very high, smooth and soft-white the shoulders. Clear-white and lengthy the fingers. Long were the hands. White as the foam of a wave was the flank, slender, long, tender, smooth, soft as wool. Polished and warm, sleek and white were the two thighs. Round and small, hard and white the two knees. Short and white and rulestraight the two shins. Justly straight and beautiful the two heels. If a measure were put on the feet it would hardly have found them unequal, unless the flesh of the coverings should grow upon them. The bright radiance of the moon was in her noble face: the loftiness of pride in her smooth eyebrows: the light of wooing in each of her regal eyes. A dimple of delight in each of her cheeks, with a dappling (?) in them, at one time, of purple spots with redness of a calf's blood, and at another with the bright lustre of snow. Soft womanly dignity in her voice; a step steady and slow she had: a queenly gait was hers. Verily, of the world's women 'twas she was the dearest and loveliest and justest that the eyes of men had ever beheld. It seemed to King Eochaid and his followers that she was from the elfmounds. Of her was said: "Shapely are all till compared with Etain," "Dear are all till compared with Etain."

A longing for her straightway seized the king; so he sent forward a man of his people to detain her. The king asked tidings of her and said, while announcing himself: "Shall I have an hour of dalliance with thee?"

"'Tis for that we have come hither under thy safeguard," quoth she.

"Query, whence art thou and whence hast thou come?" says Eochaid.

"Easy to say," quoth she. "Etain am I, daughter of Etar, king of the cavalcade from the elfmounds. I have been here for twenty years since I was born in an elfmound. The men of the elfmound, both kings and nobles, have been wooing me: but nought was gotten from me, because ever since I was able to speak, I have loved thee and given thee a child's love for the high tales about thee and thy splendour. And though I had never seen thee, I knew thee at once from thy description: it is thou, then, I have reached."

"No 'seeking of an ill friend afar' shall be thine," says Eochaid. "Thou shalt have welcome, and for thee every other woman shall be left by me, and with thee alone will I live so long as thou hast honour."

"My proper bride-price to me!" she says, "and afterwards my desire."

"Thou shalt have both," says Eochaid.

Seven cumals[2] are given to her.

Then the king, even Eochaid Feidlech, dies, leaving one daughter named, like her mother, Etain, and wedded to Cormac, king of Ulaid.

After the end of a time Cormac, king of Ulaid, "the man of the three gifts," forsakes Eochaid's daughter, because she was barren save for one daughter that she had borne to Cormac after the making of the pottage which her mother - the woman from the elfmounds - gave her. Then she said to her mother: "Bad is what thou hast given me: it will be a daughter that I shall bear."

"That will not be good," says her mother; "a king's pursuit will be on her."

Then Cormac weds again his wife, even Etain, and this was his desire, that the daughter of the woman who had before been abandoned [i. e. his own daughter] should be killed. So Cormac would not leave the girl to her mother to be nursed. Then his two thralls take her to a pit, and she smiles a laughing smile at them as they were putting her into it. Then their kindly nature came to them. They carry her into the calfshed of the cowherds of Etirscel, great-grandson of Iar, king of Tara, and they fostered her till she became a good embroideress; and there was not in Ireland a king's daughter dearer than she.

A fenced house of wickerwork was made by the thralls for her, without any door, but only a window and a skylight. King Etercel's folk espy that house and suppose that it was food the cowherds kept there. But one of them went and looked through the skylight, and he saw in the house the dearest, beautifullest maiden! This is told to the king, and straightway he sends his people to break the house and carry her off without asking the cowherds. For the king was childless, and it had been prophesied to him by his wizards that a woman of unknown race would bear him a son.

Then said the king: "This is the woman that has been prophesied to me!"

Now while she was there next morning she saw a Bird on the skylight coming to her, and he leaves his birdskin on the floor of the house, and went to her, and possessed her, and said: "They are coming to thee from the king to wreck thy house and to bring thee to him perforce. And thou wilt be pregnant by me, and bear a son, and that son must not kill birds.."[3] And 'Conaire, son of Mess Buachalla' shall be his name," for hers was Mess Buachalla, 'the Cowherds' fosterchild

And then she was brought to the king, and with her went her fosterers, and she was betrothed to the king, and he gave her seven cumals and to her fosterers seven other cumals. And afterwards they were made chieftains, so that they all became legitimate, whence are the two Fedlimthi Rechtaidi. And then she bore a son to the king, even Conaire son of Mess Buachalla, and these were her three urgent prayers to the king, to wit, the nursing of her son among three households, that is, the fosterers who had nurtured her, and the two Honeyworded Maines, and she herself is the third; and she said that such of the men of Erin as should wish to do aught for this boy should give to those three households for the boy's protection.

So in that wise he was reared, and the men of Erin straightway knew this boy on the day he was born. And other boys were fostered with him, to wit, Fer Le and Fer Gar and Fer Rogein, three great-grandsons of Donn Desa the champion, an army-man of the army from Muc-lesi.

Now Conaire possessed three gifts, to wit, the gift of hearing and the gift of eyesight and the gift of judgment; and of those three gifts he taught one to each of his three fosterbrothers. And whatever meal was prepared for him, the four of them would go to it. Even though three meals were prepared for him each of them would go to his meal. The same raiment and armour and colour of horses had the four.

Then the king, even Eterscele, died. A bull-feast is gathered by the men of Erin, in order to determine their future king; that is, a bull used to be killed by them and thereof one man would eat his fill and drink its broth, and a spell of truth was chanted over him in his bed. Whosoever he would see in his sleep would be king, and the sleeper would perish if he uttered a falsehood.

Four men in chariots were on the Plain of Liffey at their game, Conaire himself and his three fosterbrothers. Then his fosterers went to him that he might repair to the bullfeast. The bull-feaster, then in his sleep, at the end of the night beheld a man stark-naked, passing along the road of Tara, with a stone in his sling.

"I will go in the morning after you," quoth he.

He left his fosterbrothers at their game, and turned his chariot and his charioteer until he was in Dublin. There he saw great, white-speckled birds, of unusual size and colour and beauty. He pursues them until his horses were tired. The birds would go a spearcast before him, and would not go any further. He alighted, and takes his sling for them out of the chariot. He goes after them until he was at the sea. The birds betake themselves to the wave. He went to them and overcame them. The birds quit their birdskins, and turn upon him with spears and swords. One of them protects him, and addressed him, saying: "I am Nemglan, king of thy father's birds; and thou hast been forbidden to cast at birds, for here there is no one that should not be dear to thee because of his father or mother."

"Till today," says Conaire, "I knew not this."

"Go to Tara tonight," says Nemglan; "'tis fittest for thee. A bull feast is there, and through it thou shalt be king. A man stark-naked, who shall go at the end of the night along one of the roads of Tara, having a stone and a sling - 'tis he that shall be king."

So in this wise Conaire fared forth; and on each of the four roads whereby men go to Tara there were three kings awaiting him, and they had raiment for him, since it had been foretold that he would come stark-naked. Then he was seen from the road on which his fosterers were, and they put royal raiment about him, and placed him in a chariot, and he bound his pledges.

The folk of Tara said to him: "It seems to us that our bullfeast and our spell of truth are a failure, if it be only a young, beardless lad that we have visioned therein."

"That is of no moment," quoth he. "For a young, generous king like me to be in the kingship is no disgrace, since the binding of Tara's pledges is mine by right of father and grandsire."

"Excellent! excellent!" says the host. They set the kingship of Erin upon him. And he said: "I will enquire of wise men that I myself may be wise."

Then he uttered all this as he had been taught by the man at the wave, who said this to him: "Thy reign will be subject to a restriction, but the bird-reign will be noble, and this shall be thy restriction, i.e. thy tabu.

"Thou shalt not go righthandwise round Tara and lefthandwise round Bregia.

"The evil-beasts of Cerna must not be hunted by thee.

"And thou shalt not go out every ninth night beyond Tara.

"Thou shalt not sleep in a house from which firelight is manifest outside, after sunset, and in which light is manifest from without.

"And three Reds shall not go before thee to Red's house.

"And no rapine shall be wrought in thy reign.

"And after sunset a company of one woman or one man shall not enter the house in which thou art.

"And thou shalt not settle the quarrel of thy two thralls.

Now there were in his reign great bounties, to wit, seven ships in every June in every year arriving at Inver Colptha,[4] and oakmast up to the knees in every autumn, and plenty of fish in the rivers Bush and Boyne in the June of each year, and such abundance of good will that no one slew another in Erin during his reign. And to every one in Erin his fellow's voice seemed as sweet as the strings of lutes. From mid-spring to mid-autumn no wind disturbed a cow's tail. His reign was neither thunderous nor stormy.

Now his fosterbrothers murmured at the taking from them of their father's and their grandsire's gifts, namely Theft and Robbery and Slaughter of men and Rapine. They thieved the three thefts from the same man, to wit, a swine and an ox and a cow, every year, that they might see what punishment therefor the king would inflict upon them, and what damage the theft in his reign would cause to the king.

Now every year the farmer would come to the king to complain, and the king would say to him. "Go thou and address Donn Desa's three great grandsons, for 'tis they that have taken the beasts." Whenever he went to speak to Donn Desa's descendants they would almost kill him, and he would not return to the king lest Conaire should attend his hurt.

Since, then, pride and wilfulness possessed them, they took to marauding, surrounded by the sons of the lords of the men of Erin. Thrice fifty men had they as pupils when they (the pupils) were were-wolfing in the province of Connaught, until Maine Milscothach's swineherd saw them, and he had never seen that before. He went in flight. When they heard him they pursued him. The swineherd shouted, and the people of the two Maines came to him, and the thrice fifty men were arrested, along with their auxiliaries, and taken to Tara. They consulted the king concerning the matter, and he said: "Let each (father) slay his son, but let my fosterlings be spared."

"Leave, leave!" says every one: "it shall be done for thee."

"Nay indeed," quoth he; "no 'cast of life' by me is the doom I have delivered. The men shall not be hung; but let veterans go with them that they may wreak their rapine on the men of Alba."

This they do. Thence they put to sea and met the son of the king of Britain, even Ingcel the One-eyed, grandson of Conmac: thrice fifty men and their veterans they met upon the sea.

They make an alliance, and go with Ingcel and wrought rapine with him.

This is the destruction which his own impulse gave him. That was the night that his mother and his father and his seven brothers had been bidden to the house of the king of his district. All of them were destroyed by Ingcel in a single night. Then the Irish pirates put out to sea to the land of Erin to seek a destruction as payment for that to which Ingcel had been entitled from them.

In Conaire's reign there was perfect peace in Erin, save that in Thomond there was a joining of battle between the two Carbres. Two fosterbrothers of his were they. And until Conaire came it was impossible to make peace between them. 'Twas a tabu of his to go to separate them before they had repaired to him. He went, however, although to do so was one of his tabus, and he made peace between them. He remained five nights with each of the two. That also was a tabu of his.

After settling the two quarrels, he was travelling to Tara. This is the way they took to Tara, past Usnech of Meath; and they saw the raiding from east and west, and from south and north, and they saw the warbands and the hosts, and the men stark-naked; and the land of the southern O'Neills was a cloud of fire around him.

"What is this?" asked Conaire. "Easy to say," his people answer. "Easy to know that the king's law has broken down therein, since the country has begun to burn."

"Whither shall we betake ourselves?" says Conaire.

"To the Northeast," says his people.

So then they went righthandwise round Tara, and lefthandwise round Bregia, and the evil beasts of Cerna were hunted by him. But he saw it not till the chase had ended.

They that made of the world that smoky mist of magic were elves, and they did so because Conaire's tabus had been violated.

Great fear then fell on Conaire because they had no way to wend save upon the Road of Midluachair and the Road of Cualu.

So they took their way by the coast of Ireland southward.

Then said Conaire on the Road of Cualu: "whither shall we go tonight?"

"May I succeed in telling thee! my fosterling Conaire," says Mac cecht, son of Snade Teiched, the champion of Conaire, son of Eterscel. "Oftener have the men of Erin been contending for thee every night than thou hast been wandering about for a guesthouse."

"Judgment goes with good times," says Conaire. "I had a friend in this country, if only we knew the way to his house!"

"What is his name?" asked Mac cecht.

"Da Derga of Leinster," answered Conaire. "He came unto me to seek a gift from me, and he did not come with a refusal. I gave him a hundred kine of the drove. I gave him a hundred fatted swine. I gave him a hundred mantles made of close cloth. I gave him a hundred blue-coloured weapons of battle. I gave him ten red, gilded brooches. I gave him ten vats good and brown. I gave him ten thralls. I gave him ten querns. I gave him thrice nine hounds all-white in their silvern chains. I gave him a hundred race-horses in the herds of deer. There would be no abatement in his case though he should come again. He would make return. It is strange if he is surly to me tonight when reaching his abode."

"When I was acquainted with his house," says Mac cecht, "the road whereon thou art going towards him was the boundary of his abode. It continues till it enters his house, for through the house passes the road. There are seven doorways into the house, and seven bedrooms between every two doorways; but there is only one doorvalve on it, and that valve is turned to every doorway to which the wind blows."

"With all that thou hast here," says Conaire, "thou shalt go in thy great multitude until thou alight in the midst of the house."

"If so be," answers Mac cecht, "that thou goest thither, I go on that I may strike fire there ahead of thee."

When Conaire after this was journeying along the Road of Cualu, he marked before him three horsemen riding towards the house. Three red frocks had they, and three red mantles: three red bucklers they bore, and three red spears were in their hands: three red steeds they bestrode, and three red heads of hair were on them. Red were they all, both body and hair and raiment, both steeds and men.

"Who is it that fares before us?" asked Conaire. "It was a tabu of mine for those Three to go before me - the three Reds to the house of Red. Who will follow them and tell them to come towards me in my track?"

"I will follow them," says Le fri flaith, Conaire's son.

He goes after them, lashing his horse, and overtook them not. There was the length of a spearcast between them: but they did not gain upon him and he did not gain upon them.

He told them not to go before the king. He overtook them not; but one of the three men sang a lay to him over his shoulder:

"Lo, my son, great the news, news from a hostel . . . Lo, my son!"

They go away from him then: he could not detain them.

The boy waited for the host. He told his father what was said to him. Conaire liked it not. "After them, thou!" says Conaire, "and offer them three oxen and three bacon-pigs, and so long as they shall be in my household, no one shall be among them from fire to wall."

So the lad goes after them, and offers them that, and overtook them not. But one of the three men sang a lay to him over his shoulder:

"Lo, my son, great the news! A generous king's great ardour whets thee, burns thee. Through ancient men's enchantments a company of nine yields. Lo, my son!"

The boy turns back and repeated the lay to Conaire.

"Go after them," says Conaire, "and offer them six oxen and six bacon pigs, and my leavings, and gifts tomorrow, and so long as they shall be in my household no one to be among them from fire to wall."

The lad then went after them, and overtook them not; but one of the three men answered and said:

"Lo, my son, great the news. Weary are the steeds we ride. We ride the steeds of Donn Tetscorach from the elfmounds. Though we are alive we are dead. Great are the signs: destruction of life: sating of ravens: feeding of crows, strife of slaughter: wetting of sword-edge, shields with broken bosses in hours after sundown. Lo, my son!"

Then they go from him.

"I see that thou hast not detained the men," says Conaire.

"Indeed it is not I that betrayed it," says Le fri flaith.

He recited the last answer that they gave him. Conaire and his retainers were not blithe thereat: and afterwards evil forebodings of terror were on them.

"All my tabus have seized me tonight," says Conaire, "since those Three Reds are the banished folks."<ref<They had been banished from the elfmounds, and for them to precede Conaire was to violate one of his taboos. - W.S.</ref>

They went forward to the house and took their seats therein, and fastened their red steeds to the door of the house.

That is the Forefaring of the Three Reds in the Bruden Da Derga.

This is the way that Conaire took with his troops, to Dublin.

 

The Destruction of Da Derga's Hostel

Part II

Conaire And His Troops To Dublin

'Tis then the man of the black, cropt hair, with his one hand and one eye and one foot, overtook them. Rough cropt hair upon him. Though a sackful of wild apples were flung on his crown, not an apple would fall on the ground, but each of them would stick on his hair. Though his snout were flung on a branch they would remain together. Long and thick as an outer yoke was each of his two shins. Each of his buttocks was the size of a cheese on a withe. A forked pole of iron black-pointed was in his hand. A swine, black-bristled, singed, was on his back, squealing continually, and a woman big-mouthed, huge, dark, sorry, hideous, was behind him. Though her snout were flung on a branch, the branch would support it. Her lower lip would reach her knee.

He starts forward to meet Conaire, and made him welcome. "Welcome to thee, O master Conaire! Long hath thy coming hither been known."

"Who gives the welcome?" asks Conaire.

"Fer Caille here, with his black swine for thee to consume that thou be not fasting tonight, for 'tis thou art the best king that has come into the world!"

"What is thy wife's name?" says Conaire.

"Cichuil," he answers.

"Any other night," says Conaire, "that pleases you, I will come to you, and leave us alone tonight."

"Nay," say the churl, "for we will go to thee to the place wherein thou wilt be tonight, O fair little master Conaire!"

So he goes towards the house, with his great, big-mouthed wife behind him, and his swine short-bristled, black, singed, squealing continually, on his back. That was one of Conaire's tabus, and that plunder should be taken in Ireland during his reign was another tabu of his.

Now plunder was taken by the sons of Donn Desa, and five hundred there were in the body of their marauders, besides what underlings were with them. This, too, was a tabu of Conaire's. There was a good warrior in the north country, "Wain over withered sticks," this was his name. Why he was so called was because he used to go over his opponent even as a wain would go over withered sticks. Now plunder was taken by him, and there were five hundred in the body of their marauders alone, besides underlings.

There was after that a troop of still haughtier heroes, namely, the seven sons of Ailill and Medb, each of whom was called "Mane." And each Mane had a nickname, to wit, Mane Fatherlike and Mane Motherlike, and Mane Gentle-pious, Mane Very-pious, Mane Unslow, and Mane Honeyworded, Mane Grasp-them-all, and Mane the Loquacious. Rapine was wrought by them. As to Mane Motherlike and Mane Unslow there were fourteen score in the body of their marauders. Mane Fatherlike had three hundred and fifty. Mane Honeyworded had five hundred. Mane Grasp-them-all had seven hundred. Mane the Loquacious had seven hundred. Each of the others had five hundred in the body of his marauders.

There was a valiant trio of the men of Cualu of Leinster, namely, the three Red Hounds of Cualu, called Cethach and Clothach and Conall. Now rapine was wrought by them, and twelve score were in the body of their marauders, and they had a troop of madmen. In Conaire's reign a third of the men of Ireland were reavers. He was of sufficient strength and power to drive them out of the land of Erin so as to transfer their marauding to the other side (Great Britain), but after this transfer they returned to their country.

When they had reached the shoulder of the sea, they meet Ingcel the One eyed and Eiccel and Tulchinne, three great-grandsons of Conmac of Britain, on the raging of the sea. A man ungentle, huge, fearful, uncouth was Ingcel. A single eye in his head, as broad as an oxhide, as black as a chafer, with three pupils therein. Thirteen hundred were in the body of his marauders. The marauders of the men of Erin were more numerous than they.

They go for a sea-encounter on the main. "Ye should not do this," says Ingcel: "do not break the truth of men (fair play) upon us, for ye are more in number than I."

"Nought but a combat on equal terms shall befall thee," say the reavers of Erin.

"There is somewhat better for you," quoth Ingcel. "Let us make peace since ye have been cast out of the land of Erin, and we have been cast out of the land of Alba and Britain. Let us make an agreement between us. Come ye and wreak your rapine in my country, and I will go with you and wreak my rapine in your country."

They follow this counsel, and they gave pledges therefor from this side and from that. There are the sureties that were given to Ingcel by the men of Erin, namely, Fer gair and Gabur (or Fer lee) and Fer rogain, for the destruction that Ingcel should choose to cause in Ireland and for the destruction that the sons of Donn Desa should choose in Alba and Britain.

A lot was cast upon them to see with which of them they should go first. It fell that they should go with Ingcel to his country. So they made for Britain, and there his father and mother and his seven brothers were slain, as we have said before. Thereafter they made for Alba, and there they wrought the destruction, and then they returned to Erin.

'Tis then, now, that Conaire son of Eterscel went towards the Hostel along the Road of Cualu.

'Tis then that the reavers came till they were in the sea off the coast of Bregia overagainst Howth.

Then said the reavers: "Strike the sails, and make one band of you on the sea that ye may not be sighted from land; and let some lightfoot be found from among you to go on shore to see if we could save our honors with Ingcel. A destruction for the destruction he has given us."

"Who will go on shore to listen? Let some one ago," says Ingcel, "who should have there the three gifts, namely, gift of hearing, gift of far sight, and gift of judgment."

"I," says Mane Honeyworded, "have the gift of hearing."

"And I," says Mane Unslow, "have the gift of far sight and of judgment."

"'Tis well for you to go thus," say the reavers: "good is that wise."

Then nine men go on till they were on the Hill of Howth, to know what they might hear and see.

"Be still a while!" says Mane Honeyworded.

"What is that?" asks Mane Unslow.

"The sound of a good king's cavalcade I hear."

"By the gift of far sight, I see," quoth his comrade.

"What seest thou here?"

"I see there," quoth he, "cavalcades splendid, lofty, beautiful, warlike, foreign, somewhat slender, weary, active, keen, whetted, vehement, a good course that shakes a great covering of land. They fare to many heights, with wondrous waters and invers."[5]

"What are the waters and heights and invers that they traverse?"

"Easy to say: Indeoin, Cult, Cuilten, Mafat, Ammat, Iarmafat, Finne, Goiste, Guistine. Gray spears over chariots: ivory-hilted swords on thighs: silvery shields above their elbows. Half red and half white. Garments of every color about them.

"Thereafter I see before them special cattle specially keen, to wit, thrice fifty dark-gray steeds. Small-headed are they, red-nosed, pointed, broad-hoofed, big-nosed, red-chested, fat, easily-stopt, easily-yoked, foray-nimble, keen, whetted, vehement, with their thrice fifty bridles of red enamel upon them."

"I swear by what my tribe swears," says the man of the long sight, "these are the cattle of some good lord. This is my judgment thereof: it is Conaire, son of Eterscel, with multitudes of the men of Erin around him, who has travelled the road."

Back then they go that they may tell it to the reavers. "This," they say, "is what we have heard and seen."

Of this host, then, there was a multitude, both on this side and on that, namely, thrice fifty boats, with five thousand in them, and ten hundred in every thousand. Then they hoisted the sails on the boats, and steer them thence to shore, till they landed on the Strand of Fuirbthe.

When the boats reached land, then was Mac cecht a-striking fire in Da Derga's Hostel. At the sound of the spark the thrice fifty boats were hurled out, so that they were on the shoulders of the sea.

"Be silent a while!" said Ingcel. "Liken thou that, O Fer rogain."

"I know not," answers Fer rogain, "unless it is Luchdonn the satirist in Emain Macha, who makes this handsmiting when his food is taken from him perforce: or the scream of Luchdonn in Temair Luachra: of Mac cecht's striking a spark, when he kindles a fire before a king of Erin where he sleeps. Every spark and every shower which his fire would let fall on the floor would broil a hundred calves and two half-pigs."

"May God not bring that man (even Conaire) there tonight!" say Donn Desa's sons. "Sad that he is under the hurt of foes!"

"Meseems," says Ingcel, "it should be no sadder for me than the destruction I gave you. This were my feast that Conaire should chance to come there."

Their fleet is steered to land. The noise that the thrice fifty vessels made in running ashore shook Da Derga's Hostel so that no spear nor shield remained on rack therein, but the weapons uttered a cry and fell all on the floor of the house.

"Liken thou that, O Conaire," says every one: "what is this noise?"

"I know nothing like it unless it be the earth that has broken, or the Leviathan that surrounds the globe and strikes with its tail to overturn the world, or the barque of the sons of Donn Desa that has reached the shore. Alas that it should not be they who are there! Beloved foster-brothers of our own were they! Dear were the champions. We should not have feared them tonight."

Then came Conaire, so that he was on the green of the Hostel.

When Mac cecht heard the tumultuous noise, it seemed to him that warriors had attacked his people. Thereat he leapt on to his armour to help them. Vast as the thunderfeat of three hundred did they deem his game in leaping to his weapons. Thereof there was no profit.

Now in the bow of the ship wherein were Donn Desa's sons was the champion, great-accoutred, wrathful, the lion hard and awful, Ingcel the One -eyed, great-grandson of Conmac. Wide as an oxhide was the single eye protruding from his forehead, with seven pupils therein, which were black as a chafer. Each of his knees as big as stripper's caldron; each of his two fists was the size of a reaping-basket: his buttocks as big as a cheese on a withe: each of his shins as long as an outer yoke.

So after that, the thrice fifty boats, and those five thousands - with ten hundred in every thousand, - landed on the Strand of Fuirbthe.

Then Conaire with his people entered the Hostel, and each took his seat within, both tabu and non-tabu. And the three Reds took their seats, and Fer caille with his swine took his seat.

Thereafter Da Derga came to them, with thrice fifty warriors, each of them having a long head of hair to the hollow of his polls, and a short cloak to their buttocks. Speckled-green drawers they wore, and in their hands were thrice fifty great clubs of thorn with bands of iron.

"Welcome, O master Conaire!" quoth he. "Though the bulk of the men of Erin were to come with thee, they themselves would have a welcome."

When they were there they saw a lone woman coming to the door of the Hostel, after sunset, and seeking to be let in. As long as a weaver's beam was each of her two shins, and they were as dark as the back of a stag-beetle. A greyish, wooly mantle she wore. Her lower hair used to reach as far as her knee. Her lips were on one side of her head.

She came and put one of her shoulders against the door-post of the house, casting the evil eye on the king and the youths who surrounded him in the Hostel. He himself addressed her from within.

"Well, O woman," says Conaire, "if thou art a wizard, what seest thou for us?"

"Truly I see for thee," she answers, "that neither fell nor flesh of thine shall escape from the place into which thou hast come, save what birds will bear away in their claws."

"It was not an evil omen we foreboded, O woman," saith he: "it is not thou that always augurs for us. What is thy name, O woman?"

"Calib," she answers.

"That is not much of a name," says Conaire.

"Lo, many are my names besides."

"Which be they?" asks Conaire.

"Easy to say," quoth she. "Samon, Sinand, Seisclend, Sodb, Caill, Coll, Dichoem, Dichiuil, Dithim, Dichuimne, Dichruidne, Dairne, Darine, Deruaine, Egem, Agam, Ethamne, Gnim, Cluiche, Cethardam, Nith, Nemain, Noennen, Badb, Blosc, B[l]oar, Huae, oe Aife la Sruth, Mache, Mede, Mod."

On one foot, and holding up one hand, and breathing one breath she sang all that to them from the door of the house.

"I swear by the gods whom I adore," says Conaire, "that I will call thee by none of these names whether I shall be here a long or a short time."

"What dost thou desire?" says Conaire.

"That which thou, too, desirest," she answered.

"'Tis a tabu of mine," says Conaire, "to receive the company of one woman after sunset."

"Though it be a tabu," she replied, "I will not go until my guesting come at once this very night."

"Tell her," says Conaire, "that an ox and a bacon-pig shall be taken out to her, and my leavings: provided that she stays tonight in some other place."

"If in sooth," she says, "it has befallen the king not to have room in his house for the meal and bed of a solitary woman, they will be gotten apart from him from some one possessing generosity - if the hospitality of the Prince in the Hostel has departed."

"Savage is the answer!" says Conaire. "Let her in, though it is a tabu of mine."

Great loathing they felt after that from the woman's converse, and ill foreboding; but they knew not the cause thereof.

The reavers afterwards landed, and fared forth till they were at Lecca cinn slebe. Ever open was the Hostel. Why it was called a Bruden was because it resembles the lips of a man blowing a fire.

Great was the fire which was kindled by Conaire every night, to wit, a "Boar of the Wood." Seven outlets it had. When a log was cut out of its side every flame that used to come forth at each outlet was as big as the blaze of a burning oratory. There were seventeen of Conaire's chariots at every door of the house, and by those that were looking from the vessels that great light was clearly seen through the wheels of the chariots.

"Canst thou say, O Fer rogain, what that great light yonder resembles?"

"I cannot liken it to aught," answers Fer rogain, "unless it be the fire of a king. May God not bring that man there tonight! 'Tis a pity to destroy him!"

"What then deemest thou," says Ingcel, "of that man's reign in the land of Erin?"

"Good is his reign," replied Fer rogain. "Since he assumed the kingship, no cloud has veiled the sun for the space of a day from the middle of spring to the middle of autumn. And not a dewdrop fell from grass till midday, and wind would not touch a beast's tail until nones. And in his reign, from year's end to year's end, no wolf has attacked aught save one bullcalf of each byre; and to maintain this rule there are seven wolves in hostageship at the sidewall in his house, and behind this a further security, even Maclocc, and 'tis he that pleads for them in Conaire's house. In Conaire's reign are the three crowns on Erin, namely crown of corn-ears, and crown of flowers, and crown of oak mast. In his reign, too, each man deems the other's voice as melodious as the strings of lutes, because of the excellence of the law and the peace and the goodwill prevailing throughout Erin. May God not bring that man there tonight! 'Tis sad to destroy him. 'Tis 'a branch through its blossom,' 'Tis a swine that falls before mast. 'Tis an infant in age. Sad is the shortness of his life!"

"This was my luck," says Ingcel, "that he should be there, and there should be one Destruction for another. It were not more grievous to me than my father and my mother and my seven brothers, and the king of my country, whom I gave up to you before coming on the transfer of the rapine."

"'Tis true, 'tis true!" say the evildoers who were along with the reavers.

The reavers make a start from the Strand of Fuirbthe, and bring a stone for each man to make a cairn; for this was the distinction which at first the Fians made between a "Destruction" and a "Rout." A pillar-stone they used to plant when there would be a Rout. A cairn, however, they used to make when there would be a Destruction. At this time, then, they made a cairn, for it was a Destruction. Far from the house was this, that they might not be heard or seen therefrom.

For two causes they built their cairn, namely, first, since this was a custom in marauding, and, secondly, that they might find out their losses at the Hostel. Every one that would come safe from it would take his stone from the cairn: thus the stones of those that were slain would be left, and thence they would know their losses. And this is what men skilled in story recount, that for every stone in Carn leca there was one of the reavers killed at the Hostel. From that cairn Leca in Hui Cellaig is so called.

A "boar of a fire" is kindled by the sons of Donn Desa to give warning to Conaire. So that is the first warning-beacon that has been made in Erin, and from it to this day every warning-beacon is kindled.

This is what others recount: that it was on the eve of samain (AllSaints-day) the destruction of the Hostel was wrought, and that from yonder beacon the beacon of samain is followed from that to this, and stones (are placed) is the samain-fire.

Then the reavers framed a counsel at the place where they had put the cairn.

"Well, then," says Ingcel to the guides, "what is nearest to us here?

"Easy to say: the Hostel of Hua Derga, chief-hospitaller of Erin."

"Good men indeed," says Ingcel, "were likely to seek their fellows at that Hostel to-night."

This, then, was the counsel of the reavers, to send one of them to see how things were there.

"Who will go there to espy the house?" say everyone.

"Who should go," says Ingcel, "but I, for 'tis I that am entitled to dues."

Ingcel went to reconnoitre the Hostel with one of the seven pupils of the single eye which stood out of his forehead, to fit his eye into the house in order to destroy the king and the youths who were around him therein. And Ingcel saw them through the wheels of the chariots.

Then Ingcel was perceived from the house. He made a start from it after being perceived.

He went till he reached the reavers in the stead wherein they were. Each circle of them was set around another to hear the tidings - the chiefs of the reavers being in the very centre of the circles. There were Fer ger and Fer gel and Fer rogel and Fer rogain and Lomna the Buffoon, and Ingcel the Oneeyed - six in the centre of the circles. And Fer rogain went to question Ingcel.

"How is that, O Ingcel?" asks Fer rogain.

"However it be," answered Ingcel, "royal is the custom, hostful is the tumult: kingly is the noise thereof. Whether a king be there or not, I will take the house for what I have a right to. Thence my turn of rapine cometh."

We have left it in thy hand, O Ingcel!" say Conaire's fosterbrothers. "But we should not wreak the Destruction till we know who may be therein."

"Question, hast thou seen the house well, O Ingcel?" asks Fer rogain.

"Mine eye cast a rapid glance around it, and I will accept it for my dues as it stands."

"Thou mayest well accept it, O Ingcel," saith Fer rogain: "the foster father of us all is there, Erin's overking, Conaire, son of Eterscel."

"Question, what sawest thou in the champion's high seat of the house, facing the King, on the opposite side?"

The Room Of Cormac Condlongas

"I saw there," says Ingcel, "a man of noble countenance, large, with a clear and sparkling eye, an even set of teeth, a face narrow below, broad above,. Fair, flaxen, golden hair upon him, and a proper fillet around it. A brooch of silver in his mantle, and in his hand a gold-hilted sword. A shield with five golden circles upon it: a five-barbed javelin in his hand. A visage just, fair, ruddy he hath: he is also beardless. Modest-minded is that man!"

"And after that, whom sawest thou there?"

The Room Of Cormac's Nine Comrades

"There I saw three men to the west of Cormac, and three to the east of him, and three in front of the same man. Thou wouldst deem that the nine of them had one mother and one father. They are of the same age, equally goodly, equally beautiful, all alike. Thin rods of gold in their mantles. Bent shields of bronze they bear. Ribbed javelins above them. An ivory-hilted sword in the hand of each. An unique feat they have, to wit, each of them takes his sword's point between his two fingers, and they twirl the swords round their fingers, and the swords afterwards extend themselves by themselves. Liken thou that, O Fer rogain," says Ingcel.

"Easy," says Fer rogain, "for me to liken them. It is Conchobar's son, Cormac Condlongas, the best hero behind a shield in the land of Erin. Of modest mind is that boy! Evil is what he dreads tonight. He is a champion of valour for feats of arms; he is an hospitaller for householding. These are yon nine who surround him, the three Dungusses, and the three Doelgusses, and the three Dangusses, the nine comrades of Cormac Condlongas, son of Conchobar. They have never slain men on account of their misery, and they never spared them on account of their prosperity. Good is the hero who is among them, even Cormac Condlongas. I swear what my tribe swears, nine times ten will fall by Cormac in his first onset, and nine times ten will fall by his people, besides a man for each of their weapons, and a man for each of themselves. And Cormac will share prowess with any man before the Hostel, and he will boast of victory over a king or crown-prince or noble of the reavers; and he himself will chance to escape, though all his people be wounded."

"Woe to him who shall wreak this Destruction!" says Lomna Druth, "even because of that one man, Cormac Condlongas, son of Conchobar." "I swear what my tribe swears," says Lomna son of Donn Desa, "if I could fulfil my counsel, the Destruction would not be attempted were it only because of that one man, and because of the hero's beauty and goodness!"

"It is not feasible to prevent it," says Ingcel: "clouds of weakness come to you. A keen ordeal which will endanger two cheeks of a goat will be opposed by the oath of Fer rogain, who will run. Thy voice, O Lomna," says Ingcel, "hath taken breaking upon thee: thou art a worthless warrior, and I know thee. Clouds of weakness come to you. . . .

Neither old men nor historians shall declare that I quitted the Destruction, until I shall wreak it."

"Reproach not our honour, O Ingcel," say Ger and Gabur and Fer rogain. "The Destruction shall be wrought unless the earth break under it, until all of us are slain thereby."

"Truly, then, thou hast reason, O Ingcel," says Lomna Druth son of Donn Desa. "Not to thee is the loss caused by the Destruction. Thou wilt carry off the head of the king of a foreign country, with thy slaughter of another; and thou and thy brothers will escape from the Destruction, even Ingcel and Ecell and the Yearling of the Rapine."

"Harder, however, it is for me," says Lomna Druth: "woe is me before every one! woe is me after every one! 'Tis my head that will be first tossed about there to-night after an hour among the chariot-shafts, where devilish foes will meet. It will be flung into the Hostel thrice, and thrice will it be flung forth. Woe to him that comes! woe to him with whom one goes! woe to him to whom one goes! Wretches are they that go! wretches are they to whom they go!"

"There is nothing that will come to me," says Ingcel, "in place of my mother and my father and my seven brothers, and the king of my district, whom ye destroyed with me. There is nothing that I shall not endure henceforward."

"Though a . . . should go through them," say Ger and Gabur and Fer rogain, "the Destruction will be wrought by thee to-night."

"Woe to him who shall put them under the hands of foes!" says Lomna. "And whom sawest thou afterwards?"

The Room Of The Picts, This

"I saw another room there, with a huge trio in it: three brown, big men: three round heads of hair on them, even, equally long at nape and forehead. Three short black cowls about them reaching to their elbows: long hoods were on the cowls. Three black, huge swords they had, and three black shields they bore, with three dark broadgreen javelins above them. Thick as the spit of a caldron was the shaft of each. Liken thou that, O Fer rogain!"

"Hard it is for me to find their like. I know not in Erin that trio, unless it be yon trio of Pictland, who went into exile from their country, and are now in Conaire's household. These are their names: Dublonges son of Trebuat, and Trebuat son of Hua-Lonsce, and Curnach son of Hua Faich. The three who are best in Pictland at taking arms are that trio. Nine decads will fall at their hands in their first encounter, and a man will fall for each of their weapons, besides one for each of themselves. And they will share prowess with every trio in the Hostel. They will boast a victory over a king or a chief of the reavers; and they will afterwards escape though wounded. Woe to him who shall wreak the Destruction, though it be only on account of those three!"

Says Lomna Druth: "I swear to God what my tribe swears, if my counsel were taken, the Destruction would never be wrought."

"Ye cannot," says Ingcel: "clouds of weakness are coming to you. A keen ordeal which will endanger, etc. And whom slowest thou there afterwards?"

The Room Of The Pipers

"There I beheld a room with nine men in it. Hair fair and yellow was on them: they all are equally beautiful. Mantles speckled with colour they wore, and above them were nine bagpipes, four-turned, ornamented. Enough light in the palace were the ornament on these four-tuned pipes. Liken thou them, O Fer rogain."

"Easy for me to liken them," says Fer rogain. "Those are the nine pipers that came to Conaire out of the Elfmound of Bregia, because of noble tales about him. These are their names: Bind, Robind, Riarbind, Sibe, Dibe, Deichrind, Umall, Cumal, Ciallglind. They are the best pipers in the world. Nine enneads will fall before them, and a man for each of their weapons, and a man for each of themselves. And each of them will boast a victory over a king or a chief of the reavers. And they will escape from the Destruction; for a conflict with them will be a conflict with shadow. They will slay, but they will not be slain, for they are out of an elfmound. Woe to him who shall wreak the Destruction, though it be only because of those nine!"

"Ye cannot," says Ingcel. "Clouds of weakness come to you," etc. "And after that, whom sawest thou there?"

The Room Of Conaire's Majordomo

"There I saw a room with one man in it. Rough cropt hair upon him. Though a sack of crab-apples should be flung on his head, not one of them would fall on the floor, but every apple would stick on his hair. His fleecy mantle was over him in the house. Every quarrel therein about seat or bed comes to his decision. Should a needle drop in the house, its fall would be heard when he speaks. Above him is a huge black tree, like a millshaft, with its paddles and its cap and its spike. Liken thou him, O Fer rogain!"

"Easy for me is this. Tuidle of Ulaid is he, the steward of Conaire's household. 'Tis needful to hearken to the decision of that man, the man that rules seat and bed and food for each. 'Tis his household staff that is above him. That man will fight with you. I swear what my tribe swears, the dead at the Destruction slain by him will be more numerous that the living. Thrice his number will fall by him, and he himself will fall there. Woe to him who shall wreak the Destruction!" etc.

"Ye cannot," says Ingcel. "Clouds of weakness come upon you. What sawest thou there after that?"

The Destruction of Da Derga's Hostel

Part III

The Room Of Mac Cecht, Conaire's Battle-Soldier

There I beheld another room with a trio in it, three half-furious nobles: the biggest of them in the middle, very noisy . . . rock-bodied, angry, smiting, dealing strong blows, who beats nine hundred in battleconflict. A wooden shield, dark, covered with iron, he bears, with a hard . . . rim, a shield whereon would fit the proper litter of four troops of ten weaklings on its . . . of . . . leather. A . . . boss thereon, the depth of a caldron, fit to cook four oxen, a hollow maw, a great boiling, with four swine in its mid-maw great . . . At his two smooth sides are two five-thwarted boats fit for three parties of ten in each of his two strong fleets.

A spear he hath, blue-red, hand-fitting, on its puissant shaft. It stretches along the wall on the roof and rests on the ground. An iron point upon it, dark-red, dripping. Four amply-measured feet between the two points of its edge.

Thirty amply-measured feet in his deadly-striking sword from dark point to iron hilt. It shews forth fiery sparks which illumine the Mid-court House from roof to ground.

'Tis a strong countenance that I see. A swoon from horror almost befell me while staring at those three. There is nothing stranger.

Two bare hills were there by the man with hair. Two loughs by a mountain of the . . . of a blue-fronted wave: two hides by a tree. Two boats near them full of thorns of a white thorn tree on a circular board. And there seems to me somewhat like a slender stream of water on which the sun is shining, and its trickle down from it, and a hide arranged behind it, and a palace housepost shaped like a great lance above it. A good weight of a plough-yoke is the shaft that is therein. Liken thou that, O Fer rogain!

"Easy, meseems, to liken him! That is Mac cecht son of Snaide Teichid; the battle-soldier of Conaire son of Eterscel. Good is the hero Mac cecht! Supine he was in his room, in his sleep, when thou beheldest him. The two bare hills which thou sawest by the man with hair, these are his two knees by his head. The two loughs by the mountain which thou sawest, these are his two eyes by his nose. The two hides by a tree which thou sawest, these are his two ears by his head. The two five-thwarted boats on a circular board, which thou sawest, these are his two sandals on his shield. The slender stream of water which thou sawest, whereon the sun shines, and its trickle down from it, this is the flickering of his sword. The hide which thou sawest arranged behind him, that is his sword's scabbard. The palace house-post which thou sawest, that is his lance: and he brandishes this spear till its two ends meet, and he hurls a wilful cast of it when he pleases. Good is the hero, Mac cecht!"

"Six hundred will fall by him in his first encounter, and a man for each of his weapons, besides a man for himself. And he will share prowess with every one in the Hostel, and he will boast of triumph over a king or chief of the reavers in front of the Hostel. He will chance to escape though wounded. And when he shall chance to come upon you out of the house, as numerous as hailstones, and grass on a green, and stars of heaven will be your cloven heads and skulls, and the clots of your brains, your bones and the heaps of your bowels, crushed by him and scattered throughout the ridges."

Then with trembling and terror of Mac cecht they flee over three ridges.

They took the pledges among them again, even Ger and Gabur and Fer rogain.

"Woe to him that shall wreak the Destruction," says Lomna Druth; "your heads will depart from you."

"Ye cannot," says Ingcel: "clouds of weakness are coming to you" etc.

"True indeed, O Ingcel," says Lomna Druth son of Donn Desa. "Not unto thee is the loss caused by the Destruction. Woe is me for the Destruction, for the first head that will reach the Hostel will be mine!"

"'Tis harder for me," says Ingcel: "'tis my destruction that has been . . . there.

"Truly then," says Ingcel, "maybe I shall be the corpse that is frailest there," etc.

"And afterwards whom sawest thou there?"

The Room Of Conaire's Three Sons, Oball And Oblin And Corpre

"There I beheld a room with a trio in it, to wit, three tender striplings, wearing three silken mantles. In their mantles were three golden brooches. Three golden-yellow manes were on them. When they undergo headcleansing their golden-yellow mane reaches the edge of their haunches. When they raise their eye it raises the hair so that it is not lower than the tips of their ears, and it is as curly as a ram's head. A . . . of gold and a palace-flambeau above each of them. Every one who is in the house spares them, voice and deed and word. Liken thou that, O Fer rogain," says Ingcel.

Fer rogain wept, so that his mantle in front of him became moist. And no voice was gotten out of his head till a third of the night had passed.

"O little ones," says Fer rogain, "I have good reason for what I do! Those are three sons of the king of Erin: Oball and Obline and Corpre Findmor."

"It grieves us if the tale be true," say the sons of Donn Desa. "Good is the trio in that room. Manners of ripe maidens have they, and hearts of brothers, and valours of bears, and furies of lions. Whosoever is in their company and in their couch, and parts from them, he sleeps not and eats not at ease till the end of nine days, from lack of their companionship. Good are the youths for their age! Thrice ten will fall by each of them in their first encounter, and a man for each weapon, and three men for themselves. And one of the three will fall there. Because of that trio, woe to him that shall wreak the Destruction!"

"Ye cannot," says Ingcel: "clouds of weakness are coming to you, etc. And whom sawest thou afterwards?"

The Room Of The Fomorians

I beheld there a room with a trio in it, to wit, a trio horrible, unheard - of, a triad of champions, etc.

Liken thou that, O Fer rogain?

"'Tis hard for me to liken that trio. Neither of the men of Erin nor of the men of the world do I know it, unless it be the trio that Mac cecht brought out of the land of the Fomorians by dint of duels. Not one of the Fomorians was found to fight him, so he brought away those three, and they are in Conaire's house as sureties that, while Conaire is reigning, the Fomorians destroy neither corn nor milk in Erin beyond their fair tribute. Well may their aspect be loathy! Three rows of teeth in their heads from one ear to another. An ox with a bacon-pig, this is the ration of each of them, and that ration which they put into their mouths is visible till it comes down past their navels. Bodies of bone (i.e. without a joint in them) all those three have. I swear what my tribe swears, more will be killed by them at the Destruction than those they leave alive. Six hundred warriors will fall by them in their first conflict, and a man for each of their weapons, and one for each of the three themselves. And they will boast a triumph over a king or chief of the reavers. It will not be more than with a bite or a blow or a kick that each of those men will kill, for no arms are allowed them in the house, since they are in 'hostageship at the wall' lest they do a misdeed therein. I swear what my tribe swears, if they had armour on them, they would slay us all but a third. Woe to him that shall wreak the Destruction, because it is not a combat against sluggards."

"Ye cannot," says Ingcel, etc. "And whom sawest thou there after that?"

The Room Of Munremar Son Of Gerrchenn, Birderg Son Of Ruan, Mal son of Telband

"I beheld a room there, with a trio in it. Three brown, big men, with three brown heads of short hair. Thick calf-bottoms (ankles?) they had. As thick as a man's waist was each of their limbs. Three brown and curled masses of hair upon them, with a thick head: three cloaks, red and speckled, they wore: three black shields with clasps of gold, and three five-barbed javelins; and each had in hand an ivory-hilted sword. This is the feat they perform with their swords: they throw them high up, and they throw the scabbards after them, and the swords, before reaching the ground, place themselves in the scabbards. Then they throw the scabbards first, and the swords after them, and the scabbards meet the swords and place themselves round them before they reach the ground. Liken thou that, O Fer rogain!"

"Easy for me to liken them! Mal son of Telband, and Munremar son of Gerrchenn, and Birderg son of Ruan. Three crown-princes, three champions of valour, three heroes the best behind weapons in Erin! A hundred heroes will fall by them in their first conflict, and they will share prowess with every man in the Hostel, and they will boast of the victory over a king or chief of the reavers, and afterwards they will chance to escape. The Destruction should not be wrought even because of those three."

"Woe to him that shall wreak the Destruction!" says Lomna. "Better were the victory of saving them than the victory of slaying them! Happy he who should save them! Woe to him that shall slay them!"

"It is not feasible," says Ingcel, etc. "And afterwards whom sawest thou?"

The Room Of Conall Cernach

"There I beheld in a decorated room the fairest man of Erin's heroes. He wore a tufted purple cloak. White as snow was one of his cheeks, the other was red and speckled like foxglove. Blue as hyacinth was one of his eyes, dark as a stag-beetle's back was the other. The bushy head of fair golden hair upon him was as large as a reaping-basket, and it touches the edge of his haunches. It is as curly as a ram's head. If a sackful of red-shelled nuts were spilt on the crown of his head, not one of them would fall on the floor, but remain on the hooks and plaits and swordlets of their hair. A gold hilted sword in his hand; a blood-red shield which has been speckled with rivets of white bronze between plates of gold. A long, heavy, three-ridged spear: as thick as an outer yoke is the shaft that is in it. Liken thou that, O Fer rogain!"

"Easy for me to liken him, for the men of Erin know that scion. That is Conall Cernach, son of Amorgen. He has chanced to be along with Conaire at this time. 'Tis he whom Conaire loves beyond every one, because of his resemblance to him in goodness of form and shape. Goodly is the hero that is there, Conall Cernach! To that blood-red shield on his fist, which has been speckled with rivets of white bronze, the Ulaid have given a famous name, to wit, the Bricriu of Conall Cernach.

"I swear what my tribe swears, plenteous will be the rain of red blood over it to-night before the Hostel! That ridged spear above him, many will there be unto whom to-night, before the Hostel, it will deal drinks of death. Seven doorways there are out of the house, and Conall Cernach will contrive to be each of them, and from no doorway will he be absent. Three hundred will fall by Conall in his first conflict, besides a man for each (of his) weapons and one for himself. He will share prowess with every one in the Hostel, and when he shall happen to sally upon you from the house, as numerous as hailstones and grass on green and stars of heaven will be your half-heads and cloven skulls, and your bones under the point of his sword. He will succeed in escaping though wounded. Woe to him that shall wreak the Destruction, were it but for this man only!"

"Ye cannot," says Ingcel. "Clouds," etc.

"And after that whom sawest thou?"

The Room Of Conaire Himself

"There I beheld a room, more beautifully decorated than the other rooms of the house. A silvery curtain around it, and there were ornaments in the room. I beheld a trio in it. The outer two of them were, both of them, fair, with their hair and eyelashes; and they are as bright as snow. A very lovely blush on the cheek of each of the twain. A tender lad in the midst between them. The ardour and energy of a king has he and the counsel of a sage. The mantle I saw around him is even as the mist of Mayday. Diverse are the hue and semblance each moment shewn upon it. Lovelier is each hue than the other. In front of him in the mantle I beheld a wheel of gold which reached from his chin to his navel. The colour of his hair was like the sheen of smelted gold. Of all the world's forms that I beheld, this is the most beautiful. I saw his golden-hilted glaive down beside him. A forearm's length of the sword was outside the scabbard. That forearm, a man down in the front of the house could see a fleshworm by the shadow of the sword! Sweeter is the melodious sounding of the sword than the melodious sound of the golden pipes that accompany music in the palace."

"Then," quoth Ingcel, "I said, gazing at him:

I see a high, stately prince, etc.

I see a famous king, etc.

I see his white prince's diadem, etc.

I see his two blue-bright cheeks, etc.

I see his high wheel . . . round his head . . . which is over his yellow - curly hair.

I see his mantle red, many-coloured, etc.

I see therein a huge brooch of gold, etc.

I see his beautiful linen frock . . . from ankle to kneecaps.

I see his sword golden-hilted, inlaid, in its scabbard of white silver, etc.

I see his shield bright, chalky, etc.

A tower of inlaid gold," etc.

Now the tender warrior was asleep, with his feet in the lap of one of the two men and his head in the lap of the other. Then he awoke out of his sleep, and arose, and chanted this lay:

"The howl of Ossar (Conaire's dog) . . . cry of warriors on the summit of Tol Geisse; a cold wind over edges perilous: a night to destroy a king is this night."

He slept again, and awoke thereout, and sang this rhetoric:

"The howl of Ossar . . . a battle he announced: enslavement of a people: sack of the Hostel: mournful are the champions: men wounded: wind of terror: hurling of javelins: trouble of unfair fight: wreck of houses: Tara waste: a foreign heritage: like is lamenting Conaire: destruction of corn: feast of arms: cry of screams: destruction of Erin's king: chariots a-tottering: oppression of the king of Tara: lamentations will overcome laughter: Ossar's howl."

He said the third time:

"Trouble hath been shewn to me: a multitude of elves: a host supine; foes' prostration: a conflict of men on the Dodder6: oppression of Tara's king: in youth he was destroyed: lamentations will overcome laughter: Ossar's howl."[6]

"Liken thou, O Fer rogain, him who has sung that lay."

"Easy for me to liken him," says Fer rogain. No "conflict without a king" this. He is the most splendid and noble and beautiful and mighty king that has come into the whole world. He is the mildest and gentlest and most perfect king that has come to it, even Conaire son of Eterscel. 'Tis he that is overking of all Erin. There is no defect in that man, whether in form or shape or vesture: whether in size or fitness or proportion, whether in eye or hair of brightness, whether in wisdom or skill or eloquence, whether in weapon or dress or appearance, whether in splendour or abundance or dignity, whether in knowledge or valour or kindred.

"Great is the tenderness of the sleepy simple man till he has chanced on a deed of valour. But if his fury and his courage be awakened when the champions of Erin and Alba are at him in the house, the Destruction will not be wrought so long as he is therein. Six hundred will fall by Conaire before he shall attain his arms, and seven hundred will fall by him in his first conflict after attaining his arms. I swear to God what my tribe swears, unless drink be taken from him, though there be no one else in the house, but he alone, he would hold the Hostel until help would reach it which the man would prepare for him from the Wave of Clidna7 and the Wave of Assaroe8 while ye are at the Hostel.[7][8]

"Nine doors there are to the house, and at each door a hundred warriors will fall by his hand. And when every one in the house has ceased to ply his weapon, 'tis then he will resort to a deed of arms. And if he chance to come upon you out of the house, as numerous as hailstones and grass on a green will be your halves of heads and your cloven skulls and your bones under the edge of his sword.

"'Tis my opinion that he will not chance to get out of the house. Dear to him are the two that are with him in the room, his two fosterers, Dris and Snithe. Thrice fifty warriors will fall before each of them in front of the Hostel, and not farther than a foot from him, on this side and that, will they too fall."

"Woe to him who shall wreak the Destruction, were it only because of that pair and the prince that is between them, the over-king of Erin, Conaire son of Eterscel! Sad were the quenching of that reign!" says Lomna Druth, son of Donn Desa.

"Ye cannot," says Ingcel. "Clouds of weakness are coming to you," etc.

"Good cause hast thou, O Ingcel," says Lomna son of Donn Desa. "Not unto thee is the loss caused by the Destruction: for thou wilt carry off the head of the king of another country, and thyself will escape. Howbeit 'tis hard for me, for I shall be the first to be slain at the Hostel."

"Alas for me!" says Ingcel, "peradventure I shall be the frailest corpse," etc.

"And whom sawest thou afterwards?"

The Room Of The Rearguards

"There I saw twelve men on silvery hurdles all around that room of the king. Light yellow hair was on them. Blue kilts they wore. Equally beautiful were they, equally hardy, equally shapely. An ivory-hilted sword in each man's hand, and they cast them not down; but it is the horse-rods in their hands that are all round the room. Liken thou that, O Fer rogain."

"Easy for me to say. The king of Tara's guardsmen are there. These are their names: three Londs of Liffey -plain: three Arts of Ath cliath (Dublin): three Buders of Buagnech: and three Trenfers of Cuilne. I swear what my tribe swears, that many will be the dead by them around the Hostel.

And they will escape from it although they are wounded. Woe to him who shall wreak the Destruction were it only because of that band! And afterwards whom sawest thou there?"

Le Fri Flaith Son Of Conaire, Whose Likeness This Is

"There I beheld a red-freckled boy in a purple cloak. He is always a wailing in the house. A stead wherein is the king of a cantred, whom each man takes from bosom to bosom.

"So he is with a blue silvery chair under his seat in the midst of the house, and he always a-wailing. Truly then, sad are his household listening to him! Three heads of hair on that boy, and these are the three; green hair and purple hair and all-golden hair. I know not whether they are many appearances which the hair receives, or whether they are three kinds of hair which are naturally upon him. But I know that evil is the thing he dreads to night. I beheld thrice fifty boys on silvern chairs around him, and there were fifteen bulrushes in the hand of that red-freckled boy, with a thorn at the end of each of the rushes. And we were fifteen men, and our fifteen right eyes were blinded by him, and he blinded one of the seven pupils which was in my head," saith Ingcel. "Hast thou his like, O Fer rogain?"

"Easy for me to liken him!" Fer rogain wept till he shed his tears of blood over his cheeks. "Alas for him!" quoth he. "This child is a 'scion of contention' for the men of Erin with the men of Alba for hospitality, and shape, and form and horsemanship. Sad is his slaughter! 'Tis a 'swine that goes before mast,' 'tis a babe in age! the best crown-prince that has ever come into Erin! The child of Conaire son of Eterscel, Le fri flaith is his name. Seven years there are in his age. It seems to me very likely that he is miserable because of the many appearances on his hair and the various hues that the hair assumes upon him. This is his special household, the thrice fifty lads that are around him."

"Woe," says Lomna, "to him that shall wreak the Destruction, were it only because of that boy!"

"Ye cannot," says Ingcel. "Clouds of weakness are coming on you, etc." "And after that whom sawest thou there?"

The Room Of The Cupbearers

"There I saw six men in front of the same room. Fair yellow manes upon them: green mantles about them: tin brooches at the opening of their mantles. Half-horses (centaurs) are they, like Conall Cernach. Each of them throws his mantle round another and is as swift as a millwheel. Thine eye can hardly follow them. Liken thou those, O Fer rogain!"

"This is easy for me. Those are the King of Tara's six cupbearers, namely Uan and Broen and Banna, Delt and Drucht and Dathen. That feat does not hinder them from their skinking, and it blunts not their intelligence thereat. Good are the warriors that are there! Thrice their number will fall by them. They will share prowess with any six in the Hostel, and they will escape from their foes, for they are out of the elfmounds. They are the best cupbearers in Erin. Woe to him that shall wreak the Destruction were it only because of them!"

"Ye cannot," says Ingcel. "Clouds, etc." "And after that, whom sawest thou there?"

The Room Of Tulchinne The Juggler

"There I beheld a great champion, in front of the same room, on the floor of the house. The shame of baldness is on him. White as mountain cotton grass is each hair that grows through his head. Earrings of gold around his ears. A mantle speckled, coloured, he wore. Nine swords in his hand, and nine silvern shields, and nine apples of gold. He throws each of them upwards, and none of them falls on the ground, and there is only one of them on his palm; each of them rising and falling past another is just like the movement to and fro of bees on a day of beauty. When he was swiftest, I beheld him at the feat, and as I looked, they uttered a cry about him and they were all on the house-floor. Then the Prince who is in the house said to the juggler: 'We have come together since thou wast a little boy, and till to-night thy juggling never failed thee.'

"'Alas, alas, fair master Conaire, good cause have I. A keen, angry eye looked at me: a man with the third of a pupil which sees the going of the nine bands. Not much to him is that keen, wrathful sight! Battles are fought with it,' saith he. 'It should be known till doomsday that there is evil in front of the Hostel.'

"Then he took the swords in his hand, and the silvern shields and the apples of gold; and again they uttered a cry and were all on the floor of the house. That amazed him, and he gave over his play and said:

'O Fer caille, arise! Do not . . . its slaughter. Sacrifice thy pig! Find out who is in front of the house to injure the men of the Hostel.'

'There,' said he, 'are Fer Cualngi, Fer le, Fer gar, Fer rogel, Fer rogain. They have announced a deed which is not feeble, the annihilation of Conaire by Donn Desa's five sons, by Conaire's five loving foster-brothers.'

"Liken thou that, O Fer rogain! Who has chanted that lay?"

"Easy for me to liken him," says Fer rogain. "Taulchinne the chief juggler of the King of Tara; he is Conaire's conjurer. A man of great might is that man. Thrice nine will fall by him in his first encounter, and he will share prowess with every one in the Hostel, and he will chance to escape therefrom though wounded. What then? Even on account of this man only the Destruction should not be wrought."

"Long live he who should spare him!" says Lomna Druth.

"Ye cannot," says Ingcel, etc.

The Room Of The Swineherds

"I beheld a trio in the front of the house: three dark crowntufts on them: three green frocks around them: three dark mantles over them: three forked . . . (?) above them on the side of the wall. Six black greaves they had on the mast. Who are yon, O Fer rogain?"

"Easy to say," answers Fer rogain: "the three swineherds of the king, Dub and Donn and Dorcha: three brothers are they, three sons of Mapher of Tara. Long live he who should protect them! woe to him who shall slay them! for greater would be the triumph of protecting them than the triumph of slaying them!"

"Ye cannot," says Ingcel, etc.

The Room Of The Principal Charioteers

"I beheld another trio in front of them: three plates of gold on their foreheads: three short aprons they wore, of grey linen embroidered with gold: three crimson capes about them: three goads of bronze in their hands. Liken thou that, O Fer rogain!"

"I know them," he answered. "Cul and Frecul and Forcul, the three charioteers of the King: three of the same age: three sons of Pole and Yoke. A man will perish by each of their weapons, and they will share the triumph of slaughter."

The Destruction of Da Derga's Hostel

Part IV

The Room Of Cuscrad Son Of Conchobar

"I beheld another room. Therein were eight swordsmen, and among them a stripling. Black hair is on him, and very stammering speech has he. All the folk of the Hostel listen to his counsel. Handsomest of men he is: he wears a shirt and a bright-red mantle, with a brooch of silver therein."

"I know him," says Fer rogain: "'tis Cuscraid Menn of Armagh, Conchobar's son, who is in hostageship with the king. And his guards are those eight swordsmen around him, namely, two Flanns, two Cummains, two Aeds, two Crimthans. They will share prowess with every one in the Hostel, and they will chance to escape from it with their fosterling."

The Room Of The Under-Charioteers

"I beheld nine men: on the mast were they. Nine capes they wore, with a purple loop. A plate of gold on the head of each of them. Nine goads in their hands. Liken thou."

"I know those," quoth Fer rogain: "Riado, Riamcobur, Riade, Buadon, Buadchar, Buadgnad, Eirr, Ineirr, Argatlam - nine charioteers in apprenticeship with the three chief charioteers of the king. A man will perish at the hands of each of them," etc.

The Room Of The Englishmen

"On the northern side of the house I beheld nine men. Nine very yellow manes were on them. Nine linen frocks somewhat short were round them: nine purple plaids over them without brooches therein. Nine broad spears, nine red curved shields above them."

"We know them," quoth he. "Oswald and his two foster-brothers, Osbrit Longhand and his two foster-brothers, Lindas and his two foster-brothers. Three crown-princes of England who are with the king. That set will share victorious prowess," etc.

The Room Of The Equerries

"I beheld another trio. Three cropt heads of hair on them, three frocks they wore, and three mantles wrapt around them. A whip in the hand of each."

"I know those," quoth Fer rogain. "Echdruim, Echriud, Echruathar, the three horsemen of the king, that is, his three equerries. Three brothers are they, three sons of Argatron. Woe to him who shall wreak the Destruction, were it only because of that trio."

The Room Of The Judges

"I beheld another trio in the room by them. A handsome man who had got his baldness newly. By him were two young men with manes upon them. Three mixed plaids they wore. A pin of silver in the mantle of each of them. Three suits of armour above them on the wall. Liken thou that, O Fer rogain!"

"I know those," quoth he. "Fergus Ferde, Fergus Fordae and Domaine Mossud, those are the king's three judges. Woe to him who shall wreak the Destruction were it only because of that trio! A man will perish by each of them."

The Room Of The Harpers

"To the east of them I beheld another ennead. Nine branchy, curly manes upon them. Nine grey, floating mantles about them: nine pins of gold in their mantles. Nine rings of crystal round their arms. A thumb-ring of gold round each man's thumb: an ear-tie of gold round each man's ear: a torque of silver round each man's throat. Nine bags with golden faces above them on the wall. Nine rods of white silver in their hands. Liken thou them."

"I know those," quoth Fer rogain. "They are the king's nine harpers, with their nine harps above them: Side and Dide, Dulothe and Deichrinne, Caumul and Cellgen, Ol and Olene and Olchoi. A man will perish by each of them."

The Room Of The Conjurers

"I saw another trio on the dais. Three bedgowns girt around them. Four cornered shields in their hands, with bosses of gold upon them. Apples of silver they had, and small inlaid spears."

"I know them," says Fer rogain. "Cless and Clissine and Clessamun, the king's three conjurers. Three of the same age are they: three brothers, three sons of Naffer Rochless. A man will perish by each of them."

The Room Of The Three Lampooners

"I beheld another trio hard by the room of the King himself. Three blue mantles around them, and three bedgowns with red insertion over them. Their arms had been hung above them on the wall."

"I know those," quoth he. "Dris and Draigen and Aittit ('Thorn and Bramble and Furze'), the king's three lampooners, three sons of Sciath foilt. A man will perish by each of their weapons."

The Room Of The Badbs

"I beheld a trio, naked, on the roof-tree of the house: their jets of blood coming through them, and the ropes of their slaughter on their necks."

"Those I know," saith he, three . . . of awful boding. Those are the three that are slaughtered at every time."

The Room Of The Kitcheners

"I beheld a trio cooking, in short inlaid aprons: a fair grey man, and two youths in his company."

"I know those," quoth Fer rogain: "they are the King's three chief kitcheners, namely, the Dagdae and his two fosterlings, Seig and Segdae, the two sons of Rofer Singlespit. A man will perish by each of them," etc.

"I beheld another trio there. Three plates of gold over their heads. Three speckled mantles about them: three linen shirts with red insertion: three golden brooches in their mantles: three wooden darts above them on the wall."

"Those I know," says Fer rogain: "the three poets of that king: Sui and Rodui and Fordui: three of the same age, three brothers: three sons of Maphar of the Mighty Song. A man will perish for each of them, and every pair will keep between them one man's victory. Woe to him who shall wreak the Destruction! etc.

The Room Of The Servant-Guards

"There I beheld two warriors standing over the king. Two curved shields they had, and two great pointed swords. Red kilts they wore, and in the mantles pins of white silver."

"Bole and Root are those," quoth he, "the king's two guards, two sons of Maffer Toll."

The Room Of The King's Guardsmen

"I beheld nine men in a room there in front of the same room, Fair yellow manes upon them: short aprons they wore and spotted capes: they carried smiting shields. An ivory-hilted sword in the hand of each of them, and whoever enters the house they essay to smite him with the swords. No one dares to go to the room of the King without their consent. Liken thou that, O Fer rogain!"

"Easy for me is that. Three Mochmatnechs of Meath, three Buageltachs of Bregia, three Sostachs of Sliab Fuait, the nine guardsmen of that King. Nine decades will fall by them in their first conflict, etc. Woe to him that shall wreak the Destruction because of them only!"

"Ye cannot," says Ingcel. "Clouds of weakness," etc. "And whom sawest thou then?"

The Room Of Nia And Bruthne, Conaire's Two Waiters

"There I beheld another room, and a pair was in it, and they are 'oxtubs,' stout and thick. Aprons they wore, and the men were dark and brown. They had short back-hair on them, but high upon their foreheads. They are as swift as a waterwheel, each of them past another, one of them to the King's room, the other to the fire. Liken thou those, O Fer rogain!"

"Easy to me. They are Nia and Bruthne, Conaire's two table-servants. They are the pair that is best in Erin for their lord's advantage. What causes brownness to them and height to their hair is their frequent haunting of the fire. In the world is no pair better in their art than they. Thrice nine men will fall by them in their first encounter, and they will share prowess with every one, and they will chance to escape. And after that whom sawest thou?"

The Room Of Sencha, Dubthach And Gobniu Son Of Lurgnech

"I beheld the room that is next to Conaire. Three chief champions, in their first greyness, are therein. As thick as a man's waist is each of their limbs. They have three black swords, each as long as a weaver's beam. These swords would split a hair on water. A great lance in the hand of the midmost man, with fifty rivets through it. The shaft therein is a good load for the yoke of a plough-team. The midmost man brandishes that lance so that its edge-studs hardly stay therein, and he strikes the half thrice against his palm. There is a great boiler in front of them, as big as a calf's caldron, wherein is a black and horrible liquid. Moreover he plunges the lance into that black fluid. If its quenching be delayed it flames on its shaft and then thou wouldst suppose that there is a fiery dragon in the top of the house. Liken thou, that, O Fer rogain!"

"Easy to say. Three heroes who are best at grasping weapons in Erin, namely, Sencha the beautiful son of Ailill, and Dubthach Chafer of Ulaid, and Goibnenn son of Lurgnech. And the Luin of Celtchar son of Uthider which was found in the battle of Mag Tured, this is in the hand of Dubthach Chafer of Ulaid. That feat is usual for it when it is ripe to pour forth of foeman's blood. A caldron full of poison is needed to quench it when a deed of man slaying is expected. Unless this come to the lance, it flames on its haft and will go through its bearer or the master of the palace wherein it is. If it be a blow that is to be given thereby it will kill a man at every blow, when it is at that feat, from one hour to another, though it may not reach him. And if it be a cast, it will kill nine men at every cast, and one of the nine will be a king or crown-prince or chieftain of the reavers.

"I swear what my tribe swears, there will be a multitude unto whom tonight the Luin of Celtchar will deal drinks of death in front of the Hostel. I swear to God what my tribe swears that, in their first encounter, three hundred will fall by that trio, and they will share prowess with every three in the Hostel tonight. And they will boast of victory over a king or chief of the reavers, and the three will chance to escape."

"Woe," says Lomna Druth, "to him who shall wreak the Destruction, were it only because of that trio!"

"Ye cannot," says Ingcel, etc. "And after that, whom sawest thou there?"

The Room Of The Three Manx Giants

"There I beheld a room with a trio in it. Three men mighty, manly, overbearing, which see no one abiding at their three hideous crooked aspects. A fearful view because of the terror of them. A . . . dress of rough hair covers them . . . of cow's hair, without garments enwrapping down to the right heels. With three manes, equine, awful, majestic, down to their sides. Fierce heroes who wield against foeman hard-smiting swords. A blow, they give with three iron flails having seven chains triple-twisted, three-edged, with seven iron knobs at the end of every chain: each of them as heavy as an ingot of ten smeltings. Three big brown men. Dark equine backmanes on them, which reach their two heels. Two good thirds of an oxhide in the girdle round each one's waist, and each quadrangular clasp that closes it as thick as a man's thigh. The raiment that is round them is the dress that grows through them. Tresses of their back-manes were spread, and a long staff of iron, as long and thick as an outer yoke was in each man's hand, and an iron chain out of the end of every club, and at the end of every chain an iron pestle as long and thick as a middle yoke. They stand in their sadness in the house, and enough is the horror of their aspect. There is no one in the house that would not be avoiding them. Liken thou that, O Fer rogain!"

Fer rogain was silent. "Hard for me to liken them. I know none such of the world's men unless they be yon trio of giants to whom Cuchulainn gave quarter at the beleaguerment of the Men of Falga, and when they were getting quarter they killed fifty warriors. But Cuchulainn would not let them be slain, because of their wondrousness. These are the names of the three: Srubdaire son of Dordbruige, and Conchenn of Cenn maige, and Fiad sceme son of Scipe. Conaire bought them from Cuchulainn for . . . so they are along with him. Three hundred will fall by them in their first encounter, and they will surpass in prowess every three in the Hostel; and if they come forth upon you, the fragments of you will be fit to go through the sieve of a corn-kiln, from the way in which they will destroy you with the flails of iron. Woe to him that shall wreak the Destruction, though it were only on account of those three! For to combat against them is not a 'paean round a sluggard.'"

"Ye cannot," says Ingcel. "Clouds of weakness are coming to you," etc. "And after that, whom sawest thou there?"

The Room Of Da Derga

"There I beheld another room, with one man therein and in front of him two servants with two manes upon them, one of the two dark, the other fair. Red hair on the warrior, and red eyebrows. Two ruddy cheeks he had, and an eye very blue and beautiful. He wore a green cloak and a shirt with a white hood and a red insertion. In his hand was a sword with a hilt of ivory, and he supplies attendance of every room in the house with ale and food, and he is quick-footed in serving the whole host. Liken thou that, O Fer rogain!"

"I know those men. That one is Da Derga. 'Tis by him that the Hostel was built, and since it was built its doors have never been shut save on the side to which the wind comes - the valve is closed against it - and since he began housekeeping his caldron was never taken from the fire, but it has been boiling food for the men of Erin. The pair before him, those two youths, are his fosterlings, two sons of the king of Leinster, namely Muredach and Corpre. Three decads will fall by that trio in front of their house and they will boast of victory over a king or a chief of the reavers. After this they will chance to escape from it."

"Long live he who should protect them!" says Lomna. "Better were triumph of saving them than triumph of slaying them! They should be spared were it only on account of that man. 'Twere meet to give that man quarter," says Lomna Druth.

"Ye cannot," says Ingcel. "Clouds," etc. "And after that whom sawest thou there?"

The Room Of The Three Champions From The Elfmounds

"There I beheld a room with a trio in it. Three red mantles they wore, and three red shirts, and three red heads of hair were on them. Red were they all together with their teeth. Three red shields above them. Three red spears in their hands. Three red horses in their bridles in front of the Hostel. Liken thou that, O Fer rogain!"

"Easily done. Three champions who wrought falsehood in the elfmounds. This is the punishment inflicted upon them by the king of the elfmounds, to be destroyed thrice by the King of Tara. Conaire son of Eterscel is the last king by whom they are destroyed. Those men will escape from you. To fulfil their own destruction, they have come. But they will not be slain, nor will they slay anyone. And after that whom sawest thou?"

The Room Of The Doorwards

"There I beheld a trio in the midst of the house at the door. Three holed maces in their hands. Swift as a hare was each of them round the other towards the door. Aprons were on them, and they had gray and speckled mantles. Liken thou that, O Fer rogain!"

"Easily done: Three doorwardens of Tara's King are those, namely Echur ('Key') and Tochur and Tecmang, three sons of Ersa ('Doorpost') and Comla ('Valve'). Thrice their number will fall by them, and they will share a man's triumph among them. They will chance to escape though wounded."

"Woe to him that shall wreak!" etc., says Lomna Druth.

"Ye cannot," says Ingcel, etc. "And after that whom sawest thou?"

The Room Of Fer Caille

"There I beheld at the fire in front a man with black cropt hair, having only one eye and one foot and one hand, having on the fire a pig bald, black singed, squealing continually, and in his company a great big-mouthed woman. Liken thou that, O Fer rogain!"

"Easily done: Fer caille with his pig and his wife Cichuil. They (the wife and the pig) are his proper instruments on the night that ye destroy Conaire King of Erin. Alas for the guest who will run between them! Fer caille with his pig is one of Conaire's tabus."

"Woe to him who shall wreak the Destruction!" says Lomna.

"Ye cannot," quoth Ingcel. "And after that, whom sawest thou there?"

The Room Of The Three Sons Of Baithis Of Britain

"There I beheld a room with three enneads in it. Fair yellow manes upon them, and they are equally beautiful. Each of them wore a black cape, and there was a white hood on each mantle, a red tuft on each hood, and an iron brooch at the opening of every mantle, and under each man's cloak a huge black sword, and the swords would split a hair on water. They bore shields with scalloped edges. Liken thou them, O Fer rogain!"

"Easily done. That is the robber-band of the three sons of Baithis of Britain. Three enneads will fall by them in their first conflict, and among them they will share a man's triumph. And after that whom sawest thou?"

The Room Of The Mimes

"There I beheld a trio of jesters hard by the fire. Three dun mantles they wore. If the men of Erin were in one place, even though the corpse of his mother or his father were in front of each, not one could refrain from laughing at them. Wheresoever the king of a cantred is in the house, not one of them attains his seat on his bed because of that trio of jesters. Whenever the king's eye visits them it smiles at every glance. Liken thou that, O Fer rogain!"

"Easily done. Mael and Mlithe and Admlithe - those are the king of Erin's three jesters. By each of them a man will perish, and among them they will share a man's triumph."

"Woe to him that will wreak the Destruction!" says Lomna, etc. "And after that whom sawest thou there?"

The Room Of The Cupbearers

"There I beheld a room with a trio in it. Three grey-floating mantles they wore. There was a cup of water in front of each man, and on each cup a bunch of watercress. Liken thou that, O Fer rogain!"

"Easily done. Black and Dun and Dark: they are the King of Tara's three cupbearers, to wit, the sons of Day and Night. And after that, whom sawest thou there?"

The Room Of Nar The Squinter-With-The-Left-Eye

"There I beheld a one-eyed man asquint with a ruinous eye. A swine's head he had on the fire, continually squealing. Liken thou that, O Fer rogain!"

"Easy for me to name the like. He is Nar the Squinter with the left eye, the swineherd of Bodb of the Elfmound on Femen, 'tis he that is over the cooking. Blood hath been split at every feast at which he has ever been present."

"Rise up, then ye champions!" says Ingcel," and get you on to the house!"

With that the reavers march to the Hostel, and made a murmur about it.

"Silence a while!" says Conaire, "what is this?"

"Champions at the house," says Conall Cernach.

There are warriors for them here," answers Conaire.

"They will be needed tonight," Conall Cernach rejoins.

Then went Lomna Druth before the host of reavers into the Hostel. The doorkeepers struck off his head. Then the head was thrice flung into the Hostel, and thrice cast out of it, as he himself had foretold.

Then Conaire himself sallies out of the Hostel together with some of his people, and they fight a combat with the host of reavers, and six hundred fell by Conaire before he could get to his arms. Then the Hostel is thrice set on fire, and thrice put out from thence: and it was granted that the Destruction would never have been wrought had not work of weapons been taken from Conaire.

Thereafter Conaire went to seek his arms, and he dons his battledress, and falls to plying his weapons on the reavers, together with the band that he had. Then, after getting his arms, six hundred fell by him in his first encounter.

After this the reavers were routed. "I have told you," says Fer rogain son of Donn Desa, "that if the champions of the men of Erin and Alba attack Conaire at the house, the Destruction will not be wrought unless Conaire's fury and valour be quelled."

"Short will his time be," say the wizards along with the reavers. This was the quelling they brought, a scantness of drink that seized him.

Thereafter Conaire entered the house, and asked for a drink.

"A drink to me, O master Mac cecht!" says Conaire.

Says Mac cecht: "This is not the order that I have hitherto had from thee, to give thee a drink. There are spencers and cupbearers who bring drink to thee. The order I have hitherto had from thee is to protect thee when the champions of the men of Erin and Alba may be attacking thee around the Hostel. Thou wilt go safe from them, and no spear shall enter thy body. Ask a drink of thy spencers and thy cupbearers."

Then Conaire asked a drink of his spencers and his cupbearers who were in the house.

In the first place there is none," they say; "all the liquids that had been in the house have been spilt on the fires."

The cupbears found no drink for him in the Dodder (a river), and the Dodder had flowed through the house.

Then Conaire again asked for a drink. "A drink to me, O fosterer, O Mac cecht! 'Tis equal to me what death I shall go to, for anyhow I shall perish."

Then Mac cecht gave a choice to the champions of valour of the men of Erin who were in the house, whether they cared to protect the King or to seek a drink for him.

Conall Cernach answered this in the house - and cruel he deemed the contention, and afterwards he had always a feud with Mac cecht. - "Leave the defense of the King to us," says Conall, "and go thou to seek the drink, for of thee it is demanded."

So then Mac cecht fared forth to seek the drink, and he took, Conaire's son, Le fri flaith, under his armpit, and Conaire's golden cup, in which an ox with a bacon-pig would be boiled; and he bore his shield and his two spears and his sword, and he carried the caldron-spit, a spit of iron.

He burst forth upon them, and in front of the Hostel he dealt nine blows of the iron spit, and at every blow nine reavers fell. Then he makes a sloping feat of the shield and an edge-feat of the sword about his head, and he delivered a hostile attack upon them. Six hundred fell in his first encounter, and after cutting down hundreds he goes through the band outside.

The doings of the folk of the Hostel, this is what is here examined presently.

Conall Cernach arises, and takes his weapons, and wends over the door of the Hostel, and goes round the house. Three hundred fell by him, and he hurls back the reavers over three ridges out from the Hostel, and boasts of triumph over a king, and returns, wounded, into the Hostel.

Cormac Condlongas sallies out, and his nine comrades with him, and they deliver their onsets on the reavers. Nine enneads fall by Cormac and nine enneads by his people, and a man for each weapon and a man for each man. And Cormac boasts of the death of a chief of the reavers. They succeed in escaping though they be wounded.

The trio of Picts sally forth from the Hostel, and take to plying their weapons on the reavers. And nine enneads fall by them, and they chance to escape though they be wounded.

The nine pipers sally forth and dash their warlike work on the reavers; and then they succeed in escaping.

Howbeit then, but it is long to relate, 'tis weariness of mind, 'tis confusion of the senses, 'tis tediousness to hearers, 'tis superfluity of narration to go over the same things twice. But the folk of the Hostel came forth in order, and fought their combats with the reavers, and fell by them, as Fer rogain and Lomna Druth had said to Ingce'l, to wit, that the folk of every room would sally forth still and deliver their combat, and after that escape. So that none were left in the Hostel in Conaire's company save Conall and Sencha and Dubthach.

Now from the vehement ardour and the greatness of the contest which Conaire had fought, his great drouth of thirst attacked him, and he perished of a consuming fever, for he got not his drink, So when the king died those three sally out of the Hostel, and deliver a wily stroke of reaving on the reavers, and fare forth from the Hostel, wounded, to broken and maimed.

Touching Mac cecht, however, he went his way till he reached the Well of Casair, which was near him in Crich Cualann; but of water he found not therein the full of his cup, that is, Conaire's golden cup which he had brought in his hand. Before morning he had gone round the chief rivers of Erin, to wit Bush, Boyne, Bann, Barrow, Neim, Luae, Laigdae, Shannon, Suir, Sligo, Samair, Find, Ruirthech, Slaney, and in them he found not the full of his cup of water.

Then before morning he had travelled to the chief lakes of Erin, to wit, Lough Derg, Loch Luimnig, Lough Foyle, Lough Mask, Lough Corrib, Loch Laig, Loch Cuan, Lough Neagh, Morloch, and of water he found not therein the full of his cup.

He went his way till he reached Uaran Garad on Magh Ai. It could not hide itself from him: so he brought thereout the full of his cup, and the boy fell under his covering.

After this he went on and reached Da Derga's Hostel before morning.

When Mac cecht went across the third ridge towards the house, 'tis there were twain striking off Conaire's head. The Mac cecht strikes off the head of one of the two men who were beheading Conaire. The other man then was fleeing forth with the king's head. A pillar-stone chanced to be under Mac cecht's feet on the floor of the Hostel. He hurls it at the man who had Conaire's head and drove it through his spine, so that his back broke. After this Mac cecht beheads him. Mac cecht then split the cup of water into Conaire's gullet and neck. Then said Conaire's head, after the water had been put into its neck and gullet:

"A good man Mac cecht! an excellent man Mac cecht! A good warrior without, good within, He gives a drink, he saves a king, he doth a deed. Well he ended the champions I found. He sent a flagstone on the warriors. Well he hewed by the door of the Hostel. . .Fer le, So that a spear is against one hip. Good should I be to far-renowned Mac cecht If I were alive. A good man!"

After this Mac cecht followed the routed foe.

'Tis this that some books relate, that but a very few fell around Conaire, namely, nine only. And hardly a fugitive escaped to tell the tidings to the champions who had been at the house.

Where there had been five thousand - and in every thousand ten hundred only one set of five escaped, namely Ingcel, and his two brothers Echell and Tulchinne, the "Yearling of the Reavers" - three great grandsons of Conmac, and the two Reds of Roiriu who had been the first to wound Conaire.

Thereafter Ingcel went into Alba, and received the kingship after his father, since he had taken home triumph over a king of another country.

This, however, is the recension in other books, and it is more probably truer. Of the folk of the Hostel forty or fifty fell, and of the reavers three fourths and one fourth of them only escaped from the Destruction.

Now when Mac cecht was lying wounded on the battlefield, at the end of the third day, he saw a woman passing by.

"Come hither, O woman!" says Mac cecht.

"I dare not go thus," says the woman, "for horror and fear of thee."

"There was a time when I had this, O woman, even horror and fear of me on some one. But now thou shouldst fear nothing. I accept thee on the truth of my honour and my safeguard."

Then the woman goes to him.

"I know not," says he, "whether it is a fly or a gnat, or an ant that nips me in the wound."

It happened that it was a hairy wolf that was there, as far as its two shoulders in the wound!

The woman seized it by the tail, and dragged it out of the wound, and it takes the full of its jaws out of him.

"Truly," says the woman, "this is 'an ant of ancient land.'"

Says Mac cecht "I swear to God what my people swears, I deemed it no bigger than a fly, or a gnat, or an ant."

And Mac cecht took the wolf by the throat, and struck it a blow on the forehead, and killed it with a single blow.

Then Le' fri flaith, son of Conaire, died under Mac cecht's armpit, for the warrior's heat and sweat had dissolved him.

Thereafter Mac cecht, having cleansed the slaughter, at the end of the third day, set forth, and he dragged Conaire with him on his back, and buried him at Tara, as some say. Then Mac cecht departed into Connaught, to his own country, that he might work his cure in Mag Brengair. Wherefore the name clave to the plain from Mac cecht's misery, that is, Mag Bren-guir.

Now Conall Cernach escaped from the Hostel, and thrice fifty spears had gone through the arm which upheld his shield. He fared forth till he reached his father's house, with half his shield in his hand, and his sword, and the fragments of his two spears. Then he found his father before his garth in Taltiu.

"Swift are the wolves that have hunted thee, my son," saith his father.

"'Tis this that has wounded us, thou old hero, an evil conflict with warriors," Conall Cernach replied.

"Hast thou then news of Da Derga's Hostel?" asked Amorgin. "Is thy lord alive?"

"He is not alive," says Conall.

"I swear to God what the great tribes of Ulaid swear, it is cowardly for the man who went thereout alive, having left his lord with his foes in death."

"My wounds are not white, thou old hero," says Conall.

He shews him his shield-arm, whereon were thrice fifty wounds: this is what was inflicted upon it. The shield that guarded it is what saved it. But the right arm had been played upon, as far as two thirds thereof, since the shield had not been guarding it. That arm was mangled and maimed and wounded and pierced, save that the sinews kept it to the body without separation.

"That arm fought tonight, may son," says Amorgein.

"True is that, thou old hero," says Conall Cernach. "Many there are unto whom it gave drinks of death tonight in front of the Hostel."

Now as to the reavers, every one of them that escaped from the Hostel went to the cairn which they had built on the night before last, and they brought thereout a stone for each man not mortally wounded. So this is what they lost by death at the Hostel, a man for every stone that is (now) in Carn Lecca.

It endeth: Amen: it endeth.[9]

The Destruction of Da Derga's Hostel

footnotes



  1. This text is part of the Internet Medieval Source Book. The Sourcebook is a collection of public domain and copy-permitted texts related to medieval and Byzantine history.

    Unless otherwise indicated the specific electronic form of the document is copyright. Permission is granted for electronic copying, distribution in print form for educational purposes and personal use. If you do reduplicate the document, indicate the source. No permission is granted for commercial use. Paul Halsall

 

The Feast of Bricriu

(Fled Bricrend, translated by George Henderson)

The Feast of Bricriu

Chapter I

Here beginneth the Feast of Bricriu, and the Champion’s Portion of
Emain, and the Ulster Women’s War-of-Words, and the Hosting of the
Men of Ulster to Cruachan, and the Champion’s Wager in Emain.

Chapter I

§ 1. Bricriu of the Evil Tongue held a great feast for Conchobar mac
Nessa and for all the Ultonians. The preparation of the feast took a
whole year. For the entertainment of the guests a spacious house was
built by him. He erected it in Dun Rudraige after the likeness [of the
palace] of the Red Branch in Emain. Yet it surpassed the buildings of that
period entirely for material and for artistic design, for beauty of
architecture—its pillars and frontings splendid and costly, its carving and
lintel-work famed for magnificence.
§ 2. The House was made on this wise: on the plan of Tara’s
Mead-Hall, having nine compartments from fire to wall, each fronting of
bronze thirty feet high, overlaid with gold. In the fore part of the palace
a royal couch was erected for Conchobar high above those of the whole
house. It was set with carbuncles and other precious stones which shone
with a lustre of gold and of silver, radiant with every hue, making night
like unto day. Around it were placed the twelve couches of the twelve
heroes of Ulster. The nature of the workmanship was on a par with the
material of the edifice. It took a waggon team to carry each beam, and
the strength of seven Ulster men to fix each pole, while thirty of the chief
artificers of Erin were employed on its erection and arrangement.
§ 3. Then a balcony[1]was made by Bricriu on a level with the couch of
Conchobar [and as high as those] of the heroes of valour. The
decorations of its fittings were magnificent. Windows of glass were
placed on each side of it, and one of these was above Bricriu’s couch, so
that he could view the hall from his seat, as he knew the Ulster men
would not suffer him within.
§ 4. When Bricriu had finished building the hall and balcony,
supplying it both with quilts and blankets, beds and pillows, providing
meat and drink, so that nothing was lacking, neither furnishings nor
food, he straightway went to Emain to meet Conchobar and the nobles
of Ulster.
§ 5. It fell upon a day there was in Emain a gathering of the Ulster
men. He was anon made welcome, and was seated by the shoulder of
Conchobar. Bricriu addressed himself to him as well as to the body of
the Ulster men. “Come with me,” quoth Bricriu, “to partake of a banquet
with me.” “Gladly,” rejoined Conchobar, “if that please the men of
Ulster.” Fergus mac Rôig and the nobles of Ulster also made answer:
“No; for if we go our dead will outnumber our living, when Bricriu has
incensed us against each other.”
§ 6. “If ye come not, worse shall ye fare,” quoth Bricriu. “What then,”
asked Conchobar, “if the Ulster men go not with thee?” “I will stir up
strife,” quoth Bricriu, “between the kings, the leaders, the heroes of
valour, and the yeomen, till they slay one another, man for man, if they
do not come with me to share my feast.” “That we shall not do to please
thee,” quoth Conchobar. “I will stir up enmity between father and son
so that it will come to mutual slaughter. If I do not succeed in doing so, I
will make a quarrel between mother and daughter. If that does not
succeed, I will set each of the Ulster women at variance, so that they
come to deadly blows till their breasts become loathsome and putrid.”
“Sure ’tis better to come,” quoth Fergus. “Do ye straightway take counsel
with the chief Ultonians,” said Sencha, son of Ailill. “Unless we take
counsel against this Bricriu, mischief will be the consequence,” quoth
Conchobar.
§ 7. Thereupon all the Ulster nobles assembled in council. In
discussing the matter Sencha counselled them thus: “Take hostages from
Bricriu, since ye have to go with him, and set eight swordsmen about
him so as to compel him to retire from the house as soon as he has laid
out the feast.” Furbaide Ferbenn, son of Conchobar, brought Bricriu
reply, and showed him the whole matter. “It is happily arranged,” quoth
Bricriu. The men of Ulster straightway set out from Emain, host,
battalion and company, under king, chieftain and leader. Excellent and
admirable the march of the brave and valiant heroes to the palace.

The Feast of Bricriu

Chapter II


§ 8. The hostages of the braves had gone security on his behalf, and
Bricriu accordingly bethought him how he should manage to set the
Ulster men at variance. His deliberation and self-scrutiny being ended,
he betook himself to the company of Loigaire the Triumphant, son of
Connad mac Ilîach. “Hail now, Loigaire the Triumphant, thou mighty
mallet of Bregia, thou hot hammer of Meath, flame-red thunderbolt, thou
victorious warrior of Ulster, what hinders the championship of Emain
being thine alway?” “If I so choose, it shall be mine,” quoth Loigaire. “Be
thine the sovranty of the braves of Erin,” quoth Bricriu, “if only thou act
as I advise.” I will indeed,” quoth Loigaire.
§ 9. “Sooth, if the champion’s portion of my house be thine, the
championship of Emain is thine for ever. The champion’s portion of my
house is worth contesting, for it is not the portion of a fool’s house,”
quoth Bricriu. “Belonging to it is a caldron full of generous wine, with
room enough for three of the valiant braves of Ulster; furthermore, a
seven-year-old boar; nought has entered its lips since it was little save
fresh milk and fine meal in springtime, curds and sweet milk in summer,
the kernel of nuts and wheat in autumn, beef and broth in winter; a
cow-lord full seven-year-old; since it was a little calf neither heather nor
twig-tops have entered its lips, nought but sweet milk and herbs,
meadow hay and corn. [Add to this] fivescore cakes of wheat, cooked in
honey withal. Five-and-twenty bushels, that is what was supplied for
these fivescore cakes—four cakes from each bushel. Such is the
champion’s portion of my house. And since thou art the best hero among
the men of Ulster, it is but just to give it thee, and I so wish it. By the end
of the day, when the feast is spread out, let thy charioteer get up, and it
is to him the champion’s portion will be given.” “Among them shall be
dead men if it is not done so,” quoth Loigaire. Bricriu laughed at that,
for it liked him well.
§ 10. When he had done inciting Loigaire the Triumphant to enmity,
Bricriu betook himself into the company of Conall the Victorious. “Hail
to thee, Conall the Victorious, thou art the hero of victories and of
combats; great are the victories thou hast already scored over the heroes
of Ulster. By the time the Ulster men go into foreign bounds thou art a
distance of three days and three nights in advance over many a ford;
thou protectest their rear when returning, so that [an assailant] may not
spring past thee, nor through thee nor over thee; what then should
hinder the champion’s portion of Emain being thine alway?” Though
great his treachery with regard to Loigaire, he showed twice as much in
the case of Conall the Victorious.
§ 11. When he had satisfied himself with inciting Conall the Victorious
to quarrel, he hied to the presence of Cuchulainn. “Hail to thee,
Cuchulainn, thou victor of Bregia (ie. Bray), thou bright banner of the
Liffey, darling of Emain, belov’d of wives and of maidens, for thee
to-day Cuchulainn is no nickname, for thou art the champion of the
Ulster men, thou wardest off their great feuds and frays, thou seekest
justice for each man of them; thou attainest alone to what all the Ulster
men fail in; all the men of Ulster acknowledge thy bravery, thy valour
and thine achievements surpassing theirs. What meaneth therefore thy
leaving of the champion’s portion for some one else of the men of Ulster,
since no one of the men of Erin is capable of contesting it against thee?”
“By the god of my tribe,” quoth Cuchulainn, “his head shall he lose
whoso comes to contest it with me.” Thereafter Bricriu severed himself
from them and followed the host as if no contention had been made
among the heroes.
§ 12. Whereupon they entered the palace, and each one occupied his
couch therein, king, prince, noble, yeoman, and young brave. The half of
the palace was set apart for Conchobar and his retinue of valiant Ulster
heroes; the other half [was reserved] for the ladies of Ulster attending on
Mugan, daughter of Eochaid Fedlech, wife of King Conchobar. The
following were those who attended upon Conchobar in the fore-part of
the palace, namely, Fergus mac Rôig, Celtchar son of Uthechar, Eogan
son of Durthact, and the two sons of the king, namely, Fiacha and
Fîachaig, Fergna son of Findchôim, Fergus son of Leti, Cûscraid
the-stuttering-of-Macha, son of Conchobar, Sencha son of Ailill, the three
sons of Fiachach, namely, Rus and Dâre and Imchad, Muinremur son of
Geirrgind, Errge Echbêl, Amorgene son of Ecit, Mend son of Salchad,
Dubtach Dôel Ulad, Feradach Find Fectnach, Fedelmid mac Ilair Chêtaig,
Furbaide Ferbend, Rochad son of Fathemon, Loigaire (Leary) the
Triumphant, Conall the Victorious, Cuchulainn, Connad son of Mornai,
Erc son of Fedelmid, Illand son of Fergus, Fintan son of Nial, Ceternd
son of Fintan, Factna son of Sencad, Conla the False, Ailill the
Honey-tongued, Bricriu himself, the chief Ultonian warriors, with the
body of youths and artistes.
§ 13. While the feast was being spread for them, the musicians and
players performed. The moment Bricriu spread the feast with its
savouries, he was ordered by the hostages to leave the hall. They
straightway got up with drawn swords in their hands to expel him.
Whereupon Bricriu and his followers went out to the balcony. Arrived at
the threshold of the palace, he called out, “That Champion’s Portion, such
as it is, is not the portion of a fool’s house; do ye give it to the Ulster
hero ye prefer for valour.” He thereupon left them.
§ 14. Anon the spencers rose up to serve the food. The charioteer of
Loigaire the Triumphant, to wit, Sedlang mac Riangabra, then rose up
and said to the distributors: “Do ye assign to Loigaire the Triumphant
the Champion’s Portion which is by you, for he alone is entitled to it
before the other young braves of Ulster.” Then Id mac Riangabra,
charioteer to Conall the Victorious, got up and spake to the like effect.
And Loig mac Riangabra spake thus: “Do ye bring that to Cuchulainn; it
is no disgrace for all the Ulster men to give it to him; it is he who is most
valiant among you.” “That’s not true,” quoth Conall the Victorious and
Loigaire the Triumphant.
§ 15. They then got up upon the floor and donned their shields and
seized their swords. At one another they hewed till the half of the palace
was an atmosphere of fire with the [clash of] sword- and spear-edge, the
other half one white sheet from the enamel of the shields. Great alarm
gat hold upon the palace; the valiant heroes shook; Conchobar himself
and Fergus mac Rôig got furious on seeing the injury and the injustice of
two men surrounding one, namely, Conall the Victorious and Loigaire
the Triumphant attacking Cuchulainn. There was no one among the
Ultonians who dared separate them till Sencha spake to Conchobar: “Part
the men,” quoth he. [For at that period, among the Ultonians, Conchobar
was a god upon earth.][2]
§ 16. Thereupon Conchobar and Fergus intervened, [the combatants]
immediately let drop their hands to their sides. “Execute my wish,”
quoth Sencha. “Your will shall be obeyed,” they responded. “My wish,
then,” quoth Sencha, “is to-night to divide the Champion’s Portion there
among all the host, and after that to decide with reference to it according
to the will of Ailill mac Mâgach, for it is accounted unlucky among the
men of Ulster to close this assembly unless the matter be adjudged in
Cruachan.” The feasting was then resumed; they made a circle round the
fire and got ‘jovial’ and made merry.

The Feast of Bricriu

Chapter III

§ 17. Bricriu, however, and his queen were in their soller. From his
couch the condition of the palace was observable to him, and how things
were going on withal. He exercised his mind as to how he should
contrive to get the women to quarrel as he had likewise incited the men.
When Bricriu had done examining his mind, it just chanced as he could
have wished that Fedelm-of-the-fresh-heart came from the palace with
fifty women in her train, in mood hilarious. Bricriu observed her coming
past him. “Hail to thee to-night, wife of Loigaire the Triumphant!
Fedelm-of-the-fresh-heart is no nickname for thee with respect to thine
excellency of form and of wisdom and of lineage. Conchobar, king of a
province of Erin, is thy father, Loigaire the Triumphant thy husband; I
should deem it but small honour to thee that any of the Ulster women
should take precedence of thee in entering the banqueting hall; only at
thy heel should all Ultonian women tread. If thou comest first into the
hall to-night, the sovranty of queenship shalt thou enjoy for ever over all
the ladies of Ulster.” Fedelm anon takes a leap over three ridges from
the hall.
§ 18. Thereafter came Lendabair, daughter of Eogan mac Derthacht,
wife of Conall the Victorious. Bricriu addressed her and spake: “Hail to
thee, Lendabair; for thee that is no nickname; thou art the darling and
pet of all mankind on account of thy splendour and of thy lustre. As far
as thy spouse hath surpassed all the heroes of mankind in valour and in
comeliness, so far hast thou distinguished thyself above the women of
Ulster.” Though great the deceit he applied in the case of Fedelm, he
applied twice as much in the case of Lendabair.
§ 19. Emer came out anon with half-a-hundred women [in her train].
“Greeting and hail to thee, Emer, daughter of Forgall Manach (F. the
tricky or shifty), wife of the best wight in Erin! Emer of the Fair Hair is
for thee no nickname; Erin’s kings and princes contend for thee in jealous
rivalry. As the sun surpasseth the stars of heaven, so far dost thou
outshine the women of the whole world in form and shape and lineage,
in youth and beauty and elegance, in good name and wisdom and
address.” Though great his deceit in the case of the other ladies, in that
of Emer he applied thrice as much.
§ 20. The three companies thereupon went out till they met at one
spot, to wit, three ridges from the hall. None of them wot that Bricriu
had incited them one against another. To the hall they straightway
return. Even and graceful and easy their carriage on the first ridge;
scarcely did one of them raise a foot before the other. But on the ridge
following, their steps were shorter and quicker. Moreover, on the ridge
next the house it was with difficulty each kept up with the other; so they
raised their robes to the rounds of their limbs to compete in the attempt
to go first into the hall. For what Bricriu said to each of them regarding
the other was, that whosoever should first enter should be queen of the
whole province. The amount of confusion then occasioned by the
competition to enter the hall first was as it were the noise of fifty chariots
approaching. The whole palace shook and the warriors sprang to their
arms and made essay to kill one another within.
§ 21. “Stay,” quoth Sencha, “they are not enemies who have come; it
is Bricriu who has set a-quarrelling the women who have gone out. By
the god of my tribe, unless the hall be closed against them our dead will
outnumber our living.” Thereupon the doorkeepers close the doors.
Emer, daughter of Forgall the Wily, wife of Cuchulainn, by reason of her
speed, outran the others and put her back against the door, and
straightway called upon the doorkeepers ere the other ladies [came], so
that the men within got up, each of them to open for his own wife that
she might be the first to come within. “Bad [look-out] to-night,” quoth
Conchobar. He struck the silver sceptre that was in his hand against the
bronze pillar of the couch and the folks gat seated. “Stay,” quoth Sencha,
“’tis not a warfare of arms that shall be held here; it will be a warfare of
words.” Each woman went out under the protection of her spouse, and
then followed the Ulster women’s war-of-words.
The Women’s War of Words.
§ 22. Fedelm of the fresh heart, wife of Loigaire the Triumphant,
made speech:—
“Born of a mother in freedom, one in rank and in race mine elders;
Sprung from loins that are royal, in the beauty of peerless breeding;
Lovely in form I am reckoned, and noted for figure and comely,
Fostered in warrior virtues, in the sphere of goodly demeanour:
Loigaire’s hand, all-noble, what triumphs it scoreth for Ulster!
Ulster’s marches from foemen, ever equal in strength, ever hostile—
All by himself were they holden: from wounds a defence and
protection,
Loigair(e), more famous than heroes, in number of victories greater,
Why should not Fedelm the lovely step first in the mead-hall so
festive,
Shapelier than all other women, triumphant and jealous of conquest?”
§ 23. Thereupon spake Lendabair, daughter of Eogan mac Derthacht,
wife of Conall Cernach, son of Amorgen:—
“Mine is a mien too of beauty, of reason, with grace of deportment,
Finely and fairly stepping in front of the women of Ulster,
See me step to the mead-hall, my spouse and my darling the Conall.
Big is his shield and triumphant, majestic his gait and commanding,
Up to the spears of the conflict, in front of them all as he strideth:
Back to me comes he proudly, with heads in his hands as his trophies;
Swords he getteth together for the clashing in conflict of Ulster;
Guardian of every ford-way, he destroyeth them too at his pleasure;
Fords he defendeth from foemen, the wrongful attack he avengeth,
Holdeth himself as a hero upon whom shall be raisèd a tombstone:
Son of Amorgen noble, his is the courage that speaketh;
Many the arts of the Conall and therefore he leadeth the heroes.
Lendabair, great is her glory, in every one’s eye is her splendour;
Why not the first when she enters the hall of a king so queenly?”
§ 24. Emer, daughter of Forgall the tricky, wife of Cuchulainn, made
speech:—
I am the standard of women, in figure, in grace and in wisdom;
None mine equal in beauty, for I am a picture of graces.
Mien full noble and goodly, mine eye like a jewel that flasheth;
Figure, or grace, or beauty, or wisdom, or bounty, or chasteness,
Joy of sense, or of loving, unto mine has never been likened.
Sighing for me is Ultonia,—a nut of the heart I am clearly—
(Now were I welcoming wanton, no husband were yours
to-morrow.) My spouse is the hound of Culann, and not a hound that is feeble;
Blood from his spear is spurting, with life-blood his sword is
dripping;
Finely his body is fashioned, but his skin is gaping with gashes,
Wounds on his thigh there are many, but nobly his eye looks
westward; [3]
Bright is the dome he supporteth and ever red are his eyen,
Red are the frames of his chariot, and red are also the cushions;
Fighting from ears of horses and over the breaths of men-folk,
Springing in air like a salmon when he springeth the spring of the
heroes, Rarest of feats he performeth, the leap that is birdlike he leapeth,
Bounding o’er pools of water, he performeth the feat cless nonbair; [4]
Battles of bloody battalions, the world’s proud armies he heweth,
Beating down kings in their fury, mowing the hosts of the foemen.
Others to crôn [5] I liken, shamming[6] the travail of women,
Ulster’s precious heroes compared with my spouse Cuchulainn.
He unto blood may be likened, to blood that is clear and noble,
They to the scum and the garbage, as crôn their value I reckon;
Shackled and shaped like cattle, [7]
as kine and oxen and horses,
§ 25. Thus did the men in the hall behave on having heard the
laudatory addresses of the women—to wit, Loigaire and Conall; each
sprang into his hero’s light, and broke a stave of the palace at a like level
with themselves, so that in this way their wives came in. Moreover,
Cuchulainn upheaved the palace just over against his bed, till the stars of
heaven were to be seen from underneath the wattle. By that opening
came his own wife with half a hundred women attendants in her train, as
also half a hundred in waiting upon the other twain. Other ladies could
not be compared with Emer, while no one at all was to be likened unto
her spouse. Thereupon Cuchulainn let the palace down till seven feet of
the wattle entered the ground; the whole dún shook, and Bricriu’s
balcony was laid flat to the earth, in such wise that Bricriu and his queen
toppled down till they fell into the fosse in the middle of the courtyard
among the dogs. “Woe is me,” cried Bricriu, as he hastily got up,
“enemies have come into the palace.” He took a turn round and
perceived how it was lop-sided and inclined entirely to one side. He
wrung his hands, then betook himself within, so bespattered that none of
the Ulster folk could recognise him. From his manner of speech only did
they do so.
§ 26. Then from off the floor of the house Bricriu made speech: “Alas!
that I have prepared you a feast, O Ultonians. My house is more to me
than all my other possessions. Upon you, therefore, it is geis to drink, or
to eat, or to sleep till ye leave my house as ye found it on your arrival.”
Thereupon all the valiant Ulstermen went out of the house and tried to
tug it, but they did not raise it so much as that even the wind could pass
between it and the earth. That matter was a difficulty for the Ulstermen.
“I have no suggestion for you,” quoth Sencha, “save that ye entreat of
him who has left it lop-sided to set it upright.”
§ 27. Whereupon the men of Ulster told Cuchulainn to restore the
house to its upright position, and Bricriu made speech withal: “Oh king
of the heroes of Erin, if thou set it not straight and erect, none in the
world can do so.” All the Ulstermen then entreated of Cuchulainn to
solve the matter. That the banqueters might not be lacking for food or
for ale, Cuchulainn got up and anon tried to lift the house at a tug and
failed. A distortion thereupon gat hold of him, whilst a drop of blood
was at the root of each single hair, and he absorbed his hair into his
head, so that, looked on from above, his dark-yellow curls seemed as if
they had been shorn by scissors, and taking upon him the motion of a
millstone he strained himself till a warrior’s foot could find room
between each pair of ribs.
§ 28. His natural resources and fiery vigour returned to him, and he
then heaved the house aloft and set it so that it reached its former level.
Thereafter the consumption of the feast was pleasant to them, with the
kings and the chieftains on the one side round about Conchobar the
illustrious, the noble, high-king of Ulster. Moreover, the queens were on
the other side: Mugain Aitencaetrech, daughter of Eochaid Fedlech, wife
of Conchobar mac Nessa, Fedelm of the nine-shapes, daughter of
Conchobar,—nine “shapes” she could assume, and each shape more
lovely than the other; also Fedelm of the Fair Hair, another daughter of
Conchobar, wife of Loigaire the Triumphant; Findbec, daughter of
Eochaid, wife of Cethirnd, son of Fintan; Brîg Brethach, wife of Celtchar,
son of Uthichar; Findige, daughter of Eochaid, wife of Eogan mac
Durthacht; Findchaem, daughter of Cathbad, wife of Amargin of the Iron
Jaw, and Derborcall (Devorgilla), wife of Lugad of the Red Stripes, son
of Tri Find Emna; Emer of the Fair Hair, daughter of Forcall Manach,
wife of Cuchulainn, son of Sualdam; Lendabair, daughter of Eogan mac
Durthacht, wife of Conall the Victorious; Niab, daughter of Celtchar mac
Uthechar, wife of Cormac Condlongus, son of Conchobar. It would be
overmuch to recount and to declare who of noble dames besides

The Feast of Bricriu

Chapter V


§ 29. Once more the hall became a babel of words, the women lauding
their men. Then essayed Conall and Loigaire and Cuchulainn to stir up
dissension. Sencha, son of Ailill, got up and shook his sceptre. To him the
Ultonians gave ear, and then to restrain the ladies he made speech:—
“I restrain ye, ladies of Ulster, noble in name and in glory;
Cease ye your words of contention, lest the mien of men folk be paler,
In keenness of conflict striving, amid vainglorious combat;
Through guile of women, meseemeth, men’s shields are wont to be
splintered,
In frays the hosts of the heroes are oft contending in anger;
To woman’s whims it is owing this use and wont among men folk—
They bruise what there’s no upbinding, and attack what they have
not attained to:
Heroines gallant and glorious, and noble ones, I restrain ye.”
§ 30. Then Emer spake and made answer:—
“Fitting for me, meseemeth, to speak as the wife of a hero
Who combineth in natural union graces of mind and of body,
Since ever his teaching was finished and learning to him came easy. [8]
.................
None will be found who will equal his age, his growth, and his splendour:
Of a line that is long descended, he speaketh with grace and with order;
A brave and a valiant hero, like a fury he fights in the tumult,
Dexterous of aim and so agile, and quick and sure at the hunting;
And find ye a man among men folk, a mould that may match with
Cuchulainn!”
§ 31. “Sooth, lady,” quoth Conall the Victorious, “let that famous
fellow (lit. gillie of feats) come here that we may inquire of him.” “No,”
quoth Cuchulainn. “I am to-day weary and done up. I will not hold a
duel till after I have had food and sleep.” In sooth that was really so,
inasmuch as it was the day on which he had fallen in with [his steed] the
Grey of Macha by the side of the Grey Linn at Sliav Fuait. On its having
come out of the loch, Cuchulainn crept up to it and put his two hands
around the steed’s neck till they twain got a-wrestling, and on that wise
they made a circuit of Erin, until on that night Cuchulainn came chasing
with his steed (lit. driving horse) to Emain. He got the Black Sainglenn in
like wise from Lough Dubh Sainglenn.
§ 32. It was then Cuchulainn spake thus: “To-day have the Grey and I
visited the great plains of Erin, namely, Bregia of Meath, the seashore
marsh of Muirthemne Macha, Moy Medba, Currech Cleitech Cerna, Lia
of Linn Locharn, Fea Femen Fergna, Urros Domnand, Ros Roigne (? ...)
Eô. And to sleep and to eat it liketh me better than everything. By the
god of my folk I swear ’twould be but fun and frolic for me to fight a
duel had I my fill of food and of sleep.” [“Well,” quoth Bricriu, “this has
lasted long enough. The Feast of Bricriu has to be celebrated; let meat
and drink (lit. food and ale) be got at once, and let the women’s warfare
be put a stop to till the feast be over.” This was done, and it was a
pleasant (time) for them till the end of three days and three nights.][9]

The Feast of Bricriu

Chapter VI

§ 33. Again it was their hap to quarrel about the Champion’s Portion.
Conchobar with the nobles of Ulster interposed with the view of settling
upon the adjudication of the heroes. “Go to Curoi mac Dairi, the man
who will undertake to intervene,” quoth Conchobar. It was then he
spake:
“Entreat ye of him the hardy; in the rede which he dealeth for all men
Curoí mac Dairi surpasseth; and true the judgment he giveth.
He is fair, not given to falsehood, but good and a lover of justice,
Noble in mind and a guest-friend, skilful of hand like a hero,
And like to a high king in leading; he will adjudge ye truly.
To ask him demandeth courage.”

The Feast of Bricriu

Chapter VII

§ 34. “I accept that then,” quoth Cuchulainn. “I agree (lit. I allow it)
then,” quoth Loigaire. “Let us go then,” quoth Conall the Victorious.
“Let horses be brought us and thy chariot yoked, O Conall,” quoth
Cuchulainn. “Woe is me!” cried Conall. “Every one,” quoth Cuchulainn,
“knows well the clumsiness of thy horses and the unsteadiness of thy
going and of thy turnout; thy chariot’s movement is most heavy; each of
the two wheels raiseth turf every way thy big chariot careers, so that for
the space of a year there is a well-marked track easily recognised by the
warriors of Ulster.”
§ 35. “Dost thou hear that, Loigaire?” said Conall. “Woe is me,” quoth
Loigaire. “But I am not to blame or to reproach. I am nimble at crossing
fords, and more, to breast the storm of spears, outstripping the warriors
of Ulster. Put not on me the precedence of kings till I practise faring
before kings and champions against single chariots in strait and difficult
places, in woods and on confines, till the champion of a single chariot
essay not to career before me.”
§ 36. Thereupon Loigaire had his chariot yoked and he leapt therein.
He drove over the Plain-of-the-Two-Forks, over the Gap-of-the-Watch,
over the Ford of Carpat Fergus, over the Ford-of-the-Môrrigan to the
Rowan Meadow of the Two Oxen in the Fews of Armagh (Clithar
Fidbaidi), by the Meeting of the Four Ways past Dundalk, across Mag
Slicech, westwards to the slope of Bregia. A dim, dark, heavy mist
overtook him, confusing him in such wise that it was impossible for him
to fare farther on the way. “Let us stay here,” quoth Loigaire to his
charioteer, until the mist clear up.” Loigaire alighted from his chariot,
and his gillie put the horses into the meadow that was near at hand.
§ 37. While there, the gillie saw a huge giant approaching him. Not
beautiful his appearance: broad (of shoulder) and fat of mouth, with sack
eyes and a bristly face; ugly, wrinkled, with bushy eyebrows; hideous
and horrible and strong; stubborn, violent and haughty; fat and puffing;
with big sinews and strong forearm, bold and audacious and uncouth. A
shorn black patch of hair on him, a dun covering about him, a tunic over
it to the ball of his rump; on his feet old tattered brogues, on his back a
ponderous club like unto the wheel-shaft of a mill.
§ 38. “Whose horses are these, gillie?” he asked, as he gazed furiously
at him. “The horses of Loigaire the Triumphant.” “Yes! a fine fellow he!”
And as he thus spake he brought down his club on the gillie and gave
him a blow from top to toe. The gillie gave a cry, whereupon Loigaire
came up. “What is this you are doing to the lad?” asked Loigaire. “’Tis
by way of penalty for damage to the meadow,” quoth the giant. “I will
come myself then,” quoth Logaire. They struggle together ... Loigaire
anon fled till he reached Emain, after having left his horses and gillie and
arms.
§ 39. Not long thereafter Conall the Victorious took the same way
and arrived at the plain where the druidical[10] mist overtook Loigaire.
The like hideous black, dark cloud overtook Conall the Victorious, so
that he was unable to see either heaven or earth. Conall thereon leapt out
and the gillie unharnessed the horses in the same meadow. Not long
thereafter he saw the same giant [coming] towards him. He asked him
whose servant he was. “I am servant to Conall the Victorious,” he quoth.
“A good man he,” quoth the giant, as he raised his hands till they gave a
blow to the gillie from top to toe. The fellow yelled. Anon came Conall.
He and the giant got to close quarters. Stronger were the wrestling turns
of the giant. Conall fled, as Loigaire had done, having left behind his
charioteer and his horses and came to Emain.
§ 40. Cuchulainn then went by the same way till he came to the same
stead. The like dark mist overtook him as fell upon the twain preceding.
Cuchulainn sprang down, and Laig brought the horses into the meadow.
He had not long to wait till he saw the same man coming towards him.
The giant asked him whose servant he was. “Servant (companion) to
Cuchulainn.” “A good man he,” quoth the giant, plying him with the
club. Laig yelled. Anon Cuchulainn arrived. He and the giant came to
close quarters and either pounded the other. The giant got worsted. He
forfeited horses and charioteer, and Cuchulainn brought along with him his
fellows’ horses, charioteers and accoutrements, till he reached Emain
in triumph. He gave them to their rightful owners.
§ 41. “Thine is the Champion’s Portion,” quoth Bricriu to Cuchulainn.
“Well I wot from your deeds ye are not a whit on a par with
Cuchulainn.” “Not true, Bricriu,” quoth they, “for we know it is one of
his friends from Faëry that came to him to play us mischief and deal with
us perforce as to the championship. We shall not forego our claim on that
account.” The men of Ulster, with Conchobar and Fergus, failed to effect
a settlement. They sent them either to go to Curoi mac Dairi, or else to
go to Cruachan, to Ailill and to Mève.[11]

The Feast of Bricriu

Chapter VIII

§ 42. [Thus to the one stead the men of Ulster assembled in council
concerning the heroes. The three alike haughty and overweening. The
conclusion the Ulster nobles in Conchobar’s following arrived at was, to
accompany the heroes and have the difficulty adjudged at the abode of
Ailill mac Magach and of Mève of Cruachan Ai] [12] with reference to the
Champion’s Portion and the mutual rivalry of the women. Fine and
lovely and majestic the march of the Ultonians to Cruachan. Cuchulainn,
however, remained behind the host entertaining the Ulster ladies,
[performing] nine feats with apples, nine with javelins and nine with
knives, in such wise that one did not interfere with the other.
§ 43. Loig mac Riangabra then went to speak with him to the
feat-stead and said: “You sorry simpleton (squinter?), your valour and
bravery have passed away, the Champion’s Portion has gone from ye;
the Ultonians have reached Cruachan long since.” “Forsooth we have not
at all perceived it, my Loig. Yoke us the chariot then,” quoth Cuchulainn.
Loig accordingly yoked it and off they started on their march. By that time
the Ulstermen had reached Magh Breg. Cuchulainn having been
incited by his charioteer, marched with such speed from Dun Rudraige,
the Grey of Macha and the Black Sainglenn racing in such wise with his
chariot across the whole province of Conchobar, across Sliav Fuait (the
country around the Fews) and across the Plain of Bregia, that the third
chariot arrived first in Cruachan.
§ 44. In virtue then of the swiftness and the impetuous speed with
which all the valiant Ultonians reached Cruachan under [the lead of]
Conchobar and the body of princes, a great shaking seized Cruachan, till
the war-arms fell from the partitions to the ground, seizing likewise the
entire host of the hold, till the men in the royal keep were like unto
rushes in a stream. Mève thereupon spake: “Since the day I took up home
in Cruachan I have not until now heard thunder, there being no clouds.”
Thereupon Findabair, daughter of Ailill and of Mève, went to the soller
over the high porch of the hold. “Mother dear,” she said, “I see a chariot
coming along the plain.” “Describe it,” quoth Mève, “its form,
appearance and style; the colour of the horses; how the hero looks and
how the chariot courses.”
§ 45. “Truly, I see,” quoth Findabair, “the two horses that are in the
chariot. Two fiery dappled greys, alike in colour, shape and excellence,
alike in speed and swiftness, prancing side by side. Ears pricked, head
erect, of high mettle and strangely bounding pace. Nostril fine, mane
flowing, forehead broad, full dappled; full slim of girth and broad of
chest, manes and tails curled, they career along. A chariot of fine wood
with wicker-work, having two black revolving wheels [and two beautiful
pliant reins.[13]] Its
fertsi hard and straight as a sword. Its body of
wicker-work new and freshly polished, its curved yoke silver-mounted.
Two rich yellow looped reins. In the chariot a fair man with long curling
hair; his tresses tri-coloured: brown at the skin, blood-red at the middle,
as a diadem of yellow gold the hair at the tips. Three halos encircle his
upturned head, each merging into the other. About him a soft crimson
tunic, having five stripes of glittering gold. A shield spotted and indented,
with a bright edge of bronze. A barbed five-pronged javelin
flames at his wrist. An awning of the rare plumage of birds over his
chariot’s frame.”
§ 46. “We recognise that man,” quoth Mève, “from his description.”
“Compeer of kings, an old disposer of conquest,
A fury of war, a fire of judgment,
A flame of vengeance; in mien a hero,
In face a champion, in heart a dragon;
The long knife of proud victories which will hew us to pieces;
The all-noble, red-handed Loigaire;
His the vigour that cuts the leek with the sword-edge—
The back-stroke of the wave to the land.”
“By the god of my people,” quoth Mève, “I swear if it be with fury of
hostile feeling Loigaire the Triumphant comes to us, that like as leeks are
cut to the ground by a sharp knife, such will be the nicety of the
slaughter he will inflict on us, whatever our number at Cruachan Ai,
unless his glowing fury, wrath and high-dudgeon are guarded against
and assuaged in accordance with his very wish.”
§ 47. “Mother dear,” quoth the daughter, “I see anon another chariot
coming along the plain, not a whit inferior to the first.” “Describe it,”
said Mève. “Sooth I see,” she quoth, “in the chariot, on the one hand, a
roan spirited steed, swift, fiery and bounding, with broad hoof and
expanded chest, taking strong vigorous strides across fords and
estuaries, over obstacles and winding roads, scouring plains and vales,
raging with triumph. Judge it from the likenesses of soaring birds,
among which my very quick eye gets lost from their most smooth
careering in emulous course. On the other a bay horse, with broad
forehead, heavy locks and wavy tresses; of light and long dashing pace;
of great strength; full swiftly he courses the bounds of the plain, between
stone enclosures and fastnesses. He finds no obstacle in the land of oaks,
careering on the way. A chariot of fine wood with wicker-work, on two
bright wheels of bronze; its pole bright with silver mounting; its frame
stripes of bronze in the arching of the house, which was of oak, with a
covering of shingles. It had twelve windows with glass in the openings.
The dais of Ailill and of Mève in the centre of the house, with silver
frontings and stripes of bronze round it, with a silver wand by the
fronting facing Ailill, that would reach the mid “hips” of the house so as
to check the inmates unceasingly. The Ulster heroes went round from
one door of the palace to the other, and the musicians played while the
guests were being prepared for. Such was the spaciousness of the house
that it had room for the hosts of valiant heroes of the whole province in
the suite of Conchobar. Moreover, Conchobar and Fergus mac Rôich
were in Ailill’s compartment with nine valiant Ulster heroes besides.
Great feasts were then prepared for them and they were there until the
end of three days and of three nights.
§ 56. Thereafter Ailill inquired of Conchobar with his Ultonian
following what was the purport of his march. Sencha narrated the matter
on account of which they had come, viz., the three heroes’ rivalry as to
the Champion’s Portion, and the ladies’ rivalry as to precedence at feasts
“They could not stand being judged anywhere else than here by thee.”
At that Ailill was silent and was not in a happy mood. “Indeed,” quoth
he, “it is not to me this decision should be given as to the Champion’s
Portion, unless it be done from hatred.” “There is really no better judge.”
“Well,” said Ailill, “I require time to consider.” “We really require our
heroes,” quoth Sencha, “for great to timid folks is their value.” “For that
then three days and three nights suffice for me,” quoth Ailill. “That
would not forfeit friendship,” answered Sencha. The Ultonians
straightway bade farewell; being satisfied, they left their blessing with
Ailill and Mève and their curse with Bricriu, for it was he who had
incited them to strife. They then departed from the territory of Mève,
having left Loigaire and Conall and Cuchulainn to be judged by Ailill.
The like supper as before was given to each of these heroes every night

The Feast of Bricriu

Chapter IX

§ 57. One night as their portion was assigned them, three cats from
the Cave of Cruachan were let loose to attack them, i.e. three beasts of
magic. Conall and Loigaire made for the rafters, having left their food
with the beasts. In that wise they slept till the morrow. Cuchulainn fled
not from his place from the beast which attacked him. But when it
stretched its neck out for eating, Cuchulainn gave a blow with his sword
on the beast’s head, but [the blade] glided off as ’twere from stone. Then
the cat set itself down. In the circumstances Cuchulainn neither ate nor
slept. As soon as it was early morning the cats were gone. In such
condition were the three heroes found (lit. seen) on the morrow. “Does
not that trial suffice for adjudging ye?” asked Ailill. “By no means,”
quoth Conall and Loigaire, “it is not against beasts we are striving, but
against men.”

The Feast of Bricriu

Chapter X

§ 58. Ailill having gone to his chamber, set his back against the wall.
He was disquieted in mind, for he took the difficulty that faced him to be
fraught with danger. He neither ate nor slept till the end of three days
and three nights. “Coward!” Mève then called him, “if you don’t decide,
I will.” “Difficult for me to adjudge them,” Ailill said; “it is a misfortune
for one to have to do it.” “There is no difficulty,” quoth Mève, “for
Loigaire and Conall Cernach are as different as bronze and
findruini;[14] Conall Cernach and Cuchulainn as different as findruini and red gold.”
§ 59. It was then, after she had pondered her advice, that Loigaire the
Triumphant was summoned to Mève. “Welcome, O Loigaire the
Triumphant,” she quoth; “it is meet to give thee a Champion’s Portion.
We assign to thee the sovranty of the heroes of Erin from this time forth,
and the Champion’s Portion, and a cup of bronze with a bird chased in
white metal on its bottom. In preference to every one else, take it with
thee as a token of award. No one else is to see it till, at the day’s end,
thou hast come to the Red Branch of Conchobar. On the Champion’s
Portion being exhibited among you, then shalt thou bring forth thy cup in
the presence of all the Ultonian nobles. Moreover, the Champion’s
Portion is therein. None of the valiant Ultonian heroes will dispute it
further with thee. For the thing thou art to take away with thee shall be a
token of genuineness in the estimation of all the Ultonians.” Thereupon
the cup with its full of luscious wine was given to Loigaire the
Triumphant. There and then[15]
he quaffs the contents at a draught. “Now
you have the feast of a champion,” quoth Mève. “I wish you may enjoy it
a hundred hundred years at the head of all Ulster.”
§ 60. Loigaire thereupon bade farewell. Then Conall Cernach in like
wise was summoned into the royal presence. “Welcome,” quoth Mève,
“O Conall Cernach; meet it is to give thee a Champion’s Portion, with a
cup of white-metal besides, having a bird on the bottom of it chased in
gold.” Thereafter the cup was given to Conall with its full of luscious
wine.
§ 61. Conall bade farewell. A herald was then sent to fetch
Cuchulainn. “Come to speak with the king and queen,” quoth the
messenger. Cuchulainn at the time was busy playing chess with Loig, son
of Riangabair, his own charioteer. “No mocking,” he quoth; “you might
try your lies on some other fool.” Having hurled one of the chessmen, it
pierced the centre of the herald’s brain. He got his death-blow
therefrom, and fell between Ailill and Mève. “Woe is me,” quoth Mève;
“sorely doth Cuchulainn work on us his fury when his fit of rage is upon
him.” Thereupon Mève got up and came to Cuchulainn, and put her two
arms round his neck. “Try a lie upon another,” quoth Cuchulainn.
“Glorious son of the Ultonians and flame of the heroes of Erin, ’tis no lie
that is to our liking where thou art concerned. Were all Erin’s heroes to
come, to thee by preference would we grant the quest, for, in regard to
fame, bravery and valour, to distinction, youth and glory, the men of
Erin acknowledge thy superiority.”
§ 62. Cuchulainn got up. He accompanied Mève into the palace, and
Ailill bade him warm welcome. A cup of gold was given him full of
luscious wine, and having on the bottom of it birds chased in precious
stone. With it, and in preference to every one else, there was given him a
lump, as big as his eyes twain, of dragon-stone. “Now you have the feast
of a champion,” quoth Mève. “I wish you may enjoy it a hundred
hundred years at the head of all the Ultonian heroes.” “Moreover, it is
our verdict,” quoth Ailill and Mève, “inasmuch as thou thyself art not to
be compared with the Ultonian warriors, neither is thy wife to be
compared with their women. Nor is it too much, we think, that she
should always precede all the Ultonian ladies when entering the Mead
Hall.” At that Cuchulainn quaffed at one draught the full of the cup, and
then bade farewell to the king, queen, and household all.

The Feast of Bricriu

Chapter XI

[Thereafter he followed his charioteer. “My plan,” quoth Mève to
Ailill, “is to keep those three heroes with us again to-night, and to
further test them.” “Do as thou deemest right,” quoth Ailill. The men
were then detained and brought to Cruachan and their horses
unyoked.][16]
§ 63. Their choice of food was given them for their horses. Conall and
Loigaire told them to give oats two years old to theirs. But Cuchulainn
chose barley grains for his. They slept there that night. The women were
apportioned among them. Findabair, with a train of fifty damsels, was
brought into the stead of Cuchulainn. Sav the Eloquent (Sadb Sulbair),
another daughter of Ailill and of Mève, with fifty maids in attendance,
was ushered into the presence of Conall Cernach. Conchend, daughter of
Ceit mac Magach, with fifty damsels along with her, was brought into
the presence of Loigaire the Triumphant. Moreover, Mève herself was
wont to resort to the stead of Cuchulainn. They slept there that night.
§ 64. On the morrow they arose early in the morning and went into
the house where the youths were performing the wheel-feat. Then
Loigaire seized the wheel and tossed it till it reached half up the side
wall. Upon that the youths laughed and cheered him. It was in reality a
jeer, but it seemed to Loigaire a shout of applause. Conall then took the
wheel; it was on the ground. He tossed it as high as the ridge-pole of the
palace. The youths raised a shout at that. It seemed to Conall it was a
shout of applause and of victory. To the youths it was a shout of scorn.
Then Cuchulainn took the wheel—it was in mid-air he caught it. He
hurled it aloft till it cast the ridge-pole from off the place; the wheel went
a man’s cubit into the ground in the outside enclosure. The youths raised
a shout of applause and of triumph in Cuchulainn’s case. It seemed to
Cuchulainn, however, it was a laugh of scorn and of ridicule they then
gave vent to.
§ 65. Cuchulainn anon sought out the womenfolk, and took thrice
fifty needles from them. These he tossed up one after the other. Each
needle went into the eye of the other, till in that wise they were joined
together. He returned to the women, and gave each her own needle into
her hand. The young braves praised Cuchulainn. Whereupon they bade
farewell to the king, the queen, and household as well.

The Feast of Bricriu

Chapter XII.

§ 66. “Go to the abode of my foster-father and to that of my
stepmother,” quoth Mève—viz., Ercol and Garmna—“and there put up as
guests to-night.” They kept on their way, and after running a race at the
Cruachan Gathering, thrice did Cuchulainn win the victory of the games.
They then went to the abode of Garmna and of Ercol, who bade them
welcome. “For what are ye come?” asked Ercol. “To be adjudged by
thee,” they quoth. “Go to the abode of Samera; he will adjudge ye.” They
went accordingly and guides were sent with them. They were welcomed
by Samera, whose daughter Buan fell in love with Cuchulainn. They told
Samera it was in order to be judged they had come to him. Samera
despatched them as they were (lit. in their order) to the Amazons of the
Glen.
§ 67. Loigaire went first, but left his accoutrements (arms) and
clothing with them.[17]
Conall also went, and left his spears with them, but
took his chief weapon, to wit, his sword, away with him. On the third
night Cuchulainn went. The Amazons shrieked at him. He and they
fought each other till his spear was splintered, his shield broken, his
raiment torn off. The Amazons were beating and overpowering him. “O
Cuchulainn,” said Loig, “you sorry coward, you squinting savage! gone
are your valour and your bravery when it is sprites that beat you.” Then
Cuchulainn was enraged at the sprites. He turned back upon the
Horrors, and cut and gashed them till the glen was filled with their
blood. He brought off his company’s brave banner with him and turned
back in triumph to the seat of Samera, the place where his companions
were.
§ 68. Samera bade him welcome; ’twas then he made speech:—
“Not right to share the champion’s fare of the cooking pit,
Fatted kine, well-fed swine, honey and bread;
Through ladies’ cunning take not his share
From Culann’s Hound, of name and fame.
Cleaver of shields, raven of prey,
That bravery wields, eager for fray—boar of battle.
As wood takes fire, strikes his ire Emain’s foes;
Of victory-loving women belov’d—plague of death.
A judge in deeming, not in seeming, eye flashing far—
Hostile ports where ships resort his tributes know;
His chariot rides the mountain-side,
Pride of his clan, he leads the van, an eagle of war.
Why to Loigaire, lion of fences, liken him?
Why unto Conall, rider of fame?
Why should not Emer, of mantle shining—it is our pleasure through
grace divining—
Of Ultonian ladies high-born and all, enter first the merry Mead-Hall.
Cuchulainn’s share, well I wot,
It is not just [elsewhere] to allot.
“My verdict to ye then: the Champion’s Portion to Cuchulainn, and to
his wife the precedence of the ladies of Ultonia—Cuchulainn’s valour to
rank above that of every one else, Conchobar’s excepted.”
§ 69. After that they went to the abode of Ercol, who bade them
welcome. They slept there that night. Ercol challenged them to combat
with himself and with his horse. Whereupon Loigaire and his horse went
against them. The gelding of Ercol killed the horse of Loigaire, who was
himself overcome by Ercol, before whom he fled. He took his way to
Emain across Assaroe, and brought tidings with him of his comrades
having been killed by Ercol. Conall likewise fled, his horse having been
killed by Ercol’s; the way he went was across Snâm Râthaind (Rathand’s
Pool) on the route to Emain. Moreover, Conall’s gillie, Râthand, was
drowned in the river there, and after him Snâm Râthaind takes its name
since.
§ 70. The grey of Macha, however, killed the horse of Ercol, and
Cuchulainn took Ercol himself bound behind his chariot along with him
to Emain. Buan, daughter of Samera, went on the track of the three
chariots. She recognised the track of Cuchulainn’s framed chariot,
inasmuch as it was no narrow track it used to take, but undermining
walls, either enlarging or else leaping over breaches. The girl at last leapt
a fearful leap, following him behind in his chariot’s track till she struck
her forehead on a rock, whereof she died. From this is named Buan’s
Grave. When Conall and Cuchulainn reached Emain, they found the
Ultonians holding a keen for them, inasmuch as they felt certain they were
killed. Such the report Loigaire brought. They then related their
adventures and told their news to Conchobar and to the Ultonian nobles
generally. But the chiefs of chariots and the men of valour as a body
were reproaching Loigaire for the lying story he told concerning his
fellows.
§ 71. Then Cathbath made speech to this effect:—
“A tale inglorious! Base
Outlaw, black and false,
For shame! thy face from sight!
Ultonia’s Champion’s Portion
Unhappily didst thou dispute,
Nor won it by right,
—Thy lying upset—
Cuchulainn with Ercol has coped,
Victor in battle-fight;
Tied at the tail of his car,
Hercules strong he held;
Nor do men conceal his feats,
His great havoc they tell.
A champion glorious, battle-victorious,
When rageth the fray,
Slaughter-head of the hosts,
A lord that careers in might,
Zealous of valour and stout;
With him to dispute
The Champion’s Portion,
Unworthy a hero’s repute.

The Feast of Bricriu

Chapter XIII

§ 72. The heroes ceased their discussions and their babblings and fell
to eating and enjoying themselves. It was Sualtam mac Rôig, father of
Cuchulainn himself, who that night attended upon the Ultonians.
Moreover, Conchobar’s ladder-vat was filled for them. Their portion
having been brought to their presence, the spencers came to serve, but at
the outset they withheld the Champion’s Portion from distribution.
“Why not give the Champion’s Portion,” quoth Duach of the Chafer
Tongue, “to some one of the heroes; those three have not returned from
the King of Cruachan, having no sure token with them, whereby the
Champion’s Portion may be assigned to one of them?”
§ 73. Thereupon Loigaire the Triumphant got up and lifted on high
the bronze cup having the silver bird [chased] on the bottom. “The
Champion’s Portion is mine,” he quoth, “and none may contest it with
me.” “It is not,” quoth Conall Cernach. “Not alike are the tokens we
brought off with us. Yours is a cup of bronze, whereas mine is a cup of
white metal (findruini). From the difference between them the
Champion’s Portion clearly belongs to me.” “It belongs to neither of
you,” quoth Cuchulainn as he got up and spoke. “Ye have brought no
token that procures you the Champion’s Portion. Yet the king and queen
whom ye visited were loath in the thick of distress to intensify the strife.
But no less than your deserts have ye received at their hands. The
Champion’s Portion remains with me, seeing I brought a token
distinguished above the rest.”
§ 74. He then lifted on high a cup of red gold having a bird chased on
the bottom of it in precious dragon-stone, the size of his eyes twain. All
the Ultonian nobles in the suite of Conchobar mac Nessa saw it.
“Therefore it is I,” he quoth, “who deserve the Champion’s Portion,
provided I have fair play.” “To thee we all award it,” quoth Conchobar
and Fergus and the Ulster nobles as well. By the verdict of Ailill and of
Mève the Champion’s Portion is yours.” “I swear by my people’s god,”
said Loigaire and Conall the Victorious, “that the cup you have brought
is purchased. Of the jewels and of the treasures in your possession have
you given to Ailill and to Mève for it in order that a defeat might not be
on record against you, and that the Champion’s Portion might be given
to no one else in preference. By my people’s god, that judgment shall not
stand; the Champion’s Portion shall not be yours.” They then sprang up
one after the other, their swords drawn. Straightway Conchobar and
Fergus intervened, whereupon they let down their hands and sheathed
their swords. “Hold!” quoth Sencha, “do as I bid.” “We will,” they
quoth

The Feast of Bricriu

Chapter XIV


§ 75. “Go forth to the ford of Yellow, son of Fair. He will adjudge
ye.” Accordingly the three heroes went to the abode of Yellow (Budi).
They told their wants and the rivalries which brought them. “Was not
judgment given you in Cruachan by Ailill and by Mève?” said Yellow. “In
sooth there was,” quoth Cuchulainn, “but those fellows don’t stand by
it.” “Stand by it,” quoth the other men, “we will not; what has been
given us is no decision at all.” “It is not easy for another to adjudge ye
then,” quoth Yellow, “seeing ye did not abide by Mève and Ailill’s
arrangement. I know,” he continued, “one who will venture it, viz.,
Terror, son of Great Fear (Uath mac Imomain), at yonder loch. Off then
in quest of him; he will adjudge ye.” A big powerful fellow was Terror,
son of Great Fear. He used to shift his form into what shape he pleased,
was wont to do tricks of magic and such like arts. He in sooth was the
wizard from whom Muni, the Wizard’s Pass, is named. He used to be
called “wizard” from the extent to which he changed his divers shapes.
§ 76. To Terror at his loch they accordingly went. Yellow had given
them a guide. To Terror they told the cause for which they had sought
him out. He said he should venture on adjudgment provided only they
would adhere to it. “We will adhere to it,” they quoth; whereupon he
solemnly pledges them. I have a covenant to make with you,” he quoth,
and whoever of you fulfils it with me, he is the man who wins the
Champion’s Portion.” “What is the covenant?” they said. “I have an axe,
and the man into whose hands it shall be put is to cut off my head
to-day, I to cut off his to-morrow.”
§ 77. Thereupon Conall and Loigaire said they would not agree to
that arrangement, for it would be impossible for them to live after
having been beheaded, although he might. Therefore they declined
(shirked) that: [although other books narrate that they agreed to the
bargain, to wit, Loigaire to, cut off Terror’s (Uath’s) head the first day,
and (on the giant’s returning) that Loigaire shirked his part of the
bargain and that Conall likewise behaved unfairly]. [18] Cuchulainn,
however, said he would agree to the covenant (bargain) were the
Champion’s Portion given to him. Conall and Loigaire said they would
allow him that if he agreed to a wager with Terror. Cuchulainn solemnly
pledged them not to contest the Champion’s Portion if he made covenant
with Terror. And they then pledged him to ratify it. Terror, having put
spells on the edge of the axe, lays his head upon the stone for
Cuchulainn. Cuchulainn with his own axe gives the giant a blow and cuts
off his head. He then went off from them into the loch, his axe and his
head on his breast.
§78. On the morrow he comes back on his quest. Cuchulainn
stretches himself out for him on the stone. The axe with its edge reversed
he draws down thrice on Cuchulainn’s neck. “Get up,”quoth Terror; “the
sovranty of the heroes of Erin to Cuchulainn, and the Champion’s
Portion without contest.” The three heroes then hied them to Emain. But
Loigaire and Conall disputed the verdict given in favour of Cuchulainn
and the original contest as to the Champion’s Portion continued. The
Ultonians advised them to go for judgement unto Curoi. To that too they
agreed

The Feast of Bricriu

Chapter XV.

§ 79. On the morning of the morrow the three heroes, Cuchulainn,
Conall and Loigaire, then set off to Fort Curoi. They unyoked their
chariot at the gate of the hold, then entered the court. Whereupon
Blathnat, Mind’s daughter, wife of Curoi mac Dairi, bade them warm
welcome. That night on their arrival Curoi was not at home. But
knowing they would come, he counselled his wife regarding the heroes
until he should return from his oriental expedition into Scythian
territory. From the age of seven years, when he took up arms, until his
demise, Curoi had not reddened his sword in Erin, nor ever had the
food of Erin passed his lips. Nor could Erin contain him for his
haughtiness, renown and rank, overbearing fury, strength and gallantry.
His wife acted according to his wish in the matter of bathing and of
washing, providing them with refreshing drinks and beds most excellent.
And it liked them well.
§ 80. When bedtime was come, she told them that each was to take
his night watching the fort until Curoi should return. “And, moreover,
thus said Curoi—that ye take your turn watching according to seniority.”
In what airt soever of the globe Curoi should happen to be, every night
o’er the fort he chaunted a spell, till the fort revolved as swiftly as a
mill-stone. The entrance was never to be found after sunset.
§ 81. The first night, Loigaire the Triumphant took the sentry,
inasmuch as he was the eldest of the three. As he kept watch into the
later part of the night, he saw a giant (Scath) approaching him far as his
eyes could see from the sea westwards. Exceeding huge and ugly and
horrible he thought him, for in height, it seemed to him, he reached unto
the sky, and the sheen (broad expanse) of the sea was visible between his
legs. Thus did he come, his hands full of stripped oaks, each of which
would form a burden for a waggon-team of six, at whose root not a
stroke had been repeated after the single sword-stroke. One of the
stakes he cast at Loigaire, who let it pass him. Twice or thrice he
repeated it, but the stake reached neither the skin nor the shield of
Loigaire. Then Loigaire hurled a spear at him and it hit him not.
§ 82. The giant stretched his hand towards Loigaire. Such its length
that it reached across the three ridges that were between them as they
were throwing at each other, and thus in his grasp he seized him.
Though Loigaire was big and imposing, he fitted like a year old into the
clutch of his opponent, who then ground him in his grasp[19] as a chessman
is turned in a groove. In that state, half-dead, the giant tossed him out
over the fort, till he fell into the mire of the fosse at the palace-gate. The
fort had no opening there, and the other men and inmates of the hold
thought he had leapt outside over the fort, as a challenge for the other
men to do likewise.
§ 83. There they were until the day’s end. When the night-watch
began, Conall went out on sentry, for he was older than Cuchulainn.
Everything occurred as it did to Loigaire the first night. The third night
Cuchulainn went on sentry (lit. into the seat of watch). That night the
three Goblins (Greys) of Sescind Uairbeoil, the three Ox-feeders (?) of
Bregia and the three sons of Big-Fist the Siren met by appointment to
plunder the hold. This too was the night of which it was foretold, that
the Spirit of the Lake by the fort would devour the whole host of the
hold, man and beast.
§ 84. Cuchulainn while watching through the night had many uneasy
forebodings. When midnight was come he heard a terrific noise drawing
nigh to him. “Holloa, Holloa, Cuchulainn shouted, “who is there? If
friends they be, let them not stir; if foes, let them flee.” Then they raised
a terrific shout at him. Whereupon Cuchulainn sprang upon them, so that
the nine of them fell dead to the earth. He heaped their heads in
disorder into the seat of watching and resumed sentry. Another nine
shouted at him. In like manner he killed the three nines, making one
cairn of them, heads and accoutrements.
§ 85. While he was there far on into the night, tired and sad and
weary, he heard the rising of the loch on high, as it were the booming of
a very heavy sea. How deep soever his dejection, his spirit could not
brook his not going to see what caused the great noise he heard. He then
perceived the upheaving monster, and it seemed to him to be thirty
cubits in curvature above the loch. It raised itself on high into the air,
sprang towards the fort, opened its mouth so that one of the palaces
could go into its gullet.
§ 86. Then he called to mind his swooping feat, sprang on high, and
was as swift as a winnowing riddle right round the monster. He
entwined his two arms about its neck, stretched his hand till it reached
into its gullet, tore out the monster’s heart, and cast it from him on the
ground. Then the beast fell from the air till it rested on the earth, having
sustained a blow on the shoulder. Cuchulainn then plied it with his
sword, hacked it to atoms, and took the head with him into the
sentry-seat along with the other heap of skulls.
§ 87. While there, depressed and miserable in the morning dawn, he
saw the giant approaching him westwards from the sea. “Bad night,”
says he. “’Twill be worse for you, you uncouth fellow,” quoth
Cuchulainn. Then the giant cast one of the branches at Cuchulainn, who
let it pass him. He repeated it two or three times, but it reached neither
the skin nor the shield of Cuchulainn. Cuchulainn then hurled his spear at
the giant, but it reached him not. Whereupon the giant stretched his hand
towards Cuchulainn to grip him as he did the others. Cuchulainn leapt
the hero’s “salmon leap,” and called to mind his swooping-feat,[20] with
his drawn sword over the monster’s head. As swift as a hare he was, and
in mid-air circling round the monster, till he confused it by making it
giddy (lit. till he made a water wheel of him). “Life for life, O
Cuchulainn,” he quoth. “Give me my triad of wishes,” quoth Cuchulainn.
At a breath [21]
they are thine,” he said.
“The Sovranty of Erin’s Heroes be henceforth mine
The Champion’s Portion without dispute
The Precedence to my wife o’er Ultonia’s ladies forever.”
“It shall be thine, he at once quoth. Then he who had been conversing
with him vanished he knew not whither.
§ 88. He then mused within himself as to the leap his fellows leapt
over the fort, for their leap was big and broad and high. Moreover, it
seemed to him it was by leaping it that the valiant heroes had gone over
it. He essayed it twice and failed. “Alas!” Cuchulainn quoth, “my
exertions hitherto about the Champion’s Portion have exhausted me, and
now I lose it through being unable to take the leap the others took.” As
he thus mused, he essayed the following feats: He would keep springing
backwards in mid-air a shot’s distance from the fort, and then he would
rebound from there until his forehead would strike the fort. Anon he
would spring on high till all that was within the fort was visible to him,
while again he would sink up to his knees in the earth owing to the
pressure of his vehemence and violence. At another time he would not
take the dew from off the tip of the grass by reason of his buoyancy of
mood, vehemence of nature, and heroic valour. What with the fit and
fury that raged upon him he stepped over the fort outside and alighted
in the middle at the door of the palace. His two footprints are in the flag
on the floor of the hold at the spot where was the royal entrance. He
thereafter entered the house and heaved a sigh.
§ 89. Then Mind’s daughter, Blâthnat, wife of Curoi, made speech:
“Truly, not the sigh of one dishonoured, but a victor’s sigh of triumph.”
The daughter of the king of the Isle of the Men of Falga knew full well of
Cuchulainn’s evil plight that night. They were not long there when they
beheld Curoi coming towards them, carrying into the house with him the
standard of the “three nines” slain by Cuchulainn, along with their heads
and that of the monster. He put the heads from off his breast on to the
floor of the stead, and spoke: “The gillie whose one night’s trophies are
these is a fit lad to watch a king’s keep for aye. The Champion’s Portion,
over which you have fallen out with the gallant youths of Erin, truly
belongs to Cuchulainn. The bravest of them, were he here, could not
match him in number of trophies.” Curoi’s verdict upon them was:
“The Champion’s Portion to be Cuchulainn’s.
With the sovranty of valour o’er all the Gael.
And to his wife the precedence on entering the Mead Hall before all
the ladies of Ultonia.”
And seven cumals [22]of gold and of silver he gave him in reward for
his one night’s performance.
§ 90. They straightway bade Curoi farewell and kept on till they gat
seated in Emain ere the day closed. When the spencers came to deal and
to divide, they took the Champion’s Portion with its share of ale out of
the distribution that they might have it apart. “Sooth, sure are we,”
quoth Duach of the Chafer Tongue, “ye think not to-night of contending
as to the Champion’s Portion? The man ye sought out mayhap has
undertaken your adjudging.” Whereupon quoth the other folk to
Cuchulainn: “The Champion’s Portion was not assigned to one of you in
preference to the other. As to Curoi’s judgment also upon those three,
not a whit did he concede to Cuchulainn upon their arriving at Emain.”
Cuchulainn then declared he by no means coveted the winning of it. For
the loss thence resulting to the winner would be on a par with the profit
got from it. The championship was therefore not fully assigned until the
advent of the Champion’s Covenant in Emain.

The Feast of Bricriu

Chapter XVI

The Champion’s Covenant.


§ 91. Once upon a time as the Ultonians were in Emain, fatigued after
the gathering and the games, Conchobar and Fergus mac Rôig, with
Ultonia’s nobles as well, proceeded from the sporting field outside and
gat seated in the Royal Court (lit. Red Branch) of Conchobar. Neither
Cuchulainn nor Conall the Victorious nor Loigaire the Triumphant were
there that night. But the hosts of Ultonia’s valiant heroes were there. As
they were seated, it being eventide, and the day drawing towards the
close, they saw a big uncouth fellow of exceeding ugliness drawing nigh
them into the hall. To them it seemed as if none of the Ultonians would
reach half his height. Horrible and ugly was the carle’s guise. Next his
skin he wore an old hide with a dark dun mantle around him, and over
him a great spreading club-tree (branch) the size of a winter-shed, under
which thirty bullocks could find shelter. Ravenous yellow eyes he had,
protruding from his head, each of the twain the size of an ox-vat. Each
finger as thick as another person’s wrist. In his left hand a stock, a
burden for twenty yoke of oxen. In his right hand an axe weighing thrice
fifty glowing molten masses [of metal]. Its handle would require a
plough-team (a yoke of six) to move it. Its sharpness such that it would
lop off hairs, the wind blowing them against its edge.
§ 92. In that guise he went and stood by the fork-beam beside the
fire. “Is the hall lacking in room for you,” quoth Duach of the Chafer
Tongue to the uncouth clodhopper, “that ye find no other place than by
the fork-beam, unless ye wish to be domestic luminary?—only sooner
will a blaze be to the house than brightness to the household.” “What
property soever may be mine, sooth ye will agree, no matter how big I
am, that the household as a whole will be enlightened, while the hall will
not be burnt.
§ 93. “That, however, is not my sole function; I have others as well.
But neither in Erin nor in Alba nor in Europe nor in Africa nor in Asia,
including Greece, Scythia, the Isles of Gades, the Pillars of Hercules, and
Bregon’s Tower (Brigantium), have I found the quest on which I have
come, nor a man to do me fairplay regarding it. Since ye Ultonians have
excelled all the folks of those lands in strength, prowess, valour; in rank,
magnanimity, dignity; in truth, generosity and worth, get ye one among
you to give me the boon I crave.”
§ 94. “In sooth it is not just that the honour of a province be carried
off,” quoth Fergus mac Rôich, “because of one man who fails in keeping
his word of honour. Death, certainly, is not a whit nearer to him than to
you.” “Not that I shun it,” quoth he. “Make thy quest known to us then,”
quoth Fergus mac Rôich. “If but fairplay be vouchsafed me, I will tell it.”
“It is right also to give fairplay,” quoth Sencha, son of Ailill, “for it
beseemeth not a great clannish folk to break a mutual covenant over any
unknown individual. To us too it seemeth likely, if at long last you find
such a person, you will find here one worthy of you.” “Conchobar I put
aside,” he quoth, “for sake of his sovranty, and Fergus mac Rôich also on
account of his like privilege. These two excepted, come whosoever of you
that may venture, that I may [23]
cut off his head to-night, he mine
to-morrow night.”
§ 95. “Sure then there is no warrior here,” quoth Duach, “after these
two.” “By my troth there will be this moment,” quoth Fat-Neck, son of
Short Head, as he sprang on to the floor of the hall. The strength then of
yon Fat Neck was as the strength of a hundred warriors, each arm
having the might of a hundred “centaurs.” “Bend down, bachlach,”
quoth Fat-Neck, “that I may cut your head off to night, you to cut off
mine to-morrow night.” “Were that my quest, I could have got it
anywhere,” quoth the bachlach. “Let us act according to our covenant,”
he quoth, “I to cut off your head to-night, you to avenge it to morrow
night.” “By my people’s god,” quoth Duach of the Chafer Tongue, “death
is thus for thee no pleasant prospect should the man killed to-night attack
thee on the morrow. [24] It is given to you alone if you have the power,
being killed night after night (lit. to be killed every night), to avenge it
next day.” “Truly I will carry out what you all as a body agree upon by
way of counsel,[25] strange as it may seem to you,” quoth the bachlach. He
then pledged the other to keep his troth in this contention as to fulfilling
his tryst on the morrow.
§ 96. With that Fat-Neck took the axe from out of the bachlach’s hand.
Seven feet apart were its two angles. Then did the bachlach put his neck
across the block. Fat-Neck dealt a blow across it with the axe till it stuck
in the block underneath, cutting off the head till it lay by the base of the
fork-beam, the house being filled with the blood. Straightway the
bachlach rose, recovered himself, clasped his head, block and axe to his
breast, thus made his exit from the hall with blood streaming from his
neck. It filled the Red Branch on every side. Great was the folk’s horror,
wondering at the marvel that had appeared to them. “By my people’s
god,” quoth Duach of the Chafer Tongue, “if the bachlach, having been
killed to-night, come back tomorrow, he will not leave a man alive in
Ultonia.” The following night, however, he returned, and Fat-Neck
shirked him. Then began the bachlach to urge his pact with Fat-Neck.
“Sooth it is not right for Fat-Neck not to fulfil his covenant with me.”
§ 97. That night, however, Loigaire the Triumphant was present.
“Who of the warriors that contest Ultonia’s Champion’s Portion will
carry out a covenant to-night with me? Where is Loigaire the
Triumphant?” quoth he. “Here,” said Loigaire. He pledged him too, yet
Loigaire kept not his tryst. The bachlach returned on the morrow and
similarly pledged Conall Cernach, who came not as he had sworn.
§ 98. The fourth night the bachlach returned, and fierce and furious
was he. All the ladies of Ultonia came that night to see the strange
marvel that had come into the Red Branch. That night Cuchulainn was
there also. Then the fellow began to upbraid them. “Ye men of Ultonia,
your valour and your prowess are gone. Your warriors greatly covet the
Champion’s Portion, yet are unable to contest it. Where is yon poor mad
wight that is hight Cuchulainn? Fain would I know if his word be better
than the others’.” “No covenant do I desire with you,” quoth Cuchulainn.
“Likely is that, you wretched fly;[26] greatly thou dost fear to die.”
Whereupon Cuchulainn sprang towards him and dealt him a blow with
the axe, hurling his head to the top rafter of the Red Branch till the whole
hall shook. Cuchulainn again caught up the head and gave it a blow with
the axe and smashed it. Thereafter the bachlach rose up.
§ 99. On the morrow the Ultonians were watching Cuchulainn to see
whether he would shirk the bachlach as the other heroes had done. As
Cuchulainn was awaiting the bachlach, they saw that great dejection
seized him. It had been fitting had they sung his dirge. They felt sure his
life would last only till the bachlach came. Then quoth Cuchulainn with
shame to Conchobar:[27]
“Thou shall not go until my pledge to the
bachlach is fulfilled; for death awaits me, and I would rather have death
with honour.”
§ 100. They were there as the day was closing when they saw the
bachlach approaching. “Where is Cuchulainn?” he quoth. “Here am I,” he
answered. “You’re dull of speech to-night, unhappy one; greatly you fear
to die. Yet, though great your fear, death you have not shirked.”
Thereafter Cuchulainn went up to him and stretched his neck across the
block, which was of such size that his neck reached but half-way. “Stretch
out your neck, you wretch,” the bachlach quoth. “You keep me in
torment,” quoth Cuchulainn. “Despatch me quickly; last night, by my
troth, I tormented you not. Verily I swear if you torment me, I shall
make myself as long as a crane above you.” “I cannot slay you,” quoth
the bachlach, “what with the size of the block and the shortness of your
neck and of your side” (sic!).
§ 101. Then Cuchulainn stretched out his neck so that a warrior’s
full-grown foot would have fitted between any two of his ribs; his neck
he distended till it reached the other side of the block. The bachlach
raised his axe till it reached the roof-tree of the hall. The creaking of the
old hide that was about the fellow and the crashing of the axe—both his
arms being raised aloft with all his might—were as the loud noise of a
wood tempest-tossed in a night of storm. Down it came then ... on his
neck, its blunt side below,—all the nobles of Ultonia gazing upon them.
§ 102. “O Cuchulainn, arise! ... Of the warriors of Ultonia and Erin, no
matter their mettle, none is found to be compared with thee in valour,
bravery and truthfulness. The sovranty of the heroes of Erin to thee from
this hour forth and the Champion’s Portion undisputed, and to thy lady
the precedence alway of the ladies of Ultonia in the Mead Hall. And
whosoever shall lay wager against thee from now, as my folks swear I
swear, while on life he will be in [sore scathe].” Then the bachlach
vanished. It was Curoi mac Dairi who in that guise had come to fulfil the
promise he had given to Cuchulainn.

And thus henceforth the Champion’s Portion of Emain

And the Ulster Women’s War of Words
And the Champion’s Wager in Emain
And the Hosting of the Ultonians
To Cruachan.

FINIT.
The Feast of Bricriu

Foot notes

  1. lit.soller.
  2. Gloss of the Christian scribe.
  3. This is a mythic reference to Cuchulainn as sun-hero.
  4. lit. feat of nine.
  5. Some metal of inferior value.
  6. Emer, who is represented as coming from the Celtic province of Meath, alludes to the Ultonian couvade. She implies those Ulster heroes were shams.
  7. bodelbae = cow-shapes, may refer to some old practice of cow worship; cf. the Burghead stones.
  8. Here follows an enumeration of Cuchulainn’s feats. It is not easy to figure them mentally with accuracy, so that we can be sure we know what we are speaking about: word for word they mean:—both over-breath-feat, apple-feat, ghost- (or sprite-) feat, screw-feat, cat-feat, valiant-champion’s whirling-feat, barbed spear, quick stroke, mad roar, heroes’ fury, wheel-feat, sword-edge-feat, climbing against spike-pointed things (or places) and straightening his body on each of them.
  9. After Eg and H, which represent a different recension and pass on at once to § 42.
  10. magic
  11. The scribe of LU was harmonising two written accounts; he is not sure which to follow.
  12. For the section in square brackets read: Then after three days and three nights the Ultonians as a body went to be adjudged to Ailill mac Magach to Cruachan Ai.— Eg and H, where this comes at once after § 32 and represents a different recension.
  13. Wrongly inserted, from a different recension.
  14. White metal.
  15. Lit. on the floor of the palace.
  16. This passage in brackets is clearly the work of the compiler of
    LU. The reading in H is: And he went till he arrived at Emain Macha at the end of day, and there was none of the Ultonians who would venture to ask news as to any of the three until the time came to eat and to drink in the Mead Hall. The narrative in H passes on to § 72, which seems in sequence.
  17. i.e.with the Amazons.
  18. Evidently an interpolation of the compiler of LU. He expressly refers to other books (araili libair).
  19. Lit. between his two palms.
  20. The circling motion of a bird of prey suggests itself.
  21. it. Thou hast them as they will come to thee with thy breath.
    The three things were to be got for asking, provided they were asked at one breath. Thus, too, they were incitements to strife. In a Welsh fairy story, also, a woman gets all the animals she can count at one breath.
  22. A cumal had the value of three cows.
  23. LU ends; tale continued by Edinburgh MS. In this clause LU, Eg, and Ed were at one. But there is no confusion in the tale, for according to § 76 the giant agrees to be beheaded first; and this form of the giant's covenant is resumed in § 96, and continued to the end. The giant in § 94 is dissembling for the nonce. His real mind is seen from § 95.
  24. “You do not care for death, then, if the man whom you slay to-night clings to you on the morrow.” Professor Kuno Meyer renders it thus, but I take this clause to be addressed to Fat-Neck, the following to the giant.
  25. The natural plan would be to behead the giant the first night. It is on this the story turns; it is what “seemeth strange.” It thus becomes clear he is a supernatural being.
  26. Cuil, “fly” conveys a pun upon Cuchulainn's name incapable of being reproduced.

According to the textual reading, it is Conchobar that addresses Cuchulainn. I have altered the translation to suit the context. The scribe is inaccurate.

The Wooing of Etain

Quelle: Heroic Romances of Ireland, Volume II ed. and trans. A.H. Leahy. London: David Nutt, 1906.

The Wooing of Etain

I. Here Begins the Wooing of Etain

There was a famous king of Ireland of the race of the Tuatha De, Eochaid Ollathair his name. He was also named the Dagda [i.e. good god], for it was he that used to work wonders for them and control the weather and the crops. Wherefore men said he was called the Dagda. Elcmar of the Brug had a wife whose name was Eithne and another name for her was Boand. The Dagda desired her in carnal union. The woman would have yielded to the Dagda had it not been for fear of Elcmar, so great was his power. Thereupon the Dagda sent Elcmar away on a journey to Bres son of Elatha in Mag nInis, and the Dagda worked great spells upon Elcmar as he set out, that he might not returns betimes (that is, early) and he dispelled the darkness of night for him, and he kept hunger and thirst from him. He sent him on long errands, so that nine months went by as one day, for he had said that he would return home again between day and night. Meanwhile the Dagda went in upon Elcmar's wife, and she bore him a son, even Aengus, and the woman was whole of her sickness when Elcmar returned, and he perceived not her offense, that is, that she had lain with the Dagda.

2. The Dagda meanwhile brought his son to Midir's house in Bri Leith in Tethba, to be fostered. There Aengus was reared for the space of nine years. Midir had a great playing-field in Bri Leith. Thrice fifty lads of the young nobles of Ireland were there and thrice fifty maidens of the land of Ireland. Aengus was the leader of them all, because of Midir's great love for him, and the beauty of his form and the nobility of his race. He was also called in Mac Oc (the Young Son), for his mother said: "Young is the son who was begotten at the break of day and born betwixt it and evening."

3. Now Aengus quarreled with Triath son of Febal (or Gobor) of the Fir Bolg, who was one of the two leaders in the game, and a fosterling of Midir. It was no matter of pride with Aengus that Triath should speak to him, and he said: "It irks me that the son of a serf should hold speech with me," for Aengus had believed until then that Midir was his father, and the kingship of Bri Leith his heritage, and he knew not of his kinship with the Dagda.

4. Triath made answer and said: "I take it no less ill that a hireling whose mother and father are unknown should hold speech with me." Thereupon Aengus went to Midir weeping and sorrowful at having been put to shame by Triath. "What is this?" said Midir. "Triath has defamed me and cast in my face that I have neither mother nor father." "Tis false," said Midir. "Who is my mother, from whence is my father" "No hard matter. Thy father is Eochaid Ollathair," said Midir, "and Eithne, wife of Elcmar of the Brug, is thy mother. It is I that have reared thee unknown to Elcmar, lest it should cause him pain that thou wast begotten in his despite." "Come thou with me," said Aengus, "that my father may acknowledge me, and that I may no longer be kept hidden away under the insults of the Fir Bolg."

5. Then Midir set out with his fosterling to have speech with Eochaid, and they came to Uisnech of Meath in the center of Ireland, for 'tis there that was Eochaid's house, Ireland stretching equally far from on every side, south and north, to east and west. "Before them in the assembly they found Eochaid. Midir called the king aside to have speech with the lad. "What does he desire, this youth who has not come until now?" "His desire is to be acknowledged by his father, and for land to be given to him," said Midir, "for it is not meet that thy son should be landless while thou art king of Ireland." "He is welcome," said the Eochaid, "he is my son. But the land I wish him to have is not yet vacant." "What land is that?" said Midir. "The Brug, to the north of the Boyne," said Eochaid. "Who is there?" said Midir. "Elcmar," said Eochaid, "is the man who is there I have no wish to annoy him further."

6. "Pray, what counsel dost thou give this lad?" said Midir. "I have this for him," said Eochaid. "On the day of Samain let him go into the Brug, and let him go armed. That is a day of peace and amity among the men of Ireland, on which none is at enmity with his fellow. And Elcmar will be in Cnoc Side in Borga unarmed save for a fork of white hazel in his hand, his cloak folded around him and a gold brooch in his cloak, and three fifties playing before him in the playing-field; and let Aengus go to him and threaten to kill him. But it is meet that he slay him not, provided he promise him his will. And let this be the will of Aengus, that he be king for a day and a night in the Brug; and see that thou not yield the land to Elcmar till he submit himself to my decision; and when he comes let Aengus plea be that the land has fallen to him, and that he in fee simple for sparing Elcmar and not slaying him, and that what he had asked for is kingship of day and night, and" said he, "it is in days and nights that the world is spent."

7. Then Midir sets out for his land, and his foster-son along with him, and on the Samain following, Aengus having armed himself came into the Brug and made a feint at Elcmar, so that he promised him in return for his life kingship of day and night in his land. The Mac Oc straightway abode there that day and night as king of the land, Elcmar's household being subject to him. On the morrow Elcmar came to claim his land from the Mac Oc, and therewith threatened him mightily. The Mac Oc said that he would not yield up his land until he should put it to the decision of the Dagda in the presence of the men of Ireland.

8. Then they appeal to the Dagda, who adjudged each man's contract in accordance with his undertaking. "So then this land accordingly belongs henceforth to this youth," said Elcmar. "It is fitting," said the Dagda. "Thou was taken unawares on a day of peace and amity. Thou gavest thy land for mercy shown thee, for thy life was dearer to thee than thy land, yet thou shalt have land from me that will be no less profitable to thee than the Brug." "Where is that?" said Elcmar. "Cleitech," said the Dagda, "with the three lands that are round about it, thy youths playing before thee every day in the Brug, and thou shalt enjoy the fruits of the Boyne from this land." "It is well," said Elcmar; "so shall it be accomplished." And he made a flitting to Cleitech, and built a stronghold there, and Mac Oc abode in the Brug in his land.

9. Then Mider came on that day year to the Brug on a visit to his fosterling, and he found the Mac Oc on the mound of Sid in Broga on the day of Samain, with two companies of youth at play before him in the Brug, and Elcmar on the mound of Cleitech to the south, watching them. A quarrel broke out among the youths in the Brug. "Do not stir," said Midir to the Mac Oc, "because of Elcmar, lest he come down to the plain. I will go myself to make peace between them." Thereupon Midir went, and it was not easy for him to part them. A split of holly was thrown at Midir as he was intervening, and it knocked one of his eyes out. Midir came to the Mac Oc with his eye in his hand and said to him: "Would that I had not come on a visit to thee, to be put to shame, for with this blemish I cannot behold the land I have come to, and the land I have left, I cannot return to it now.

10. "It shall in no wise be so," said the Mac Oc. "I shall go to Dian Cecht that he may come and heal thee, and thine own land shall be thine and this land shall be thine, and thine eye shall be whole again without shame or blemish because of it." The Mac Oc went to Dian Cecht. [...] that thou mayest go with me," said he, "to save my foster-father who has been hurt in the Burgh on the day of the Samain." Dian Cecht came and healed Midir, so that he was whole again. "Good is my journeying now," said Midir, "since I am healed." "It shall surely be so," said the Mac Oc. "Do thou abide here for a year that thou mayest see my host and my folk, my household and my land."

11. I will not stay," said Midir, "unless I have a reward therefore." "What reward?" said the Mac Oc. "Easy to say. A chariot worth seven cumals,"3 said Midir, "and a mantle befitting me, and the fairest maiden in Ireland." "I have," said the Mac Oc, "the chariot, and the mantle befitting thee." "There is moreover," said Midir, "the maiden that surpasses all the maidens in Ireland in form." "Where is she?" said the Mac Oc. "She is in Ulster," said Midir, "Ailill"s daughter Etain Echraide daughter of the king of the north-eastern part of Ireland. She is the dearest and gentlest and loveliest in Ireland."

12. The Mac Oc went to seek her until he came to Ailill's house in Mag nInis. He was made welcome, and he abode three nights there. He told his mission and announced his name and race. He said that it was in quest of Etain that he had come. "I will not give her to thee," said Ailill, "for I can in no way profit by thee, because of the nobility of thy family, and the greatness of thy power and that of thy father. If thou put any shame on my daughter, no redress whatsoever can be had of thee." "It shall not be so," said the Mac Oc. "I will buy her from thee straightway." "Thou shall have that," said Ailill. "State thy demand," said the Mac Oc. "No hard matter," said Ailill. "Thou shalt clear for me twelve plains in my land that are under waste and wood, so that they may be at all times for grazing cattle and for habitation to me, for games, assemblies, gatherings, and strongholds."

13. "It shall be done," said the Mac Oc. He returns home and bewailed to the Dagda the strait he was in. The latter caused twelve plains to be cleared in a single night in Ailill's land. These are the names of the plains: Mag Macha, Mag Lemna, Mag nItha, Mag Tochair, Mag nDula, Mag Techt, Mag Li, Mag Line, Mag Murthemne. Now when that work had been accomplished by the Mac Oc he went to Ailill to demand Etain. "Thou shalt not obtain her," said Ailill, "until thou draw out of this land to the sea twelve great rivers that are in wells and bogs and moors, so that they may bring produce from the sea to peoples and kindreds, and drain the earth and the land."

14. He came again to the Dagda to bewail the strait he was in. Thereupon the latter caused twelve great waters to course towards the sea in a single night. They had not been seen there until then. These are the names of the waters: Find and Modornn and Slena and Nas and Amnas and Oichen and Or and Banda and Samair and Loche. Now when these works were accomplished the Mac Oc came to have speech with Ailill in order to claim Etain. "Thou shall not get her till thou purchase her, for after thou hast taken her, I shall have no profit of the maiden beyond what I shall obtain forthwith." "What dost thou require of me now?" said the Mac Oc. "I require," said Ailill, "the maiden's weight in gold and silver, for that is my portion of their price; all that thou has done up to now, the profit of it goes to her folk and her kindred." "It shall be done," said the Mac Oc. She was placed on the floor of Ailill's house, and her weight of gold and silver was given for her. That wealth was left with Ailill, and the Mac Oc brought Etain home with him.

15. Midir made that company welcome. That night Etain sleeps with Midir, and on the morrow a mantle befitting him and a chariot were given to him, and he was pleased with his foster- son. After that he abode a full year in the Brug with Aengus. On that day year Midir went to his own land, to Bri Leith, and he brought Etain with him. On that day he went from him the Mac Oc said to Midir, "Give heed to the woman thou takest with thee, because of the dreadful cunning woman that awaits thee, with all the knowledge and skill and craft that belongs to her race," said Aengus, "also she has my word and my safeguard before the Tuatha De Danann," that is, Fuamnach wife of Midir, of the progeny of Beothach son of Iardanel. She was wise and prudent and skilled in the knowledge and magic power of the Tuatha De Danann, for the druid Bresal had reared her until she was betrothed to Midir.

16. She made her husband welcome, that is Midir, and the woman spoke much of... to them. "Come, O Midir," said Fuamnach, "that I may show thee my house and thy meed of land... Midir went round his land with Fuamnach, and she showed his seizin to him and... to Etain. And after that the brought Etain again to Fuamnach. Fuamnach went before them into the sleeping chamber where she slept, and she said to Etain: "The seat of a good woman hast thou came into." When Etain sat down in the chair in the middle of the house, Fuamnach struck her with a rod of scarlet quicken tree, and she turned into a pool of water in the middle of the house; and Fuamach comes to her foster-father Bresal, and Midir left the house to the water into which Etain had turned. After that Midir was without a wife.

17. The heat of the fire and the air and the seething of the ground aided the water so that the pool that was in the middle of the house turned into a worm, and after that the worm became a purple fly. It was as big as a man's head, the comeliest in the land. Sweeter than pipes and harps and horns was the sound of her voice and the hum of her wings. Her eyes would shine like precious stones in the dark. The fragrance and the bloom of her would turn away hunger and thirst from any one around whom she would go. The spray of the drops she shed from her wings would cure all sickness and disease and plague in any one round whom she go. She used to attend Midir and go round about his land with him, as he went. To listen to her and gaze upon her would nourish hosts in gatherings and assemblies in camps. Midir knew that it was Etain that was in that shape, and so long as that fly was attended upon him, he never took to himself a wife, and the sight of her would nourish him. He would fall asleep with her humming, and whenever any one approached who did not love him, she would awaken him.

18. After a time Fuamnach came on a visit to Midir, and along with her as sureties came the three gods of Dana, namely Lug and the Dagda, and Ogma. Midir reproached Fuamnach exceedingly and said to her that she should not go from him were it not for the power of the sureties that had brought her. Fuamnach said that she did not repent of the deed she had done, for that she would rather do good for herself than to another, and that in whatsoever part of Ireland she might be she would do naught but harm to Etain so long as she lived, and in whatsoever shape she might be. She brought powerful incantations and... spells from Bresal Etarlam the wizard to banish and warn off Etain from Midir, for she knew that the purple fly that was delighting Midir was Etain herself, for wherever he saw the scarlet fly, Midir loved no other woman, and he found no pleasure in music or in drinking or eating when he did not see her and hear the music of her and her voice. Fuamnach stirred up a wind of assault and magic so that Etain was wafted from Bri Leith, and for seven years she could not find a summit or a tree or a hill or a height in Ireland on which she could settle, but only rocks of the sea and the ocean waves, and (she was) floating through the air until seven years from that day when she lighted on the fringe on the breast of the Mac Oc as he was on the mound of the Brug.

19. There it was that the Mac Oc said "Welcome, Etain,"wanderer careworn, thou that hast encountered great dangers through the cunning of Fuamnach. Not yet have you found, your side secure in alliance with Mider. As for me, he has found me capable of actions with hosts, the slaughter of a multitude, the clearing of wildernesses, the world's aboundance for Ailill's daughter. An idle task, for your wretched ruin has followed."

20. The Mac Oc made the girl welcome, that is, the purple fly, and gathered her in his bosom in the fleece of his cloak. He brought her to his house and his sun-bower with its bright windows for passing out and in, and purple raiment was put on her; and wherever he went that sun-bower was carried by the Mac Oc, and there he used to sleep every night by her side, comforting her, until her gladness and colour came to her again. And that sun-bower was filled with fragrant and wondrous herbs, and she throve on the fragrance and bloom of those goodly precious herbs.

21. Fuamnach was told of the love and honour that was bestowed by the Mac Oc on Etain. Said Fuamnach to Midir, "Let thy fosterling be summoned that I may make peace between you both, while I myself go in guest of Etain." A messenger comes to the Mac Oc from Midir, and he went to speak to him. Meanwhile Fuamnach came by a circuitous way until she was in the Brug, and she sent the same blast on Etain, which carried her out of her sun-bower on the very flight she had been on before for the space of seven years throughout Ireland. The blast of wind drove her along in misery and weakness until she alit on the rooftree of a house in Ulster where folk were drinking, and she fell into the golden beaker that was before the wife of Etar, the champion from Inber Cichmaine, in the province of Conchobar, so that she swallowed her with the liquid that was in the beaker, and in this wise she was conceived in her womb and became afterwards her daughter. She was called Etain daughter of Etar. Now it was a thousand and twelve years from the first begetting of Etain by Ailill until her last begetting by Etar.

22. After that Etain was brought up at Inber Cichmaine by Etar, and fifty daughters of chieftains along with her, and he it was that fed and clothed them to be in attendance on Etain always. day it befell that all the maidens were bathing in the estuary when they saw from the water a horseman entering the plain towards them. He was mounted on a broad brown steed, curvetting and prancing, with curly mane and curly tail. Around him a green mantle in folds, and a red-embroidered tunic, and in his mantle a golden brooch which reached to his shoulder on either side. A silvern shield with rim of gold slung over his back, and a silver strap to it and boss of gold theron. In his hand a five pronged spear in bands of gold round about it from haft to socket. Bright yellow hair he had reaching to his forehead. A fillet of gold against his forehead so that his hair would not fall over his face. He halted a while on the bank gazing at the maiden, and all the maidens loved him. Thereupon he uttered this lay:

23. This is Etain here to-day
at Sid Ban Find west of Ailbe,
among little boys is she
on the brink of Inber Cichmaine.

She it is who healed the King's eye
from the well of Loch Da Lig:
she it is that was swallowed in a drink
from a beaker by Etar's wife.

Because of her the King shall chase
the birds from Tethba,
and drown his two steeds
in the pool of Loch Da Airbrech.

Full many a war shall be
on Eochaid of Meath because of thee:
there shall be destruction of elfmounds,
and battle against many thousands.

'Tis she that was sung of (?) in the land;
'tis she that strives to win the King;
'tis she... Be Find,
She is our Etain afterwards.

The warrior departed from them after that and they knew not whence he had come or whither he had gone.

24. When the Mac Oc came to confer with Midir, he did not find Fuamnach there, and he (Midir) said to him: "The woman has played us false, and if she be told that Etain is in Ireland and she will go to do her ill." "Methinks 'tis likely so," said the Mac Oc. "Etain has been at my house in the Brug since a little while in the shape in which she was wafted from thee, and perhaps it is she that the woman is making for."

25. The Mac Oc returns home and finds the crystal sun-bower without Etain in it. The Mac Oc turns upon Fuamnach's traces and came up on her at Aenech Bodbgna at the house of Bresal Eterlam. The Mac Oc attacked her and shore off her head, and he brought that head with him until he was on the brink of the Brug.

26. Howbeit, this is the version elsewhere, that they were both slain by Manannan, namely
Fuamnach and Midir, in Bri Leith, whereof was said:

Fuamnach the foolish one was Midir's wife,
Sigmall, a hill with ancient trees,
in Bri Leith 'twas a faultless arrangement,
they were burned by Manannan.

The Wooing of Etain

II. The Wooing of Etain

Eochaid Airem took the kingship of Ireland. The five Fifth of Ireland submitted to him, that is a king of each Fifth. These were their kings at that time: Conchobar son of Nesa and Mess Gegra and Tigernach Tetbannach and Cu Rui and Ailill son of Mata Murisc. Eochaid's strongholds were Dun Fremainn in Meath and Dun Fremainn in Tethba. Fremainn in Tethba was the one most dear to him of the strongholds of Ireland.

2. Eochaid, the year after he became king, commanded the men of Ireland to hold the Festival of Tara, in order to assess their tributes and taxes for five years. The men of Ireland made the same reply to Eochaid, that they would not convene the Festival of Tara for a king that had no queen; for Eochaid had no queen when he took the kingship. Thereupon Eochaid dispatched envoys to every Fifth throughout Ireland so to seek out for him the fairest (woman or) maiden in Ireland. For he said that none should be his wife save a woman that none of the men of Ireland had known before him. There was found for him at Inber Cichmaine, Etain daughter of Etar, and Eochaid wedded her then, for she was his match in beauty and form and lineage, in splendour and youth and fame.

3. The three sons of Find son of Findlug, the queen's sons, were Eochaid Feidlech and Eochaid Airem and Ailill Anguba. Ailill Anguba came to love Etain at the Festival of Tara, after she had lain with Eochaid, for it was his wont to gaze at her continually, and such gazing is a token of love. His heart reproached Ailill for the deed that he had wrought, but it availed him in no wise. Desire was stronger than character. Ailill fell into a decline lest his honour should be strained, nor had he spoken of it to the woman herself.

4. When he expected death, Fachtna, Eochaid's physician, was brought to see him. the physician said to him, "One of the two pains thou has that kill man and no physician can heal, the pain of love and the pain of jealousy." Ailill did not confess to him, for he was ashamed. Then Ailill was left in Fremainn Tethba dying, and Eochaid went out on a circuit of Ireland. And Etain was left with Ailill that his last rites might be paid by her--that is, his grave dug, his lamentation made, his cattle slain.

5. Every day Etain used to come to the house wherein Ailill lay sick to speak with him, and thus his sickness was alleviated, and as long as Etain remained there he would be gazing at her. Etain observed this, and pondered the matter. One day as they were together in her house, Etain asked him what was the cause of his sickness. "It is from love of thee," said Ailill. "Pity that thou has been so long without telling it," said she. Had we but known thou shouldst have meen healed a while ago." "Even this day I shall be whole again if thou be willing." "I am willing indeed," said she.

6. Every day then she would come to bathe his head and to carve his meat and to pour water on his hands. After thrice nine days Ailill was healed. He said to Etain: and when shall I have from thee what is still lacking to cure me?" "Thou shalt have it to-morrow," said she; "but not in the prince's dwelling shall he be put to shame. Come to me to-morrow on the hill above the court."

7. Ailill watched through the night. But at the hour of his tryst he fell asleep, and did not wake until the third hour on the morrow. Etain went to meet him, and saw a man awaiting her like unto Ailill in appearance, and he lamented his weakness due to his ailment. The speech that Ailill would have wished is that is what he spoke. At the hour of tierce Ailill awoke. He began to be sorrowful for a long while when Etain came into the house "Why are thou sad?" said she. "That I should have sent thee to a tryst with me and was not there to meet thee. For sleep fell upon me, and I am only now arisen It is manifest that I have not yet attained my cure." "That matters not," said Etain, "one day follows another." He watched that night with a huge fire in front of him and water by his side for bathing his eyes.

8. At the hour of her tryst Etain come to meet him and saw the same man like unto Ailill. Etain returned home. Ailill fell to weeping. Three times Etain came and Ailill did not keep his tryst. She found ever the same man. "Tis not with thee that I have trysted," said she. "Who art thou that hast come to meet me? The man with whom I have made a tryst, 'tis not for sin or hurt that the tryst has been made with him, but that one fit to be king of Ireland might be saved from the sickness that has fallen upon him." "Twere more fitting for thee to come to me, for thou wast Etain Echraide, daughter of Ailill, tis I that was thy husband. I have paid thy huge brideprice in great plains and rivers of Ireland, and had left in place of thee thy weight of gold and silver." "Tell me," said she, "what is thy name?" "No hard matter, Midir of Bri Leith," said he. "Tell me," said she, "What was it that parted us?" "No hard matter, the sorcery of Fuamnach and the spells of Bresal Etarlam." Midir said to Etain, "Wilt thou go with me." "Nay," said she, "I will not barter the king of Ireland for a man whose kindred or race I know not." "It was I, "said Midir, "that put love for thee into Ailill's mind, so that his flesh and blood fell away from him. And it was I that took from him all carnal desire, so that thine honour might not suffer therein. But come to my land with me if Eochaid bids thee." "Willingly," said Etain.

9. Then she comes to her house. "We are well met," said Ailill. "Now am I healed, and yet thine honour had not suffered." "It is well thus," said Etain. After that Eochaid returned from his circuit, and rejoiced that his brother was still alive, and Etain received thanks for what she had done until he had come again.

The Wooing of Etain

III. The Wooing of Etain

Another time on a lovely summer day Eochaid Airem king of Tara arose and climbed the terrace of Tara to gaze over Mag Berg. It was radiant with bloom of every hue. As Eochaid looked round him he saw a strange warrior on the terrace before him. A purple tunic about him, and golden yellow hair on him to the edge of his shoulders. A shining blue eye in his head. A five-pointed spear in one hand, a white-bossed shield in the other, with golden gems thereon. Eochaid was silent, for he was unaware of his being in Tara the night before, and the courts had not been opened at that hour.

2. Thereupon he came up to Eochaid. Then Eochaid said, "Welcome to the warrior whom we do not know." "Tis for that we have come," said the Warrior. "We know thee not," said Eochaid. "I know thee, however," replied the warrior. "What is thy name?" said Eochaid. "Not famous," said he, "Midir of Bri Leith." "What has brought thee?" said Eochaid. "To play chess1 with thee," said he. "Of a truth I am good at chess," said Eochaid. "Let us make trial of it," said Midir. "The queen is asleep," said Eochaid, "and it is in her house that the chess-board is." "I have here," said Midir, "a chess-board that is not inferior." That was true: a silver board and golden men, and each corner there lit up by precious stone, and a bag for the men of plaited links of bronze.

3. Thereupon Midir arranges the board. "Do thou play," said Midir. "I will not play save for a stake," said Eochaid. "What shall the wager be?" said Midir. "It is all one to me," said Eochaid. "Thou shalt have from me," said Midir, "if thou win my stake, fifty dark grey steeds with dappled blood-red heads, pointed-ears, broad-chested, with distended nostrils, slender limbs, mighty, keen ..., huge, swift, steady easily yoked, with their fifty enamelled reins. They shall be here at the hour of tierce to-morrow." Eochaid said the same to him. Thereupon they play. Midir's stake is taken. He goes off taking his chess-board with him. When Eochaid arose on the morrow he came on the terrace of Tara as sunrise, and he saw his opponent also by coming towards him along the terrace. He knew not whither he had gone or wence he had come, and he saw the fifty dark grey steeds with their enammelled reins. "This is honourable," said Eochaid. "What is promised is due," said Midir.

4. "Shall we play at chess?" said Midir. "Willingly," said Eochaid, "so it be for a stake." "Thou shalt have from me," said Midir, "fifty young boars, curly-motted, grey-bellied, blue- backed, with horses hooves to them, together with a vat of blackthorn into which they all will fit. Further, fifty gold-hilted swords, and again fifty red-eared cows with white red-eared calves with a bronze spancel on each calf. Further, fifty grey wethers with red heads, three-headed, three-horned. Further, fifty ivory-hilted swords. Further, fifty speckled cloaks, but each fifty of them on its own day."

5. Eochaid's fosterfather questioned him, and asked him whence he had brought his great wealth. He said to him, "That is indeed fit to relate." "Verily Indeed. Thou must take heed of him; it is a man of magic power that has come to thee, my son, lay heavy burdens on him." After that his opponent came to him, and Eochaid laid upon him the famous great tasks, namely to clear Meath of stone, to put rushes over Tethba, a causeway over Moin Lamraige, and a wood over Breifne. Concerning which the poet uttered the followings staves:

These are the four things
that Eochaid Airem imposed
on many a manly-visaged throng
with many a shield and spear:

A causeway over Moin Lamraige,
a wood over Breifne, without difficulty,
a clearing of stone from the hillocks of great Meath,
and rushes over Tethba.

6. These then are the pledges and the hardships that were imposed. "Thou layest too much upon me," said Midir. "I do not indeed," said Eochaid. "Then do thou grant me a request and a boon. As far as thou holdest sway let no man or woman be out of doors until sunrise to-morrow." "It shall be done," said Eochaid. No one had ever trodden that bog before.

7. Then Eochaid commanded his steward to watch the effort they put forth in making the causeway. The steward went into the bog. It seemed to him as though all the men in the world from sunrise to sunset had come to the bog. They all made one mound of their clothes, and Midir went up to that mound. Into the bottom of the causeway they kept putting a forest with its trunks and roots, Midir standing and urging on the host on every side. One would think that below him all the men of the world were raising a tumult.

8. After that, clay and gravel and stones were place upon the bog. Now until that night the men of Ireland used to put the strain on the foreheads of oxen, (but) it was seen that the folk of the elfmounds were putting it on their shoulders. Eochaid did the same, hence he is called Eochaid Airem [i.e. ploughman], for he was the first of the men of Ireland to put a yoke upon the necks of oxen. And these were the words that were on the lips of the host as they were making the causeway: "Put in hand, throw in hand, excellent oxen, in the hours after sundown; overhard is the exaction; none knoweth whose is the gain, whose the loss, from the causeway over Moin Lamraige."

There had been no better causeway in the world, had not a watch been set on them. Defects were left in them. There after the steward came to Eochaid and brings tidings of the vast work he had witnessed, and he said there was not on the ridge of the world a magic power that surpassed it.

9. While they were speaking they saw Midir coming towards them, his loins girt and an evil look on him. Eochaid was afraid, but bade him welcome. "Tis for that we have come," said Midir. "It is fierce and unreasonable of thee to lay such hardship and infliction upon me. I would have wrought something else to please thee, but my mind is inflamed against thee." "Thou shalt not get wrath in return for thy rage: thy mind shall be set at ease," said Eochaid. "It shall be accepted then," said Midir; "Shall we play at chess?" said Midir. "What shall the stake be?" said Eochaid. The stake that either of us shall wish," said Midir. That day Eochaid's stake was taken. "Thou has taken my stake," said Eochaid. "Had I wished I could have taken it before now," said Midir. "What wouldst thou from me?" said Eochaid. "My arms around Etain and a kiss from her," said Midir. Eochaid was silent. "Come a month from to-day and that shall be given thee."

10. The year before Midir came to play chess with Eochaid he was wooing Etain, but he could not win her, the name by which Midir called her was Be Find [Fair Lady], and he spake to her:

O Be Find, wilt thou come with me
to the wondrous land wherein harmony is,
hair is like the crown of the primrose there.
and the body smooth and white as snow.

There, is neither mine or thine,
white are teeth there, dark the brows.
A delight of the eye the number of our hosts,
every cheek there is of the hue of the foxglove.

A gilllyflower is each one's neck,
a delight of the eye are blackbirds' eggs.
Though fair the prospect of Mag Fail,
'tis desolate after frequenting Mag Mar.

Though choice you deem the ale of Inis Fail,
more intoxicating is the ale of Tir Mar.
A wondrous land is the land I tell of;
youth departs not there before old.

Warm sweet streams flow through the land,
the choice of mead and wine.
Stately folk without blemish,
conception without sin, without lust.

We see everyone on every side,
and no one sees us.
It is the darkness of Adam's transgression
that hath prevented us from being counted.

O woman, if thou come to my proud folk,
a crown of gold shall be upon thy head
honey, wine, ale, fresh milk, and drink,
thou shalt have with me there, O Be Find.

"I will go with thee" said Etain, "if thou obtain me from my husband, if thou obtain me not, I will not go."

11. After that Midir came to Eochaid, and he yielded his stake at once in order that he might have a ground of quarrel with Eochaid. Therefore it was that he fulfilled the onerous conditions, and it was for that reason he stipulated the unnamed pledge, so that it afterwards it was named.10 When Midir and his people were carrying out the terms of the night, i.e. the causeway over Moin Lamraige, and the clearing away the stones from Meath and putting rushes over Tethba, and the wood over Breifne, these are the words people were saying, according to the Book of Druim Snechta:

12. [Cuirthe i iland toche i iland airderg damrudh trom an coidben cluinitar fir ferdi buidne balethruim crandchuir forderg saire fedhar sechuib slimprib snithib sciathu lama indrochad cloena fo bith oenmna duib in digail duib an tromdam tairthrim flatho fer ban fomnis in fer mbraine cerpai fomnis diadh dergage fer arfeidh solaid fri ais estild fer bron fort ier techta in delmnad o luachair for di Teithbi dictlochad Midi indracht coich les coich aimles.]

13. Midir made a tryst of a month from that day. But Eochaid mustered the flower of the warriors of Ireland to Tara, and the best of the war-bands of Ireland, each encircling the other around Tara, in the midst, without and within, and the king and queen in the middle of the house, and the courts locked, for they knew that a man of great magic power would come. Etain was serving the lords on that night, for the serving of drink was a special gift of hers.

14. Thereafter as they were speaking they saw Midir coming towards them in the midst of the royal house. He was fair at all times, but on that night he was fairer. The hosts were astonished. Then silence fell upon them, and the king bade him welcome. "'Tis that we have come for," said Midir; "what has been pledged to me," said he, "let it be given to me. What is promised is due. What was promised, I have given thee." "I have not thought further of that until now," said Eochaid. "Etain herself promised me that she would come away from tee," said Midir. Thereupon Etain blushes. "Do not blush, O Etain," said Midir. "It is not unwomanly for thee. I have been a year," said he, "seeking thee with gifts and treasures the most beautiful in Ireland, nor did I take thee until I had Eochaid's leave. It is not through any... though I should win thee?" "I have told thee," said she, "that I will not go to thee until Eochaid sell me. As for me, thou mayst take me if Eochaid sell me."

15. "I will not sell thee indeed," said Eochaid, "but let him put his arms round thee in the middle of the house as thou art." "It shall be done," said Midir. He takes his weapons in his left hand, and the woman he took under his right arm, and bore her away though the skylight of the house. The hosts rose up in shame around the king. They beheld two swans in flight round Tara.

And the way they went was to Sid ar Femuin, and Ecohaid went with flower of men of Ireland around him to Sid ar Femuin, that is Sid Ban Find. And this was the counsel of the men of Ireland, to dig up dig up every elfmound in Ireland until his wife came thereout to him.

16. They dug up Sid Ban Find, and a certain person comes forth and told them that the woman was not there. "The king of the elfmounds of Ireland, he is the man who came to you. He is in his royal stronghold with the young woman. Set out thither until ye come to it." They go northwards. They began to dig up the elfmound. They were a year and three months at it. What they would dig up one day would be restored on the morrow. Two white ravens went forth from the mound to them, and there came two hounds, Schleth and Samair. They went south again to Sid Ban Find. They began to dig the elfmound. One comes forth to them and said to them, "What hast thou against us, O Eochaid?" said he. "We have not taken thy wife. No injury had been done thee. Beware of saying aught that may be harmful to a king." "I will not go hence," said Eochaid, "till ye tell me how I may atain my wife." "Take blind welps with thee, and blind cats, and leave them. That is the work thou must do every day." They turn away, and that is done by them. And in this manner they set about it.

17. As they were razing Sid Bri Leith they beheld Midir coming towards them. "What has thou against me," said Midir. "Thou dost me wrong. Thou hast put great tribulations upon me. Thou didst sell thy wife to me. Injure me no more," said he. "She shall not be with thee," said Eochaid. "She shall not," said Midir. "Get thee home, Thy wife shall reach thee at the third hour to-morrow...," said Midir. "Injure me not again if thou are contented with me this time." "I accept," said Eochaid. Midir bound his covenants and departs from them. As they were there at the third hour on the morrow, they saw fifty women all of like form and raiment as Etain. Silence fell on the hosts. There was a grey slut before them. They say to Eochaid, "Choose thy wife now, or bid one of the women to abide with thee. It is meet that we set out for home."

18. "What will ye do," said Eochaid to the men of Ireland, "because of the doubt that has come upon you?" "We have no resolve as to what we shall do," said the men of Ireland. "I have," said Eochaid. "My wife is the best at serving drink in Ireland. I shall recognize her by her serving." Twenty-five were placed at the side of the house and twenty five at this, and still he did not find Etain. It came at last to two women. One of them poured out first. Said Eochaid, "This is Etain, and it is not herself." Then they all took counsel. "Truly it is Etain, but it is not her serving." The rest of the women departed. That deed which he did was a great satisfaction to the men of Ireland, and the high feat the oxen had done, and the rescue of the woman from the men of the elfmounds.

19. One fine day Eochaid arose, and he and his queen were conversing in the middle of the court, they saw Midir coming towards them. "Well, Eochaid," said Midir. "Well," said Eochaid. "Thou has not played me fair with the hardships thou has inflicted on me, considering the backing thou hadst and all that... to demand from me. There was naught that thou didst not suspect me of." "I did not sell thee my wife," said Eochaid. "Answer, dost thou consider thy conscience in regard to me?" said Midir. "Until thou proffer another pledge, I will not consider it," said Eochaid. "Answer, is thy mind at ease?" said Midir. "It is," said Eochaid. "So also is mine," said Midir. "Thy wife was pregnant when she was taken from thee, and she bore a daughter, and it is she who is with thee. Thy wife, moreover, is with me and it had befallen thee to let her go a second time." Thereupon he departs.

20. After that Eochaid did not dare to dig again an elfmound of Midir's, for there was a bond against him. It grieved Eochaid that his wife had eloped, and that his own daughter had lain with him. And she was with child by him and bore him a daughter. "O ye gods," said Eochaid, "I and my daughter's daughter shall never look on one another," Two of his household go to throw her into a pit among beasts. They visit the house of Findlam the herdsman of Tara in Slaib Fuait, in the midst of a wilderness. There was no one in the house. They ate the food with in. Then they threw the girl to the bitch and her welps that was in the kennel in the house. They go away again. The herdsman and his wife return home and saw within the fair infant in the kennel. They were amazed at that. They take her out of the kennel. They brought her up without knowing whence she had come, and she waxed strong, moreover, being the daughter of a king and queen. She surpassed all women at embroidery. Her eyes saw nothing that her hands could not embroider. In that wise then she was reared by Findlam and his wife, until one day Etarscel's people saw her and told the king, and she was taken away forcibly by Etarscel, and was with him after that as his wife. So she is the mother of Conaire son of Etarscel.

21. And after that Eochaid Airem was in Fremain of Tethba, after he had lost Etain, and his mind was troubled. Sigmall Cael, grandson of Midir, that is, the son of Midir's daughter, Oicnis was her name, came and burned Eochaid's Dun Fremainn, and Eochaid fell by him and his head was brought by Sigmall to Sid Nennta in revenge for the honour of his grandfather, even Midir.

This is not so, however, for Sigmall and Fuamnach the wife of Midir had fallen at the hands of Manannan in Bri Leith long before that in the reign of the Tuatha De Danann: whereof the poet said:

R. Fumnach the foolish one, was Midir's wife,
Sigmall, a hill with ancient trees
in Bri Leith, twas a faultless arrangement,
they were burned by Manannan.

22. It is this wise however that the death of Eochaid Airem came about, as the learned in ancient lore say:

Eochaid was in Fremainn of Tethba, as we have said, and it is there was his mansion and his ancestral domain towards the end. Hense there arose hard tribute of service beyond telling on the people of the district and the land, because the sustenance of the king usually fell on them, wherefore Tethba is called the seventh part of Ireland, for the seventh part of the tribute and the maintenance of the king fell on them. The Fir Chul of the Luigne of Tara were in Tara at this time, and on them that the tribute was laid. Normael was king of the Fir Chul then and he was the steward in Fremainn. His mother's son was Sigmall of Brestine son of Midir king of Bentraige. A plot was then hatched by them, and what they resolved on was the slaying of Eochaid.

23. Then they both set out, the Bentraige under Sigmall and the Fir Chul under Mormael, and they took Dun Fremainn, Eochaid's stronghold, and burned it, and slew him there. After that they went to Connacht with their spoils, and bore Eochaid's head along with them to Sid Nennta iar nUsicu (west of the water), so that commemorate that deed the historian uttered the following:

Eochaid Airem, noble, fair and graceful,
eminent high-king of Ireland,
extended his bold hard tribute,
it spread through Banda of of the brown cloaks.

The folk of Tethba of the stubborn fights
got the tribute of the king of Ireland.
The lawgiving king who...them, put
the seventh (part) on them alone.

Heavy sorrow of the host came
because of the monstrous unjust law,
anger was kindled among because of it,
until Eochaid Airem was slain.

The folk of Tethba, mighty of yore,
slew Eochaid of Fremaind
'Twas not strength with cause on their part,
because of the monstrous unjust law.

Mormael was the name of the king at first
by whom the great deed was done,
Fir Chul the name of the men of Tethba in the east
when Dun Fremainn was overpowered.

Though 'tis said that Sigmal of the spears
slew Eochaid Airem,
he died himself prior to Eochaid of Fremaind
in the succession of leaders.

Sigmall of the battling spears died
by the smooth bright face of Manannan;
a vast long time in the east, without weakness,
before Eochaid met his death.

The two Sigmalls of Sid Nennta,
intrepid their feet, mighty their prowess,
Sigmall son of Coirpre of the battles,
Sigmall who was at Eochaid's death.

Sigmall son of Brestine of lasting [memory],
king of Bentraige with great triumph,
and great Mormael from the plain,
by them Eochaid perished.

Tales of Mongan

Quelle: Ancient Irish Tales. ed. and trans. by Tom P. Cross & Clark Harris Slover. NY: Henry Holt & Co., 1936

Tales of Mongan

THE BIRTH OF MONGAN

Fiachna Lurga, the father of Mongan, was sole king of the province. He had a friend in Scotland, to wit, Aedan, the son of Gabran. A message went from him to Aedan. A message went from Aedan asking him to come to his aid. He was in warfare against the Saxons. A terrible warrior was brought by them to accomplish the death of Aedan in the battle. Then Fiachna went across, leaving his queen at home.

While the hosts were fighting in Scotland, a noble-looking man came to his wife in his stronghold in Rathmore of Moylinny. At the time he went, there were not many in the stronghold. The stranger asked the woman to arrange a place of meeting. The woman said there were not in the world possessions or treasures, for which she would do anything to disgrace her husband’s honor. He asked her whether she would do it to save her husband’s life. She said that if she were to see him in danger and difficulty, she would help him with all that lay in her might. He said she should do it then, “for thy husband is in great danger. A terrible man has been brought against him, and he will die by his hand. If we, thou and I, make love, thou wilt bear a son thereof. That son will be famous; he will be Mongan. I shall go to the battle which will be fought to-morrow at the third hour, so that I shall save Fiachna, and I shall vanquish the warrior before the eyes of the men of Scotland. And I shall tell thy husband our adventures, and that it is thou that hast sent me to his help.”

It was done thus. When army was drawn up against army, the boats saw a noble-looking man before the army of Aedan and Fiachna. He went towards Fiachna in particular, and told him the conversation with his wife the day before, and that he had promised to come to his help at that hour. Thereupon he went before the army towards the other, and vanquished the warriors, so that Aedan and Fiachna won the battle.

And Fiaclma returned to his country, and the woman was pregnant and bore a son, even Mongan son of Fiachna. And he thanked his wife for what she had done for him, and she confessed all her adventures. So that this Mongan is a son of Manannan mac Lir, though he is called Mongan son of Fiachna. For when the stranger went from her in the morning he left a quatrain with Mongan’s mother, saying:

I go home,
The pale pure morning draws near:
Manannan son of Lir
Is the name of him who came to thee.

Tales of Mongan

A STORY OF MONGAN

Now once upon a time when Forgall the poet was with Mongan, the latter at a certain hour of the day went before his stronghold, where he found a bardic scholar learning his lesson. Said Mongan:

All is lasting
In a cloak of sackcloth;
In due course thou shalt attain
The end of thy studies.

Mongan then took pity on the scholar, who was in the cloak of sackcloth. He had little of any substance. In order to know whether he would be a truthful and good messenger, he said to him: “Go now, until thou reach the fairy-mound of Lethet Oidni, and bring a precious stone which I have there, and for thyself take a pound of white silver, in which are twelve ounces. Thou shalt have help from them. This is thy journey from here, to Cnocc Bane. Thou wilt find welcome in the fairy-mound of Cnocc Bane for my sake. Thence to Duma Granerit. Thence to the fairy- mound of Lethet Oidni. Take the stone for me, and go to the stream of Lethet Oidni, where thou wilt find a pound of gold, in which are nine ounces. Take that with thee for me.”

The scholar went on his journey. In the fairy-mound of Gnocc Bane be found a noble-looking couple to meet him. They gave great welcome to a messenger of Mongan’s. It was his due. He went further. He found another couple in Duma Granerit, where he had the same welcome. He went to the fairy-mound of Lethet Oidni, where again he found another couple. They gave great welcome to a man of Mongan’s. He was most hospitably enter­tained, as on the other nights. There was a marvellous chamber at the side of the couple’s house. Mongan had told him that he should ask for its key. He did so. The key was brought to him. He opened it. He had been told to take nothing out of the house except what he had been sent for. He did so. The key he gave back to the couple; his stone, however, and his pound of silver he took with him. Thereupon he went to the stream of Lethet Oidni, out of which he took his pound of gold. He went back to Mongan, to whom he gave his stone and his gold. He himself took his silver. These were his wanderings.

Tales of Mongan

A STORY FROM WHICH IT IS INFERRED THAT MONGAN WAS FINN MAC CUMAILL

Mongan was in Rathmore of Moylinny in his kingship. To him went Forgall the poet. Through him many a married couple complained to Mongan. Every night the poet would recite a story to Mongan. So great was his lore that they were thus from Hallowe’en to May-day. He received gifts and food from Mon­gan.

One day Mongan asked his poet what was the death of Fothad Airgdech. Forgall said he was slain at Duffry in Leinster. Mongan said it was false. The poet said he would satirize him with his lampoons, and he would satirize his father and his mother and his grandfather, and he would sing spells upon their waters, so that fish should not be caught in their river-mouths. He would sing upon their woods, so that they should not give fruit, upon their plains, so that they should be barren for ever of any produce. Mongan promised him his will of precious things as far as the value of seven bondmaids, or twice seven bondmaids, or three times seven. At last he offered him one-third, or one-half of his land, or his whole land; at last anything save only his own liberty with that of his wife Breothigernn, unless he were redeemed before the end of three days. The poet refused all except as regards the woman. For the sake of his honor Mongan consented. Thereat the woman was sorrowful. The tear was not taken from her cheek. Mongan told her not to be sorrowful, help would certainly come to them.

So it came to the third day. The poet began to enforce his bond. Mongan told him to wait till evening. He and his wife were in their bower. The woman wept as her surrender drew near and she saw no help. Mongan said: “Be not sorrowful, woman. He who is even now coming to our help, I hear his feet in the Labrinne.”

They waited a while. Again the woman wept. “Weep not, woman! He who is now coming to our help, I hear his feet in the Main.”

Thus they were waiting between every two watches of the day. She would weep, and he would still say: “Weep not, woman. He who is now coming to our help, I hear his feet in the Laune, in Loch Leane, in the Morning-star River between the Ui Fidgente and the Arada, in the Suir on Mag Femin in Munster, in the Echuir, in the Barrow, in the Liffey, in the Boyne, in the Dee, in the Tuarthesc, in Carlingford Loch, in the Nid, in the Newry river, in the Lame Water in front of Rathmore.”

When night came to them, Mongan was on his couch in his palace, and his wife at his right hand, and she sorrowful. The poet was summoning them by their sureties and their bonds. While they were there, a man was announced approaching the enclosure from the south. His cloak was in a fold around him, and in his hand a headless spear-shaft that was not small. By that shaft he leapt across the three ramparts, so that he landed in the middle of the enclosure, thence into the middle of the palace, thence between Mongan and the wall at his pillow. The poet was in the back of the house behind the king. The question was argued in the house before the warrior that had come.

“What is the matter here?” said he.

“I and the poet yonder,” said Mongan, “have made a wager about the death of Fothad Airgdech. He said it was at Duffry in Leinster; I said that was false.” The warrior said the poet Was wrong.

“It shall be proved. We were with thee, with Finn,” said the warrior.

“Hush!” said Mongan, “that is not fair.”

“We were with Finn, then,” said he. “We came from Scotland. We met with Fothad Airgdech yonder on the Lame river. There we fought a battle. I made a cast at him, so that the spear passed through him and went into the earth beyond him and left its iron head in the earth. Here is the shaft that was in that spear. The bare stone from which I made that cast will be found, and the iron head will be found in the earth, and the tomb of Fothad Airgdech will be found a little to the east of it. A stone chest is about him there in the earth. There, upon the chest, are his two bracelets of silver, and his two arm-rings, and his neck-torque of silver. And by his tomb there is a stone pillar. And on the end of the pillar that is in the earth there is an inscription in ogam. This is what it says: ‘This is Eochaid Airgdech. Cailte’ slew me in an encounter against Finn.’”

They went with the warrior. Everything was found thus. It was Cailte, Finn’s foster-son, that had come to them. Mongan, however, was Finn, though he would not let it be told

The Birth of Cu Chulainn

Dechtire, the sister of King Conchobar of Ulster, went, along with fifty other maidens, upon an elopement without the knowledge of the Ulstermen and Conchobar. No track nor trace of them was found, and the Ulstermen were seeking them to the end of three years.

Dechtire and her attendant maidens came then in the form of a bird-flock to the plain about Emain Macha, and destroyed the vegetation, so that they did not leave even the roots of the grass in the ground there. That thing was a great cause of vexation to the Ulstermen. They accordingly harnessed nine chariots for the hunting of the birds, for bird hunting was a custom of theirs. Among the hunting party were Conchobar and Fergus mac Roig and Amergin and Blai the Hospitaller and Bricriu.

The birds went before them southward across Sliab Fuait, over the Ford of Lethan and the Ford of Garach, and over the Plain of Gossa between the men of Ross and the men of Arda. Night then overtook them and the bird-flock escaped; so they unharnessed their chariots. Fergus went in search of a lodging, and he came upon a small new house, wherein be found a married couple. They welcomed him and offered him food, but he would not accept their hospitality because his companions were still abroad without shelter.

“Come thou with thy companions into the house, and welcome to you all,” said they. Fergus thereupon went out to his companions and brought them all in, both men and horses, so that they were all in the house (which bad suddenly become large and magnificent).

Then Bricriu went out, and he heard Cnu Deroil. He heard the sound of the wistful fairy music, but he did not know what it meant. He went toward the sound until he came upon a great, fair, adorned house before him. He approached the door, and, on looking in, beheld the master of the house.

“Come in, O Bricriu,” said he; “why standest thou outside?”

“Welcome indeed,” said a woman who stood beside the master of the house.

Bricriu regarded the handsome, noble-looking warrior, and asked, “Why does the woman also welcome us?”

“It is on her account that I welcome thee,” said the man; “is anyone lacking to you in Emain?”

“There is indeed,” replied Bricriu; “fifty maidens have been lost to us for the space of three years.”

“Wouldst thou recognize them if thou sawest them?” asked the man.

“I might not recognize them,” said Bricriu; “the lapse of three years or sickness of three years may perhaps cause ignorance or lack of recognition on my part.”

“Nevertheless, try to recognize them,” said the man. “The fifty maidens whom you seek are here in the house, and the chief of them is she who is here by my side. Dechtire is her name, and it is they who came in the form of the bird-flock to Emain Macha in order to induce the Ulstermen to come hither.”

The woman gave a purple, bordered mantle to Bricriu, and he went back thereafter to his companions. While returning to his company, Bricriu thought to himself as follows: “These fifty maidens who are lacking to Conchobar-to find them would be to flatter him. Therefore I will conceal from him that I have found his sister with her attendants; I will only say that I have found a house and a company of lovely women therein.”

When Bricriu arrived, Conchobar asked him the news.

“What is that to thee?” asked Bricriu. “I came upon a magnificent house; therein I saw a queen radiant and noble, dear and lovable; a company of women fair and pure; a household generous and shining.”

“Off with you to the house,” commanded Conchobar. “The master of that house is a subject of mine, for it is in my land he dwells. Let his wife come and sleep with me to-night.”

No one was found who would go upon this errand except Fergus. He went and spoke his message, and he was welcomed and the woman came with him. She complained to Fergus that the pains of childbirth were upon her. Then Fergus said to Conchobar that a respite should be granted to her. Thereupon the company lay down beside each other and slept. When they awoke in the morn­ing, they saw a little boy in the fold of Conchobar’s cloak.

“Take the child to thee,” said Conchobar to his sister Finnchoem. When Finnchoem looked at the little boy beside Conchobar, she said, “My heart loves this boy so that he is the same with me as my own son Conall.”

“There is indeed little difference between them,” said Bricriu; “that child is the son of thine own sister Dechtire. She it is, who, with her fifty maidens, has been absent from Emain for three years and is now here.”

(The mysterious stranger who was with Dechtire was Lug Long-Arm, of the Tuatha De Danann. The little child was named Setanta until he slew the hound of Culann the smith, after which be was known as Cu Chulainn [Hound of Culann].)

The Wooing of Emer by Cú Chulainn

(An Irish hero-tale of the eleventh century, translated from the original manuscript [Based on LU and Stowe MS 992 (D. iv. 2)].)[1]

There lived once upon a time a great and famous king in Emain Macha,[2] whose name was Conchobar, son of Fachtna Fathach.[3] In his reign there was much store of good things with the men of Ulster. Peace there was, and quiet and pleasant greeting; there was fruit and fatness and harvest of the sea; there was sway and law and good lordship during his time with the men of Ulster. There was great state and rank and plenty in the king's house at Emain.

On this wise was that house—viz., the Red Branch of Conchobor, after the likeness of the House of the Midcourt.[4] Nine beds were in it from the fire to the wall. Thirty feet was the height of each bronze front that was in the house. Carvings of red yew were therein. It was a board [...] below, and a roof of tiles above. The bed of Conchobor was in the front of the house, with boards of silver, with pillars of bronze, with the glitter of gold on their head-pieces, and carbuncles in them, so that day and night were equally light in it, with its silver board above the king to the highest part of the royal house. Whenever Conchobor struck the board with a royal rod, all the men of Ulster were silent thereat. The twelve beds of the twelve chariot-chiefs were round about that bed.

Yea, the valiant warriors of the men of Ulster found place in that king's house at the drink, and no man of them would touch the other. Splendid, lavish, and beautiful were the valiant warriors of the men of Ulster in that house. There were great and numerous gatherings of every kind in that house, and wonderful pastimes. There were games and music and singing there—viz., heroes were at their feats, poets sang, harpers and players on the timpan[5] struck their sounds.

Now, once the men of Ulster were in Emain Macha with Conchobor drinking the iern-gual (iron-coal).[6] A hundred fillings of beverage went into it every evening. This was the drinking of the 'coal' that would satisfy all the men of Ulster at one time. The chariot-chiefs of Ulster were performing on ropes stretched across from door to door in the house at Emain. Fifteen feet and nine score was the size of that house. The chariot-chiefs were performing three feats—viz., the spear-feat, and the apple-feat, and the sword-edge feat.

These are the chariot-chiefs who performed those feats—Conall the Victorious, son of Amorgen; Fergus, son of Roich the Overbold; Loegaire the Victorious, son of Connad; Celtchar, son of Uthider; Dubthach, son of Lugaid; Cuchulaind, son of Soaldam; Scel, son of Barnene (from whom the Pass of Barnene is named), the warder of Emain Macha. From him is the saying, 'a story of Scel's,' for he was a mighty story-teller.

Cuchulaind surpassed all of them at those feats for quickness and deftness. The women of Ulster loved Cuchulaind greatly for his quickness at the feats, for the nimbleness of his leap, for the excellency of his wisdom; for the sweetness of his speech, for the beauty of his face, for the loveliness of his look. For there were seven pupils in his kingly eyes, four of them in his one eye, and three of them in the other. He had seven fingers on either hand, and seven toes on either of his two feet. Many were his gifts. First, his gift of prudence until his warrior's flame appeared, the gift of feats, the gift of buanfach,[7] the gift of draught-playing, the gift of calculating, the gift of sooth-saying, the gift of sense, the gift of beauty. But three faults had Cuchulaind—that he was too young (for his moustache had not grown, and all the more would unknown youths deride him), that he was too daring, that he was too beautiful.

The men of Ulster took counsel about Cuchulaind, for their women and maidens loved him greatly. For there was no wife with Cuchulaind at that time. This was the counsel, that they would seek a woman whom Cuchulaind might choose to woo. For they were sure that a man who had a wife to attend to him would less ravish their maidens and accept the love of their women. And, besides, they were troubled and afraid that Cuchulaind would perish early, so that for that reason they wished to give him a wife that he might leave an heir; for they knew that his re-birth would be of himself.

Then Conchobor sent out nine men into each province of Erinn to seek a wife for Cuchulaind, to see if they would find in any dun or in any chief place in Erinn the daughter of a king, or of a chief, or of a lord of land, whom Cuchulaind might be pleased to choose and woo. All the messengers returned that day a year gone, and had not found a maiden whom Cuchulaind chose to woo.

Thereupon Cuchulaind himself went to woo a maiden that he knew in Luglochta Loga—viz., Emer, the daughter of Forgall the Wily. Then Cuchulaind himself and his charioteer Loeg, son of Riangabar (or Reincobir), went in his chariot. That was the one chariot which the host of the horses of the chariots of Ulster could not follow, on account of the swiftness and speed of the chariot and of who sat in it.
on her playing field, with her foster-sisters around her. These were daughters of the lords of land that lived around the dun of Forgall. They were learning needle-work and fine handiwork from Emer. She was the one maiden whom he deigned to address and woo of the maidens of Erinn. For she had the six gifts—viz., the gift of beauty, the gift of voice, the gift of sweet speech, the gift of needle-work, the gift of wisdom, the gift of chastity. Cuchulaind said that no maiden should go with him but she who was his equal in age and shape and race, and skill and deftness, who was the best handworker of the maidens of Erinn, and that none was a fitting wife for him unless such were she. And as she was the one maiden that fulfilled all those conditions, Cuchulaind went to woo her above all.

It was in his festal array that Cuchulaind went on that day to address Emer and to show his beauty to her. As the maidens were sitting on the bench of gathering at the dun, they heard something coming towards them, the clatter of the horses' hoofs, the creaking of the chariot, the cracking of the straps, the grating of the wheels, the rush of the hero, the clanking of the weapons. ‘Let one of you see,’ said Emer, ‘what it is that is coming towards us.’

‘Truly, I see here,’ said Fiall, daughter of Forgall, ‘two steeds of like size, beauty, fierceness, and speed, bounding together
[...]
high-headed, spirited, powerful, pricking their ears(?), thin-mouthed, with long tresses, with broad foreheads, much speckled, slightly slender, very broad, impetuous, with curling manes, with curling tails. At the right pole of the chariot is a grey horse, broad-haunched, fierce, swift, fleet, wild, taking small bounds, broad-maned
[...]
thundering, stamping, with curling mane, high-headed, broad-chested. The large-glebed
[...]
hard turf is aflame under his four hard hoofs, a flock of swift birds follows, he takes his course along the road, there darts from him a flash of breath, a blast of red-sparkling fire stands out from his curbed jaws.’

‘The other horse jet-black, hard-headed, round, slender-footed, broad-hoofed
[...]
spirited, curly, plaited, tressed, broad-backed, firmly shod,
[...]
fiery, fierce, strongly striding, firmly stamping, long-maned, curly-maned, long-tailed, with firm curls, broad of forehead, beautiful he moves along after having beaten the horses in the land, he bounds over the smooth dry sward, he follows the levels of the midglen, he finds no obstacle in the land
[...]
’

‘A chariot of fine wood with wicker-work, on which are white bronze wheels. A white pole of white silver with a mounting of white bronze. A very high creaking frame of tin, round and firm. A curved strong yoke of gold. Two plaited firm yellow reins. Hard poles, straight as sword-blades.’

A dark [8] sad man in the chariot, the fairest of the men of Erinn. A beautiful purple five-folded tunic around him, a brooch of inlaid gold on his white breast at its opening, against which it heaves, full strokes beating. A shirt with a white hood, interwoven red with flaming gold. Seven red dragon-gems on the ground of either of his two eyes. Two blue-white blood-red cheeks that breathe sparks and flashes of fire. A ray of love burns in his look. Me thinks, a shower of pearls has been poured in his mouth. As black as the side of a black [...] each of his two eyebrows. A gold-hilted sword resting on his two thighs. A blood-red handfitted spear with a sharp mettlesome blade on a shaft of wood [...] is fastened to the copper frame of the chariot. A purple shield with a rim of silver, with ornamental beasts of gold over his two shoulders. He leaps the heroes' salmon-leap [...] many like swift feats over it, the chariot-chief of the one chariot.

‘There is a charioteer before him in that chariot, a very slender, long-sided, much freckled man. Very curly bright-red hair on his head. A ring of bronze on his brow which prevents his hair from falling over his face. Patins of gold on both sides of the back of his head to confine his hair. A shoulder-mantle with sleeves about him, with openings at his two elbows. A rod of red gold in his hand with which he keeps the horses in order.’

Meanwhile Cuchulaind had come to the place where the maidens were. And he wished a blessing to them. Emer lifted up her lovely fair face and recognised Cuchulaind. And then she said: ‘May God make smooth the path before you!’ ‘May you be safe from every harm!,’ said he. ‘Whence hast thou come?’ she asked. ‘From Intide Emna,’ he replied. ‘Where did you sleep?’ said she. ‘We slept,’ he said, ‘in the house of the man who tends the cattle of the plain of Tethra.’ ‘What was your food there?’ she asked. ‘The ruin of a chariot was cooked for us there,’ he replied, ‘Which way didst thou come?’ said she. ‘Between the Two Mountains of the Wood,’ said he, ‘Which way didst thou take after that?’ said she. ‘Not hard to tell,’ said he. ‘From the Cover of the Sea, over the Great Secret of the Men of Dea,[9] over the Foam of the two Steeds of Emain, over the Garden of the Morrigan,[10]over the Back of the Great Sow, over the Glen of the Great Dam, between the God and his Seer, over the Marrow of the woman Fedelm, between the Boar and his Dam, over the Washing of the Horses of Dea, between the King of Ana (or Ara) and his Servant, to Mondchuile of the Four Corners of the World, over Great Crime, over the Remnants of the Great Feast, between Dabach and Dabchine, to Luglochta[11] Loga, to the daughters of the nephew of Tethra, King of the Fomori.’

‘What is the account of thee, oh maiden?’ said Cuchulaind. ‘Not hard to tell, truly,’ said the maiden, ‘Tara of the women,[12] the whitest of maidens, the
[...]
of chastity, a prohibition which is not taken, a watchman who sees no one.[13] A modest woman is a worm,[14] a scaldcrow
[...]
a rush which none come near.[15] The daughter of a king, a flame of honour, a road that cannot be entered
[...]
viz. I have champions that follow me to guard me from whoever will take me against their pleasure, without their and Forgall's knowledge of my act.’

‘Who are the champions that followed thee, oh maiden?’ said Cuchulaind. ‘Not hard to tell, truly,’ said Emer. ‘Two Lui, two Luath, Luath and Lath Goible, son of Tethra, Triath and Trescath, Brion and Bolor, Bas, son of Omnach, eight Condla, Cona, son of Forgall. Every man of them has the strength of a hundred and the feats of nine. Forgall himself, too, hard is it to tell his many powers. He is stronger than any labourer, more learned than any druid, sharper than any poet. It will be more than all your games to fight against Forgall himself, For many powers of his have been recounted
[...]
of manly deeds.’

‘Why dost thou not reckon me, oh maiden, with those strong men?’ said Cuchulaind. ‘If thy deeds have been recounted, why should I not reckon thee among them?’ ‘Truly, I swear, oh maiden,’ said Cuchulaind, ‘that I shall make my deeds recounted among the glories of the strength of heroes.’ ‘What then is thy strength?’ said Emer. ‘Not hard to tell, truly,’ said he. ‘When I am weak in fight, I defend twenty. Sufficient for thirty is a third of my strength. I alone make combat against forty. My protection guards a hundred. Fords and battlefields are avoided for fear and dread of me. Hosts and multitudes and many armed men flee with the terror of my face.’

‘Those are good fights of a tender boy,’ said the maiden, ‘but thou hast not yet reached the strength of chariot-chiefs.’ ‘Truly, oh maiden,’ said he, ‘well have I been brought up by my dear foster-father Conchobor. Not as a churl looks to the heritage of his children, not between flag-stone and kneading-trough, nor from the fire to the wall, nor on the floor of the one larder (?) have I been brought up by Conchobor, but among chariot-chiefs and champions, among jesters and druids, among poets and learned men, among the lords of land and farmers of Ulster have I been reared, so that I have all their manners and gifts.’

‘Who then have brought thee up in all those deeds thou boastest?’ said Emer. ‘Not hard to tell, truly. Fair-speeched Sencha[16] has taught me so that I am strong, wise, swift, deft,
[...]
I am wise in judgments, I am not forgetful. I
[...]
anybody before wise men, I attend to their speeches. I direct the judgments of all the men of Ulster, and do not alter them, through the training of Sencha. Blai, the lord of lands, took me to himself on account of the kinship of his race, so that I got my due with him, so that I invite the men of Conchobor's province with their king. I entertain them for the time of a week, I settle their gifts and their spoils, I aid them in their honour and their fines.’

‘Fergus has fostered me, so that I slay strong warriors through the strength of valour. I am fierce in valour and prowess, so that I am able to guard the border of the land against foreign foes. I am a shelter for every poor man, I am a rampart of fight for every wealthy man, I give comfort to each wretch, I deal mischief to each strong man, through the fosterage of Fergus.’

‘I came to the knee of the poet Amorgen, so that I praise a king for any excellency he has, so that I can stand up to any man in valour, in prowess, in wisdom, in splendour, in cleverness, in justice, in boldness. I am a match for any chariot-chief, I give thanks to no one, but to Conchobor all.’

‘Findchoem[17] has cared for me, so that the victorious Connall Cernach[18] is my
[...]
foster-brother. Cathbad of the gentle face has taught me for the sake of Dechtire,[19] so that I am a skilful student of the arts of the god of druidism, so that I am learned in the excellencies of knowledge. All the men of Ulster have equally brought me up, both charioteers and chariot-chiefs, both kings and chief-poets so that I am the darling of the host and multitude, so that I fight for the honour of them all alike. Honourably have I been asked by Lug[20] son of Cond, son of Ethlend
[...]
of Dechtire to the house
[...]
of the brug. And thou, oh maiden,’ said Cuchulaind, ‘how hast thou been reared in Luglochta Loga?’
 ‘Not hard to tell, truly,’ answered the maiden. ‘I was brought up,’ said she, ‘in ancient virtues, in lawful behaviour in keeping chastity, in equal
[...]
of a queen, in stately form, so that to me is attributed every noble stately form among the hosts of
[...]
women,’ ‘Good are those virtues, truly,’ said Cuchulaind, ‘Why then,’ said he, ‘should it not be fitting for us both to become one? For I have not hitherto found a maiden capable of holding converse with me at a meeting in this wise,’ ‘A question. Hast thou a wife?’ said the maiden. ‘For under my protection
[...]
after thee.’ ‘Not so,’ said Cuchulaind. ‘I may not marry,’ said the maiden, ‘before the sister who is older than I am, viz., Fial, daughter of Forgall, whom thou seest near me here. She is an excellent handworker.’ ‘It is not she, truly, with whom I have fallen in love,’ said Cuchulaind, ‘Nor have I ever accepted a woman that has known a man before me, and I have been told that yonder girl has slept with Carpre Niafer,[21] once.’

While they were thus conversing, Cuchulaind saw the breasts of the maiden over the bosom of her smock. Then he said: ‘Fair is this plain, the plain of the noble yoke.’ Then the maiden spoke these words: ‘No one comes to this plain,’ said Emer, ‘who does not slay as many as a hundred (comainm n-aircid) on each ford from the Ford of Scennmenn at Ollbine, to Banchuing Arcait[22] where swift Brea breaks the brow of Fedelm.’ ‘Fair is this plain, the plain of the noble yoke,’ said Cuchullaind. ‘No one comes to this plain,’ said she, ‘who has not achieved the feat of slaying three times nine men with one blow (genid grainde), oh calf of the cow
[...]
so as to preserve a man in the midst of each nine of them,’ ‘Fair is this plain, the plain of the noble yoke,’ said Cuchulaind, ‘No one comes to this plain,’ said she, ‘who does not meet Benn Suain, the son of Roscmelc, from summer's end to the beginning of spring, from the beginning of spring to May-day, from May-day to the beginning of winter.’ ‘It is said, it shall be done,’ said Cuchulaind. ‘It is offered, it is granted, it is taken, it is accepted,’ said Emer. ‘A question. What is the account of thee?’ said she, ‘I am the nephew (nia) of the man that disappears in another in the wood of Badb,’ said he. ‘And what is thy name?’ said she: ‘I am the hero (núadu) of the plague that befalls dogs,’ said he.

After those noble words, Cuchulaind went from them, and they did not hold any further converse on that day. When Cuchulaind was driving across Bray, Loeg, his charioteer, asked him: ‘Now,’ said he, ‘the words which thou and the maiden Emer spoke, what did you mean by them?’ ‘Dost thou not know,’ answered Cuchulaind, ‘that I am wooing Emer? And it is for this reason that we disguised our words lest the girls should understand that I am wooing her, for if Forgall knew it, we should not meet with his consent.’

Cuchulaind then repeated the conversation from the beginning to his charioteer, explaining it to him, to beguile the length of their way.‘By Intide Emna which I said when she asked me ‘whence hast thou come?’ I meant from Emain Macha. It is called Emain Macha from this, Macha the daughter of Sainreth Mac in Botha, wife of Crundchu, son of Agnomon, ran a race against two steeds of the king, after she had been forced to it by a strong injunction. She beat them, and bare a boy and a girl at one birth. And from those twins (emuin) is called, and from that Macha is named the plain of Macha.’

‘Or again, it is from this that Emain Macha is, as it is in the following tale. Three kings were reigning together over Erinn. They were from Ulster, viz. Dithorba, son of Diman, from Uisnech of Meath, Aed the Red, son of Badurn, son of Aircet the Bald, in the land of Aed, Cimbaeth, son of Findairget, from Finnabair of Mag Inis. It is he who brought up Ugaine the Great, son of Eochu the Victorious. Then the men made an agreement, that each of them was to reign seven years. Three times seven sureties were pledged between them, seven druids to revile them forever; or seven poets to lampoon, and satirise, and upbraid them; seven chiefs to wound them and burn them; unless each man gave up his reign at the end of seven years, having preserved true government, viz. the produce of each year, without decay of any kind, and without the death of a woman from concubinage. Each of them reigned three times in his turn, during sixty-six years. Aed the Red was the first of them to die, or rather he was drowned in Ess Ruaid, and his body was taken into the sid there, whence Sid Aeda, and Ess Ruaid. He left no children, except one daughter, whose name was Macha the Red-haired. She demanded the kingship in its due time. Cimbaeth and Dithorba said they would not give kingship to a woman. A battle was fought between them. Macha routed them. She was sovereign for seven years. Meanwhile Dithorba had fallen. He left five noble sons behind, Baeth and Brass and Betach, Uallach and Borbchass. These now demanded the kingship Macha said she would not give it to them, ‘for not by favour did I obtain it,’ said she, ‘but by force in the battlefield.’ A battle was fought between them. Macha routed the sons of Dithorba, who left a slaughter of heads before her, and went into exile in the wilds of Connaught. Macha then took Cimbaeth to her as her husband, and leader of her troops. When now Macha and Cimbaeth were united, Macha went to seek the sons of Dithorba in the shape of a leper, viz. she smeared herself with rye-dough and
[...]
. She found them in Buirend Connacht, cooking a wild boar. The men asked tidings of her, and she gave them. And they let her have food by the fire. Said one of them: ‘Lovely is the eye of the girl, let us lie with her.’ He took her with him into the wood. She bound that man by dint of her strength, and left him in the wood. She came back to the fire. ‘Where is the man who went with thee?’ they asked. ‘He is ashamed to come to you,’ she replied, ‘after having lain with a leper.’ ‘There is no shame,’ said they, ‘for we shall all do the same.’ Each man took her into the wood. She bound every one of them, one after the other and brought them all in one chain to Ulster. The men of Ulster wanted to kill them. ‘No,’ said she, ‘for that would be the ruin of my true government. But they shall be thralls, and shall dig a rath round me, and that shall be the eternal seat of Ulster for ever.’ Then she marked out the dun for them with her brooch, viz., a golden pin on her neck, i.e., a brooch on the neck of Macha (eo imma muin Macha). Hence is Emain Macha in truth.’

‘The man, I said, in whose house we slept, he is the fisherman of Conchobor. Roncu is his name. It is he that catches the fish on his line under the sea; for the fish are the cattle of the sea, and the sea is the plain of Tethra, a king of the kings of the Fomori.’

‘The cooking-hearth, I said. A foal was cooked for us on it. A foal is the ruin of a chariot to the end of three weeks[23]
[...]
and there is a gess on a chariot to the end of three weeks for any man to enter it after having last eaten horse-flesh. For it is the horse that sustains the chariot.’

‘Between the two Mountains of the Wood[24] I said. These are the two mountains between which we came, viz., Sliab Fuait[25] to the west of us, and Sliab Cuilinn[26] to the east of us. We were in Oircel[27] between them, i.e., the wood which is between them, viz., on the road I meant between the two.’
‘The road, I said, viz., from the Covering of the Sea, i.e., from the Plain of Murthemne.’[28] The sea was on it for thirty years after the deluge, whence is Teme Mara, i.e., the shelter, or covering of the sea. Or again, it is from this that it is called the Plain of Murthemne, viz., a magic sea was on it with [...] in it, so that one could sit on it, so that a man with his armour might sit down on the ground of [...] until the Dagda came with his club of anger, and sang the following words at it, so that it ebbed away at once:

            Silent thy hollow head,
            Silent thy dirty body,
            Silent thy
            [...]
            brow.

‘Over the Great Secret of the men of Dea, i.e., a wonderful secret and a wonderful whisper. It is called the Marsh of Dolluid[29] to-day. Dolluid, son of Carpre Niafer, was wounded by Matu. Before that, however, its name was Great Secret of the Men of Dea, because it was there that the gathering of the battle of Moytura was first planned by the Tuatha De Danann, for the purpose of throwing off the tribute which the Fomori exacted from them, viz., two-thirds of corn and milk and offspring.’

‘Over the Foam of the Two Steeds of Emain. There was a famous youth reigning over the Gaels. He had two horses reared for him in Sid Eremon of the Tuatha Dea. Nemed, son of Nama, was the name of that king. Then those two horses were let loose from the Sid, and a splendid stream burst after them from the Sid, and there was great foam on that stream, and the foam spread over the land for a great length of time, and was thus to the end of a year, so that hence that water was called Uanub, i.e., foam on the water, and it is Uanub to-day.’

‘The Garden of the Morrigan, I said, that is Ochtur Netmon. The Dagda gave that land to the Morrigan, and she lived there. After a year she killed Ibor Boiclid, son of Garb, in her garden. The
[...]
which her garden grew were
[...]
in that year, for the son of Garb was her relation.’

‘The Back of the Great Sow I said, that is Druimm n-Ebreg. For the shape of a sow appeared to the sons of Milid on every hill and on every height in Erinn, when they came over and wanted to land in it by force, after a spell had been cast on it by the Tuatha De Danann.’

‘The Glen of the Great Dam I said, i.e., Glenn m-Breogain, viz. Glenn m-Breogain and Moy Bray were named after Breoga, son of Breogann Sendacht, son of Milid. It was called Glen of the Great Dam, because Dam of Dile, son of Smirgoll, son of Tethra, who was king over Erinn, lived there. This Dam died in
[...]
a woman
[...]
of Moy Bray to the west to the mouth
[...]
.’

‘The road, I said, between the god and his Seer, viz., between Mac Oc of the Sid of the Brug and his seer, viz., Bresal was a seer to the west of the Brug. Between them was the one woman, the wife of the Smith.[30] That is the way I went. Mairne, then, is between the hi1l of the Sid of the Brug in which Oengus is, and the Sid of Bresal, the druid.’

‘Over the Marrow of the Woman Fedelm I said, i.e., the Boyne. It is called Boyne from Boand, the wife of Nechtan, son of Labraid. She went to guard the hidden well at the bottom of the dun with the three cupbearers of Nechtan, viz., Flex and Lesc and Luam. Nobody came without blemish from that well, unless the three cupbearers went with him. The queen went out of pride and overbearing to the well, and said nothing would ruin her shape, nor put a blemish on her. She passed left-hand-wise round the well to deride its power. Then three waves broke over her, and smashed her two thighs and her right hand and one of her eyes. She ran out of the Sid to escape from this injury; until she came to the sea. Wherever she ran, the well ran after her. Segais was its name in the Sid, the river Segsa from the Sid to the Pool of Mochua, the Arm of the Wife of Nuadu and the Thigh of the Wife of Nuadu after that, the Boyne in Meath, Manchuing Arcait it is called from the Finda to the Troma, the Marrow of the Woman Fedelm from the Troma to the sea.’

‘The Boar (triath) I said and his Dam, that is Cleitech and Fessi. For triath is the name for a boar, the leader of herds; but it is also a name for a king, the leader of the great host. Cleitech then is
[...]
of battle. Fessi, again, is a name for a great sow of a farmer's house. A boar and his dam, and between a boar and his sow then we went.’

‘The King of Ana, I said, and his Servant (gnia), i.e., Cerna through which we passed. Sid Cirine was its name of old. Cerna is its name since the
[...]
viz., Enna Aignech, slew Cerna, the king of Ana on that hill, and he slew his steward in the east of that place. Gnia was his name, from which is Rath Gniad in Cerna ever. On Gese, the king of the sons of Emne, did Enna do it, for there was great friendship between Gese and Cerna.’

‘The Washing of the Horses of Dea I said, i.e. Ange. The Washing of the Horses of Dea was its name originally, because in it the Men of Dea washed their horses when they came from the battle of Moytura. It was called Ange after the king whose horses the Tuatha De Danann washed in it.’

‘The four-cornered Mannchuile I said, that is Muin Chille. It is there where Mann the farmer was. There was a great mortality of cattle in Erinn in the reign of Bresal Brecc, son of Fiachu Fobrecc of Leinster. Then Mann made large deep chambers underground in the place which is called Uachtar Mannchuile to-day. And
[...]
were made to keep off the plague. Afterwards he gave an entertainment to the king with twenty-four couples to the end of seven years, Mannchuile, then, are the corners of Mann, i.e. Ochtar Muinchille.’

‘Great Crime again, I said, i.e. Ailbine.[31] There was a famous king here in Erinn, viz,: Ruad, son of Rigdond, of Munster. He had an appointment of meeting with foreigners.[32] He went to the meeting with the foreigners round the south of Alba [33] with three ships. Thirty were in each ship. The fleet was arrested from below in the midst of the sea. Throwing jewels and precious things into the sea did not get them off. Lots where cast among them for who should go into the sea and find out what it was that held them fast. The lot fell upon the king himself. Then the king Ruad, son of Rigdond, leapt into the sea. The sea at once closed over him. He lighted upon a large plain on which nine beautiful women met him. They confessed to him that it had been they that had arrested the ships, in order that he should come to them. And they gave him nine vessels of gold to sleep with them for nine nights, one night with each of them. He did so. Meanwhile his men were not able to proceed quickly through the power of the women. Said one woman of them it was her time of conceiving, and she would bear a son, and he would come to them to fetch his son on his return from the east. Then he joined his men, and they went on their voyage. They stayed with their friends to the end of seven years, and then went back a different way and did not go near the same spot. And they landed in the bay of Ailbine. There the women came up to them. The men heard their music in their brazen ship. While they were stowing their fleet, the women came ashore and put the boy out of their ship on the land where the men were. The harbour was stony and rocky. Then the boy
[...]
one of the stones, so that he died of it. The women saw it and cried all together: Ollbine, Ollbine! i.e. 'great crime'. Hence it is called Ailbine.’
‘The Remnants of the Great Feast I said, that is Taillne;[34] It is there that Lug Scimaig gave the great feast to Lug, son of Ethle, to comfort him after the battle of Moytura, for that was his wedding feast of kingship. For the Tuath Dea made this Lug king after Nuada been killed. As to the place in which their remnants were put, he made a large hill of them. The name was Knoll of the Great Feast, or Remnants of the Great Feast, i.e. Taillne to-day.’

‘Of the daughters of Tethra's nephew, viz., Forgall the Wily is the nephew of Tethra, king of the Fomori, viz., the son of his sister, for nia and a sister's son is the same, and a champion is also called nia.’

‘As to the account of myself I gave her. There are two rivers in the land of Ross,[35] Conchobor is the name of one of them, and Dofolt (i.e., without hair, bald) the name of the other. Now the Conchobor falls into the Dofolt, viz., it mixes with it, so that they are one river.’ ‘I am the nephew (nia) of that man, viz. of Conchobor, i.e. I am the son of Dechtire, Conchobor's sister, or I am a champion of Conchobor's.’

‘In the Wood of Badb, i.e. of the Morrigu, for that is her wood, viz. the land of Ross, and she is the Battle-Crow and is called the Wife of Neit, i.e. the Goddess of Battle, for Neit is the same as God of Battle.’

‘The name I said I had: ‘I am the hero (núadu) of the plague that befals dogs.[36] I am núadu, i.e. I am a strong warrior of that plague, viz. I am wild and fierce in battles and fights.’’
‘When I said: ‘Fair is this plain, the plain of the noble yoke,’ it was not the plain of Bray that I praised then, but the shape of the maiden. For I beheld the yoke of her two breasts through the opening of her smock, and it is of that I said 'plain of the noble yoke', of the breasts of the maiden.’

‘When she said: ‘No one comes to this plain, who does not kill as many as argat,’ viz. argat in the language of the poets means 'a hundred'; that is the interpretation, and this is what it means, that it is not easy to carry off the maiden, unless I slay a hundred men at each ford from Ailbine to the Boyne, together with Scennmenn the Wily, the sister of her father, who will change herself into every shape there, to destroy my chariot and to bring about my death,’ said Cuchulaind.

‘Geni grainde she said, i.e., she would not come with me, unless I jumped the hero's salmon-leap across the three ramparts to reach her. For three brothers of hers will be guarding her, viz., Ibur and Scibur and Catt; and a company of nine each of them, and I must deal a blow on each nine from which eight will die, but no stroke will reach any of her brothers among them; and I must carry her and her fostersister with their load of gold and silver out of the dun of Forgall.’

‘Bend Suain, son of Rosc Mele, which she said this is the same thing, viz., that I shall fight without harm to myself from Samuin, i.e., the end of summer. For two divisions were formerly on the year, viz., summer from Beltaine (the first of May), and winter from Samuin to Beltaine. Or sainfuin, viz., suain (sounds), for it is then that gentle voices sound, viz., sám-son 'gentle sound'. To Oimolc, i.e., the beginning of spring, viz., different (ime) is its wet (folc), viz the wet of spring, and the wet of winter. Or, oi-melc, viz., oi, in the language of poetry, is a name for sheep, whence oibá (sheep's death) is named, ut dicitur coinbá (dog's death), echbá (horse's death), duineba (men's death), as bath is a name for 'death'. Oi-melc, then, is the time in which the sheep come out and are milked, whence oisc (a ewe), i.e., oisc viz., barren sheep. To Beldine, i.e. Beltine, viz., a favouring fire. For the druids used to make two fires with great incantations, and to drive the cattle between them against the plagues, every year. Or to Beldin, viz., Bel the name of an idol. At that time the young of every neat were placed in the possession of Bel. Beldine, then Beltine. To Brón Trogaill, i.e. Lammas-day, viz., the beginning of autumn; for it is then the earth is afflicted, viz., the earth under fruit. Trogam is a name for 'earth.'’
Cuchulaind went driving on his way, and slept that night in Emain Macha. Then their daughters told the lords of land of the youth that had come in his splendid chariot, and of the conversation which he and Emer had held; that they did not know what they had said to one another, and that he had turned from them across the plain of Bray northward. Then the lords of land tell Forgall the Wily that, and that the girl had spoken to him. ‘It is true,’ said Forgall the Wily. ‘The madman from Emain Macha has been here to converse with Emer, and the girl has fallen in love with him, and that is why they talked to one another. But it shall avail them nothing. I shall hinder them from getting what they wish.’

Thereupon Forgall the Wily went towards Emain Macha in the garb of a foreigner, as if it were an embassy from the King of the Foreigners that came to confer with Conchobor, with an offering to him of golden treasures of the White Foreigners,[37] and all sorts of good things besides. Their number was three. Great welcome was made to him then. When he had sent away his men on the third day, Cuchulaind and Conall and other chariot-chiefs of the men of Ulster were praised before him. He said that it was true, and that the chariot-chiefs performed marvellously, but that were Cuchulaind to go to Domnall the Soldierly in Alba; his skill would be the more marvellous, and if he went to Scathach to learn soldierly feats, he would excel the warriors of all Europe. But it was for this that he proposed it to Cuchulaind, that he might not come back again. For he thought that if Cuchulaind was in her friendship, he would get death thereby, through the wildness and fierceness of the warrior yonder, and [...].

Cuchulaind consented to go, and Forgall bound himself that were he to go in that time, he would give to Cuchulaind whatever he wished. Forgall went home, and the warriors arose in the morning and set themselves to do what they had vowed. They went, namely Cuchulaind and Loegaire the Victorious and Conchobor, and Conall Cernach, say some, went with them

Cuchulaind then went across Bray to visit the maiden. He spoke with Emer before he went in his ship. The maiden told him that it was Forgall who had desired him in Emain to go to learn soldierly feats, in order that Emer and he might not meet. And she told him to be on his guard wherever he went, lest he should destroy him. Each of them promised the other to keep their chastity until they met again, unless either of them should get death thereby. They bade farewell to each other, and he turned towards Alba.

When they had arrived at Domnall's, they were taught by him to blow a leathern bellows under the flagstone of the small hole. They would perform on it till their soles were black or livid. They were taught another thing on a spear, on which they would jump and perform on its point, viz., the champion's coiling round the points of spears, or dropping on its head. Then the daughter of Domnall, Dornolla by name, fell in love with Cuchulaind. Her form was very gruesome, her knees were large, her heels turned before her, her feet behind her, big dark-grey eyes in her head, her face as black as a bowl of jet. She had a very strong forehead, her rough bright-red hair in threads round her head. Cuchulaind refused to lie with her. Then she swore to be revenged on him for this.

Domnall said Cuchulaind would not have true knowledge of what was taught until he went to Scathach, who lived eastward of Alba. So the four went across Alba, viz., Cuchulaind, and Conchobor, the King of Ulster, and Conall Cernach, and Loegaire the Victorious. Then before their eyes appeared unto them Emain Macha. Now Conchobor and Conall and Loegaire were not able to go past it. The daughter of Domnall had raised that vision in order to sever Cuchulaind from his companions to his ruin.

This is what other versions say, that it was Forgall the Wily who raised this vision before them to make them turn back, so that Cuchulaind through his returning should not fulfil what he had promised him in Emain, and thus would he be shamed thereby; or were he peradventure to go east to learn soldierly feats, both known and unknown [...] of Aife, he should all the more get death through being alone.

Then of his own will, Cuchulaind went away from them on an unknown road [...] For the powers of the girl were great, and she wrought evil against him, and severed him from his companions. Now, when Cuchulaind went across to Alba, he was sad and gloomy and weary for the loss of his comrades, for he knew whither he should go to seek Scathach. For he had promised his comrades not to return again to Emain, unless he had reached Scathach, or found death. When he saw that he was astray and ignorant, he lingered.

While he was there, he beheld a terrible great beast like a lion coming towards him, which kept regarding him, nor did him any harm. Whatever way he went, the beast went before him, and moreover it turned its side towards him. Then he took a leap and was on its neck. He did not guide it then, but went wherever the beast liked. Four days they went in that wise, until they came to the bounds of dwellers, and to an island where lads were rowing on a small loch. They laughed at the unwonted sight of the hurtful beast yonder doing service to a man. Cuchulaind then leaped off, and the beast parted from him, and he blessed it.
He then went on, and came to a large house in a great glen. There he met a maiden of fair make in the house. The maiden addressed him and bade him welcome, ‘Welcome thy coming oh Cuchulaind!’ said she. He asked whence she knew him. She answered that they both had been dear foster-children with Ulbeccan Sexa, ‘when I was there and thou learning sweet speech from him,’ said she. The maiden gave him to drink and to eat, and then he turned from her.

He then met a brave youth who made the same welcome to him. They exchanged converse between them. Cuchulaind was asking to know the way to the dun of Scathach. The youth taught him the way across the Plain of Ill-luck which lay before him. On the hither half of the plain the feet of men would stick fast. On the further half the grass would rise and hold them fast on the points of its blades. The youth gave him a wheel and told him to follow its track thence across one-half of the plain. Then he gave him an apple, and told him to follow the ground where the apple would run, and that in such wise he would reach the far end of the plain. Thus Cuchulaind went across the plain. He then proceeded further. The youth had also told him there was a large glen before him, and a single narrow path through it which was full of monsters that had been sent by Forgall to destroy him, and that was his road to the house of Scathach across terrible high strong districts.

Each of them then wished a blessing to the other, Cuchulaind and the youth Eochu Bairche. He it was who taught him how he should win honour in the house of Scathach. The same youth also foretold him what he would suffer of hardships and straits in the Cattlespoil of Cualgne. He also told him what evil and exploits and contests he would achieve against the men of Erinn

Then Cuchulaind went on that road across the Plain of Ill-luck and through the Perilous Glen as the youth had taught him. This was the road which Cuchulaind took, to the camp where the scholars of Scathach were. He asked where she was. ‘In yonder island,’ said they. ‘Which way must I go to her?’ said he. ‘By the Bridge of the Cliff,’ said they, ‘and no man can cross it before he has achieved valour.’ For on this wise was that bridge. It had two low heads and the mid space, and whenever anybody would leap on its one head, the other head would lift itself up and throw him on his back. This is what some versions relate here, that a crowd of the warriors of Erinn were in that dun learning feats from Scathach, viz. Ferdia, son of Daman, and Noise, son of Usnech, and Lochmor, son of Egomas, and Fiamain, son of Fora, and an innumerable host besides. But it is not told in this version that they were there at that time.

Cuchulaind then tried three times to cross the bridge, and could not do it. The men jeered at him. Then he grew mad and jumped on the head of the bridge, and made the hero's salmon leap so that he got on its midst. And the other head of the bridge had not yet fully raised itself when he reached it, and threw himself from it, and was on the ground of the island. He went to the dun, and struck the door with the shaft of his spear, so that it went through it. Scathach was then told. ‘True,’ said she, ‘someone who has achieved valour somewhere else.’ And from her she sent her daughter to know who the youth was. Then Uathach, the daughter of Scathach, went forth. She looked at him, but did not speak to him, so much did the striking shape which she saw on the youth move her desire. She went back to where her mother was, and praised to her the man whom she had seen. ‘The man has pleased thee,’ said her mother, ‘I see it by thee.’ ‘It is true,’ said the maiden, ‘He has pleased me,’ said she, ‘but sleep thou with him to-night; if that is what thou askest.’ ‘It is indeed not unpleasant to me,’ said Scathach, ‘if it be thy own will.’

Then the maiden served him with water and food, and looked to his pleasure. She made him boldly welcome in the shape of a servant (?) viz., profiting by it. Cuchulaind took hold of her, and broke her finger. The maiden shrieked. The whole household came to help, and the people of the dun also. Then arose also a champion against him, viz. Cochar Cruifne, a warrior of Scathach's. He and Cuchulaind attacked each other, and fought together for a long time. Then the champion remembered his feats of valour, and Cuchulaind returned them as if he had been taught them from his youth, and the champion fell by him, and he struck his head off. Sorrowful was the woman Scathach at this. Then Cuchulaind said to her he would take upon himself the work and service of the man that had fallen, so that he was the leader of her host and her champion in his stead. And Uathach then came and conversed with Cuchulaind.

On the third day the maiden advised Cuchulaind, that if it was to achieve valour that he had come, he should go through the hero's salmon-leap at Scathach, where she was teaching her two sons, Cuar and Cett, in the great yew tree, when she was there; that he should then set his sword between her two breasts until she gave him his three wishes, viz., to teach him without neglect, and that he might wed her (Uathach) without the payment of the wedding gift, and to tell him what would befall him; for she was a prophetess.

Then Cuchulaind went to the place where Scathach was. He placed his two feet on the two edges of the basket of the cless, and bared his sword, and put its point to her heart, saying: ‘Death over thee!’ said he, ‘Thy three wishes from me!’ said she, viz., ‘thy three wishes as thou canst utter them in one breath,’ ‘They shall be taken,’ said Cuchulaind. He then pledged her. Other versions say here Cuchulaind took Scathach with him to the shore, and lay with her there, and slept with her, and that it was then that she sang this, prophesying to him everything that would befal him, saying: ‘Welcome, oh
[...]
’ etc. But that is not told thus after this account.

Uathach then slept with Cuchulaind, and Scathach taught him skill of arms. During the time that he was with Scathach and the husband of Uathach, her daughter, a certain famous man who lived in Munster, viz. Lugaid, son of Nos, son of Alamac, the renowned king, and fosterbrother of Cuchulaind, went eastward with twelve chariot-chiefs of the high kings of Munster, to woo twelve maidens of the men of Mac Rossa. All these were betrothed to men before. When Forgall the Wily heard this, he went to Tara, and said to Lugaid that the best maiden in Erinn, both in shape and chastity and handiwork, was living with him unmarried. Lugaid said it pleased him well. Then Forgall betrothed the maiden to the king; and the twelve daughters of the twelve lords of land in Bray besides to the twelve under-kings that were together with Lugaid.

The king went along with Forgall to his dun for the wedding. When now Emer was brought to Lugaid to sit by his side, she took in both her hands his two cheeks, and laid it on the troth of his honour and his life and confessed that it was Cuchulaind she loved, that Forgall was against it, that it was loss of honour for anyone to take her to wife. Then, from fear of Cuchulaind, Lugaid did not dare to sleep with Emer, and he returned home again.

Scathach was at that time carrying on war against other tribes over which the Princess Aife was ruling. Then the two hosts assembled to fight. Cuchulaind was put in bonds by Scathach, and a sleeping potion had been given him before, that he might not go to the battle lest anything should happen to him there. As a precaution (?) she did this. Then forthwith out of his sleep started Cuchulaind after an hour. While anybody else would have slept twenty-four hours with this sleeping potion, it was only one hour for him.

He then went with the two sons of Scathach against the three sons of Ilsuanach, viz., Cuar and Cett and Cruife, three warriors of Aife's. Alone he met them all three, and they fell by him. There was a meeting in battle on the next morning, and both hosts went until the two arrays were face to face. Then went the three sons of Esse Enchinde, viz. Cire and Bire and Blaicne, three other warriors of Aife, and began combat against the two sons of Scathach. They went on the path of feats. Scathach uttered a sigh at this, for she knew not what would come of it, first, as there was no third man with her two sons against those three and then she was afraid of Aife, because, she was the hardest woman-warrior in the world. Then Cuchulaind went up to her two sons, and sprang on the path, and met them all three, and they fell by him.

Aife challenged Scathach to combat, Cuchulaind went up before Aife, and asked what it was she loved most. Scathach said: ‘What she loves most,’ said she, ‘is her two horses and her chariot and her charioteer.’ Cuchulaind and Aife went on the path of feats and began combat there. Then Aife shattered Cuchulaind's weapon so that his sword was no longer than his fist ‘Ah,’ cried he, ‘the charioteer of Aife and her two horses and her chariot have fallen down in the glen, and have all perished!’ At that Aife looked up. Then Cuchulaind approached her, seized her at her two breasts, took her on his back like a shoulder-load, and carried her with him to his own host. Then he threw her from him to the ground, and placed his bare sword over him. And Aife said: ‘Life for life, oh Cuchulaind!’ ‘My three wishes to me!’ said he, ‘Thou shalt have them, as they come with thy breath,’ said she. ‘These are my three wishes,’ said he, ‘thou to give hostage to Scathach, without ever afterwards opposing her, thou to be with me this night before thy dun, and to bear me a son,’ ‘I promise it all thus,’ said she. It was done in that wise.

Cuchulaind then went with Aife and slept with her that night. Then Aife said she was with child, and that she would bear a boy. ‘I shall send him this day seven year to Erinn,’ said she, ‘and do thou leave a name for him,’ Cuchulaind left a golden finger-ring for him, and said to her that he should go and seek him in Erinn, when the ring would fit on his finger. And he said that Conla was the name to be given to him, and told her that he should not make himself known to anyone, that he should not go out or the way of any man, nor refuse combat to any man.

Thereupon Cuchulaind returned back again to his own people and came along the same road. He met an old woman on the road who was blind of her left eye. She asked him to beware and not be on the road before her. He said there was no room for a footing for him save on the cliff of the sea which was beneath him. She besought him to leave the road to her. Then he left the road except that his toes clung to it. When she passed over him she hit his great toe to throw him off the path down the cliff. He noticed it and leapt the hero's salmon-leap up again, and struck the woman's head off. She was the mother of the three last warriors that had fallen by him, viz., Esse Enchinde, and in order to destroy him had come to meet him.

Thereafter the hosts went with Scathach to her own land, and hostages were given to her by Aife. And Cuchulaind stayed there for the day of his recovery.

After the full lore of his soldierly arts with Scathach had passed for Cuchulaind—as well as the apple-feat, the thunder-feat, the blade-feat, the foen-feat, and the spear-feat, the rope-feat, the body-feat, the cat's feat, the salmon-feat of a chariot-chief, the throw of the staff, the jump over [...], the whirl of a brave chariot-chief, the spear of the bellows,[38] the boi of swiftness, the wheel-feat, the othar-feat, the breath-feat, the brud geme, the hero's whoop, the blow [...], the counter-blow, running up a lance and righting the body on its point, the scythe-chariot, and the hero's twisting round the points of spears,—then came a message to him to return to his own land, and he took leave. Then Scathach told him what would befal him in the future, and sang to him in the seer's large shining ken,[39] and spake these words:

‘Welcome, oh victorious, warlike
[...].[40]

Then Cuchulainn went in his ship to reach Erinn. This was the crew of the one ship, viz., Lugaid and Luan Da Mac Loich and Ferbaeth and Larin and Ferdiad and Drust, son of Serb. They went to the house of Ruad, King of the Isles, on Samuin night.[41] There were there before them Conall Cernach and Loegaire Buadach levying the tribute; for there was tribute at that time from the Isles of the Foreigners to the men of Ulster.[42]

Then Cuchulaind heard a wailing before him in the dun of the king. ‘What lament is that?’ said Cuchulaind, ‘the daughter of Ruad is taken as tribute to the Fomori,’ said they, ‘It is therefore that the wailing is in the dun.’ ‘Where is the maiden?’ said he. ‘She is on the shore below,’ said they. Cuchulaind went until he was near the maiden on the strand. He asked tidings of her. The maiden told him fully. ‘Whence do the men come?’ said he, ‘From that distant island yonder,’ said she. ‘Be not here in sight of the robbers.’ He remained there awaiting them and killed the three Fomori in single combat. But the last man wounded him at the wrist. The maiden gave him a strip from her garment round his wound. He then went away without making himself known to the maiden.

The maiden came to the dun and told her father the whole story. Thereafter Cuchulaind came to the dun like every other guest. Then Conall and Loegaire welcomed him. Many in the dun boasted of having killed the Fomori, but the maiden did not believe them. A bath was then prepared by the king, and each one was brought to her separately. Then Cuchulaind came like everybody else, and the maiden recognized him, ‘I shall give the maiden to thee.’ said Ruad, ‘and I shall pay her wedding-gift myself.’ ‘Not so,’ said Cuchulaind. ‘Let her come this day year to Erinn after me, if it be pleasant to her, and she will find me there.’

Cuchulaind then came to Emain and told his adventures there. When he had cast his fatigue from him, he set out for the rath of Forgall to seek Emer. He was a whole year near it but could not approach her for the number of the watch. He came then at the end of the year, ‘It is to-day, oh Laeg,’ said Cuchulaind, ‘we have our meeting with the daughter of Ruad, but we know not the exact place, for we were not wise. Let us go,’ said he, ‘to the border of the land.’

When they were on the shore of Loch Cuan,[43] they beheld two birds on the sea. Cuchulaind put a stone in his sling and aimed at the birds. The men ran up to them after having hit one of the birds. When they came up to them this is what they saw, two women, the most beautiful in the world. These were Derbforgaill, the daughter of Ruad, and her handmaid. ‘Evil is the deed thou hast done, oh Cuchulaind,’ said she. ‘It was to meet thee we came, though thou hast hurt us.’ Cuchulaind sucked the stone out of her with its clot of blood round it. ‘I shall not wed thee now,’ said Cuchulaind, ‘for I have drunk thy blood. But I shall give thee to my companion here, viz., to Lugaid of the Red Stripes.’ And it was done thus.

Cuchulaind then wanted to go to the rath of Forgall. And the scythe-chariot was prepared for Cuchulaind that day. It was called scythe-chariot (carpat serrda) from the iron scythes that were from it, or again because it was first invented by the Serians.

He then arrived at the rath of Forgall, and jumped the hero's salmon-leap across the three ramparts, so that he was on the ground of the dun. And he dealt three blows in the liss, so that eight men fell from each blow, and one man escaped in the midst of each group of nine, viz., Scibur and Ibur and Cat, three brothers of Emer. Forgall then made a leap on to the rampart of the rath without, in fleeing from Cuchulaind, and he fell and was without life. Cuchulaind took Emer with him and her foster-sister, with their two loads of gold and silver, and took a leap back again across the third rampart with the two maidens and went forth.

Cries were raised around them from every direction. Scennmend[44] rushed against them, Cuchulaind killed her[45] on the ford, which is hence called the Ford of Scenmnend, Thence they came to Glondath. There Cuchulaind killed hundred men of them. ‘Great is the deed (glond) which thou hast done,’ said Emer, ‘to have killed hundred armed able-bodied men,’ ‘Glond-Áth shall be its name for ever,’ said Cuchulaind.

He reached Cru Foit (Blood-turf). Its name was originally Rae-bán (White Field) until then. He dealt great angry blows on the hosts in that place, so that the streams of blood broke over it on each side. ‘The height is a turf of blood through thee today, oh Cuchulaind.’ cried the maiden. So hence it is called Crúfoit, viz., Cró-fót i.e., Turf of Blood. The pursuers overtook them at Ath n-Imfúait on the Boyne. Emer left the chariot. Cuchulaind made a chase on the shore, so that the clods flew from the hoofs of the horses across the ford northward. He made another chase northward so that the clods flew from the hoofs of the horses over the ford southward. Hence it is called Ford of the Two Clods, from the clods hither and thither.

Now Cuchulaind killed one hundred on each ford from Ath Scennmend at Ollbine to the Boyne of Bray, and he fulfilled all the deeds that he had vowed to the maiden, and he came safely out of it, and reached Emain Macha towards the darkness of that night. Emer was brought into the Red Branch to Conchobor and to the men of Ulster, and they bade her welcome. There was a grim evil-tongued man of the men of Ulster in the house, viz., Bricriu of the Venomous Tongue, the son of Arba. It was then he said: ‘Forsooth, it will be disagreeable to Cuchulaind what will happen to-night, viz., the woman whom he brought with him will sleep with Conchobor. For with him is the deflowering of virgins before the men of Ulster ever.’ Cuchulaind grew mad when he heard that, and shook himself so that the cushion burst which was under him, and its feathers were flying about the house. He went out then.

‘This is very hard,’ said Cathbad, ‘but it is an ordinance to the king to do everything that Bricriu has said. Cuchulaind will slay him that will sleep with his wife.’ ‘Let Cuchulaind be called to us,’ said Conchobor, ‘to know if we can soothe his wrath.’ Then Cuchulaind came. ‘Arise,’ said Conchobar, ‘and bring me the herds that I have in Slieve Fuait.’ Then Cuchulaind went, and drove together whatever he found in Slieve Fuait of swine and stags, and of every sort of fowl game besides, and drove them in one drove with him to the meadow of Emain. Then his wrath had departed from him.

A council was held by the men of Ulster about this affair. This was the resolution they arrived at, that Emer was to sleep that night with Conchobor, and Fergus and Cathbad in one bed with them to watch over the honour of Cuchulaind, and the men of Ulster should bless him if he accepted it. He did accept it, and it was done thus. Conchobor paid Emer's wedding gift on the morrow, and Cuchulaind's honour price was paid, and he slept then with his wife, and they did not separate after that until they both died.

Then the chieftainry of the youths of Ulster was given to Cuchulaind. These were the youths in Emain at that time, about whom the poet spoke, setting forth their names:

            The youths of Emain, the fairest host,
            When they were in the Red Branch,
            Furbaide—white the rod—with Cuscraid and Cormac.
            Conaing, Glasni, Glan, Fiachaig, and Findchad,
            Cuchulaind, hard as steel and bright, the victorious son of Dechtire,
            Fiachna, Follomain was there, Cacht, Mane, Crimthand,
            The Seven Manes of Sliab in Chon, Bres, Nar, Lothor,
            The six sons of Fergus were there, Ilarchless, Illand,
            Fiamain, Bunne, Bri, Mul, Claidbech, Conri,
            Laegaire Cass, Conall Claen, and the two Ethers noble and fair.
            Mesdiad and Mesdedad, the beloved children of Amargen Giunnach,
            Comchraid the son of Cas, from Sliab Smoil, Conchraid the son of Bad Bernad Broin,
            Conchraid the son of the Derg, the son of Find, Conchraid Suana the son of Sailcend.

            p.307
            Aed the son of Findderg, Ollach Brec, Aed, the son of Findach, a host of strength,
            Aed the son of Conall, Cirrid Oath, Aed the son of Dond, Aed the son of Duach, Fergus the son of Lete, a bright festival, Fergus the son of Derg, the son of Dare,
            Fergus the son of Ross—the verses say—Fergus the son of Dub, the son of Crimthand.
            The three sons of Traiglethan—strong renown—Siduad, Currech and Carman.
            The three sons of Uslend of the Battles, Naise and Anle and Ardan,
            The three Flands, the three Finds, the three Conns of Ciul, the names of the nine sons of Sceol,
            The three Faelans, the three Colla Cain, the three sons of Niall, the three sons of Sitgal.
            Lon and Iliach, the most beautiful men, the foster-brothers of Cormac Crichid.
            The three Dondgas the sons of Mac Rossa, the three Dungas, the three Daelgos.
            The poets of Cormac Ciul, the nine sons of Lir, son of Eterscel,
            His three pipers—fair the deed—Find, Eochaid, and Illand.
            His horn-blowers of music next, the two Aeds and Firgein.
            Three jesters to make sharp remarks, Athirne and Drec and Drobel.
            His three distributers of renown, Find, Eruath, aud Fatemain.
            Three grandsons of Cletech—bright perfection—Uath, Urud and Aslinge.
            Aed Eochaid, renowned of Emain, the two fair sons of Ilgabla,
            The son of Bricriu who
            [...]
            with the youths of Emain.




  1. The following tale, of which a translation is here for the first time attempted, belongs to the oldest, or heroic, cycle of early Irish literature. Its central figures were the Ulster King Conchobor and Cuchulaind, the hero of his war band and of the people. Several versions have come down to us, on which see Jubainville, Catalogue de la Littérature Epique de L'Irlande, p, 227. My translation is based on the fragment in the Lebor na h-Uidre (compiled about 1050 A.D.) and on a complete version in the Stowe MS. 992 (compiled in 1300 A.D.). The tales of the heroic cycle were written down perhaps as early as the sixth century; at any rate the literary activity of the Irish monks turned early to the preservation of their national literature. But, with the exception of three ecclesiastical MSS. and the old Irish MSS, of the Continent, the whole of this literature was destroyed by the Norse invaders of Ireland; who 'burnt and threw into the water' all MSS. that they found in the monasteries. See Wars of the Gaedhil with the Gaill, ed. Todd, p. 139. When, however, in the eleventh century, a period of comparative quiet followed, the monks once more set to work to resume what was left of the old literature, recovering the tattered fragments of the old MSS, and procuring copies from monasteries abroad. Thus, although we have these tales in this later form, there is no evidence to suppose that they have been much changed. Their contents are evidence of their origin and age. Conchobor and Cuchulaind were, I believe, historical personages, and Irish tradition and chronology were not perhaps so wild as one might think when they fixed their age at the beginning of our era. But on this, and on less startling problems, when the reader has the whole tale before him, I would like to say something.
  2. The royal seat of Ulster
  3. Fachtna Fathach, son of Rudraige, was king of Erinn. He was the lover of Ness, the wife of the druid Cathbad. Hence Conchobor is also called the son of Cathbad. See Rev. Celt. VI., p. 178.
  4. The feasting hall at Tara.
  5. A small stringed instrument played with the fingers. Cf. Rev. Celt. VI., p. 183, 15.
  6. This was the name of a huge copper wine-cask, so called, according to LL., p. 258 b, 'because there was a coal-fire in the house at Emain when it was drunk.'—Cf., also LL., 254b.
  7. Some sort of game like draughts. See LU. 66a., 27.
  8. In LL., p. 56, 29, Cuchulaind is called 'find', 'fair.'
  9. The Túatha De Danand, a name for one of the races who inhabited Ireland before the coming of the Goidels.
  10. One of the names of the Battle-goddess of the Ancient Irish, lit., 'Great Queen'.
  11. Gloss: i.e. to the gardens.
  12. Gloss: i.e. as Tara is above every hill, so I am above every woman.
  13. Gloss: i.e. I am looked at by everybody for my beauty, and I look at nobody.
  14. Gloss: i.e. when the worm is seen, it goes into the depth of the water.
  15. Gloss: viz. for her beauty.
  16. An ollam or chief poet of Ulster.
  17. Findchóem and Dechtire were daughters of Cathbad.
  18. The son of Amorgen and Findchóem.
  19. The mother of Cuchulaind.
  20. One of the Túatha De Danand, a supernatural being, who in the shape of a baby slept with Dechtire before she was married to Soaldam, and thus begat Cuchulaind. The house of the Brug referred to in the text is probably the same as that in which the Ulster heroes were entertained when they were in search of the wonderful birds. Cf. the Compert Conculaind 3 and 5 (Windisch, Ir. Texte pp. 137, 139), and LL. 144b, 18.
  21. High King of Erin.
  22. A name for part of the Boyne.
  23. Nómad, a period of nine nights.
  24. Dá cotot feda, now the Fews (fiodh) in Co. Armagh.
  25. Now Slieve Fuad, Co. Armagh.
  26. Now Slieve Gullion, Co. Armagh.
  27. Now Forkill, Co. Armagh?
  28. Co. Louth, between Dundalk and the Boyne.
  29. Now Dolly's Green in Co. Meath? According to Hennessy, Chron. Scot. p. 388, it is now Girley, near Kells.
  30. i.e., Goibniu, the smith of the Túatha Dé Danann.
  31. Now the river Delvin, which forms the northern boundary of Co. Dublin.
  32. Gaill, i.e., probably Norsemen.
  33. Great Britain
  34. Now Teltown, Co. Meath.
  35. A district in Co. Meath, near Teltown. The two rivers are tributaries of the Blackwater.
  36. Gloss: that is true, for wild fierceness, that is the plague which befalls dogs.
  37. The Irish name for the Norwegians. The Danes were called Black.
  38. This weapon (gai bulga) is thus described in the Book of Leinster, p. 87a: ‘It was set upon the stream and cast from between the toes. It made the wound of one spear in entering the body, and (embedded) it had thirty barbs to open, and could not be drawn out of the body unless it was cut open.’ With this weapon Cuchulaind killed Ferdia in the Táin Bó Cúalgne. His charioteer set the spear on the stream, and Cuchulaind caught it between the toes of his foot, and throw a cast of it at Ferdiad so that it passed through the firm deep iron girdle of refined iron, and broke the great stone which was as large as a millstone, in three, and passed through the defences of his body into him so that every joint and every limb of him was filled with its barbs, ‘I have enough now’, said Ferdiad.
  39. Imbas Forosnai. This is the name of a mode of divination thus described in Cormac's glossary, written about 900 A.D. ‘The Imbas Forosnai sets forth whatever seems good to the seer (file) and what he desires to make known. It is done thus. The seer chews a piece of red flesh of a pig, or a dog, or a cat, and then places it on a flagstone behind the door. He sings an incantation over it, offers it to the false gods, and then calls them to him. And he leaves them not on the next day, and chants then on his two hands, and again calls his false gods to him, lest they should disturb his sleep. And he puts his two hands over his two cheeks till he falls asleep. And they watch by him lest no one overturn him and disturb him till everything he wants to know is revealed to him, to the end of nine days or of twice or thrice that time, or however long he was judged at the offering.’
  40. It is impossible at the present stage of our knowledge of Irish to translate this poem. In it Scathach tells Cuchulaind of the part he will play in the famous Cattlespoil of Cualgne, when the ‘kine of Bray will be lifted,’ when he will be ‘alone against an immense herd.’ ‘The warriors of Cruachan, thou shalt scatter them.’ ‘Thy name shall reach the men of Alba.’ ‘Thirty years I reckon the strength of thy valour. Thence further I do not add.’
  41. The eve of the first of November, All-Halloween.
  42. The following passage from the Book of Leinster (p. 171b) is of great value for our knowledge of intercourse between the ancient Irish and the Scandinavians:— ‘And send also (says the druid Cathbad to king Conchobor of Ulster) news and messages to thy absent friends, to Conall the victorious where he is levying tribute and tax in the lands of Lewis (Leódus), in the Shetlands (Inse Cadd) and in the Orkneys (Inse Or[c]), in the lands of Scythia and Dacia and Gothia and of the Norsemen (Northmann), voyaging in the sea of Wight (Muir n-Icht) and the Tyrrhene Sea, and plundering the roads of the Saxons. And send news and messages to thy absent friends to the meadow-lands of the Norse (co iathaib Gallecda, co Galliathaib na n-Gall), viz., to Amláib (or Olaib), the grandson of Inscoa, the king of Lochlann, to Findmór, son of Rofer, the king of the seventh part of Lochlainn, to Baré of the men of the Faroer (Seiggire), to the dun of the Fishercarls (Piscarcarla), to Brodor Roth and Brodor Fiúit, to Siugraid Soga, the king of Súdiam, to Sortadbud, the king of the Orkneys, to the seven sons of Romrach, to Hil, to Mael, to Muile, to Abram, son of Romrach, to Cet, son of Romrach, to Celg son of Romrach, to Mod, son of Herling, to Conchobor the victorious, son of Artur, son of Bruide, son of Dungal, to the son of the king of Alba, and Clothra, daughter of Conchobor the famous.’ Several Irish chiefs were then sent on this errand, with the Norsemen Cano to guide them across the strait of the sea and the great ocean. They land in Lewis where they find Conall who sends his summons to the meadow-lands of the Norse. These at once bring together a large host and fleet, and come to Lewis. Then all set sail for Ireland. When they reach the strait of the Mull of Kintyre (sruthair na Máile Chind Tíre, i.e. The North Channel), a tremendous gale scatters their fleet, and they land in Ireland in three different places.
  43. Strangford Lough.
  44. Forgall's sister.
  45. MS him.

Bran (The Crow)

Wounded full sore is Bran the knight:
For he was at Kerloan fight;
At Kerloan fight, by wild seashore
Was Bran-Vor's grandson wounded sore.
And, though we gained the victory,
Was captive borne beyond the sea.
He when he came beyond the sea,
In the close keep wept bitterly.
"They leap at home with joyous cry
While, woe is me, in bed I lie.
Could I but find a messenger,
Who to my mother news would bear!"
They quickly found a messenger;
His hest thus gave the warrior:
"Heed you to dress in other guise,
My messenger, dress beggar-wise!
Take you my ring, my ring of gold,
That she your news as truth may hold!
Unto my country straighway go,
It to my lady mother show!
Should she come free her son from hold,
A flag of white do you unfold!
But if with you she come not back,
Unfurl, ah me, a pennon back!"

 

So, when to Leon-land he came,
At supper table sat the dame,
At table with her family,
The harpers playing as should be.
"Dame of the castle, hail! I bring
From Bran your son this golden ring,
His golden ring and letter too;
Read it, oh read it, straightway through!"
"You harpers, cease you, play no more,
For with great grief my heart is sore!
My son, (cease harpers, play no more!)
In prison, and I did not know!
Prepare to-night a ship for me!
To-morrow I go across the sea."

 

The morning of the next, next day
The Lord Bran questioned, as he did lay:
"Sentinel, sentinel, soothly say!
See you no vessel on its way?"
"My lord the knight, I nought espy
Except the great sea and the sky."
The Lord Bran asked him yet once more,
When as the day's course half was o'er;
"Sentinel, sentinel, soothly say!
See you no vessel on its way?"
"I can see nothing, my lord the knight,
Except the sea-birds in their flight."
The Lord Bran asked him yet again,
When as the day was on the wane;
"Sentinel, sentinel, soothly say!
See you no vessel on its way?"
Then that false sentinel, the while
Smiling a mischief-working smile;
"I see afar a misty form--
A ship sore beaten by the storm."
"The flag? Quick give the answer back!
The banner? Is it white or black?"
"Far as I see, 'tis black, Sir knight,
I swear it by the coal's red light."
When this the sorrowing knight had heard
Again he never spoke a word;
But turned aside his visage wan;
And then the fever fit began.

 

Now of the townsmen asked the dame,
When at last to the shore she came,
"What is the news here, townsmen, tell!
That thus I hear them toll the bell?"
An aged man the lady heard,
And thus he answered to her word:
"We in the prison held a knight;
And he hath died here in the night."
Scarcely to end his words were brought,
When the high tower that lady sought;
Shedding salt tears and running fast,
Her white hair scattered in the blast,
So that the townsmen wonderingly
Full sorely marveled her to see;
When as they saw a lady strange,
Through their streets so sadly range
Each one in thought did musing stand;
"Who is the lady, from what land?"
Soon as the donjon's foot she reached,
The porter that poor dame beseeched;
"Open, quickly open, the gate for me!
My son! My son! Him would I see!"
Slowly the great gate open drew;
Herself upon her son she threw,
Close in her arms his corpse to strain,
The lady never rose again.

 

There is a tree, that doth look o'er
From Kerloan's battle-field to the shore;
An oak. Before great Evan's face
The Saxons fled in that same place.
Upon that oak in clear moonlight,
Together come the birds at night;
Black birds and white, but sea birds all;
On each one's brow a blood-stain small,
With them a raven gray and old;
With her a crow comes young and bold.
Both with soiled wings, both wearied are;
They come beyond the seas from far:
And the birds sing so lovely
That silence comes on the great sea.
All sing in concert sweet and low
Except the raven and the crow.
Once was the crow heard murmuring:
"Sing, little birds, you well may sing!
Sing, for this is your country!
You died not far from Brittany!"[1]



Old Breton poem from the Barzaz Breizh.

Bran was the name of a legendary king of Britain, is the original Fisher King of the Grail Legend, and appears in both Welsh and Irish literature, each time connected to Mannanan MacLir/Manawyddan MabLlyr, and also here in Breton literature. This knight is named Bran, and is the grandson of a Bran-Vor, or Bran the Great, possibly identified with King Bran, known in Welsh as Bendigedfran ap Llyr, literally "Blessed Raven, son of the Sea." He is brother to Manannan/Manawyddan.

The death-scene of the poem is similar to that of Tristan and Iseult, where Tristan, wounded in a tower above the sea and unable to look out the window, is tricked into thinking his beloved will not come, and so dies of a broken heart. The color of the sails is also tied to the story of Theseos and his father Aegeos: if the sail of Theseos' ship is white, then he is alive; if black, then his men are bearing home the body of the prince. In that tale, Theseos, in a drunken stupor, forgets to change the sails from black to white. His father sees a black sail on the horizon, and so leaps to his death in the Aegean Sea (hence its name).

--Lyra Celtica. Ed. E. A. Sharp, J. Matthay. Edinburgh: John Grant. 1896, 1924.

The Adventures of Connla the Fair

Why was Art the Lone One so called? Not hard to say. One day as Connla the Bold, son of Conn the Hundred-Fighter, was with his father on the Hill of Usnech he saw a woman unfamiliar dress. Said Connla, "Where do you come from, woman?"

The woman answered, "I come from the Lands of the where there is neither death nor want nor sin. We keep feast without need for service. Peace reigns among us strife. A great fairy-mound (sid) it is, in which we live; we are called 'folk of the fairy-mound' (aes side)."

"Who is it you are speaking to?" Conn asked his son; for could see the woman save Connla alone.

The woman answered, "He is speaking to a young and, woman of noble descent, who will know neither death nor old Long have I loved Connla, and I summon him to Mag Mell, Boadach the Eternal is king, a king in whose realm there has no weeping and no sorrow since he began his rule.

"Come with me, O bold Connla, with rosy neck, gleaming like a candle. The fair crown that sits above thy ruddy countenance is a token of thy royalty. If thou wilt follow me thy form shall never decrease in youth or beauty, even to the marvellous Day of Judgment."

Then Conn spoke to his druid (Corann was his name), for they had all heard everything the woman had said, although they did not see her:

I appeal to you, Corann,
Skilled in song, skilled in arts!
A power has come over me
Too great for my skill,
Too great for my strength;
A battle has come upon me
Such as I have not met since I took the sovereignty.
By a treacherous attack the unseen shape overpowers me,
To rob me of my fair son,
With heathen words of magic.
He is snatched from my royal side
By women's words of magic.

Whereupon the druid sang a magic incantation against the voice of the woman, so that no one could hear her voice, and Connla saw no more of her at that time. But as the woman departed before the potent chanting of the druid, she threw Connla an apple.

Connla remained to the end of a month without food or drink, for no nourishment seemed to him worthy to be consumed save only the apple. What he ate of the apple never diminished it, but it remained always unconsumed.

Longing seized upon Connla for the woman he had seen. On the day when the month was completed Connla was seated with his father in Mag Archommin, and he saw the same woman coming toward him. She spoke to him thus:

A woeful seat where Connla sits!
Among short-lived mortals,
Awaiting only dreadful death.
The living, the immortal call to you;
They summon you to the people of Tethra
Who behold you every day
In the assemblies of your native land,
Among your beloved kinsmen.

When Conn heard the voice of the woman, he called to his attendants, "Summon me the druid. I see that her tongue is loosed to-day."

Then said the woman:

O Conn the Hundred-Fighter,
Thou shouldst not cling to druidry!
It will not be long before there will come
To give judgments on our broad strand
A righteous one, with many wonderful companies.
Soon his law will reach you.
He will annihilate the false law of the drus
In the sight of the black magic demon.

Then Conn wondered why Connla made no answer except when the woman came. "Has it touched your heart, what the woman says, O Connla?" asked Conn.

Then said Connla, "It is not easy for me. Although I love my people, longing for the woman has seized me."

The woman said:

Thou strivest-most difficult of wishes to fulfill-
Against the wave of longing which drives thee hence.
That land we may reach in my crystal boat,
The fairy-mound of Boadach.
There is yet another land
That is no worse to reach;
I see it, now the sun sinks.
Although it is far, we may reach it before night.
That is the land which rejoices
The heart of everyone who wanders therein;
No other sex lives there
Save women and maidens.

Then Connla gave a leap into the woman's crystal boat. The people saw him going away. Hardly could their eyes follow Connla and the maiden as they fared forth over the sea. From that day forward they were never seen again. And then said Conn as he gazed upon his other son Art, "To-day is Art left the lone one." Hence he came to be called "Art the Lone One" (Art Oenfer). [1]



Quelle:Ancient Irish Tales. ed. and trans. by Tom P. Cross & Clark Harris Slover. NY: Henry Holt & Co., 1936

The Battle of Carnn Chonaill

(Autor unbekannt)

Diarmait, son of Aed of Sláne, Sinech Cró fostered him. The Connaughtmen used to carry off her kine, so she brought about a bitter quarrel between Diarmait and Guare of Aidne. Then she said (to her fosterson):

            O Diarmait, thou slack in help, | fear of Guare destroys (?) us;
            since thou art weak in winning battles, | come to us out of the manslaying!
            Let Diarmait alone: speak not to him | of battle, nothing truly small is known:
            Do right (?) to him as he is, | send to him, he will come to thee.
            Hithertho he was called a hero | from the greatness of his splendour;
            today a weakling in Meath | is Diarmait, son of Aed of Sláne.
            Thirty flitches, thirty cows | was the feast of the kindred of Fergus,
            a yearling at the end of the prey was paid to Diarmait for his guesting.
            Our little boys will be big men | before our help comes with Crip,
            the calves of our kine will be trained oxen | before help comes from Diarmait.

Howbeit this setting at loggerheads paid her somewhat, for Diarmait mustered hosts and multitudes to invade Connaught.

Now when entering Connaught Diarmait went to Clonmacnois, and St. Ciarán's community, with their abbot Aed-lug, son of Cumman, did penance to God for him that he might come (back) safe by virtue of their guarantee. So the king (after returning in triumph) offered him Tuaim n-Eirc with its subdivisions of land — i.e. Liath Mancháin — as a 'sod on altar' to God and to St. Ciarán, and he bestowed three curses on the king of Meath (for the time being) if any of his people should consume (as a right) even a drink of water therein. Wherefore no king of Meath ventures to look at it, and none of his people ventures to partake of its food.

Hence it is that Diarmait requested his burial in Clonmacnois, wherefore he was after interred therein.

Diarmait overcame Connaughtmen till he came to Aidne. Guare gathered to him the men of Munster. These were the kings that came to succour Guare, to wit, Cuan, son of Enna, king of Munster, and Cuan, son of Conall, king of Húi Fidgenti, and Tolomnach, king of Húi Liatháin. The battle of Carn Conaill was fought between them on the day of Pentecost, and Guare was defeated, and a 'slaughter of chiefs' was inflicted there, including Cuan, son of Enna, king of Munster, and Cuan, son of Conall, king of Húi Conaill, and Tolomnach, king of Húi Liatháin.

St. Cámmine of Inis Celtra, 'tis he that had set a curse on Guare, that he should not withstand warriors. For Cámmine had been for three days fasting upon him concerning a guarantee which the saint had made him give; for Guare had outraged him.

‘If God see fit’, says Cámmine, ‘the man who is stubborn against me shall not stand fast against (his) foes.’ Whereupon the angel declared this to Cámmine, saying:

            The battle in Inis-celtra | which the weakling fights against strengths,
            'tis the weakling that shall be strong, | 'tis the strong that shall be put to flight.

Guare went to entreat Cámmine, and kneels to him.

‘Thy cast has been hurled’, says Cámmine: ‘I cannot help to stay it. But this is as swift as that’, says Cámmine, ‘and those that shall inflict a defeat upon thee will straightaway give thee thy desire.’

Thereof said Cámmine:

            When edges shall be against edges | and shields against shield,
            thou wilt be penitent, O Guare, | as to the poor cleric to whom thou hast shewn stiffness.
            According to (His) will God's son | in the charge of a single hour has brought
            Guare's heart under gentle ones, | the strong ones under Guare.

‘Fast with me then’, says Guare to Cámmine, ‘unto God, that He may grant my prayer.’

Then the three of them entered the church, to wit, Cámmine and Guare and St. Cummine the Tall. A great church built by Cámmine, therein they were. Then the clerics were causing Guare to confess.

‘Well, O Guare’, say they, ‘with what wouldst thou like to fill this church wherein we stand?’

‘I should like its fill of gold and of silver; and not for worldly greed, but to bestow it for my soul's sake on the saints and the churches and the poor of the world.’

‘May God give thee help, O Guare!’ say they. ‘The earth which thou wouldst bestow for thy soul's sake shall be given to thee, and thou shalt (after death) be a dweller in heaven.’

‘We are thankful’, saith Guare. ‘And thou, O Cámmine’, saith Guare, ‘with what wouldst thou like it to be filled?’

‘I should like to fill it with pain and sickness and every ailment that is worst to man, so that all of them might be infiicted on my body.’

‘And thou, O Cummine’, saith Guare, ‘with what wouldst thou fain have it filled?’

‘Fain would I have its fill of books, for students to repair to them, and (then) to sow God's word in the ears of every one, so as to bring him to heaven out of the troop of the Devil.’

Now all their musings came to pass. The earth was given to Guare. Wisdom was given to Cummine. Pains and sicknesses were inflicted on Cámmine, so that no bone of him came to another earth, but it had dissolved and decayed with the anguish of every illness and every tribulation.

So they all went to heaven according to their musings.
Guare flees out of the battle on one side with his servant only. The servant caught a salmon with a line, broiled it, and gave it to Guare. Whereupon Guare said:

            I thank God for what has been gained | to-night for my feast, a single morsel.
            I have had (many) another night | (when) Mary's Son gave me seven cows.

Then Guare went to make submission to Diarmait at the sword's point.

‘Well’, says Diarmait, ‘why does Guare practise that generosity (for which he is famed)? Is it for God's sake or for men's? If it be for God's sake he will now bestow somewhat. If it be for men's, he will give nothing, because he is in anger and great bitterness.’

He went to them. ‘Something to me, O Guare!’ says the jester. He passes by him. ‘Something to me, O Guare!’ says the leper. ‘Thou shalt have’, says Guare. He flings him his spears. ‘Something to me’, says the leper's fellow. Guare flings him his shield. ‘Something to me!’ says his other fellow. Guare flings him his mantle and his brooch and his girdle.

‘This will not protect thee’, says Diarmait: ‘come under the sword.’

‘Something to me, O Guare!’ says the Culdee. ‘Wait a little, O Diarmait’, says Guare, ‘till I strip off my shirt for the Culdee.’

‘Well’, says Diarmait, ‘thou hast submitted to another king, even to God's Son. Here, however, is my submission to thee.’

So Diarmait kneels thrice to Guare. ‘Let it not be unpeace now’, says Diarmait, ‘that thou shouldst go to meet me to the Assembly of Talltiu, so that the men of Erin may take thee for their adviser and their chief of counsel.’

‘It shall be done’, says Guare.

Then Sinech sang this praise to Diarmait:

            Every faint-hearted son of a lord, | a counsel I have for thee about him,
            he shall walk righthandwise round the mark: | he shall have my champion's leavings.
            Not on necks of oxen or cows | is my champion's sword blunted,
            'tis on kings that the sword | in Diarmait's hand today makes a whistling noise.
            Guare son of Colmán, the king, | befouled the trees of Aidne:
            he cast forth ordures as big as a cow's head, | for dread of my champion.
            Since a shower of blood has bespattered | Diarmait's blue-coloured shirt,
            the dress of a man who turns back battles | is not meet without many colours.
            Since a shower of blood has bespattered | the breast of Diarmait's steed,
            the water with which Crip is washed | is not clear for the Sacrifice.
            When in turns the warlike shafts | are hurled on every side
            a bloody mantle were not strange | on the shaft from Diarmait's hand.
            When the small javelins are loosed | at the beginning of their conflict,
            the pair which first meets (them) | is Diarmait's steed and himself.

Saith Guare:

            I promise this, I promise,
            if Sinech reach a fold
            I will not leave her alive,
            I will slay her with my kick.

Saith she:

            I promise. | Sinech reaches not a fold:
            there are no warriors. ... | why dost thou not know it ...?
            Diarmait the hero, good the king, | outgrows every one through boldness,
            the king usually outgrows every one, | so that he causes sadness to all.

Then Guare went to the Assembly of Taltiu to meet Diarmait, having with him a sack of silver to bestow on the men of Erin.

‘Well’, says Diarmait, ‘the man that has come to you, ye seize his cattle at his house. 'Tis an outrage to me if (anyone), wretched or strong, in the assembly ask aught of him.’

So Guare went and stayed on Diarmait's (right) hand on the ... highseats in the assembly. On that day, then, no one asks aught of him. This seemed to him a marvel.

At midday on the morrow, ‘well’, says Guare, ‘let a bishop be summoned to me that I may make my confessions to him and be anointed.’

‘Why is this?’ says Diarmait.

‘Deemest thou not, O Diarmait, that it is an omen of death to me that in a stead where stand the men of Erin, both wretched and strong, not one of them asketh aught of me?’

‘Nothing shall be taken from thee’, says Diarmait. ‘Here is a sack of silver for thee.’

‘But I (myself) have silver’, says Guare.

So then Guare rose up, and flings it out of his two hands. And men say that from that hour one of his arms was longer than the other from reaching out to the 'servants of God' (Culdees).

Then they, Diarmait, to wit, and Guare, make a perfect peace. And the men of Erin took Guare for their adviser and their chief of counsel, from that time forward so long as he was alive.

Good, then, was that Guare. Tis to him that through grace of generosity was given the cow with beauty of fat, and the blackberries in the ...

'Tis he that wrought the wondrous miracle at Clonmacnois when they were bearing him thither to his burial.

The jester came to him and asked a boon of him repeatedly. So he (the dead king) put his hand out over the ground, and took his handful of the sand, and. flung it into the jester's bosom, and made a glowing mass of gold thereout. So that is Guare's last deed of bounty.

This tale above is (also called) the Battle of Diarmait and Guare of Aidne.



 




This is the Genealogy of Cú Chulaind

[1]

[First column:]
Cú Culaind son of Sualtam
son of Dubthage
son of Cubair
son of Ler son of Nelruiad, that is nemthig
son of Cusantin son of Adgar
son of Boado son of Midgin
son of Caiss son of Uacais that is mind
son of Branaill son of Rethaig
son of Rindall son of Rindbailc
son of Sloitgen son of Rothchlaim
son of Uacaise son of the son of Coll
son of Cermait son of the Dagda
son of Elatha son of Delbaith
son of Net son of Indui
son of Alloit son of Thait.

[second column:][2]
Cu Chulaind son of Sualtam
son of Dubtagi son of Cubair
son of Ler son of Cusantin
son of Adachair son of Báetain
son of Midgni son of Úachaill
son of Cais Clothaig son of Cermait
son of the Dagda son of Inde
son of Doran son of Nomal
son of Condlai son of Memnon
son of Samrith son of Buithe
son of Tigernas
son of Follaig son of Ethriol
son of Íareól Fátha
son of Eremon son of Miled Espain



The second column is largely in agreement with the first until the generation concerning Cermait son of the Dagda. Moreover, there is an obvious anachronism of having the Dagda come some thirteen generations after Eremon, whereas the annals and Lebor Gabala are in agreement that it was the Dagda's grandsons--Mac Cumhail, Mac Cecht and Mac Coll (the Coll of this genealogy) who lost Ireland to the sons of Mil Espain.

The Phantom Chariot of Cu Chulainn

Patrick went to Tam to enjoin belief upon the King of Erin, that is, upon Loegaire, son of Niall, who was King of Erin at the time; for he would not believe in the Lord though He had been preached unto him.

Loegaire said to Patrick: “By no means will I believe in thee, nor yet in God, until thou shalt call up Cu Chulainn in all his dignity, as he is recorded in the old stories, that I may see him, and that I may address him in my presence here; after that I will believe in thee.”

“Even this thing is possible for God,” said Patrick.

Then a messenger came from God to Patrick, and he said that Patrick and Loegaire should remain until the morrow on the rampart of the rath of Tam, and that Cu Chulainn would appear to him there.

After the appearance of Cu Chulainn to him in his chariot, Loegaire went to converse with Patrick. Patrick said to Loegaire:

“Has something indeed appeared to thee?”

“Something has indeed appeared to me,” said Loegaire; “but I have not power to relate it, unless thou wilt sign and consecrate my mouth.”

“I will not sign thy mouth,” said Patrick, “until I have my demand. I will, however, make a sign on the air that comes out of thy mouth, in order that thou mayest describe the apparition which was shown to thee.”

“As I was going,” said Loegaire, “over the Slope of the Chariot to the Hill of the Fairy-mound of the Plain, in the Plateau of the Assembly in the plain of Mac Oc, I saw the cold piercing wind, like a double-barbed spear. It hardly spared to take the hair from our heads, and to go through us to the earth. I asked of Benen the meaning of the wind. Benen said to me, ‘That is the wind of bell after its opening before Cu Chulainn.’ We saw then the heavy fog which dropped upon us. I asked also of Benen the meaning of the heavy fog. Benen said that the fog was the breath of men and of horses that were traversing the plain before me.

“Then we saw a great raven-flock on high above us. The country was full of birds, and in height they reached to the clouds of heaven. I asked of Benen about these and he said they were sods thrown up by the hoofs of the horses that were yoked to Cu Chulainn’s chariot. After that we saw the forms of the horses through the mist, and of men in the easy chariot; a charioteer on high behind them; a spirit-chieftain; horses that rode paths.

“I observed after this the two horses; equal in size and beauty were they, and only unlike in form and color; in swiftness, in symmetry, in action, equal. Broad were their hoofs and broad their backs; in color beautiful; in height, in vehemence, remarkable. Their heads were small: large-lipped, bright-eyed. Red of chest, sleek and well-knit, they yielded promptly to the yoke; they attracted attention by the lofty dignity of their movements; their manes and tails hung down in curls.

“Behind the pair a wide-spaced chariot. Beneath it, two black solid wheels; above it, two symmetrical, overlapping reins; its shafts firm and straight as swords; the reins adorned and pliant; the pole, white silver with a withe of white bronze; the yoke, firm, ridged, and made of gold; the hood, purple; the fittings, green.

“Within the chariot a warrior was visible. His hair was thick and black, and smooth as though a cow had licked it. In his head his eye gleamed swift and grey. About him was flung a tunic of purple-blue, its borders of white gold lacing. It was clasped with a brooch of red gold upon his breast; it floated out over each of his two shoulders. A white hooded cloak hung about him with a border of flaming red. A sword with a hilt of gold lying in a rest on his two thighs; and in his hand a broad gray spear on a shaft of wild ash. Beside it lay a sharp venomous dart. Across his shoulders he bore a purple shield surrounded by an even circle of silver; upon it were chased loop-animals in gold. Into his mouth a shower of pearls seemed to have been thrown. Blacker than the side of a black cooking-spit each of his two brows, redder than ruby his lips.

“Before him in the chariot was the charioteer; a very slender, tall and lank, stooped, very freckled man. Very curly red hair on the top of his head; a band of white bronze on his forehead, that prevented his hair from falling about his face. Above his two ears spheres of gold, into which his hair was gathered. About him was a winged little cloak, with an opening at its two elbows. He held in his hand a small whip of red gold with which he urged on his horses. It seemed to me that it was Cu Chulainn and Loeg, his charioteer, who were within the chariot, and that it was the Black of Sainglenn and the Gray of Macha that were yoked toit.”

“Dost thou believe in God henceforth, O Loegaire,” said Patrick, “since Cu Chulainn came to converse with thee?”

“If it were Cu Chulainn that I saw, it seems to me that he stayed too short a time conversing with me.”

“God is powerful,” said Patrick. “I were indeed Cu Chulainn, he will return and converse with thee again.”

Now they remained still in the same place, and they perceived the chariot coming across the plain towards them drawn by its two horses. Within rode Cu Chulainn garbed as a warrior, and Loeg mac Riangabra as his charioteer. Then in mid-air Cu Chulainn performed twenty-seven feats of skill above them. The Noise-feat of Nine, that is the Feat of Cat, the Feat of Cuar, and the Feat of Daire, the Blind-feat of Birds, the Leap over Poison, the Bed-folding of a Brave Champion, the Bellows-dart, the Stroke with Quickness, the Ardor of Shout, the Hero’s Scream, the Wheel­feat, the Edge-feat, the Apple-feat, and the Noise-feat; the Ascent by rope, the Straightening of Body on Spear-point, the Binding of a Noble Champion, the Return-stroke, and the Stroke with Measure.

As for the charioteer, the management of the reins confounds all speech: he was above the evaporations and breathings of the horses.

Then Cu Chulainn went to converse with Patrick and saluted him, saying:

I beseech, O holy Patrick,
In thy presence that I may be,
That thou wouldst bring me with thy faithful ones,
Into the Land of the Living.

Then he addressed the king thus: “Believe in God and in holy Patrick, O Loegaire, that earth’s surface may not come over thee; for it is not a demon that has come to thee: it is Cu Chulainn mac Sualtaim. A world for every champion is law of earth, every quiet one’s is concealment, every hero’s is earth, every holy one’s is heaven: for of the order of demons is everything thou ponderest on: it is the world of each in turn that thou chariotest.”

Cu Chulainn was silent, and Loegaire did not speak.

“Who chariots the Men of Breg, O Loegaire? Who sits their slopes? Who watches their fords? Whom do their wives elope with? Whom do their daughters love?”

“What is that inquiry to me and to thee?” asked Loegaire.

“There was a time, O Loegaire, when it was I who used to go among them, who used to go around them, who used to keep them together. I was their little champion whom they used to love:
whom with high spirits they used to play about. There was a time, O Loegaire, when it was I who used to go to their great attacks, who used to burst their great contests. I was the battle- victorious, loud-shouting, red-wristed, broad-palmed, brave Cu Chulainn, who used to be on the rich plain of Muirthemne. Believe in God and in Patrick, O Loegaire, for it is not a demon that has come to thee, but Cu Chulainn son of Sualtam.”

“If it is Cu Chulainn that is here present,” said Loegaire, “he will tell us of his great deeds.”

“That is true, O Loegaire,” said Cu Chulainn. “I was the destroyer of hostageship in the reception of the fords of my terri­tories; I was heavy of hand on heroes and great hosts. I used to hunt the fleet herds of my enemies in the full rushries, and left their flocks live-dead upon the mountains after the slaying in equal combat of the men who were over them.”

“If thou didst indeed those deeds that thou recountest, the deeds of a hero were with thee; but they were not the deeds of Cu.”

“That is true, O Loegaire,” said Cu Chulainn.

I was not a hound of taking of a fort,
I was a hound of taking of a deer:
I was not a hound of a forbidden trotter,
I was a hound strong for combat:
I was not a hound of round lickings of leavings,
I was a hound who visited the troops:
I was not a hound to watch over calves,
I was a hound to guard Emain Macha.

“If those deeds are as thou recountest them, the deeds of a hero were with thee.”

“That is true, O Loegaire,” said Cu Chulainn: “the deeds of a hero were with me.”

I was a hero, I was a leader;
I was the charioteer of a great chariot;
I was gentle to the gentle,
But against dishonor I wrought vengeance.

“I was not the poison-tongue of my territories; I was the casket of every secret for the maidens of Ulster. I was a child with children; I was a man with men. It was for correction I used to labor. I was good in spite of satirizing; I was better for praising.”

“If it be Cu Chulainn that is here,” said Loegaire, “he will tell us a portion of the great risks he risked.”

“That is true, O Loegaire,” said Cu Chulaiun.

I used to hunt their great flocks
With hardy Conchobar:
It was in a foreign territory,
I used to behold each victory.

I played on breaths
Above the horses’ steam:
Before me on every side
Great battles were broken.

I broke contests
On the champions of the territories:
I was the sword-red hero
After the slaying of hosts.

I broke edge-feats
On the points of their swords:
I reached their great spoils,
Were it through drivings of fire!

(The next stanzas describe a journey in which Cu Chulainn waged battles in Lochlann on the north, and slew a giant. He continues:)

A journey I went, O Loegaire,
When I went into the Land of Scath:
Dun Scaith in it with its Locks of iron—
I laid hand upon it.

Seven walls about that city—
Hateful was the fort:
A palisade of irons on each wall,
On which were nine heads.

Doors of iron on each side—
Not strong defences against us:
I struck them with my foot,
And drove them into fragments.

There was a pit in the dun,
Belonging to the king, so it is said:
Ten serpents burst
Over its border—it was a great deed!

Alter that I attacked them,
Though vast the throng,
Until I made bits of them

Between my two fists
There was a house full of toads,
That were let loose upon us;
Sharp, beaked monsters

That dave to my snout.
Fierce dragon-like monsters
Were sent against us;
Strong were their witcheries

Alter that I attacked them;
When a rush was made on me,
I ground them into small pieces
Between my two palms.

There was a cauldron in that dun;
The calf of the three cows:
Thirty joints of meat in its girth
Were not a charge for it.

The cows used to frequent that cauldron,
Delightful was the contest;
They would not go from it on any side,
Until they left it full.

There was much gold and silver in it—
Wonderful was the find:
That cauldron was given to us
By the daughter of the king.

The three cows we carried off—
They swam boldly over the sea:
There was a load of gold for two men
To each of them on her neck.

Alter we had come upon the ocean,
Which spread out towards the north,
The crew of my currach was engulfed
By the fierce storm.

Alter this I floated them—
Though it was a sharp danger—
Nine men on each of my hands,
Thirty on my head.

Eight upon my two sides
Clung to my body.
Thus I swam the ocean
Until I reached the harbor.

What I suffered of trouble,
0Loegaire, by sea and land:—
Yet more severe was a single night,
When the demon was wrathful.

My little body was scarred—
With Lugaid the victory:
Demons carried off my soul
Into the red charcoal.

I played the swordlet on them,
I plied on them the gae bulga;
I was in my complete victory
With the demon in pain.

Great as was my heroism,
Hard as was my sword,
The devil crushed me with one finger
Into the red charcoal!

(Cu Chulainn endeavors to persuade King Loegaire to believe in God and Patrick, by dwelling on the pains of hell, in which are lying the champions of Ulster. He extols Patrick’s power in having conjured him up. He concludes:)

Though thine were a perpetual life
Of earth, with its beauty,
Better is a single reward in heaven
With Christ, Son of the living God.

I beseech, O holy Patrick,
In thy presence, that I may come
That thou wouldst bring me with thy faithful ones
Unto the land which thou drivest about.

“Believe in God and holy Patrick, O Loegaire, that a wave of earth may not come over thee. It will come, unless thou believest in God and in holy Patrick, for it is not a demon that has come to thee: it is Cu Chulainn son of Sualtam.”

Now, that thing indeed happened: earth came over Loegaire; Heaven was decreed for Cu Chulainn. Loegaire believed in Patrick in consequence.

Great was the power of Patrick in awakening Cu Chulainu after being nine times fifty years in the grave; that is, from the reign of Conchobar mac Nessa,—it is he that was born in co­birth with Christ—to the end of the reign of Loegaire, son of Niall, eon of Eochaid Muigmedoin, son of Mufredach Tirech, son of Fiachra Roptine, son of Cairbre Liffechar, son of Cormac Ulfada, son of Art Oenfer, son of Conn the Hundred-Fighter, eon of Feradach Rechtmar, son of Tuathal Techtmar, son of Feradach Finnfachtnach, son of Crimthann Niadnar, son of Lugaid of the Red Stripes. And he (i.e., Lugaid) was a fosterson to Cu Chulainn son of Sualtam.

This Is The Cause Of The Expulsion Of The Déssi To Munster And The Violent Death Of Cormac


[1]1. Why was Cormac partially blinded in Tara? It is not difficult [to relate].

There was a fierce man of the Déssi of Mag Breg, namely Óengus Gaíbúaibthech, that is a virulent spear with chains on it [were] three chains [with] three persons on each chain it is on this account he used to be called Óengus Gaíbúaibthech, namely he used to take vengeance for family insults; that is, wherever murder of kindred used to be committed or intolerable oppression used to be inflicted on helpless individuals he would not desist until he achieved revenge.

2. Cellach son of Conaire bore off the daughter of his brother, namely Forrach daughter of Sorath, that is the son of Artchorp. At that time Óengus was avenging a family insult in the province of Connaught. Eogan goes to Óengus.

“Óengus,” he said, “the son of Cormac is too much of a relative for me."

“Be off with you to your home!” Óengus said. “For I shall not get to him until I accomplish the thing for which I came [here]”.

3. After slaying the band that had perpetrated the murder of kindred, Oengus thereupon came early in the morning, weary [and] hungry as he was, to a woman, while all alone she was preparing food for a gang of laborers.

“A drink and a bite for me, woman,” he said, “since I am thirsty [and] hungry”.

“Your work,” she said, “is not more deserving than is the work of the people whose food this is”.

What Óengus was doing irked the woman.

“Your profession,” she said, “is an evil one to be afflicting Ireland and to be forsaking your honor for food”. “I deem it more likely,” she added, “that you would ravish a lone woman than that you would avenge an outrage to your brother.”

Anger seizes him, and he devours the eight loaves. He puts his hands under the pail and raises it, and the woman did not succeed in preventing him. The woman begins to revile him. He lifts the churn and delivers a blow on the woman’s head so that he killed her. Wrath and fury take hold [of him], and he comes out. Two javelins happen to be in both parts of his hair so that his hair on his head became dishevelled

4. Thereupon he made for Tara.

“I see,” the watchman said, “a rough grey-bearded warrior with big calves and [with] a huge spear on his back, and I observe an angry look on him.”

“Óengus is he,” Cormac said, “and let heed be taken of him”.

Along with Óengus [was] his fosterson, namely Corc Duibne son of Coirpre Múse son of Conaire son of Eterscél . He was in hostageship from among the men of Munster in the custody of Cormac. In the house of Óengus the men of Munster pledged their hostages to his compassion. Óengus went then into the royal dwelling in which Cormac was. Cellach, however, was not unmindful of Óengus. He goes until he was between Cormac and the wall.

“What brings you there, lad?” Oengus said, as he gave a thrust [of the spear] into his breast so that the spear lodged in the wattling on the further side of him. As he drew the spear out of the boy’s breast, a link of the chain struck across Cormac’s eye so that it split in two in his head. The butt-end of the spear hit against the forehead of the steward, namely Sétna mac Blaí, so that it went back through his head . At the same time, the boy and the steward, namely Sétna mac Blaí, fell, and the eye of Cormac was shattered. Óengus was not apprehended so that he reached his house, and he slew nine of Cormac’s champions as they were pursuing him . With him [was] his fosterson, namely Corc Duibne, and he absconded from hostageship.

5. From that time, accordingly, Cormac did not go into Tara, for it is not lawful for a king with a blemish [to be] therein; and in Achall by Tara, where today is Scrín Cholaim Chille, he dwelt. In the following year, moreover, Cormae suffered a violent death in Tech Cletig.

6. Now the Déssi gave seven battles then to Cormac, and the Déssi were defeated. In the end the superior numbers (?) of the men of Ireland with Cormac were stronger. Even so, the race of the Déssi was good, namely the offspring of Fíacha Suigde son of Fedelmid Rechtaid son of Túathal Techtmar. At Duma Dór the women of the Déssi then bade farewell to Tara; that is, they shed tears of blood at parting forever from Tara, namely from their land and from their country. Then the wife of Oengus recited these quatrains:

“Hail to the Hill of Tara
And to the pleasant Boyne abounding in salmon!
Besmirched, my heart breaks
From grief for the Assembly of Tailltiu.

The death of Cellach, its consequence is not trivial,
And the shattering of Cormac’s eye,
The death of the steward by the spear,
And the violent death of the nine,

Parting [also] from Tara rich in hosts
And from Cormac of the fair skin.
We shall leave the land of Tailltiu in the east;
Behind us we leave our transgression”.

In Mag Inir, then, the last battle was waged.

“This battle is now stern,” Cormac said. “Mag Inir shall be forever the name of the plain.”

7. Thereafter the Déssi went until they were at Ard na nDéssi in Mag Liphi, whereupon the Leinstermen arose from every side to seize that territory from them . They made a settlement with them, and they took the daughter of the king of Leinster, namely Ethne Úathach, in fosterage. A promise had been made to them that in remuneration territory and land would be accorded to them and that they would settle [there]. Flesh of infants used to be given to her so that by providing sustenance they soon attained possession

8. Thereafter, they were contending against Dúnlang king of Leinster and against numerous other races throughout Ireland, in the course of which their strong men and their champions fell. Many battles indeed Óengus and Core Duibne then waged. Óengus thereupon fell in Leinster [fighting] against the sons of Coirpre Lifechair, namely Fíacha Srobtine and Echaid Domlén and Eochu in Chacaid, [who were intent] on revenge for Cellach [and for the blinding] of Cormac’s eye.

The Déssi therefore went until they were in the south of Leinster, that is, Tír Áesa na Immirge. Then they proceeded eastwards over the sea at Miledach, where they built a thousand houses and whence Miledach is named. After that, they went westwards beside the sea until they reached Tech nDuinn beyond Ireland. Core Duibne thereupon recited these quatrains:

“Noble Óengus, let us settle here.
From mighty Tara with [its] ranks of hosts
There was promised, it seems to me,
Long since that we should come here.

The king of bounty Cormac Ua Cuinn
Has expelled you from Tara of the hosts
He has set you naked by Tech nDuinn;
Till death, he has parted you from Leth Cuinn.

It is Donn’s dwellings that you see yonder,
Against which the monster of the sea roars.
Bad weather strikes against the sides of Tech nDuinn.
Do not be standing, but sit down”.

9. “Here I was reared,” Core Duibne said. “Let us dwell here”

For Coirpre Múse son of Conaire, of whom are [descended] the Múscraige of Munster, it is he who had begotten him on his sister, that is on Duihind daughter of Conaire when he was king of Munster. Their crops were the worse [for it].

“The wrongdoing of the prince causes this,” Coirpre said “What I have committed is incest(?). Is there aught [that will ensue] therefrom?”

“Yes, two sons, namely Corc and Cormac”.

At one birth they were born. One of them had reddened the other in the womb of their mother.

“Let them be burned,” the men of Munster said, “so that the disgrace may not be in the land.”

“Let be given to me,” the druid who was in the encampment said, “that Core there so that I may bring him out of Ireland in order that the disgrace may not be there”.

10. Corc was given to him, and he and his hag bore him into an island, and he composed these quatrains:

“O revered Corc, due to you were
The kingship of Munster with great fame
From Coirpre Muse who practiced poetry,
From Conaire, [and] from Eterscél.

May you be valiant [and] heroic,
O Corc, [ruling] over Banba’s regions.
Though you have been adjudged to be burnt,
Your brave offspring will be numerous.

O crone, accept in your care
The grandson of the very warlike [and] very noble king.
His hour of victory will be illustrious;
His rewards will be abundant.

Every wood, every forest, every domain,
Every moor, every plain besides native land,
Every man who arises in his goodly residence—
It is to the princely person that it is due”.

The name of the crone [was] Boí, and they had a white, red-eared cow . Every morning, while on the back of the cow, Core used to be given an ablution. On that same day a year later, the cow then sprang from them into the sea and turned into a rock in the ocean, for the heathen sorcery of the boy had gone upon her. The name of the rock [was] Bó Boí, and the name of the island [was] Inis Boí.

11. Thereafter, the boy was brought back into Ireland.

“Take your grandson to your bosom, Sárait,” Boi said to the daughter of Conn Cétchathach.

[Sárait replied:]

“O Boí,
So long as lie may be [alive], I will not love the grandson”.

Boí replied:

“Though you might not like it, you shall have The son of your daughter, the son of your son”.

“I say, though you take [him]
Into your bosom, you shall not deem it grievous,
O queen, that you take
The son of your daughter, the son of your son”.

“The son of my son I do not love
On account of intercourse with my daughter.
His legitimacy I do not assume
From my son, though I am much grieved”

“O Sárait, O lovely woman,
Good [is] the deed that Coirpre wrought.
Two sons [he has] by the noble lady.
For the men of Ireland it is [all] the better”.

“Good [is] the infant that is in your care,
The son of my daughter — good is the meeting.
His deeds will be very puissant, so it seems;
I announce and proclaim [it]”.

Then Sárait said to Boí, that is, to the nurse of her grandson:

“My two Sons,
To love them were not right—
Coirpre Muse for going to his sister,
Coirpre Niad for outraging me (that is, as regards the slaying of Nemed).”

For she was outraged by Coirpre Rigfota as regards the slaying of her husband while she was protecting him, named Nemed mac Srobchinn in the battle of Grutine when Ingcél who had been under the protection of Nemed, was killed; and both fell in the battle of Grutine by the three sons of Conaue in avenging [the death] of their father on Ingcél. Their mother was beside Nemed, and Coirpre Rigfota slew [him] while she was protecting him so that on that account she recited these quatrains:

“O Coirpre, I loved you
Until the day that you outraged me.
Not good is your hue
On account of the one whom you have assailed

Your offspring were fit.
Though reproaches might occur
They used not to experience difficulties.
You, O friend, shall not follow their way!”

12. Now it is that Corc who had come from the east with the Déssi. Corc remained in the south. The Déssi were roaming from each place to the next from the time of Cormac to the time of Óengus Nad Fraích. Their druids said to them that they would not get rest except by fostering the daughter of the king of Leinster so that this is why they took Ethne, that is Úathach, in fosterage unto themselves. Flesh of infants used to be given to her in order that it might be the quicker that Ethne, that is the daughter of Crimthann, should grow up.

“Let us remain here,” Core said to the Déssi.

“Dwell here, and we shall go eastwards into the middle of Ireland,” [they replied].

That came to pass. They went until they were at Caisel Na Ríg. Óengus mac Nad Fraích was king of Caisel. He it is who believed in St. Patrick.

“Give me,” Óengus said, “as wife Ethne, namely your fosterling, and I shall give you land for her bridal price, that is king’s land, which is mine among the Osraige to the south of us, and you have permission to extend it at their expense”.

The girl is given to him. They go southwards into the middle of the land; but indeed for them it was not pleasant, for on each side a host was assailing them . Like boars they were among hunting dogs. On account of them, moreover, [there was] violence (?) on each side, battle every day from each side of them, [and] victory gained by them on each side. Every warrior and every robber who had come out of his land, Ethne would give gold arid silver to them for assisting the Déssi.

13. Concerning the Déssi, Dil mac Uí Creca from Druim Dil, a blind druid of the Osraige, had prophecied that they would be defeated. He had a haughty daughter. She liked housekeeping. She betook herself to Ethne, [for] she used to pay visits to Ethne. The latter gave her to a man of the Déssi.

“Our consorting (?) is not good,” Ethne said. “Your father is against our family”.

“I cannot indeed do anything about it,” she replied.

“Go for me,” Ethne, namely Uathach, said, “and play a trick on him to see whether it would ward him off from us. Excellent would be your reward for it”.

“Very well,” she answered.

The girl went back to Dil.

“Whence do you come, O daughter?” lie asked.

“From the north, from Caisel,” she replied.

“Is it true that you have been in the company of that defiled Ethne in the north?” [he asked].

“It is true,” she answered.

“Well indeed!” he exclaimed.

“I have come to supply you with provisions,” she said. “For serving everyone I obtained a skin bottle of mead”.

“I shall not take that,” he said.

“I shall kindle a fire for you,” she said. “Consume [the mead] so that I may gain your blessing”.

14. Accordingly, he drinks it copiously. Thereupon he divulges his secrets.

“Evil,” he said, “is the swarm that has assailed you for your land, namely the Déssi. That is a small matter,” he added. ‘At midday tomorrow they shall depart. I am prophecying in regard to the wisp there yonder which is in my shoe that it shall be burnt tomorrow in Indéoin. They shall be on the west side in Ord so that the smoke of it shall be seen . A hornless red cow shall be let go westwards across, [and] they shall kill her at a single shout that they shall raise. They shall depart, and they shall never [again] visit this land”.

“Well,” the daughter said, “sleep when you deem it appropriate”.

Thereupon he sleeps. Meanwhile the daughter carries off the wisp of the shoe and reached Caisel before morning. With the wisp, Ethne betakes herself southwards until she reached the Déssi.

“Let this wisp be burnt,” Etlme said, “and let a hornless; red cow be brought to us”.

The cow was not found.

“Well,” a druid of the Déssi said, “I shall go in the guise of the cow eastwards to be slain in return for immunity from the Déssi for my children forever”.

15. Thus it is done. The cow is let go eastwards. The Osraige were then at Indéoin.

“What are the Déssi now doing?” Dil inquired.

“Burning a fire and letting a cow go over the ford from the west,” the servant answered.

“That were not a lovable thing,” he said. “Is the wisp in the shoe?” he asked.

“No,” the servant replied.

“That indeed [is] bad,” he said. “Let not the men slay the cow,” he added.

They let her go past them. The grooms slay her behind his back.

“What shout [is] this, O servant?” he inquired.

“The servants slaying the cow,” he answered.

“Woe is me! Fetch my chariot,” he said. “From Ord is struck Indéoin. From Indéoin to the Lainnin there will be no halt thereto”.

That came to pass. The Déssi routed them from the west over to the other side and defeated them in the east. Thence to the Lainnín they were harried so that the Lainnín remains the frontier forever. Like stags thus they fled. Hence they are called Osraige, and forevermore they left the Déssi in their land.

16. After the partial blinding of Cormac, three pregnant women of Ulster went [back] to their land. These bore three sons in the north. The Ulstermen came with them from the north and they brought [them] according to hereditary right perforce onto their [own] land and onto their own soil. Those are today the Déssi of Tara.

That [is] the cause of the partial blinding of Cormac by Óengus Gaíbúaibthech in Tara.

Finit.



Quelle:Vernam Hull. "Expulsion Of The Déssi." Zeitschrift für Celtische Philologie. vol. 57. Max Niemeyer Verlag, 1957.

Birth of Aedh Sláine

[1]Tara of the Kings: she it was that to all kings successively ruling Ireland was a peculiar appanage; and it was a universal thing for them that thither all Ireland's charges, and dues prescribed, and rents, must be brought in to them. With the men of Ireland too it was general that out of all airts they should resort to Tara in order to the holding of Tara's Feast at samhaintide. For these were the two principal gatherings that they had: Tara's Feast at every samhain (that being the heathens' Easter); and at each lughnasa, or' Lammas-tide,' the Convention of Taillte. All precepts and all enactments which in either of these festivals were ordained by the men of Ireland, during the whole space of that year none might infringe. In Taillte then once upon a time the Gael had an extraordinary great convention, he that at such epoch was king of Ireland being Dermot son of Fergus Cerrbeol. The men of Ireland were disposed along the benches of the assembly-ground: all of them according to precedence of ranks, of calling, of legitimate claim and, in fact, after the fashion of hitherto use and wont.

Now the women, with the king's two wives, had a sitting-place apart; the queens that on this occasion kept Dermot company being Mairenn (surnamed mael i.e. 'bald') and Mughain, daughter of Conchraid son of Duach (of the men of Munster). Mughain bore Mairenn a great jealousy, and to a certain female jester she said that she would give her her own award [i.e. told her to name her own price] if from the other queen's head she would remove her headgear of gold; for the manner of Mairenn was that she lacked all hair, so that a queen's head-dress it was which habitually concealed her defect The jestress came to Mairenn therefore, and began to importune her for some boon or other. The queen averred that she had it not to give. "Thou shalt have this at any rate," said the other as from the queen's head she tore her casque of gold. Mairenn cried: "God and S. Kieran help me at this need!" nor had an individual in the crowd so much as well turned his eyes on her there, when down to her very shoulders fell the flossy, convoluted, golden-sheeny hair which through Kieran's power grew on her. The whole host are astounded at the miracle, and well pleased that the queen is not put to shame. "God I invoke," cried Mairenn, "that for this thing thou be disgraced in presence of the men of Ireland!" which came true.

After this Dermot frequented Mugain still, but she was barren; whereby she was unhappy, for the king meditated to abandon her utterly. The other wives also that the king had were a grief to her, that they bore children: Eithne in especial, daughter of Brenann Dall of the conmaicne cúile talad and mother of Colman Mór; and Breo, daughter of Colman mac Neman from dún Suane, mother of Colman Beg. So Mugain was sad for this: for her being without either son or daughter, and the king purposing to dismiss her.

Finnian of magh bile [angl. 'Moville '], and bishop Aedh son of Bri, arrived in Bregia. The queen came to visit them, and began to implore the clerics that they would succour her. Finnian and bishop Aedh blessed water, gave it to her to drink, and she became pregnant; but what she eventually produced from this promise was-a lamb. She cried: "woe is me that I should have borne a four-footed thing, after which I shall never be acceptable to any!" "Not that it is which shall come to pass," said Finnian: "but such a thing, a similitude namely of the sinless Lamb that was offered up for the human race, shall to thy womb be for a consecration."

Again the cleric blessed water for her, and she conceived of it; then bore a silvern salmon. "Woe is me for this!" she said: "for all thou doest in my behalf I am but the worse off, cleric, seeing that with the men of Ireland these two births will become matter of common notoriety; from all which no good awaits me." "Not that it is which shall take place," said the cleric: "but the silvern salmon I will take, and by me a use will be made of him ;[2] in virtue of him too [lit. 'on the head of him'] thou shalt bring forth a son, and in addition bear brothers to him; but from him shall kings of Ireland spring in number more than from the others." Mughain answered: "I am well pleased, if that thou sayest be but fulfilled to me!" "Fulfilled it shall be," quoth the cleric.

Then Finnian and bishop Aedh pronounced a benediction upon the queen and on the seed to emanate from her; he [i.e. one of them] put water into his cup and gave it to the queen, who both drank of it and washed in it. By this process she found herself with child and, this time, had a son: who was Aedh: Sláine. A good offspring in sooth was that which was born then: Aedh Sláine. Good are his clan too in Bregia: good in respect of profuseness, of renown, of honour; of hardihood, of lifting tribute, of holding the upper hand; of rectitude, of heroic practice, of brilliancy; of dealing with church orders, of exercising hospitallers' functions, of compassionateness; of ethics, of sagacity, of pride; of fame, of affection, of cordiality; of form, of good sense, of intelligent apprehension; of nobility, of excellence, of splendour. For 'a golden wand laid across a plate of white bronze, that is what the seed of Aedh Sláine are athwart Bregia's plain; and all opulence whatsoever, every grandly ordered household, 'tis with that of Aedh Sláine that men compare it.

To commemorate which transactions, and to store them in all - men's memory, it was that the sennachie, Flann of the Monastery namely, sang this:

"Mughain, daughter of Duach's son gentle Conchraid out of Desmond: she-wife of Dermot son of Cerbhall-without intermission plied large-handed generosity. . .



The only additional detail furnished by the concluding lay of fourteen quatrains is that of this silver salmon Finnian had a reliquary and other sacred objects made.

The Cause of the Battle of Cnucha

When Cathar Mor son of Fedlimid Fir Urglais son of Cormac Gelta-gaith was in the kingship of Tara, and Conn the Hundred-Fighter in Kells, in the rigdonna’s land, Cathar had a celebrated druid, Nuada son of Achi son of Dathi son of Brocan son of Fintan, of Tuath Dathi in Breg. The druid was soliciting land in Leinster from Cathar; for he knew that it was in Leinster his inheritance would be. Cathar gave him his choice of land. The land the druid chose was Almu in Leinster. She that was wife to Nuada was Almu, daughter of Becan.

A stronghold was built by the druid then in Almu, and alamu (lime) was rubbed to its wall, until it was all white; and perhaps it was from that the name “Almu” was applied to it; of which was said:

All-white is the stronghold of battle renown
As if it had received the lime of Ireland;
From the alamu which he gave to his house,
Hence it is that “Almu” is applied to Almu.

Nuada’s wife, Almu, begged that her name might be given to the hill; and her request was granted, and it was in it she was to be buried, hence it was said:

Almu—beautiful was the woman!—
Wife of Nuada the great, son of Achi;
She entreated—the division was just—
That her name should be on the perfect hill.

Nuada had a distinguished son, named Tadg. Rairiu, daughter of Donn-Duma, was his wife. A celebrated druid also was Tadg. Death came to Nuada; and he left his stronghold, as it was, to his son; and it is Tadg that was druid to Cathar in the place of his father.

Rairiu bore a daughter to Tadg; her name was Muirne of the fair neck. This maiden grew up in great beauty, so that the Sons of the kings and mighty lords of Ireland were wont to be courting her.

Cumall, son of Trenmor, king-warrior of Ireland, was then in the service of Conn, and he, like every other youth, was demanding the maiden. Nuada gave him a refusal, for he knew that it was on account of Cumall he would have to leave Almu. The same woman was mother to Cumall and to Conn’s father, to wit, Fedlimid Rechtaide.

Cumall, however, came and took Muirne by force, since she had not been given to him. Tadg went to Conn, told him what Cumall bad done, and he began to incite Conn and to reproach him.

Conn dispatched messengers to Cumall, and ordered him to leave Ireland, or to restore Muirne to Tadg. Cumall said he would not give her up; everything else he would give but not the woman. Conn sent his soldiers, and Urgriu son of Lugaid Corr king of the Luagni, and Daire the Red son of Eochaid, and his son Aed (who was afterwards called Goll) to attack Cumall. Cumall assembled his army against them; and the battle of Cnucha was fought between them, and Cumall was slain along with many of his people.

Cumall fell by Goll son of Morna. Luchet wounded Goll in his eye, so that he destroyed it. And hence it is that the name Goll (the One-eyed) attached to him; whereof was said:

Aed was the name of Daire’s son,
Until Luchet of fame wounded him;
Since the heavy lance wounded him,
Therefore, he has been called Goll.

Goll killed Luchet. it is because of this battle, moreover, that a hereditary feud existed between the sons of Morna and Finn mac Cumaill. Daire had two names, to wit, Morna and Daire.

Muirne went, after that, to Conn; for her father, Tadg the druid, rejected her and would not let her come to him, because she was pregnant; he ordered his people to burn her. Nevertheless, he dared not compass her destruction against the will of Conn, who, when the girl asked him how she should act, said, “Go to Fiacal son of Conchenn, to Tara Mairci, and let thy delivery be effected there.” This was because a sister to Cumall was Fiacal’s wife, Dodball the druidess. Connla, Conn’s servant, went with her, to escort her, until she came to Fiacal’s house, to Tara Mairci. Muirne was welcomed by Fiacal and his wife and bore a son, to whom the name Demne was given.

Demne stayed at Tara Mairci until he was able to raid all who were his enemies. He then declared war or offered single combat against Tadg, unless the full eric (fine) for his father be given to him. Tadg said that he would give him judgment therein, which was that Almu, as it was, should be ceded to him for ever, and Tadg was to leave it. So it was done. Tadg abandoned Almu to Demne, afterwards called Finn, and came to Tuath Dathi, to his own hereditary land; and he abode in Cnoc Rein, which is called Tadg’s Tulach to this day. So that hence was said this:

Finn demands from Tadg of the towers,
For killing Cumall the great,
Battle, without respite, without delay,
Or that he should obtain single combat.
Because Tadg was not able to sustain battle
Against the high prince,
He abandoned to him-it was for him enough-
Almu altogether, as it stood.

Finn went afterwards to Almu, and abode in it. And it is it that was his principal residence whilst he lived. Finn and Goll concluded peace after that; and the eric of his father was given by the Clan Morna to Finn. And they lived peacefully, until a quarrel occurred between them in Tara Luachra, regarding the Slanga-pig, when Banb Simm son of Maelenaig was slain; of which was said:

Afterwards they made peace-
Finn and Goll of mighty deeds-
Until Banb Sinna was slain
Regarding the pig, in Tara Luaehra.



 




The Adventures of the Sons of Eochaid Mugmedon

There was a wondrous and noble king over Erin, namely, Eochaid Mugmedon. Five sons he had: Brian, Ailill, Fiachra, Fergus, and Niall. The mother of Brian, Fiachra, Fergus and Ailill was Mong­finn, daughter of Fidach. The mother of Niall was Cairenn the curly-black, daughter of Sacheil Balb, king of the Saxons. Niall was hated by Queen Mongfinn, for Eocbaid bad begotten him on Cairenn instead of on her. Great then was the hardship which Cairenn suffered from the queen: so great was the hardship that she was compelled to draw the water of Tara, apart, and every handmaid in turn in sight of her; and even when she was with child with Niall, she was forced to do all that in order that the babe might die in her womb.

The time of her lying-in arrived, and yet she ceased not from the service. Then on the green of Tara, beside the pail, she brought forth a man-child, and she durst not take up the boy from the ground, but she left him there exposed to the birds. And not one of the men of Erin dared carry him away, for dread of Mongfinn since great was her magical power, and all were in fear of her. Then Torna the poet came across the green, and beheld the babe left alone, with the birds attacking it. So Torna took the boy into his bosom, and to him was revealed all that would be thereafter. And he said:

Welcome, little guest; he will be Niall of the Nine Hostages.
In his time he will redden a multitude.
Plains will be greatened, hostages will be overthrown, battles will be fought.
Longside of Tarn, host-leader of Mag Femin, custodian of Maen-mag.
Revered one of Almain, veteran of Liffey, white-knee of Codal.
Seven-and-twenty years he will rule Erin, and Erin will be inherited from him for ever.

Good indeed was Niall’s beginning and his success, manly, rough-haired, till he died in the afternoon on a Saturday by the sea of Wight,’ slain by Eochaid son of Enna Cennselach.

Torna took the boy with him, and fostered him; and after that neither Torna nor his fosterling came to Tara until the boy was fit to be king. Then Torna and Niall came to Tara. ‘Twas then that Cairenn, Niall’s mother, as she was bringing water to Tarn, chanced to meet them. Said Niall to her: “Let this work alone.”

“I dare not,” she answered, “because of the queen.”

“My mother,” said he, “shall not be serving, and I the son of the king of Erin.” Then he took her with him to Tara, and clad her in purple raiment.

Anger seized Mongfinn, for that seemed evil to her. But this was the will of the men of Erin, that Niall should be king after his father. Wherefore Mongfinn said to Eochaid: “Pass judgment among thy Sons, as to which of them shall receive thy heritage.”

“I will not pass judgment,” he answered; “but Sithchenn the wizard will do so.” Then they sent to Sithchenn the smith, who dwelt in Tara, for he was a wise man and a wondrous prophet.

The smith set fire to his forge in which the four sons were placed. Niall came out carrying the anvil and its block. “Niall vanquishes,” said the wizard, “and he will be a solid anvil forever.” Brian came next, bringing the sledgehammers. “Brian to be your fighters,” said the wizard. Then came Fiachra, bringing a pail of beer and the bellows. “Your beauty and your science with Fl­achra,” said the wizard. Then came Ailill with the chest in which were the weapons. “Ailill to avenge you!” said the wizard. Last came Fergus with the bundle of withered wood and a bar of yew therein. “Fergus the withered!” said the wizard. That was true, for the seed of Fergus was no good, excepting one, Cairech Dergain of Cloonburren. And hence is the saying “a stick of yew in a bundle of firewood.”

To bear witness of that the shanachie sang:

Eochaid’s five sons, Niall the great anvil,
Brian the sledge-hammer for true striking,
Ailill the chest of spears against a tribe,
Fiachra the blast, Fergus the withered.

Fiachra has the drink of ale,
Ailill has the warlike spears,
Brian has the entrance to battle,
But Niall has the prize.

Now this was grievous to Mongfinn, and she said to her sons, “Do you four sons quarrel, so that Niall may come to separate you, and then kill him.”

Then they quarrelled. “I wish to separate them,” said Niall.

“Nay,” said Torna, “let the sons of Mongfinn be peaceful.” Hence is the proverb.

Then Mongfinn said that she would not abide by Sithchenn’s judgment. So she sent her sons to the same Sithchenn to ask for arms. They went to the smith, and he made arms for them; the weapon that was finest he put into Niall’s hand, and the rest of the arms he gave to the other sons. “Now go to hunt and try your arms,” said the smith. So the sons went and hunted, and it hap­pened that they went far astray.

When they ceased from straying they kindled a fire, broiled some of their quarry, and ate it until they were satisfied. Then they were thirsty and in great drouth from the cooked food. “Let one of us go and seek for water,” they said. “I will go,” said Fergus. The lad went seeking water, till he chanced on a well and saw an old woman guarding it.

Thus was the hag: every joint and limb of her, from the top of her head to the earth, was as black as coal. Like the tail of a wild horse was the gray bristly mane that came through the upper part of her head-crown. The green branch of an oak in bearing would be severed by the sickle of green teeth that lay in her head and reached to her ears. Dark smoky eyes she had: a nose crooked and hollow. She had a middle fibrous, spotted with pustules, diseased, md shins distorted and awry. Her ankles were thick, her shoulderblades were broad, her knees were big, and her nails were green. Loatbsome in sooth was the hag’s appearance.

“That is so,” said the youth. “‘Tis so indeed,” said she.

“Art thou guarding the well?” asked the youth.

“Yea truly,” she answered.

“Dost thou permit me to take away some of the water?” said the youth.

“I will permit,” she answered, “provided there come from thee ~cme kiss on my cheek.”

“By no means!” said he.

“Then no water shalt thou get from me,” said she.

“I give my word,” he answered, “that I would rather perish of thirst than give thee a kiss.”

The lad then went back to the place where his brothers were biding, and told them that he had not found water. So Ailill went to look for water, and chanced on the same well. He too refused to kiss the hag, returned without water, and did not confess that he had found the well. Then Brian, the eldest of the sons, went to seek water, chanced on the same well, refused to kiss the old woman, and returned waterless. Fiachra then went, found the well and the hag, and asked her for water. “I will grant it,” said she; “but give me a kiss.”

“I would give few kisses for it.”

“Thou shalt visit Tara,” said she. That fell true, for two of his race took the kingship of Erin, namely Dathi and Ailill Wether, and no one of the race of the other sons, Brian, Ailill, Fergus, took it. So Fiacbra returned without water.

So then Niall went seeking water and happened on the same well. “Give me water, O woman,” said Niall.

“I will give it,” she answered, “but first give me a kiss.”

“Besides giving thee a kiss, I will lie with thee!” Then he threw himself down upon her and gave her a kiss. But then, when he looked at her, there was not in the world a damsel whose figure or appearance was more loveable than hers! Like the snow in trenches was every bit of her from head to sole. Plump and queenly fore­arms she had: fingers long and slender: calves straight and beautifully colored. Two blunt shoes of white bronze between her little, soft-white feet and the ground. A costly full-purple mantle she wore, with a brooch of bright silver in the clothing of the mantle. Shining pearly teeth she had, an eye large and queenly, and lips red as rowanberries.

“That is many-shaped, O lady!” said the youth.

“True,” said she.

“Who art thou?” said the youth.

“I am the Sovereignty of Erin,” she answered; and then she said:

O king of Tara, I am the Sovereignty:
I will tell thee its great goodness, etc.

“Go now to thy brothers,” she said, “and take water with thee, and the kingship and the domination will for ever abide with thee and thy children, save only with twain of the seed of Fiachra, namely, Dathi and Ailill Wetber, and one king out of Munster, namely Brian Boru (“of the Tribute")-and all these will be kings without opposition. And as thou hast seen me loathsome, bestial, horrible at first and beautiful at last, so is the sovereignty; for seldom it is gained without battles and conflicts; but at last to anyone it is beautiful and goodly. Howbeit, give not the water to thy brothers until they have granted thee seniority over them, and that thou nmyst raise thy weapon a hand’s-breadth above their weapons.”

“So shall it be done,” said the youth. Then he bade her farewell, and took water to his brothers; but did not give it to them until they had granted to him every boon that he asked of them, as the damsel had taught him. He also bound them by oaths never to oppose himself or his children.

Then they went to Tara. There they raised their weapons, and Niall raised his the breadth of a hero’s hand above them. They sat down in their seats with Niall among them in the midst. Then the king asked tidings of them. NiaIl made answer and related the adventure, and how they went seeking water, and bow they chanced on the well and came to the woman, and what she had prophesied to them. “What is the cause,” said Mongfinn, “that it is not the senior, Brian, that tells these tales?”

They answered, “We granted our seniority and our kingship to Niall for the first time in exchange for the water.”

“You have granted it permanently,” said Sithchenn, “for hence-forward he and his children will always have the domination and kingship of Erin.”

Now that was true, for from Niall onward no one, except with opposition, took the kingship of Erin save one of his children or descendants, until the Strong-Striker of Usnech, Maelsechlann son of Domnall. For it was taken by six and twenty of the O’Neills of the North or of the South, that is, ten kings of the kindred of Conall and sixteen of the kindred of Eogan; as said the poet:

I know the number that took
Erin after Niall of the lofty valor,
From Iaegaire’s reign, if it be a fault,
To the Strong-Striker of Usnech.

Loegaire and his sons, I will not conceal,
Diarmaid and mighty Tuathal,
Nine of sound Aed Slane,
And seven of the clans of Colman.

Sixteen kings of lofty Eogan,
Ten of cruel-savage Conall:
Niall got with speedy course
The kingship always for his race.

The Vision of Adamnan

 1. Noble and wonderful is the Lord of the Elements, and great and
marvellous are His might and His power. For He calleth to Himself in
Heaven the charitable and merciful, the meek and considerate; but He
consigns and casts down to Hell the impious and unprofitable host of the
children of the curse. For upon the blessed He bestows the hidden
treasures and the manifold wages of Heaven, while He inflicts a
diversity of torments, in many kinds, upon the sons of death.
2. Now there are multitudes of the saints and righteous ones of the
Lord of Creation, and of the apostles and disciples of Jesus Christ, unto
whom have been revealed the secrets and the mysteries of the Heavenly
Kingdom, and the golden wages of the righteous; likewise the divers
pains of Hell, with them that are set in the midst thereof. For unto the
Apostle Peter was shown the four-cornered vessel, let down from
Heaven,[1] with four cords to it, and they with sound as sweet as any
music. Also, the Apostle Paul was caught up to Heaven,[2] and heard the
ineffable words of the angels, and the speech of them that dwell in
Heaven. Moreover, on the day of Mary’s death, all the apostles were
brought to look upon the pains and miserable punishments of the
unblest; for the Lord commanded the angels of the West[3] to open up the
earth before the face of the apostles, that they might see and consider
Hell with all its torments, even as Himself had told them, long time
before His Passion.
3. Finally, to Adamnán ua Thinne, the High Scholar of the Western
World, were revealed the things which are here recorded; for his soul
departed from out his body on the feast of John Baptist, and was
conveyed to the celestial realm, where the heavenly angels are, and to
Hell, with its rabble rout. For no sooner had the soul issued from out the
body, than there appeared to it the angel that had been its guardian
while in the flesh, and bore it away with him to view, firstly, the
Kingdom of Heaven.
4. Now the first land to which they come is the Land of Saints. A
bright land of fair weather is that country. In it are diverse and
wondrous companies, clad in cassocks of white linen, with hoods of
radiant white upon their heads. The saints of the Eastern world form a
company apart in the East of the Land of Saints; the saints of the Western
world are to the West of the same land; the saints of the Northern world
and of the South, in their great concourse, are to the South and North.
For every one that is in the Land of Saints may freely listen to the music,
and may contemplate the vault,[4] wherein are the nine classes of Heaven,
after their rank and order.
5. For one spell, then, the saints keep singing marvellous music in
praise of God; for another, they are listening to the music of the heavenly
host; for the saints have no other need than to listen to the music that
they hear, and to contemplate the radiance that they see, and to sate
themselves with the fragrance that there is in that land. The wonderful
Lord is face to face with them, in the Southeast,[5] and a crystal veil
between; to the South is a golden portico, and through it they discern the
form and adumbration of the people of Heaven. No veil, however, nor
cloud is between the Host of Heaven and the Host of the Saints, but
those are ever manifest and present unto these, in a place that is over
against them. A circle of fire surrounds this place, yet do they all pass in
and out, and it does scathe to none.
6. Now, the Twelve Apostles and Mary the pure Virgin form a band
apart, about the mighty Lord. Next to the Apostles are the Patriarchs and
Prophets, and the disciples of Jesus. On the other side are holy Virgins, at
Mary’s right hand, and with no great space between. Babes and
striplings are about them on every side, and the bird-choirs of the
heavenly folk, making their minstrelsy. And amid these companies,
bands of angels, guardians of the souls, do perpetual suit and service in
the Royal presence. No man is there in this present life who may describe
those assemblies, or who may tell of the very manner of them. And the
bands and companies which are in the land of saints abide continually in
even such great glory as aforesaid, until the great Parliament[6] of Doom,
when the righteous judge, on the Day of Judgment, shall dispose them in
their stations and abiding places, where they shall contemplate God’s
countenance, with no veil nor shadow between, through ages
everlasting.
7. But great and vast as are the splendour and the radiance in the
Land of Saints, even as hath been said, more vast, a thousand times, the
splendour which is in the region of the Heavenly Host, about the Lord’s
own throne. This throne is fashioned like unto a canopied chair,[7] and
beneath it are four columns of precious stone. Though one should have
no minstrelsy at all, save the harmonious music of those four columns,
yet would he have his fill of melody and delight. Three stately birds are
perched upon that chair, in front of the King, their minds intent upon the
Creator throughout all ages, for that is their vocation. They celebrate the
eight [canonical] hours, praising and adoring the Lord, and the
Archangels accompany them. For the birds and the Archangels lead the
music, and then the Heavenly Host, with the Saints and Virgins, make
response.
8. Over the head of the Glorious One that sitteth upon the royal
throne is a great arch, like unto a wrought helmet, or a regal diadem: [8]
and the eye which should behold it would forthwith melt away. Three
circles are round about it, separating it from the host, and by no
explanation may the nature of them be known. Six thousand thousands,
in guise of horses and of birds, surround the fiery chair, which still burns
on, without end or term.
9. Now to describe the mighty Lord that is upon that throne is not for
any, unless Himself should do so, or should so direct the heavenly
dignitaries. For none could tell of his vehemence and might, His glow[9]
and splendour, His brightness and loveliness, His liberality and
steadfastness, nor of the multitude of His Angels and Archangels, which
chant their songs to Him. His messengers keep going to and from Him,
ever and anon, with brief messages to each assemblage, telling to the one
host of His mildness and mercy, and to the other of His sternness and
harshness.
10. Whoso should stand facing about him, East and West, South and
North, would behold on each side of him a majestic countenance, seven
times as radiant as the sun. No human form thereto, with head or foot,
may be discerned, but a fiery mass, burning on for ever, while one and
all are filled with awe and trembling before Him. Heaven and earth are
filled full with the light of Him, and a radiance as of a royal star encircles
Him.[10] Three thousand different songs are chanted by each several choir
about Him, and sweeter than all the varied music of the world is each
individual song of them.
11. Furthermore, in this wise is the fashion of that city, wherein that
throne is set. Seven crystal walls of various hue surround it, each wall
higher than the wall that is before it.[11] The floor, moreover, and the
lowest base of that city, is of fair crystal, with the sun’s countenance
upon it(?), shot with blue, and purple, and green, and every hue beside.
12. A gentle folk, most mild, most kindly, lacking in no goodly
quality, are they that dwell within that city; for none come there, and
none abide there ever, save holy youths, and pilgrims zealous for God.
But as for their array and ordinance, hard is it to understand how it is
contrived, for none turns back nor side to other, but the unspeakable
power of God has set, and keeps, them face to face, in ranks and lofty
coronels, all round the throne, circling it in brightness and bliss, their
faces all towards God.
13. There is a chancel rail[12] of silver between each two choirs,
cunningly wrought upon with red gold and silver, and choice rows of
precious stones, variegated with diverse gems, and against that lattice
are seats and canopies[13] of carbuncle. Between every two chief
companies are three precious stones, softly vocal with sweet melody, and
the upper halves of them are lighted lamps. Seven thousand angels, as it
were great candles, shine and illumine that city round about; seven
thousand others in the midst thereof are aflame for ever, throughout the
royal city. The men of all the world, if gathered into one place, many as
they are, would derive sustenance enough from the sweet savour of any
one of those candles.
14. Now, such of the world’s inhabitants as attain not to that city
after their life is spent, and to whom a dwelling-place therein is allotted
after the Words of Doom shall have been spoken, find a restless and
unstable habitation, until the coming of Judgment, on heights and
hilltops, and in marshy places. Even so fare those hordes and companies,
with the guardian angel of every soul in their midst, serving and tending
them. In the main doorway of the city they are confronted by a veil of
fire and a veil of ice, smiting perpetually one against the other. The noise
and din of these veils, as they clash together, are heard throughout the
world, and the seed of Adam, should they hear that din, would be
seized thereat with trembling and intolerable dismay. Faint and dazed
are the wicked at that din; howbeit, on the side of the Heavenly Host,
nought is heard of that rude discord, save a very little only, and that
sweeter than any music.
15. Awful is that city, and wonderful to describe; for a little out of
much is that which we have told concerning its various orders, and the
wonders of it. Seldom indeed may a spirit, after its converse and
co-habitation with the body, in slumber and repose, in freedom and
luxury, win its way to the throne of the Creator, unguided of the angels;
for hard of essay are the seven Heavens, nor is any one of them easier
than the rest. Six guarded doors confront all those of mortal race who
reach the Kingdom. There sits a porter and warder of the Heavenly
Host, keeping guard over each door. At the door of that Heaven which
is nearest on the hither side sits the Archangel Michael, and with him
two youths,[14] with iron rods in their laps to scourge and smite the
sinners as they pass through this the first grief and torment of the path
they have to tread.
16. At the door of the next Heaven, the Archangel Ariel is warder,
and with him two youths,[15] with fiery scourges in their hands,
wherewith they scourge the wicked across the face and eyes. A river of
fire, its surface an ever-burning flame, lies before that door. Abersetus is
the angel’s name who keeps watch over that river, and purges the souls
of the righteous, and washes them in the stream, according to the
amount of guilt that cleaves to them, until they become pure and shining
as is the radiance of the stars. Hard by is a pleasant spring, flowery and
fragrant, to cleanse and solace the souls of the righteous, though it
annoys and scalds the souls of the guilty, and does away nought from
them, but it is increase of pain and torment that comes upon them there.
Sinners arise from out of it in grief and immeasurable sadness, but the
righteous proceed with joy and great delight to the door of the third
Heaven.
17. Above this, a fiery furnace keeps ever burning, its flames reaching
a height of twelve thousand cubits; through it the righteous pass in the
twinkling of an eye, but the souls of sinners are baked and scorched
therein for twelve years, and then their guardian angel conveys them to
the fourth door. About the entrance door of the fourth Heaven is a fiery
stream, like the foregoing. It is surrounded by a wall of fire, in breadth
twelve thousand measured cubits, through which the souls of the
righteous pass as though it were not there, while the souls of the sinful
tarry therein, amid pain and tribulation, for another twelve years, until
their guardian angel bears them to the door of the fifth Heaven.
18. In that place is a fiery river, which is unlike all other rivers, for in
the midst of it, is a strange kind of whirlpool, wherein the souls of the
wicked keep turning round and round, and there they abide for the
space of sixteen years; the righteous, however, win through it
straightway, without any hindrance. So soon as the due time cometh for
the sinners to be released thereout, the angel strikes the water with a
rod, hard as though it were of stone, and uplifts the spirits with the end
of that rod. Then Michael bears them up to the door of the sixth Heaven.
but no pain nor torment is meted out to the spirits at that door, but there
they are illumined with the lustre and the brilliancy of precious stones.
Then Michael cometh to the Angel of the Trinity, and one on either side
they usher the soul into the presence of God.
19. Infinite and beyond all telling is the welcome wherewith the Lord
and the Heavenly Host then receive the soul, if he, be a pure and
righteous soul; if, however, he be an unrighteous and unprofitable soul,
harsh and ungentle is the reception of him by the Mighty Lord. For He
saith to the Heavenly Angels, ‘Take, O Heavenly Angels, this
unprofitable soul, and deliver him into the hand of Lucifer, that he may
plunge him and utterly extinguish him in Hell’s profound, through ages
everlasting.’
20. Thereupon that wretched soul is parted, fearfully, sternly,
awfully, from sight of the Heavenly Kingdom, and of God’s countenance.
Then utters he a groan, heavier than any groan, as he comes into the
Devil’s presence, after beholding the bliss of the Kingdom of Heaven. He
is then deprived of the guidance of the Archangels, in whose company he
had come unto Heaven. Twelve fiery dragons swallow up every spirit,
one after the other, until the lowest dragon lands him in the Devil’s
maw. There doth he experience the consummation of all evil, in the
Devil’s own presence, throughout all ages.
21. After that his guardian angel had revealed to Adamnán’s spirit
these visions of the Heavenly Kingdom, and of the first progress of
every soul after parting from its body, he brought him to visit the
nethermost Hell, with all its pains, and its crosses, and its torments.
Now, the first region whereunto he came was a land burnt black, waste
and scorched, but with no punishment at all therein. A glen, filled with
fire, was on the further side of it; huge the flame of it, extending beyond
the margin on either hand. Black its base, red the middle, and the upper
part thereof. Eight serpents were in it, with eyes like coals of fire.
22. An enormous bridge spans the glen, reaching from one bank to
the other; high the middle of it, but lower its two extremities. Three
companies seek to pass over it, but not all succeed. One company find the
bridge to be of ample width, from beginning to end, until they win
across the fiery glen, safe and sound, fearless and undismayed. The
second company, when entering upon it, find it narrow at first, but
broad afterwards, until they, in like manner, fare across that same glen,
after great peril. But for the last company the bridge is broad at first, but
strait and narrow thereafter, until they fall from the midst of it into that
same perilous glen, into the throats of those eight red-hot serpents, that
have their dwelling-place in the glen.
23. Now the folk to whom that path was easy were the chaste, the
penitent, the diligent, they who had zealously borne a bloody testimony
to God. The band who found the path narrow at first, but afterwards
broad, were they who had hardly been constrained to do God’s will, but
had afterwards converted their constraint into the willing service of
God. They, however, to whom this way was broad at first, but strait
thereafter, were sinners who had listened to the precepts in God’s word,
and after having heard, fulfilled them not.
24. Furthermore, vast multitudes abide beyond, feeble and powerless,
upon the shore of perpetual pain, in the land of utter darkness. Every
other hour the pain ebbs away from them, and the next hour it returns
upon them again. Now these are they in whom good and evil were
equally balanced, and on the Day of Doom, judgment shall be passed
between them, and their good shall quench their evil on that day; and
then shall they be brought to the Haven of Life, in God’s own presence,
through ages everlasting.
25. Another great company is there, near to the last-named group,
and monstrous their torment. And this is their plight: they are fettered to
fiery columns, a sea of fire about them up to their chins, and about their
middle fiery chains, in the shape of vipers. Their faces are aflame with
agony. They who are tormented thus are sinners, fratricides,[16] ravagers
of God’s Church, and merciless Erenachs,[17] who, in presence of the relics
of the Saints, had been set over the Church’s tithes and oblations,[18] and
had alienated these riches to their private store, away from the Lord’s
guests and needy ones.
26. Great multitudes there are, standing in blackest mire up to their
girdles. Short cowls of ice are on them. Without rest or intermission,
through all time, their girdles are perpetually scorching them with
alternate cold and heat. Demon hosts surround them, with fiery clubs[19]
in their hands, striking them over the head, though they struggle against
them continually. These wretches all have their foreheads to the North,
and a rough, sharp wind blowing full upon their foreheads, in addition
to every other woe. Red showers of fire are raining on them, every night
and every day, and they cannot ward them off, but must needs endure
them throughout all ages, wailing and making moan.
27. Some of them have streams of fire in the hollows of their visages;
some, fiery nails through their tongues ; others, through their heads,
from side to side. They who are so punished are thieves and liars, and
they who have practised treachery, reviling robbery and rapine; judges
of false judgment and contentious persons ; women who have dealt in
poison and spells, reivers,[20] and learned men who have practised heresy.
Another great throng is set upon islands, in the midst of the fiery sea.
About them is a silver wall [built] of the raiment and the alms [which
they had bestowed]. These are they who have practised mercy without
zeal,[21] and have remained in loose living, and in the bonds of their sin,
until the hour of their death; but their alms are a bulwark unto them,
amid the fiery sea, until the Judgment, and after Judgment they shall be
brought into the Haven of Life.
28. Another great multitude is there, clad in red and fiery mantles
down to their middle.[22] Their trembling and their outcries make
themselves heard, even unto the firmament. An unspeakable throng of
demons is throttling them, holding in leash the while raw-hided, stinking
hounds, which they incite to devour and consume them. Red glowing
chains[23] are constantly ablaze about their necks. Every alternate hour
they are borne up to the firmament, and the next hour they are dashed
down into Hell’s profound. Now they that are punished in this wise are
the regulars who have transgressed their rule,[24] and become loathers of
piety; also, impostors who have deceived and seduced the multitude,
and have undertaken miracles and wonders which they are not able to
perform. Moreover, the children that are tearing the men in orders, are
they who were committed to them for amendment, but they amended
them not, neither reproved them for their sins.
29. Thereafter, is another vast company; East and West they go,
unresting, across the fiery flagstones, at war with demon hosts.
Innumerable showers of red-hot arrows are rained upon them by the
demons. Running, they go on without stop or stay, making for a black
lake and a black river, that they may quench those arrows therein. A
weeping and wailing, truly miserable and piteous, do the sinners make in
those waters, for in them they only meet with augmentation of their
pain. Now they that are punished thus are cheating artificers, weavers,
and merchants; judges that judged falsely, both Jews, and others
likewise; impious kings, Erenachs of lewd and crooked ways, adulterous
women, and the panders that destroyed them by their evil practices.
Beyond the land of torment is a fiery wall; seven times more horrible
and cruel is it than the land of pain itself. Howbeit, no soul dwells
therein till Judgment, but it is the province of the demons only, until the
Day of Judgment.
30. At that time, woe unto him that shall dwell amid those pains, in
company with the Devil’s own tribe! Woe unto him that is not ware of
that tribe! Woe unto him over whom a vile and savage demon is set in
dominion! Woe unto him that shall be hearkening unto the spirits,
making moan and complaining unto the Lord, for the speedy coming of
the Day of judgment, that they may know whether they shall find any
remission of their doom; for they get no respite ever, save only for three
hours on every Sunday. Woe unto him unto whom that land shall be for
a lasting inheritance, even for ever and ever! For this is the nature of it:
Mountains, caverns, and thorny brakes; plains, bare and parched, with
stagnant, serpent-haunted lochs. The soil is rough and sandy, very
rugged, icebound. Broad fiery flagstones bestrew the plain. Great seas
are there, with horrible abysses, wherein is the Devil’s constant
habitation and abiding-place. Four mighty rivers cross the middle of it: a
river of fire, a river of snow, a river of poison, a river of black, murky
water. In these wallow eager hosts of demons, after making their holiday
and their delight in tormenting the souls.
31. What time the holy companies of the Heavenly Host are singing
the eight hours with harmonious melody, praising the Lord with
cheerfulness and great gladness, then do the souls of the wicked utter
piteous and weary wailings, as they are buffeted unceasingly by the
demon hordes.
Such then are the pains and torments which his guardian angel
revealed to the spirit of Adamnán, after his journey towards the
Heavenly Kingdom. After which he was borne in the twinkling of an eye
through the golden forecourt,[25] and through the crystal veil, to the Land
of Saints, whereunto he had been brought at first, after his departure
from the body. But when he bethought him to rest and tarry in that land,
he heard, through the veil, the angel’s voice enjoining him to return again
into that body whence he had departed, and to rehearse in courts and
assemblies, and in the great congregations of laymen and of clerics, the
rewards of Heaven and the pains of Hell, even as his guardian angel had
revealed them unto him.
32. This, then, was the doctrine that Adamnán continually taught to
the congregations, from that time forth, so long as he remained in life.
This, too, is what he preached in the great assemblies of the men of
Éire,[26] wherein the Constitution of Adamnán was imposed upon the
Gaels, and the women were emancipated by Adamnán and by Finnachta
Fledach,[27] King of Éire, and the princes of Éire, of one accord. Such, too,
were the tidings which Patrick, son of Calpurnius, at the Gospel-dawn,
was ever wont to proclaim -- to wit, the rewards of Heaven and the
pains of Hell -- to all them that would believe in the Lord, through his
teaching, and would accept his guidance of their souls.[28] That, too, is the
doctrine most constantly taught by Peter and Paul, and the [other]
apostles likewise, to wit, the enumeration of the rewards and pains
which had been revealed to them in like manner. And so did Silvester,
Abbot of Rome, teach Constantine, son of Helen, High King of the
World, in the General Synod when he offered Rome to Paul and to
Peter.[29] Even so did Fabian, successor to Peter, teach Philip, son of
Gordian, the King of Rome, whereby he believed in the Lord, and many
thousands beside believed in that hour.[30] For he was the first King of
Rome that believed in the Saviour, Jesus Christ.
33. And these are the tidings which Elias declares continually unto the
souls of the righteous, under the Tree of Life, which is in Paradise. So
soon as Elias opens his book in order to instruct the spirits, the souls of
the righteous, in form of bright white birds, repair to him from every
side. Then he tells them, first, of the wages of the righteous, the joys and
delights of the Heavenly Realm, and right glad thereat are all the throng.
After that he tells them of the pains and torments of Hell, and the woes
of Doomsday; and easy it is to mark the look of sorrow that is upon his
face, and upon the face of Enoch; and these are the two sorrows of the
Heavenly Kingdom. Then Elias shuts his book, and thereupon the birds
make exceeding great lamentation, straining their wings against their
bodies till streams of blood issue from them, in dismay of the woes of
Hell and of the Day of Doom.
34. Now, seeing that they who make this moan are the Saints to
whom have been allotted everlasting mansions in the Heavenly Realm,
how much more fitting were it for the men that are yet on earth to
ponder, even with tears of blood, upon the Judgment Day, and upon the
pains of Hell. For at that time will the Lord render due recompense to
every one on earth; that is to say, rewards to the righteous, and
punishments to the guilty. And at that very time shall the guilty be set in
the abyss of everlasting pain, and the book of the Word of God shall
then be closed, under the curse of the Judge of Doom, for ever. But the
saints and the righteous, the charitable and the merciful, shall be borne to
the right hand of God, to a lasting habitation in the Kingdom of Heaven,
there to abide without age or death, end or term, for ever and ever.
35. This, then, is the manner of that City: A Kingdom without pride,
or vanity, or falsehood, or outrage, or deceit, or pretence,[31] or blushing,
or shame, or reproach, or insult, or envy, or arrogance, or pestilence, or
disease, or poverty, or nakedness, or death, or extinction, or hail, or
snow, or wind, or rain, or din, or thunder, or darkness, or cold—a noble,
admirable, ethereal realm, endowed with the wisdom,[32] and radiance,
and fragrance of a plenteous land, wherein is the enjoyment of every
excellence.

FINIT-AMEN-FINIT.



  1. Suthi. So Windisch, though W. S. trans. ‘fruitfulness (?).’

Lebor na huidre = Book of the dun cow

Lebor na huidre = Book of the dun cow

Kurzbeschreibung

['Irish text, English preliminaries and notes', 'MT', 'Copy belonging to Angus Matheson, inscribed by Professor W.J. Watson, with Ms. notes', 'Rights: National Library of Scotland holds full rights in this digital resource and agrees to license the resource under the Creative Commons License: Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 2.5 UK: Scotland']

Metadaten

Feld Wert
Quelle https://archive.org/details/lebornahuidreboo00best
Identifier lebornahuidreboo00best
Titel Lebor na huidre = Book of the dun cow
Autor / Creator Best, R. I. (Richard Irvine), Bergin, Osborn, 1873-1950
Datum / Zeitraum 1929
Sprache iri, eng
Medientyp texts
Rechte / Lizenz http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.5/scotland/

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