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.
No Comments