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.