 |
[12-12] See note 12, page 331.
"Yet another company came to the same mound in Slane of Meath," said macRoth. [1]"Very heroic and without number it is;[1] steady and dissimilar to the other companies. [2]Strange garments, unlike the other companies they wore. Famously have they come, both in arms and raiment and dress. A great host and fierce is that company.[2] Some wore red cloaks, others light-blue cloaks, [LL.fo.100a.] others dark blue cloaks, others green cloaks; white and yellow jerkins, beautiful and shiny, were over them. Behold the little, freckled, red-faced lad with purple, [3]fringed[3] mantle [4]folded about him[4] amongst them in their midst. [5]Fairest of the forms of men was his form.[5] A salmon-shaped brooch of gold in the mantle over his breast; a [6]bright, hooded[6] tunic of royal silk with red trimming of red gold next to his white skin; a bright shield with intricate figures of beasts in red gold upon it; a boss of gold on the shield; an edge of gold around it; a small, gold-hilted sword at his waist; a sharp, light lance cast its shadow over him." "But, who might he be?" asked Ailill of Fergus. "Truly, I know not," Fergus made answer, "that I left behind me in Ulster the like of that company nor of the little lad that is in it. But, one thing I think likely, that they are the men of Temair with [7]the well-favoured, wonderful, noble youth[7] Erc son of Fedilmid Nocruthach, [8]Conchobar's daughter,[8] and of Carbre Niafer. And if it be they, they are not more friends than their leaders here. Mayhap despite his father [W.5576.] has this lad come to succour his grandfather[a] at this time. And if these they be, a sea that drowneth shall this company be to ye, because it is through this company and the little lad that is in it that the battle shall this time be won against ye." "How through him?" asked Ailill. "Not hard to tell," Fergus responded: "for this little lad will know neither fear nor dread when slaying and slaughtering, until at length he comes into the midst of your battalion. Then shall be heard the whirr of Conchobar's sword like the yelp of a howling war-hound, or like a lion rushing among bears, [1]while the boy will be saved.[1] Then outside around the battle lines will Conchobar pile up huge walls of men's bodies [2]while he seeks the little lad.[2] In turn the princes of the men of Ulster, filled with love and devotion, will hew the enemy to pieces. Boldly will those powerful bulls, [3]the brave warriors of Ulster,[3] bellow as [4]their grandson,[4] the calf of their [5]cow,[5] is rescued in the battle on the morn of the morrow."
[1-1] YBL. 49a, 41.
[2-2] YBL. 49a, 42-44.
[3-3] YBL. 49a, 50.
[4-4] YBL. 49a, 50.
[5-5] YBL. 49a, 46-47.
[6-6] YBL. 49a, 52.
[7-7] YBL. 49b, 4-5.
[8-8] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and YBL. 49b, 6.
[a] That is, Conchobar.
[1-1] YBL. 49b, 17.
[2-2] YBL. 49b, 18.
[3-3] YBL. 49b, 19-20.
[4-4] Stowe; that is, Erc son of Fedlimid, Conchobar's daughter.]
[5-5] 'Of their heart,' YBL. 49b, 13.
[6]"Then came there three huge (?), strong, well-braced, cunningly-built castles; three mighty, wheeled-towers like unto mountains, in this wise placed in position: Three royal castles with their thirty fully armed battalions, swarming with evil-tongued warriors and with thirty round-shielded heroes. A bright, beautiful, glistening shield-guard was on each of the three strong, stout battle-castles, with black, deadly armament of huge, high, blue, sharp pine-lances, such that one's bent knee would fit in the socket of each smooth, polished, even and hard spear-head that is on each huge, terrible, strange shaft of the terrible, awful, heavy, monstrous, indescribable armament [W.5598.] that I saw. A third part of each shaft was contained in the socket of the riveted, very long, securely placed spears; as high as [1]two[1] cubits was each citadel from the ground; as long as a warrior's spear was the height of each battle-hurdle; as sharp as charmed sword was the blade of each sickle on the sides and the flanks of each of [2]Badb's hurdles;[2] on each of the three stout and hard battle-hurdles they are to be found. Four dark, yet gleaming, well-adorned doors were on each battle-wheeled tower of the three royal wheeled-towers which were displayed and spread over the plain, with ivory door-posts, with lintels of cypress, with stately thresholds set of speckled, beautiful, strong pine, with their blue, glass door-leaves, with the glitter of crystal gems around each door-frame, so that its appearance from afar was like that of bright shining stars. As loud as the crash of a mighty wave at the great spring-tide, or of a huge heavy fleet upon the sea when toiling with the oars along the shore, was the similitude of the din and the clamour and the shouts and the tumult of the multitude and the to-and-fro of the thirty champions with their thirty heavy, iron clubs that they bear in their hands. And when the wheeled-towers advance massively and boldly against the line of heroes, these almost leave behind their arms at the fierce charge of the outland battalions. Then spring the three hundred champions with a shout of vengeful anger over the sides and over the front of the huge iron towers on wheels, so that this it was that checked the swift course and the great, hasty onslaught of the well-grounded, swiftly-moving, mighty chariots. The three stout, strong, battle-proof towers on wheels careered over rough places and over obstacles, over rocks and over heights. There coursed the thirty entire chargers, powerful, strong-backed, four abreast, the equal of ninety entire chargers, with [W.5622.] manes more than big, bold[a] and leaping, with sack-like, distended nostrils, high-headed, towering, over-powering, wonderful, so that they shook with their ramping the thick shell of the sad-sodded earth. They flecked the plain behind them with the foam dripping from the [1]swift[1] Danish steeds, from the bits and bridles, from the traces and tracks of the huge, maned, mighty[b] steeds, greater than can be told! They excited strife with their din of arms. They plunged headlong in their swift impatience. They aroused great terror at their accoutrement, at their armour, at their cunning, at their power, at their hugeness, at their destructive, terrible, hostile vengeance on the four grand, proud provinces of Erin. Amazing to me was their appearance because of the unwontedness of their trappings both in form and in garb. Three wonderful flights of birds with variety of appearance hovered over them. The first flock was all red, the second flock was white as swans, the third flock as black as ravens. Three red-mouthed, crow-shaped demons of battle sped around them as swift as hares, circling the three wheeled towers, and this is what they prophesied:—
"Sheaves[c] of battle, Might of quelling, Ill of war-deeds, Sating of foul ravens! Sodden ground, blood-red; Men low in dust; Sheaves[c] on sword-blades!"
[6-6] The following passage, to page 342, is taken from Stowe and H. 1. 13; it is not found in LL.
[1-1] H. 1. 13 and Add. 18,748.
[2-2] That is, the movable towers.
[a] Following the emendation bairnech, suggested by Windisch.
[1-1] H. 1. 13.
[b] Following the emendation moradbal, suggested by Windisch.
[c] That is, the layers of the slain.
"They wheeled about and brought them twelve[d] battle-pillars of thick, huge, iron pillars. As thick as the middle of a warrior's thigh, as tall as a champion's spear was each battle-fork of them, and they placed four forks under each [W.5646.] wheeled-tower. And their horses all ran from them and grazed upon the plain. And those forty[a] that had gone in advance descend clad in armour on the plain, and the garrison of the three battle-wheeled towers falls to attacking and harassing them, and is attacked and harassed in turn by those forty champions, so that there was heard the breaking of shields and the loud blows of hard iron poles on bucklers and battle-helmets, on coats of mail and on the iron plates of smooth, hard, blue-black, sharp-beaked, forked spears. And in the whole camp there is none but is on the watch for their fierceness and their wrath and their cunning and their strangeness, for their fury, their achievements and the excellence of their guard. And in the place where the forty champions are and the thousand armed men contending with them, not one of the thousand had a wounding stroke nor a blow on his opponent because of the might of their skill in arms and the excellence of their defence withal!"
[d] That is, a battle-pillar or prop for each of the four wheels of each of the three towers.
[a] This is the first mention of the 'forty.'
"They are hard to contend with for all such as are unfamiliar with them, is the opinion held of them," spake Fergus, "but they are readily to be dealt with for such as do know them. These are three battle-wheeled towers," Fergus continued, "as I perceive from their account. Once I saw their like, namely when as prentice I accompanied Dare to Spain, so that we entered the service, of the king of Spain, Esorb to wit, and we afterwards made an expedition to Soda, that is, to the king of Africa, and we gave battle to the Carthaginians. There came their like upon us against the battle-line wherein we were, an hundred battalions and three score hundred in each battalion. One of the wheeled-towers won victory over us all, for we were not on our guard against them. And this is the way to defeat them: To mine a hole broader than the tower in the ground in the front thereof and cover over the pitfall; [W.5669.] and for the battle-line to be drawn up over against it and not to advance to attack, so that it is the towers that advance and fall into the pit. Lebarcham told me, as I passed over Taltiu, that the Ulstermen brought these towers from Germany, and the towers held a third of the exiles of Ulster among them as their only dwelling; and Cualgae ('a Heap of Spears') is their name, namely battle-penfolds. And herein have ye the sorest of all hardships, for although all the men of Erin are drawn up against them, it is the men of Erin that will be defeated. When they take it upon them to engage in battle they cannot hold out without a combat. Thus will they remain now till morning, every forty men of them contending with the others. And this is my advice to you," said Fergus: "permit me with my division to withstand them, and do ye betake yourselves to the woods and wilds of Erin, and the Ulstermen shall not find ye in any place, and I will proceed as an example, depending on my own men-of-war." "There are men here for ye!" cried Medb. "That will be a force for yourselves," Fergus made answer.[6]
[6-6] See note 6, page 338.
"Yet another company came there to the same height in Slane of Meath," said macRoth. "Not fewer than a division was in it; wild, dark-red, warrior-bands; [1]bright, clear, blue-purple men;[1] long, fair-yellow heads of hair they wore; handsome, shining countenances they had; clear, kingly eyes; magnificent vesture with beautiful mantles; conspicuous, golden brooches along their bright-coloured sleeves; silken, glossy tunics; blue, glassy spears; yellow shields for striking withal; gold-hilted, inlaid swords set on their thighs; loud-tongued care has beset them; sorrowful are they all, and mournful; sad are the royal leaders; orphaned the brilliant company without [W.5689.] their protecting lord who was wont to guard their lands." "But, who may they be?" asked Ailill of Fergus. "Indeed, we know them well," Fergus made answer. "Furious lions are they; deeds of battle; the division from the field of Murthemne are they. [LL.fo.100b.] It is this that makes them cast-down, sorrowful, joyless [1]as they are,[1] because that their own divisional king himself is not amongst them, even Cuchulain, the restraining, victorious, red-sworded one that triumpheth in battle!" "Good reason, in truth, there is for them to be so," quoth Medb, "if they are dejected, mournful and joyless. There is no evil we have not worked on them. We have harassed and we have assailed them, [2]their territory and their land,[2] from Monday at the beginning of Samaintide till the beginning of Spring.[a] We have taken their women and their sons and their youths, their steeds and their troops of horses, their herds and their flocks and their droves. We have razed their hills after them till they are become lowlands, so that they are level with the plain. [3]We have brought their lords to bloody stabs and sores, to cuts and many wounds."[3] "Not so, O Medb!" cried Fergus. "There is naught thou canst boast over them. For thou didst them no hurt nor harm that yon fine company's leader avenged not on thee. For, every mound and every grave, every stone and every tomb that is from hence to the east of Erin is the mound and the grave, the stone and the tomb of some goodly warrior and goodly youth [4]of thy people,[4] fallen at the hands of the noble chieftain of yonder company. Happy he to whom they hold! Woe to him whom they oppose! It will be enough, e'en as much as half a battle, for the men of Erin, when these defend their lord in the battle on the morning of the morrow."
[1-1] This seems out of place here; it is not found in Stowe nor in H. 1. 13.
[1-1] Stowe.
[2-2] Stowe.
[3-3] Stowe and H. 1. 13.
[4-4] Stowe.
[a] See notes a and b, page 182.
"I heard a great uproar there, west of the battle or to [W.5711.] its east," said macRoth. "Say, what noise was it?" asked Ailill of Fergus. "Ah, but we know it well," Fergus made answer: "Cuchulain it was, straining to go, sick as he is, to battle, wearied at the length of his lying sick on Fert Sciach ('Thorn-mound') under hoops and clasps and ropes, and the men of Ulster do not permit him to go because of his sores and his wounds, inasmuch as he is not fit for battle and is powerless for combat after his encounter with Ferdiad."
True indeed spake Fergus. Cuchulain it was, wearied at the length of his lying supine on Fert Sciach under hoops and clasps and ropes. [1]"But, there is one thing more to tell," said Fergus: "unless he be held back now, he will surely come to the battle!"
Thus far the Companies of the Tain Bo Cualnge[1] [2]mustered by Conchobar and the men of Ulster.[2]
[1-1] Stowe and H. 1. 13.
[2-2] H. 1. 13.
Then came two women lampoonists from the camp and quarters of the men of Erin; [3]their names,[3] Fethan and Collach, to wit; and they stood with a feint of weeping and wailing over Cuchulain, telling him of the defeat of Ulster and the death of Conchobar and the fall of Fergus in combat.
[3-3] Stowe.
[4]Now Conchobar proceeded with his troops till he pitched camp nearby his companions. Conchobar asked a truce of Ailill till sunrise on the morrow, and Ailill granted it for the men of Erin and the exiles, and Conchobar granted it for the men of Ulster, and thereupon Conchobar's tents were pitched. In this way the ground was bare between them, and the Ulstermen came thither at sunset.[4]
[4-4] YBL. 50a, 11.
* * * * *
[Page 345]
XXVI
[1]THE DECISION OF THE BATTLE[1]
[W.5727.] It was on that night that the Morrigan,[a] daughter of Ernmas, came, and she was engaged in fomenting strife and sowing dissension between the two camps on either side, and she spoke these words [2]in the twilight between the two encampments[2]:—
"Ravens shall pick The necks of men! Blood shall gush [3]In combat wild![3] Skins shall be hacked; Crazed with spoils! [4]Men's sides pierced[4] In battle brave, Luibnech near! Warriors' storm; Mien of braves; Cruachan's men! [5]Upon them comes[5] Ruin complete! Lines shall be strewn Under foot; Their race die out! Then Ulster hail: To Erna[b] woe! To Ulster woe: [6]Then Erna hail![6] (This she said in Erna's ear.) Naught inglorious shall they do Who them await!"
[1-1] YBL. 41a, 7.
[a] The Irish goddess of war.
[2-2] YBL. 50a, 18-19.
[3-3] YBL. 50a, 19.
[4-4] YBL. 50a, 21.
[5-5] Translating from YBL. 50a, 23; LL. appears to be corrupt.
[b] The Munstermen in Ailill's army.
[6-6] YBL. 50a, 26.
[1]Now Cuchulain was at Fedain Collna near by. Food was brought to him that night by the purveyors, and they were used to come to converse with him by day. He killed not any of the men of Erin to the left of Ferdiad's Ford.[1] [W.5756.] It was then that Cuchulain spake to Laeg son of Riangabair. "It would surely be unworthy of thee, O Laeg my master," said Cuchulain, "if between the two battle-lines there should happen anything to-day whereof thou hadst no tidings for me." "Whatsoever I shall learn, O Cucucuc," answered Laeg, "will be told thee. But, see yonder a little flock coming forth on the plain from the western camp and station now. [LL.fo.101a.] Behold a band of henchmen after them to check and to stay them. Behold also a company of henchmen emerging from the eastern camp and station to seize them." "Surely, that is so!" exclaimed Cuchulain. "That bodes a mighty combat and is the occasion of a grand battle. The little flock will come over the plain and the band of henchmen [2]from the east and the band of henchmen from the west[2] [3]will encounter one another betimes [4]about the little flock[4] on the great field of battle."[3] There, indeed, Cuchulain spoke true. And the little flock came forth upon the plain, and the companies of henchmen met in fray. "Who gives the battle now, O Laeg my master," Cuchulain asked. "The folk of Ulster," Laeg answered: "that is the same as the young warriors [5]of Ulster."[5] "But how fight they?" Cuchulain asked. "Like men they fight," Laeg answered. "There where are the heroes of valour from the east in battle, they force a breach through the ranks to the west. There where are the heroes from the west, they lay a breach through the ranks to the eastward." [6]"It would be a vow for them to fall in rescuing their herds," said Cuchulain; "and [W.5774.] now?" "The beardless youths are fighting now," said the charioteer. "Has a bright cloud come over the sun yet?" Cuchulain asked. "Nay, then," the charioteer answered.[6] "I grieve that I am not yet strong enough to be on my feet amongst them. For, were I able to be on my feet amongst them, my breach would be manifest there to-day like that of another!" "But, this avow, O Cucuc," said Laeg: "it is no reproach to thy valour; it is no disgrace to thine honour. Thou hast done bravely in time before now and thou wilt do bravely hereafter."
[1-1] YBL. 50a, 28-31.
[2-2] Stowe and H. 1. 13
[3-3] LL. seems to be defective here.
[4-4] Stowe and H. 1. 13.
[5-5] Stowe and H. 1. 13.
[6-6] YBL. 50a, 39-43.
[1]About the hour of sunrise: "It is a haughty folk that now fight the battle," quoth the charioteer; "but there are no kings amongst them, for sleep is still upon them."[1] "Come, O my master Laeg!" cried Cuchulain; "rouse the men of Ulster to the battle now, for it is time that they come."
[1-1] YBL. 50a, 45-47.
[2]Then, when the sun arose,[2] [3]Cuchulain saw the kings from the east putting their crowns on their heads and relieving their men-at-arms. Cuchulain told his charioteer to awaken the men of Ulster.[3] Laeg came and roused the men of Ulster to battle, and he uttered these words there:—
"Arise, ye kings of Macha, Valiant in your deeds! Imbel's kine the Badb doth covet: [4]Blood of hearts pours out! Goodly heroes' battle rushes in[4] With deeds of valour! Hearts all red with gore: Brows turned in flight. Dismay of battle riseth. For there was never found One like unto Cuchulain, Hound that Macha's[a] weal doth work! If it is for Cualnge's kine, Let them now arise!"
[2-2] YBL. 50a, 48.
[3-3] YBL. 50b, 18-23.
[4-4] YBL 50b, 27-29.
[a] Another name for Badb, the battle-fury.
* * * * *
[Page 348]
XXVII
[1]NOW OF THE BATTLE OF GARECH[1]
[W.5804.] Thereupon arose all the men of Ulster at the one time in the train of their king, and at the word of their prince, and to prepare for the uprising in response to the call of Laeg son of Riangabair. And in this wise they arose: stark-naked all of them, only their weapons in their hands. Each one whose tent door looked to the east, through the tent westwards he went, for that he deemed it too long to go round about it.
[1-1] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add.
"How arise the Ulstermen now to [2]the battle,[2] O Laeg my master?" asked Cuchulain. "Manfully they rise," said Laeg: "stark-naked all of them, [3]except for their arms only.[3] Every man whose tent-door faces the east, through the tent westwards he goes, for he deems it too long to go round about it." "I pledge my word!" cried Cuchulain: "at a fitting hour have they now in the early day risen around Conchobar!"
[2-2] H. 1. 13, Add., Stowe, and YBL. 50b, 34.
[3-3] YBL. 50b, 34.
Then spake Conchobar to Sencha son of Ailill: "Come, O Sencha my master," said Conchobar; "stay the men of Ulster, and let them not go to the battle till there come the strength of a good omen and favourable portent, till the sun mounts to the roof-tree of heaven and sunshine fills the glens and lowlands and hills and watch-towers of Erin."
[W.5822.] They tarried there till the strength of a good omen came and a favourable portent, till sunshine filled the glens and slopes and heights and watch-towers of the province.
"Come, O Sencha my master," said Conchobar; "rouse the men of Ulster to battle, for it is time for them to proceed thither." Sencha roused the men of Ulster to battle, and he spake these words:—
"Now shall Macha's kings arise, Large-hearted folk! Weapons let them shatter: Let them fight the battle: Let them plow the earth in anger: Let them strike on shields! [1]Wearied all the hands;[1] Herds loud bellowing: Steadfast the resistance: Furious the retainers: Battle-lines shall prostrate fall 'Neath the feet of others! [2]Prince and lord prepare for battle.[2] Perish [LL.fo.101b.] shall their race! [3]Manful contest there shall be;[3] Their foes they lie in wait for And slay them all to-day! Deep draughts of blood they drink: Grief fills the hearts of queens: [4]Tender lamentations follow: Till soaked in blood shall be the grassy sod On which they're slain, To which they come.[4] If for Cualnge's kine it be, [5]Let Macha's kings![5] Let them arise!"
[1-1] Reading with YBL 50a, 52.
[2-2] From a conjectural emendation of YBL. 50a, 54.
[3-3] YBL. 50b, 1.
[4-4] YBL. 50b, 3.
[5-5] YBL. 50b, 5.
Not long was Laeg there when he witnessed something: the men of Erin all arising at one time, taking their shields and their spears and their swords and their helmets, and urging the men-of-war before them to the battle. The men of Erin, every single man of them, fell to smite and to batter, to cut and to hew, to slay and to destroy the others [W.5859.] for a long space and while. Thereupon Cuchulain asked of his charioteer, of Laeg son of Riangabair, at the time that a bright cloud came over the sun: [1]"Look for us![1] How fight [2]the Ulstermen[2] the battle now, O my master Laeg?" "Like men they fight," Laeg answered. "Should I mount my chariot, and En, Conall [3]Cernach's ('the Victorious')[3] charioteer, his chariot, and should we go in two chariots from one wing to the other on the points of the weapons, neither hoof nor wheel nor axle-tree nor chariot-pole would touch [4]the ground[4] for the denseness and closeness and firmness with which their arms are held in the hands of the men-at-arms at this time."
[1-1] YBL. 51a, 45.
[2-2] YBL. 51a, 45.
[3-3] Stowe, H. 1. 13, Add. and YBL. 51a, 47.
[4-4] Stowe and Add.
"Alas, that I am not yet strong enough to be amongst them [5]now!"[5] cried Cuchulain; "for, were I able, my breach would be manifest there to-day like that of another," spake Cuchulain. "But this avow, O Cucuc," said Laeg: "'tis no reproach to thy valour; 'tis no disgrace to thine honour. Thou hast wrought great deeds before now and thou wilt work great deeds hereafter."
[5-5] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add.
Then began the men of Erin to smite and to batter, to cut and to hew, to slay and to destroy the others for a long space and while. Next came to them the nine chariot-fighters of the champions from Norseland, and the three foot-warriors along with them, and no swifter were the nine chariot-men than the three men on foot.
Then came to them also [6]on the ford of hosting[6] the governors of the men of Erin. And this was their sole office [7]with Medb[7] in the battle: to smite to death Conchobar if it were he that suffered defeat, and to rescue Ailill and Medb if it should be they were defeated. And these are the names of the governors:
[6-6] YBL. 51b, 6.
[7-7] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add.
* * * * *
[Page 351]
XXVIIa
[1]HERE FOLLOWETH THE MUSTER OF THE MEN OF ERIN[1]
[W.5883.] The three Conare from Sliab Mis, the three Lussen from Luachair, the three Niadchorb from Tilach Loiscthe, the three Doelfer from Deill, the three Damaltach from Dergderc, the three Buder from the Buas, the three Baeth from Buagnige, the three Buageltach from Mag Breg, the three Suibne from the Siuir, the three Eochaid from Ane, the three Malleth from Loch Erne, the three Abatruad from Loch Ri, the three macAmra from Ess Ruaid, the three Fiacha from Fid Nemain, the three Mane from Muresc, the three Muredach from Mairg, the three Loegaire from Lecc Derg, the three Broduinde from the Berba, the three Bruchnech, from Cenn Abrat, the three Descertach from Druim Fornacht, the three Finn from Finnabair, the three Conall from Collamair, the three Carbre from Cliu, the three Mane from Mossa, the three Scathglan from Scaire, the three Echtach from Erce, the three Trenfer from Taite, the three Fintan from Femen, [LL.fo.102a.] the three Rotanach from Rogne, the three Sarchorach from Suide Lagen, the three Etarscel from Etarbane, the three Aed from Aidne, the three Guare from Gabal.[a]
[1-1] YBL. 50b, 41.
[a] YBL. 50b-51a has more than three times as many names as are enumerated here.
Then said Medb to Fergus. "It were truly a thing to boast of for thee, [2]O Fergus," said she,[2] "werest thou [W.5943.] to use thy mightiness of battle [1]vehemently[1] without stint amongst us to-day, forasmuch as thou hast been driven out of thine own land and out of thine inheritance; amongst us hast thou found land and domain and inheritance, and much good-will hath been shown thee!"
[2-2] Stowe, Add. and H. 1. 13.
[1-1] Stowe, Add., and H. 1. 13.
[2]Thereupon Fergus uttered this oath: "I swear," et reliqua, "jaws of men I would break from necks, necks of men with arms, arms of men with elbows, elbows of men with wrists, wrists of men with fists, fists of men with fingers, fingers of men with nails, nails[a] of men with scalps, scalps of men with trunks, trunks of men with thighs, thighs of men with knees, knees of men with calves, calves of men with feet, feet of men with toes, toes of men with nails,[2] so that [3]heads of men over shields[3] would be as numerous [4]with me[4] as bits of ice [5]on the miry stamping-ground[5] [6]between two dry fields[6] that a king's horses would course on. Every limb of the Ulstermen [7]would I send flying through the air[7] before and behind me this day [8]like the flitting of bees on a day of fine weather,[8] if only I had my sword!"
[2-2] I have given preference to the reading of YBL. 51b, 18-30.
[a] A word is omitted here in the MS., presumably for, 'nails.'
[3-3] YBL. 51b, 19-20.
[4-4] YBL. 51b, 19.
[5-5] YBL. 51b, 20.
[6-6] Adopting Windisch's emendation of the text.
[7-7] YBL. 51b, 31.
[8-8] YBL. 51b, 32.
At that Ailill spoke to his own charioteer, Ferloga, to wit: "Fetch me a quick sword that wounds the skin, O gilla," said Ailill. [9]"A year to-day I put that sword in thy hand in the flower of its condition and bloom.[9] I give my word, if its bloom and condition be the worse at thy hands this day than the day I gave it [10]thee[10] on the hillside of Cruachan Ai [11]in the borders of Ulster,[11] though thou hadst the men of Erin and of Alba to rescue thee from me to-day, they would not all save thee!"
[9-9] Stowe and YBL. 51b, 35.
[10-10] Stowe.
[11-11] YBL. 51b, 36.
[W.5956.] Ferloga went his way, and he brought the sword with him in the flower of its safe-keeping, and fair flaming as a candle. And the sword was placed in Ailill's hand, and Ailill put it in Fergus' hand, and Fergus offered welcome to the sword:[a] "Welcome, O Calad Colg[b] ('Hardblade'), Lete's sword!" said he. "Weary, O champion of Badb! On whom shall I ply this weapon?" Fergus asked. "On the men-of-war around thee," Medb answered. "No one shall find indulgence nor quarter from thee to-day, unless some friend of thy bosom find it!"
[a] Here follows in YBL. 51b, 38-57 a difficult passage in rosc which I have omitted in the translation. Only a portion of it has been preserved in LL. and is here translated.
[b] Reading with Stowe, II. 1. 13, Add. and YBL. 51b, 45.
Whereupon, Fergus took his arms and went forward to the battle, [1]and he cleared a gap of an hundred in the battle-ranks with his sword in his two hands.[1] Ailill seized his weapons. Medb seized her weapons and entered the battle. [2]The Mane seized their arms and came to the battle. The macMagach seized their arms and came to the battle,[2] so that thrice the Ulstermen were routed before them from the north, till Cualgae[c] and sword drove them back again. [3]Or it was Cuchulain that drove the men of Erin before him, so that he brought them back into their former line in the battle.[3]
[1-1] YBL. 52a, 6-8.
[2-2] Stowe, and, similarly, Add.
[c] The name of the wheeled towers described above, page 338 fl.
[3-3] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add.
Conchobar heard that from his place in the line of battle, that the battle had gone against him thrice from the north. Then he addressed his bodyguard, even the inner circle of the Red Branch: "Hold ye here a while, ye men!" cried he; "even in the line [4]of battle[4] where I am, that I may go and learn by whom the battle has been thus forced against us thrice from the north." Then said his household: "We will hold out," said they, [5]"in the place wherein we are:[5] [W.5974.] for the sky is above us and the earth underneath and the sea round about us, [1]and[1] unless the heavens shall fall with their showers of stars on the man-face of the world, or unless the furrowed, blue-bordered ocean break o'er the tufted brow of the earth, or unless the ground yawns open, will we not move a thumb's breadth backward from here till the very day of doom and of everlasting life, till thou come back to us!"
[4-4] Stowe.
[5-5] YBL. 52a, 14.
[1-1] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add.
Conchobar went his way to the place where he heard the battle had gone three times [LL.fo.102b.] against him from the north. [2]Then Conchobar made a rush at Fergus,[2] and he lifted shield against shield there, namely against Fergus mac Roig, even Ochain ('the Fair-ear')[a] of Conchobar with its four ears of gold and its four bracings of red gold. Therewith Fergus gave three stout blows of Badb on the Ochain of Conchobar, so that Conchobar's shield cried aloud on him [3]and the three chief waves of Erin gave answer, the Wave of Clidna, the Wave of Rudraige and the Wave of Tuag, to wit.[3] Whenever Conchobar's shield cried out, the shields of all the Ulstermen cried out. However great the strength and power with which Fergus smote Conchobar on the shield, so great also was the might and valour wherewith Conchobar held the shield, so that the ear of the shield did not even touch the ear of Conchobar.
[2-2] YBL. 52a, 16-17.
[a] The name of Conchobar's shield.
[3-3] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add.
"Hearken, ye men [4]of Erin!"[4] cried Fergus; "who opposes a shield to me to-day on this day of battle when four of the five grand provinces of Erin come together on Garech and Ilgarech in the battle of the Cattle-raid of Cualnge?" "Why, then, a gilla that is younger and mightier [5]and comelier[5] than thyself is here," [6]Conchobar answered,[6] "and whose mother and father were [W.5995.] better! The man that hath driven thee out of thy borders, thy land and thine inheritance; the man that hath driven thee into the lairs of the deer and the wild hare and the foxes; the man that hath not granted thee to take the breadth [1]of thy foot[1] of thine own domain or land; the man that hath made thee dependent upon the bounty of a woman; the man that of a time disgraced thee by slaying the [2]three bright lights of the valour of the Gael,[2] the three sons of Usnech that were under thy safeguard [3]and protection;[3] the man that will repel thee this day in the presence of the men of Erin; Conchobar son of Fachtna Fathach son of Ross Ruad son of Rudraige, High King of Ulster and son of the High King of Erin; [4]and though any one should insult thee, there is no satisfaction nor reparation for thee, for thou art in the service of a woman!"[4]
[4-4] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add.
[5-5] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add.
[6-6] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add.
[1-1] Stowe and H. 1. 13.
[2-2] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add.
[3-3] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add.
[4-4] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add.
"Truly hath this happened to me." Fergus responded. And Fergus placed his two hands on Calad Colg ('Hardblade'), and he heaved a blow with it backwards behind him, so that its point touched the ground, and he thought to strike his three fateful blows of Badb on the men of Ulster, so that their dead would be more in number than their living. Cormac Conlongas son of Conchobar saw that and he rushed to [5]his foster-father, namely to[5] Fergus, and he closed his two [6]royal hands[6] over him [7]outside his armour.[7] [8]"Ungentle, not heedful is this, Fergus my master! Full of hate, not of friendship is this,[8] O Fergus my master! Let not the Ulstermen be slain and destroyed by thee through thy destructive blows, but take thou thought for their honour to-day on this day of battle!" [W.6013.] "Get thee away from me, boy! [1]Whom then should I strike?"[1] exclaimed Fergus; "for I will not remain alive unless I deliver my three fateful strokes of Badb on the men of Ulster this day, till their dead be more in number than their living." "Then turn thy hand slantwise," said Cormac Conlongas, "and slice off the hill-tops over the heads of the hosts [2]on every side[2] and this will be an appeasing of thine anger." "Tell Conchobar also to fall [3]back again[3] to his place in the battle," [4]said Fergus; "and I will no longer belabour the hosts."[4] [5]Cormac told this to Conchobar:[5] [6]"Go to the other side, O Conchobar," said Cormac to his father, "and this man will not visit his anger any longer here on the men of Ulster."[6] So Conchobar went to his place in the battle. [7]In this manner Fergus and Conchobar parted.[7]
[5-5] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add.
[6-6] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add.
[7-7] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add.
[8-8] Following Windisch's emendation of the text. The MSS. are corrupt here.
[1-1] YBL. 52a, 35.
[2-2] YBL. 52a, 36.
[3-3] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add.
[4-4] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add.
[5-5] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add.
[6-6] YBL. 52a, 39-41.
[7-7] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add.
[8]Fergus turned away. He slew a hundred warriors of Ulster in the first onslaught with the sword. He met Conall Cernach. "Too great is this rage," said Conall, "upon people and kindred because of the whim of a wanton." "What would ye have me do, ye warriors?" asked Fergus. "Smite the hills crosswise and the bushes around," Conall Cernach made answer.[8]
[8-8] YBL. 52a, 41-47.
Thus it was with that sword, which was the sword of Fergus: The sword of Fergus, the sword of Lete from Faery: Whenever he desired to strike with it, it became the size of a rainbow in the air. Thereupon Fergus turned his hand slantwise over the heads of the hosts, so that he smote the three tops of the three hills, so that they are still on the moor in sight of [9]the men of Erin.[9] And these are the three Maels ('the Balds') of Meath in that place, [1]which Fergus smote as a reproach and a rebuke to the men of Ulster.[1]
[9-9] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add.
[1-1] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add.
[W.6027.] Now as regards Cuchulain. He heard the Ochain of Conchobar smitten by Fergus macRoig. "Come, O Laeg my master," cried Cuchulain: "who dares thus smite [2]with those strong blows, mighty and far-away,[2] the Ochain of Conchobar my master, and I alive?" [3]Then Laeg made answer, saying: "The choice of men, Fergus macRoig, the very bold, smites it:—[3]
"Blood he sheds—increase of slaughter— Splendid the hero, Fergus macRoig! Hidden had lain Fairyland's chariot-sword! Battle now hath reached the shield, Shield of my master Conchobar!"
[2-2] YBL. 52a, 52.
[3-3] YBL. 52b, 1-2.
[4]"How far have the hosts advanced, O Laeg?" Cuchulain asked. "They have come to Garech," Laeg answered. "I give my word for that," Cuchulain cried; "they will not come as far as Ilgarech, if I catch up with them! [4]Quickly unloose the bands, gilla!" cried Cuchulain. [5]"Blood covers men. Feats of swords shall be done. Men shall be spent therefrom!"[5]
[4-4] Stowe.
[5-5] YBL. 52b, 7-8.
[6]Since Cuchulain's going into battle had been prevented, his twisting fit came upon him, and seven and twenty skin tunics were given to him that used to be about him under strings and cords when going into battle.[6] [LL.fo.103a.] Then Cuchulain gave a mighty spring, so that the bindings of his wounds flew from him to Mag Tuag ('the Plain of the Bows') in Connacht. His bracings went from him to Bacca ('the Props') in Corcomruad [7]in the district of Boirenn,[7] [8]His supports sprang from him to [9]Rath[9] Cinn Bara ('the Rath of Spithead') in Ulster, and likewise his pins flew from him to Rath Clo ('the Rath of the Nails') in the land of the tribe of Conall.[8] The dry wisps that were stuffed in his wounds rose to the roof [W.6040.] of the air and the sky as highest larks fly on a day of sunshine when there is no wind. Thereupon, his bloody wounds got the better of him, so that the ditches and furrows of the earth were full of streams of blood and torrents of gore.
[6-6] YBL. 52b, 17-20.
[7-7] Stowe and Add.
[8-8] Stowe.
[9-9] Add. and H. 1. 13.
[1]Some of the narrators aver that it was the strength of the warrior and champion that hurled these things [2]to the aforementioned places;[2] but it was not that, but his powerful friends, the fairy-folk, that brought them thither, to the end to make famous his history, so that from them these places are named.[1]
[1-1] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add.
[2-2] Add.
This was the first exploit of valour that Cuchulain performed on rising [3]out of his weakness:[3] The two women lampoonists that made a feint of weeping and wailing [4]over his head,[4] Fethan and Collach to wit, he smote each of them against the head of the other, so that he[a] was red with their blood and grey with their brains. [5]These women had come from Medb to raise a pretended lamentation over him, to the end that his bloody wounds might burst forth on him, and to tell him that the men of Ulster had met with defeat and that Fergus had fallen in meeting the battle.[5] His arms had not been left near him, except his chariot only. And he took his chariot on his back [6]with its frame and its two axle-trees,[6] and he set out to attack the men of Erin, and he smote them with the chariot, until he reached the place where Fergus macRoig was. "Turn hither, O Fergus my master!" he cried. Fergus did not answer, for he heard not. He spoke again, "Turn hither, [7]turn hither,[7] O Fergus my master!" he cried; "and if thou turn not, [8]I swear to god what the Ulstermen swear,[8] I [W.6052.] will grind thee as a mill grinds fresh grain; I will wash thee as a cup is washed in a tub; I will bind thee as the woodbine binds the trees; I will pounce on thee as hawk pounces on fledglings; [1]I will go over thee as its tail goes over a cat;[1] [2]I will pierce thee as a tool bores through a tree-trunk; I will pound thee as a fish is pounded on the sand!"[2] "Truly this is my lot!" spake Fergus. "Who [3]of the men of Erin[3] dares to address these stiff, vengeful words to me, where now the four grand provinces of Erin are met on Garech and Ilgarech in the battle of the Raid for the Kine of Cualnge?" "Thy fosterling is before thee," he replied, "and fosterling of the men of Ulster and of Conchobar as well, Cuchulain son of Sualtaim [4]and sister's son to Conchobar," replied Cuchalain.[4] "And thou didst promise to flee before me what time I should be wounded, in pools of gore and riddled in the battle of the Tain.[a] For, [5]when thou hadst not thy sword with thee,[5] I did flee before thee in thine own combat on the Tain; [6]and do thou avoid me," said he. "Even that did I promise," Fergus answered. "Away with thee, then!" cried Cuchulain. "'Tis well," replied Fergus; "thou didst avoid me; now thou art pierced with wounds."[6]
[3-3] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add.
[4-4] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add.
[a] 'The ground,' Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add.; 'so that each of them was grey with the brains of the other,' YBL. 52b, 13-14.
[5-5] YBL. 52b, 14-17.
[6-6] YBL. 52b, 21.
[7-7] H. 1. 13 and Add.
[8-8] YBL. 52b, 24.
[1-1] YBL. 52b, 24-25.
[2-2] H. 1. 13 and Add.
[3-3] YBL. 52b, 27.
[4-4] YBL. 52b, 28.
[a] See page 207.
[5-5] H. 1. 13 and Add.
[6-6] YBL. 52b, 29-33.
Fergus gave ear to that word of Cuchulain, and he turned and made his three great strides of a hero [7]back from Cuchulain and turned in flight from him.[7] And as he turned [8]with his company of three thousand warriors and the Leinstermen following after Fergus—for it is under Fergus' warrant they had come[8]—[9]and the men of Munster,[9] there turned all the men of Erin.
[7-7] H. 1. 13 and Add.
[8-8] H. 1. 13 and Add.
[9-9] YBL. 52b, 33.
[W.6065.] [1]Then[1] the men of Erin broke their ranks westwards over the hill. The battle raged around the men of Connacht, [2]around Ailill and his division and around Medb with hers and around the Mane with theirs and the mac Magach with theirs.[2] At midday Cuchulain came to the battle. At the time of sunset at the ninth hour [3]as the sun entered the tresses of the wood,[3] [4]when man and tree were no more to be known apart, Medb and[4] the last company of the men of Connacht fled in rout westwards over the hill.
[1-1] H. 1. 13 and Add.
[2-2] H. 1. 13 and Add.
[3-3] YBL. 52b, 36.
[4-4] H. 1. 13 and Add.
At that time there did not remain in Cuchulain's hand of the chariot but a handful of its spokes around the wheel, and a handbreadth of its poles around the shell, with the slaying and slaughtering of the four grand provinces of Erin during all that time.
Then Medb betook her to a shield-shelter in the rear of the men of Erin. Thereafter Medb sent off the Brown Bull of Cualnge along with fifty of his heifers and eight of her runners with him around to Cruachan, to the end that whoso might and whoso might not escape, the Brown Bull of Cualnge should get away safely, even as she had promised.
Then it was that the issue of blood came upon Medb, [5]and she said: "Do thou, Fergus, undertake[5] a shield-shelter in the rear of the men of Erin till I let my water flow from me." "By my troth," replied Fergus, "'tis an ill hour for thee to be taken so." "Howbeit there is no help for me," Medb answered; "for I shall not live if I do not void water!" Fergus accordingly came and raised a shield-shelter in the rear of the men of Erin. Medb voided her water, so that it made three large dikes, so that a mill[a] could find room in each dike. Hence the place is known as Fual Medbha ('Medb's Water').
[5-5] H. 1. 13 and Add.
[a] It is not uncommon in folk-tales that lakes, rivers, etc. arose from the micturition of a giant or fairy. Reading with Add.
[W.6085.] Cuchulain came upon her as she was thus engaged, [1]on his way to the battle,[1] and he did not attack her. He would not strike her a blow from behind. [2]He spared her then because it was not his wont to slay women.[2] [3]"Spare me!" cried Medb. "If I should slay thee, it were just for me," Cuchulain answered.[3] [4]"Arise from hence," said he; "for I deem it no honour to wound thee from behind with my weapons."[4] "I crave a boon of thee this day, O Cuchulain," spake Medb. "What boon cravest thou [5]of me?"[5] asked Cuchulain. "That this host be under thine honour and thy protection till they pass westwards over Ath Mor ('the Great Ford')." [LL.fo.103b.] "Yea, I promise that," said Cuchulain. [6]Then[6] went Cuchulain around the men of Erin, and he undertook a shield-defence on one side of them, in order to protect the men of Erin. On the other side went the governors of the men of Erin. Medb went to her own place and assumed a shield-defence in the rear of the men of Erin, and in this manner they convoyed the men of Erin over Ath Mor westwards.
[1-1] YBL. 52b, 41.
[2-2] H. 1. 13 and Add.
[3-3] YBL. 52b, 41-42.
[4-4] H. 1. 13 and Add.
[5-5] H. 1. 13.
[6-6] H. 1. 13. and Add.
[7]Then Laeg [8]son of Riangabair[8] brought Cuchulain's sword unto him, [9]the 'Hard-headed Steeling' to wit,[9] and Cuchulain took the sword in his hand.[7] Then he [10]stood still and[10] gave a blow to the three bald-topped hills of Ath Luain over against the three Maela ('the Bald Tops') of Meath, so that he struck their three heads off them. [11]And they are in the bog as a witness ever since. Hence these are the Maolain ('the Flat Tops') of Ath Luain. Cuchulain cut them off as a reproach and affront to the men of Connacht, in order that every time men should speak of Meath's three Bald Tops, these in the west should be the answer the 'Three Flat Tops of Ath Luain.'[11]
[7-7] H. 1. 13 and Add.
[8-8] Add.
[9-9] YBL. 52b, 43.
[10-10] YBL. 52b. 45.
[11-11] H. 1. 13 and Add.
[W.6099.] Then [1]when the battle had been lost,[1] Fergus [2]began to view[2] the host as it went westwards of Ath Mor. "It was thus indeed it behoved this day to prove, for following in the lead of a woman," [3]said Fergus.[3] "Faults and feuds have met here to-day," [4]said Medb[4] to Fergus. "Betrayed and sold is this host to-day," [5]Fergus answered.[5] "And even as a brood-mare leads her foals into a land unknown, without a head to advise or give counsel before them, such is the plight of this host to-day [6]in the train of a woman that hath ill counselled them."[6]
[1-1] YBL. 52b, 47-48.
[2-2] Reading with H. 1. 13.
[3-3] H. 1. 13 and Add.
[4-4] YBL. 52b, 48.
[5-5] H. 1. 13 and Add.
[6-6] YBL. 52b, 52.
[7]Then Cuchulain turned to where Conchobar was with the nobles of Ulster before him. Conchobar bewailed and lamented Cuchulain, and then he uttered this lay:—
"How is this, O Cualnge's Hound, Hero of the Red Branch, thou: Great woe, champion, hast thou borne, Battling in thy land's defence!
"Every morn a hundred slain, Every eve a hundred more, While the host purveyed thy fare, Feeding thee with cooling food!
"Five-score heroes of the hosts, These I reckon are in graves. While their women—fair their hue— Spend the night bewailing them!"[7]
[7-7] H. 1. 13.
* * * * *
[Page 363]
XXVIII
[1]THE BATTLE OF THE BULLS[1]
[W.6121.] As regards Medb, it is related here: [2]She suffered not the hosts to disperse forthwith,[2] but she gathered the men of Erin and led them forth to Cruachan to behold the battle of the bulls [3]and in what manner they would part from one another. For during the while the battle was being fought, the Brown Bull of Cualnge with fifty heifers in his company had been brought to Cruachan.[3]
[1-1] YBL. 41a, 8.
[2-2] H. 1. 13.
[3-3] H. 1. 13 and Add.
As regards the Brown Bull of Cualnge, it is now recounted in this place: When he saw the beautiful, strange land, he sent forth his three bellowing calls aloud. And Finnbennach Ai ('the Whitehorned of Ai') heard him. Now no male beast durst [4]send forth[4] a low that was louder than a moo in compare with him within the four fords of all Ai, Ath Moga and Ath Coltna, Ath Slissen and Ath Bercha. And [5]the Whitehorned[5] lifted his head with fierce anger [6]at the bellowing of the Brown of Cualnge,[6] and he hastened to Cruachan to look for the Brown Bull of Cualnge.
[4-4] H. 1. 13 and Add.
[5-5] H. 1. 13 and Add.
[6-6] H. 1. 13 and Add.
It was then the men of Erin debated who would be [7]fitted[7] to witness [8]the fight[8] of the bulls. They all agreed that it should be Bricriu son of Carbad [9]that were fitted for that office.[9] For, a year before this tale of the Cualnge Cattle-raid, Bricriu had gone from the one province into the other to make a request of Fergus. And Fergus had retained [W.6134.] him with him waiting for his treasures and goods. And a quarrel arose between him and Fergus at a game of chess.[a] And he spake evil words to Fergus. Fergus smote him with his fist and with the chess-man that was in his hand, so that he drave the chess-man into his head and broke a bone in his head. Whilst the men of Erin were on the foray of the Tain, all that time Bricriu was being cured at Cruachan. And the day they returned from the expedition was the day Bricriu rose. [1]He came with the rest to witness the battle of the bulls.[1] [2]And this is why they selected Bricriu,[2] for that Bricriu was no fairer to his friend than to his foe. [3]"Come, ye men of Erin!" cried Bricriu; "permit me to judge the fight of the bulls,[3] [4]for it is I shall most truly recount their tale and their deeds afterwards."[4] And he was brought [5]before the men of Erin[5] to a gap whence to view the bulls.
[7-7] H. 1. 13 and Add.
[8-8] H. 1. 13 and Add.
[9-9] H. 1. 13 and Add.
[a] The story is told in 'The Adventures of Nera,' published in the Revue Celtique, t. x, p. 227.
[1-1] YBL. 53a, 4-5.
[2-2] Stowe.
[3-3] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add.
[4-4] H. 1. 13 and Add.
[5-5] H. 1. 13.
[6]So they drove the Brown Bull the morning of the fight till he met the Whitehorned at Tarbga in the plain of Ai: or Tarbguba ('Bull-groan'), or Tarbgleo ('Bull-fight'); Roi Dedond was the first name of that hill. Every one that had lived through the battle cared for naught else than to see the combat of the two bulls.[6]
[6-6] YBL. 52b, 52-53a, 3.
Each of the bulls sighted the other and there was a pawing and digging up of the ground in their frenzy there, and they tossed the earth over them. They threw up the earth over their withers and shoulders, and their eyes blazed red [LL.fo.104a.] in their heads like firm balls of fire, [7]and their sides bent like mighty boars on a hill.[7] Their cheeks and their nostrils swelled like smith's bellows in a forge. And each of them gave a resounding, deadly blow to the other. Each of them began to hole and to gore, to endeavour to slaughter [W.6151.] and demolish the other. Then the Whitehorned of Ai visited his wrath upon the Brown Bull of Cualnge for the evil of his ways and his doings, and he drave a horn into his side and visited his angry rage upon him. Then they directed their headlong course to where Bricriu was, so that the hoofs of the bulls drove him a man's cubit deep into the ground after his destruction. Hence, this is the Tragical Death of Bricriu [1]son of Carbad.[1]
[7-7] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add.
[1-1] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add.
Cormac Conlongas son of Conchobar saw that, [2]and the force of affection arose in him,[2] and he laid hold of a spearshaft that filled his grasp, and gave three blows to the Brown Bull of Cualnge from ear to tail, [3]so that it broke on his thick hide from ear to rump.[3] "No wonderful, lasting treasure was this precious prize for us," said Cormac, "that cannot defend himself against a stirk of his own age!" The Brown Bull of Cualnge heard this—for he had human understanding[a]—and he turned upon the Whitehorned. [4]Thereupon the Brown of Cualnge became infuriated, and he described a very circle of rage around the Whitehorned, and he rushed at him, so that he broke his lower leg with the shock.[4] And thereafter they continued to strike at each other for a long while and great space of time, [5]and so long as the day lasted they watched the contest of the bulls[5] till night fell on the men of Erin. And when night had fallen, all that the men of Erin could hear was the bellowing and roaring. That night the bulls coursed over [6]the greater part of[6] all Erin. [7]For every spot in Erin wherein is a 'Bulls' Ditch,' or a 'Bulls' Gap,' or a 'Bulls' Fen,' or a 'Bulls' Loch,' or a 'Bulls' Rath,' [8]or a 'Bulls' Back,'[8] it is from them[7] [9]those places are named.[9]
[2-2] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add.
[3-3] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add.
[a] See note [d], page 28, supra.
[4-4] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add.
[5-5] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add.
[6-6] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add.
[7-7] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add.
[8-8] H. 1. 13 and Add.
[9-9] Add.
* * * * *
[Page 366]
XXIX
[1]ACCOUNT OF THE BROWN BULL OF CUALNGE[1]
[2]A journey of a day and a night the Brown Bull carried the remains of the Whitehorned till he came to the loch that is by Cruachan. And he came thereout with the loin and the shoulder-blade and the liver of the other on his horns.[2] [W.6168.] It was not long before the men of Erin, as they were there [3]in the company of Ailill and Medb[3] early on the morrow, saw coming over Cruachan from the west the Brown Bull of Cualnge with the Whitehorned of Ai in torn fragments hanging about his ears and horns. The men of Erin arose, and they knew not which of the bulls it was. "Come, ye men!" cried Fergus; "leave him alone if it be the Whitehorned that is there; and if it be the Brown of Cualnge, leave him his trophy with him!"
[1-1] YBL. 41a, 8.
[2-2] YBL. 53a, 13-16.
[3-3] H. 1. 13 and Add.
[4]Then it was that the [5]seven[5] Mane arose to take vengeance on the Brown Bull of Cualnge for his violence and his valour. "Whither go yonder men?" asked Fergus. "They go to kill the Brown of Cualnge," [6]said all,[6] "because of his evil deeds."[4] "I pledge my word," [7]shouted Fergus:[7] "what has already been done in regard to the bulls is a small thing in compare with that which will [W.6179.] now take place, [1]unless with his spoils and victory ye let the Brown of Cualnge go from you into his own land."[1]
[4-4] Stowe and Add.
[5-5] Add.
[6-6] H. 1. 13 and Add.
[7-7] H. 1. 13, Stowe and Add.
[1-1] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add.
[2]Then the Brown Bull of Cualnge gave forth the three chiefest bellowings of his throat in boast of his triumph, and fear of Fergus held back the men of Erin from attacking the Brown Bull of Cualnge.[2]
[2-2] H. 1. 13.
[3]Then[3] went the Brown Bull of Cualnge [4]to the west of Cruachan.[4] He turned his right[a] side towards Cruachan, and he left there a heap of the liver [5]of the Whitehorned,[5] so that thence is [6]named[6] Cruachan Ai ('Liver-reeks').
[3-3] H. 1. 13 and Add.
[4-4] H. 1. 13 and Add.
[a] As a sign of friendliness.
[5-5] H. 1. 13 and Add.
[6-6] H. 1. 13 and Add.
[7]Next he [8]came to his own land and[8] reached the river Finnglas ('Whitewater'), and, [9]on coming,[9] he drank a draught from the river, and, so long as he drank the draught, he let not one drop of the river flow by him. Then he raised his head, and the shoulder-blades of the Whitehorned fell from him in that place. Hence, Sruthair Finnlethe ('Stream of the White Shoulder-blade') is the name given to it.[7]
[7-7] Stowe.
[8-8] YBL. 53a, 18.
[9-9] YBL. 53a, 18.
He pursued his way [10]to the river Shannon,[10] to the brink of Ath Mor ('the Great Ford'), [11]and he drank a draught from it, and, as long as he drank the draught, he let not one drop of the river flow past him. Then he raised his head, so that the two haunches of the Whitehorned fell from him there;[11] and he left behind the loin of the Whitehorned in that place, so that thence cometh Athlone ('Loinford'). He continued eastwards into the land of Meath to Ath Truim. [12]He sent forth his roar at Iraird Cuillinn; he was heard over the entire province. And he drank in Tromma.[12] [13]As long as he drank the draught, he let not one drop of the river flow past him.[13] And he left behind [W.6192.] there the liver of the Whitehorned. [1]Some [2]learned men[2] say, it is from the liver of the Whitehorned which fell from the Brown of Cualnge, that Ath Truim ('Liverford') is called.[1]
[10-10] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add.
[11-11] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add.
[12-12] YBL. 53a, 22.
[13-13] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add.
[1-1] H. 1. 13 and Add.
[2-2] Add.
He raised his head haughtily and shook the remains of the Whitehorned from him over Erin. He sent its hind leg away from him to Port Large ('Port of the Hind Leg'). He sent its ribs from him to Dublin, which is called Ath Cliath ('Ford of the Ribs' or 'of the Hurdles').
He turned his face northwards then, [3]and went on thence to the summit of Sliab Breg, and he saw the peaks[3] and knew the land of Cualnge, [4]and a great agitation came over him at the sight of his own land and country,[4] and he went his way towards it. In that place were women and youths and children lamenting the Brown Bull of Cualnge. They saw the Brown of Cualnge's forehead approaching them. "The forehead of a bull cometh towards us!" they shouted. Hence is Taul Tairb ('Bull's Brow') ever since. [5]Then he went on the road of Midluachar to Cuib, where he was wont to be with the yeld cow of Dare, and he tore up the earth there. Hence cometh Gort Buraig ('Field of the Trench').[5]
[3-3] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add.
[4-4] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add.
[5-5] YBL. 53a, 26-28.
[LL.fo.104b.] Then turned the Brown of Cualnge on the women and youths and children of the land of Cualnge, and [6]with the greatness of his fury and rage[6] he effected a great slaughter [7]amongst them.[7] He turned his back to the hill then and his heart broke in his breast, even as a nut breaks, [8]and he belched out his heart like a black stone of dark blood.[8] [9]He went then and died between Ulster and Ui Echach at Druim Tairb. Druim Tairb ('Bull's Back') is the name of that place.[9]
[6-6] H. 1. 13 and Add.
[7-7] Translating from Stowe.
[8-8] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add.
[9-9] YBL. 53a, 28-29.
[1]Such, then, is the account of the Brown Bull of Cualnge, and the end of the Tain by Medb of Cruachan daughter of Eocho Fedlech, and by Ailill son of Maga, and by all the men of Ulster up to this point.[1] [2]Ailill and Medb made peace with the men of Ulster and with Cuchulain. For seven years there was no killing of men amongst them in Erin. Finnabair remained with Cuchulain, and the Connachtmen went to their own land, and the men of Ulster returned to Emain Macha with their great triumph. Finit. Amen.[2]
[1-1] Translating from H. 1. 13 and Add.
[2-2] YBL. 53a, 29-33.
* * * * *
[W.6206.] A blessing be upon all such as shall faithfully keep the Tain in memory as it stands here and shall not add any other form to it.[a]
[a] With this the Irish text concludes: What follows is in Latin.
* * * * *
I, however, who have copied this history, or more truly legend, give no credence to various incidents narrated in it. For, some things herein are the feats of jugglery of demons, sundry others poetic figments, a few are probable, others improbable, and even more invented for the delectation of fools.
* * * * *
[Page 371]
INDEX AND PRONUNCIATION OF THE MORE FREQUENTLY OCCURRING PLACE AND PERSONAL-NAMES.
It will simplify matters for the English reader if the following points respecting the pronunciation of proper names in medieval Irish, are borne in mind:
Each simple word is accented on the first syllable.
Pronounce:
a (long), as in aught; a (short), as in hot. c with slender vowels (e, i), as in king; never as s. c with broad vowels (a, o, u), as in car; never as s. ch with slender vowels (e, i), as in German Ich; never as in church. ch with broad vowels (a, o, u), as in German Buch; never as in church. d with slender vowels (e, i), as in French dieu. d with broad vowels (a, o, u), as in thy. e (long), as in ale; e (short), as in bet. g with slender vowels (e, i), as in give; never as j. g with broad vowels (a, o, u), as in go; never as j. gh with slender vowels (e, i) is slender ch voiced. gh with broad vowels (a, o, u) is broad ch voiced. i (long), as in feel; i (short), as in it. mh and bh intervocalic with slender vowels, as v. mh and bh intervocalic with broad vowels, as w. o (long), as in note; o (short), as in done. s with slender vowels (e, i), as in shine; never as z. s with broad vowels (a, o, u), as s. t with slender vowels (e, i), as in tin. t with broad vowels (a, o, u), as in threw. th, like h. u (long), as in pool; u (short), as in full.
The remaining consonants are pronounced almost as in English.
Aed: to rime with Day
Aed Ernmas: the father of the Morrigan
Ai: see Mag Ai
Aidne: a district comprising the barony of Kiltartan, in the south-west of the County Galway
Aife: one of the three women-teachers of Cuchulain and Ferdiad (pronounced Eefe)
Aile: north-east of Baile, on Medb's march from Cruachan into Ulster
Ailill: king-consort of Queen Medb, dwelling in Cruachan Ai (pronounced Ayeleel)
Ailill Find Miltenga: one of the chief heroes of Ulster
Ailill macMailchlo: father of Sencha
Aine: see Cnoc Aine
Airne: north-east of Asse
Alba: Scotland
Amargin Iarngiunnach: a leading Ulster hero; father of Conall Cernach and brother of Iliach (pronounced Avergin)
Ane: a district in which is Knockaney in the County Limerick
Ardachad: north of Druim Licce
Ard Ciannachta: a place in the barony of Ferrard, in the County Louth
Ard Cuillenn: in Ulster, east of Moin Coltna
Ard Macha: Armagh
Assail: a place in Meath
Asse: north of Finnabair (Fennor), on Medb's march out of Connacht into Ulster
Ath: 'a ford' (pronounced Ah)
Ath Aladh Ind: a ford in the Plain of Murthemne
Ath Berchna: in Connacht, north-west of Croohan, near Bellanagare; it may be for Ath Bercha, in East Roscommon, and on or near the Shannon
Ath Buide: the village of Athboy, in the territory of Ross, County Meath
Ath Carpat: a ford on the river Nith (now the Dee), in the County Louth
Ath Ceit Chule: a ford on the river Glais, in Ulster
Ath Cliath: Dublin
Ath Coltna: in Connacht, south-west of Ath Moga and south-east of Cruachan
Ath Cro: a ford in Murthemne
Ath da Fert: a ford in Sliab Fuait, probably in the south of the barony of Upper Fews, County Armagh
Ath Darteisc: a ford in Murthemne
Ath Feidli: a ford in Ulster
Ath Fene: see Ath Irmidi
Ath Firdead: Ardee, a ford and a small town on the river Dee, in the County Louth
Ath Gabla: a ford on the Boyne, north of Knowth, in the County Meath (pronounced Ah gowla)
Ath Grenca: the same as Ath Gabla
Ath Irmidi: the older name of Ath Fene, south of Iraird Cuillinn
Ath Lethain: a ford on the Nith, in Conalle Murthemni
Ath Luain: Athlone, on the Shannon, on the borders of Connacht and Meath
Ath Meislir: a ford in Sliab Fuait, in Ulster
Ath Moga: the present Ballymoe, on the river Suck, about ten miles to the south-west of Cruachan, County Galway
Ath Mor: the old name for Ath Luain
Ath na Foraire: on the road between Emain and Loch Echtrann
Ath Slissen: Bellaslishen Bridge; a ford on the Owenure River, near Elphin, in Connacht
Ath Solomshet: a ford, probably in Ulster
Ath Srethe: a ford in Conalle Murthemni
Ath Tamuin: a ford, somewhere in Ulster
Ath Traged: at the extremity of Tir Mor, in Murthemne
Ath Truim: Trim, on the river Boyne, in the County Meath
Aue: a slave in the household of King Conchobar
Aurthuile: north-east of Airne
Bacca: in Corcumruad
Bacc Draigin: a place in Ulster
Badb: the war-fury, or goddess of war and carnage; she was wont to appear in the form of a carrion-crow. Sometimes she is the sister of the Morrigan, and, as in the Tain Bo Cualnge, is even identified with her (pronounced Bive)
Badbgna: now Slieve Bawne, a mountainous range, in the barony of Ballintubber, in the east of County Roscommon
Baile: north-east of Meide ind Eoin, on Medb's march from Connacht into Ulster
Baile in Bile: on the way to Ardee
Bairche: Benna Bairche, the Mourne Mountains, north of Dundalk, in Ulster
Ball Scena: north-east of Dall Scena
Banba: an old name for Ireland
Banna: now the Bann, a river in Ulster
Becaltach: grandfather of Cuchulain
Bedg: a river in Murthemne
Belat Aileain: probably between Cualnge and Conalle Murthemni
Belach Caille More: north of Cnogba
Benna Bairche: see Bairche
Berba: the Barrow, a river in Leinster
Bercha: on or near the Shannon, near Bellanagare, in East Roscommon
Berchna: probably for Bercha
Bernas: the pass cut by Medb from Louth into Armagh; probably the "Windy Gap" across the Carlingford Peninsula
Betha: see Sliab Betha
Bir: the name of several rivers; probably Moyola Water, a river flowing into Lough Neagh
Bithslan: a river in Conalle Murthemni
Blai: a rich Ulster noble and hospitaller
Boann: the River Boyne
Bodb: the father of Badb
Boirenn: Burren, in the County Clare
Brane: probably a hill not far from Ardee, in the County Louth
Breslech Mor: a fort in Murthemne
Brecc: a place in Ulster
Brega: the eastern part of Meath
Brenide: a river in Conalle Murthemni, near Strangford Lough
Bricriu: son of Carbad, and the evil adviser of the Ulstermen
Bri Errgi: stronghold of Errge Echbel, in the County Down
Brigantia: Betanzos, in Galicia, on the north coast of Spain
Bri Ross: a hill to the north of Ardee, in the County Louth
Brug Meic ind Oc, or, as it is also called,
Brug na Boinde: Brugh on the Boyne, near Stackallen Bridge, County Meath, one of the chief burial-places of the pagan Irish
Buagnech: probably in Leinster and near the river Liffey
Buan: a river in Conalle Murthemni
Buas: the river Bush, in the County Antrim
Burach: a place in Ulster
Callann: the Callan, a river near Emain Macha
Canann Gall: a place in Ulster
Carn: north of Inneoin; probably Carn Fiachach, in the parish of Conry, barony of Rathconrath, Westmeath
Carn macBuachalla, at Dunseverick, in Ulster
Carbre: stepson of Conchobar and brother of Ailill
Carrloeg: a place in Ulster
Casruba: father of Lugaid and grandfather of Dubthach
Cathba: north-east of Ochonn, in Meath; or a river flowing into the Boyne, some distance to the west of Slane
Cathba: a druid of Conchobar's court; according to some accounts, the natural father of King Conchobar (pronounced Cahvah)
Celtchar: son of Uthechar, an Ulster warrior
Cenannas na rig: Kells, in the Covinty Meath
Cenn Abrat: a range of hills on the borders of the Counties Cork and Limerick
Cet macMagach: a Connacht warrior
Cinn Tire: a place in Ulster
Clann Dedad: one of the three warrior-clans of Erin: a sept occupying the territory around Castleisland, County Kerry
Clann Rudraige: the warriors of King Conchobar: one of the three heroic tribes of Ireland
Clartha: Clara, near the present town of Mullingar, in the County Westmeath
Cletech: a residence of the kings of Ireland in Mag Breg, near Stackallan Bridge, on the banks of the Boyne
Clidna: see sub Tonn
Clithar Bo Ulad: probably in the centre of the County Louth
Cliu: an extensive territory in the county Limerick
Clothru: sister of Medb: Medb slew her while her son, Firbaide, was still unborn
Cluain Cain: now Clonkeen, in the west of County Louth
Cluain Carpat: a meadow at the river Cruinn in Cualnge
Cluain maccuNois: Clonmacnoise, on the Shannon, about nine miles below Athlone
Cnoc Aine: Knockany, a hill and plain in the County Limerick
Cnogba: Knowth, on the Boyne, near Drogheda, a couple of miles east of Slane, in the County Meath
Colbtha: the mouth of the Boyne at Drogheda, or some place near the Boyne
Collamair: between Gormanstown and Turvey, in the County Dublin
Coltain: south of Cruachan Ai
Conall: probably Tyrconnel, in the County Donegal
Conall Cernach: one of the chief warriors of Ulster: foster-brother of Cuchulain and next to him in point of prowess
Conalle Murthemni: a level plain in the County Louth, extending from the Cooley Mountains, or Carlingford, to the Boyne
Conchobar: son of Cathba the druid, and of Ness, and foster-son of Fachtna Fatach (variously pronounced Cruhoor, Connahoor)
Conlaech: son of Cuchulain and Aife
Corcumruad: the present barony of Corcomroe, in the County Clare
Cormac Conlongas: King Conchobar's eldest son; called "the Intelligent Exile," because of the part he took as surety for the safety of the exiled sons of Usnech
Coronn: the barony of Corran, in the County Sligo
Corp Cliath: a place in Ulster
Craeb ruad: ordinarily Englished "Red Branch"; better, perhaps, "Nobles' Branch:" King Conchobar's banqueting-hall, at Emain Macha
Crannach: at Faughart, north-east of Fid Mor
Cromma: a river flowing into the Boyne not far from Slane
Cronn hi Cualngi: probably a hill or river of this name near Cualnge
Cruachan Ai: the ancient seat and royal burial-place of the kings of Connacht, ten miles north-east of the modern Rathcroghan, near Belanagare, in the County Roscommon (pronounced Croohan)
Cruinn: a river in Cualnge: probably the stream now called the Piedmont River, emptying into Dundalk Bay
Cruthnech: the land of the Irish Picts; the northern part of the County Down and the southern part of the County Antrim
Cu, Cucuc, Cuacain, Cucucan, Cucucuc: diminutives of the name Cuchulain
Cualnge: Cooley, a mountainous district between Dundalk Bay and Drogheda, in the barony of Lower Dundalk, in the County Louth. It originally extended to the County Down, and the name is now applied to the southern side of the Carlingford Mountains (pronounced Cooln'ya)
Cualu: a district in the County Wicklow
Cuchulain: the usual name of the hero Setanta; son of the god Lug and of Dechtire, and foster-son of Sualtaim (pronounced Cuhoolin)
Cuib: on the road to Midluachair
Cuilenn: the Cully Waters flowing southward from County Armagh into County Louth
Cul Siblinne: now Kells in East Meath
Cul Silinne: Kilcooley, a few miles to the south-east of Cruachan, in the County Roscommon
Culenn: a river in Conalle Murthemni
Cuillenn: see Ard Cuillenn
Cuillenn Cinn Duni: a hill in Ulster
Cuince: a mountain in Cualnge
Cumung: a river in Conalle Murthemni
Curoi: son of Dare and king of South Munster
Cuscraid Menn Macha: son of Conchobar
Dall Scena: a place north of Aile
Dalraida: now "the Route," a territory north of Slieve Mish, in the north of the County Antrim
Dare: chieftain of the cantred of Cualnge and owner of the Brown Bull of Cualnge
Dechtire: sister of King Conchobar and mother of Cuchulain
Delga: see Dun Delga
Delga Murthemni: Dundalk
Delinn: a place or river near Kells between Duelt and Selaig, on Medb's march from Cruachan into Ulster
Delt: a place north of Drong, on Medb's march from Cruachan into Ulster
Delt: a river in Conalle Murthemni
Dergderc: Lough Derg, an expansion of the Shannon near Killaloe
Dichaem: a river in Conalle Murthemni
Domnann: see Irrus Domnann
Drong: a river in the land of the men of Assail, in Meath
Druim Caimthechta: north-east of Druim Cain
Druim Cain: possibly an older name for Temair (Tara)
Druim En: in South Armagh; probably a wooded height, near Ballymascanlan, in the County Louth
Druim Fornocht: near Newry, in the County Down
Druim Licce: north-east of Gort Slane, on Medb's march from Connacht into Ulster
Druim Salfinn: now Drumshallon, a townland in the County Louth, six miles north of Drogheda
Dub: the Blackwater, on the confines of Ulster and Connacht; or the confluence of the Rivers Boyne and Blackwater at Navan
Dubh Sithleann (or Sainglenn): the name of one of Cuchulain's two horses
Dubloch: a lake between Kilcooley and Slieve Bawne, in the County Roscommon, on Medb's march from Cruachan into Ulster
Dubthach Doel Ulad: the Ulster noble who shares with Bricriu the place as prime mover of evil among the Ulstermen (pronounced Duffach)
Duelt: north or north-west of Delt, on Medb's march from Cruachan into Ulster
Dun da Benn: Mount Sandle, on the Bann, near Coleraine in the County Derry
Dun Delga: Dundalk, or the moat of Castletown, on the east coast near Dundalk; Cuchulain's home town
Dun macNechtain Scene: a fort in Mag Breg, at the place where the Mattock falls into the Boyne, about three miles above Drogheda
Dun Sobairche: Dunseverick, about three miles from the Giants' Causeway, in the County Antrim
Elg: an old name for Ireland
Ellne: probably east of the River Bann, near Coleraine
Ellonn: a place in Ulster
Emain Macha: the Navan Fort, or Hill, two miles west of Armagh; King Conchobar's capital and the chief town of Ulster (pronounced Evvin Maha)
Emer Foltchain: wife of Cuchulain (pronounced Evver)
Enna Agnech: according to the Annals of the Four Masters, he was High King of Ireland from 312 to 293 B.C.
Eo Donn Mor: north-east of Eo Donn Bec, in the County Louth
Eocho Fedlech: father of Medb; according to the Four Masters, he reigned as monarch of Ireland from 142 to 131 B.C. (pronounced Yokh-ho)
Eocho Salbuide: King of Ulster and father of Cethern's wife, Inna
Eogan macDurthachta: a chief warrior of Ulster and Prince of Fernmag
Erc macFedilmithi: an Ulster hero, son of Fedlimid and grandson of Conchobar
Erna: a sept of Munstermen who later settled about Lough Erne, in Connacht
Ess Ruaid: Assaroe; a cataract on the River Erne near Ballyshannon, in the south of the County Donegal. It constituted part of the old boundary between Ulster and Connacht
Etarbane: one of the "seats" of the king of Cashel, in Tipperary
Ethliu: father of Lug
Ethne: sister of Medb (pronounced Ehnna)
Fachtna Fathach: king of Ulster and later of all Ireland; adoptive father of Conchobar and husband of Ness, Conchobar's mother
Fal (or Inisfail): one of the bardic names for Ireland; Medb is called "of Fal," as daughter of the High King of Ireland (pronounced Fawl)
Fan na Coba: a territory in the baronies of Upper and Lower Iveagh, in the County Down
Fedain Cualngi: a place in Ulster
Fedlimid Nocruthach: daughter of King Conchobar, wife of Loegaire Buadach, mother of Fiachna and cousin-german of Cuchulain (pronounced Falemid)
Femen: a territory at Slieve-na-man, extending perhaps from Cashel to Clonmel, in the southern part of the County Tipperary
Fene: the old tribal name of the Gaels; the "King of the Fene" is Conchobar, King of Ulster
Feorainn: a place near Ardachad, on Medb's march into Ulster
Fercerdne: chief poet of the men of Ulster
Ferdiad: (pronounced Fair-dee-ah)
Fergus macRoig: one time king of Ulster; in voluntary exile in Connacht after the treacherous putting to death of the sons of Usnech by Conchobar. He became the chief director of the Tain under Medb
Ferloga: Ailill's charioteer
Fernmag: Farney, a barony in the County Monaghan
Ferta Fingin: at Sliab Fuait
Fiachu macFiraba: one of the exiles of Ulster in the camp of Medb
Fian: the warrior-class
Fid Dub: a wood, north of Cul Silinne, on Medb's march into Ulster
Fid Mor: a wood, north of Dundalk and between it and Sliab Fuait
Fingabair: probably in the Fews Mountains
Finnabair: daughter to Ailill and Medb (pronounced Fin-nuh-hur)
Finnabair: Fennor, on the banks of the Boyne, near Slane, in Meath
Finnabair Slebe: near Imlech Glendamrach
Finncharn Slebe Moduirn: a height in the Mourne Mountains
Finnglas: a river in Conalle Murthemni
Finnglassa Asail: a river south-east of Cruachan
Fir Assail: a district containing the barony of Farbill, in Westmeath
Flidais Foltchain: wife of Ailill Finn, a Connacht chieftain; after her husband's violent death she became the wife of Fergus, and accompanied him on the Tain
Fochain: near Cuchulain's abode
Fochard Murthemni: Faughart, two miles north-west of Dundalk, in the County Louth
Fodromma: a river flowing into the Boyne near Slane
Fuil Iairn: the name of a ford west of Ardee
Gabal: the Feeguile, a river in the King's County
nGabar: a place near Donaghmore, perhaps to, the west of Lough Neagh in the County Tyrone
Galian: a name the Leinstermen bore. They were Ailill's countrymen
Gainemain: a river in Conalle Murthemni
Garech: the name of the hill where the final battle of the Tain was fought, some distance south-east of Athlone and near Mullingar, in Westmeath
Gegg: a woman's name
Genonn Gruadsolus: a druid and poet of Ulster; son of Cathba
Glaiss Colptha: the river Boyne
Glaiss Gatlaig: a river in Ulster
Glenamain: a river in Conalle Murthemni
Glenn Fochain: probably a valley east of Bellurgan Station
Glenn Gatt: a valley in Ulster
Glennamain: in Murthemne
Glenn in Scail: a place in Dalaraide, East Ulster
Glenn na Samaisce: in Slieve Gullion, in the County Armagh
Glenn Tail: another name for Belat Aileain
Gleoir: the Glore, a river in Conalle Murthemni
Gluine Gabur: east of the Shannon, in the County Longford
Gort Slane: north of Slane and south-west of Druim Licce
Grellach Bobulge: at Dunseverick, in Ulster
Grellach Dolar (or Dolluid): Girley, near Kells, in the County Meath
Gualu Mulchi: the town-land of Drumgoolestown on the river Dee, in the County Louth
Ialla Ilgremma: near Sliab Betha and Mag Dula
Ibar macRiangabra: Conchobar's charioteer
Id macRiangabra: Ferdiad's charioteer, brother to Laeg
Ilgarech: a hill near Garech, q.v.
Iliach: grandfather to Conall Cernach
Illann Ilarchless: an Ulster warrior, son to Fergus
Imchad: son to Fiachna
Imchlar: near Donaghmore, west of Dungannon, in the County Tyrone
Immail: a place in the Mourne Mountains, in Ulster
Imrinn: a druid, son to Cathba
Inis Cuscraid: Inch, near Downpatrick
Inis Clothrann: Inishcloghran in Loch Ree, County Longford
Innbir Scene: the mouth of Waterford Harbour near Tramore; or the mouth of Kenmare Bay, in the County Kerry
Inncoin: the Dungolman, a river into which the Inny flows and which divides the barony of Kilkenny West from Rathconrath, in the County Westmeath
Iraird Cuillinn: a height south of Emain Macha, in Ulster
Irrus Domnann: the barony of Erris, in County Mayo: the clan which bore this name and to which Ferdiad belonged was one of the three heroic races of ancient Ireland
Laeg: son of Riangabair and Cuchulain's faithful charioteer (pronounced Lay)
Latharne: Larne, in the County Antrim
Lebarcham: a sorceress
Leire: in the territory of the Fir Roiss, in the south of the County Antrim
Ler: the Irish sea-god
Lethglas: Dun Lethglaisse, now Downpatrick, in Ulster
Lettre Luasce: between Cualnge and Conalle
Lia Mor: in Conalle Murthemni
Liath Mache: 'the Roan,' one of Cuchulain's two horses.
Lia Ualann: in Cualnge
Line (or Mag Line): Moylinne, in the County Antrim
Loch Ce: Lough Key, in the County Roscommon
Loch Echtrann: Muckno Lake, south of Sliab Fuait, in the County Monaghan
Loch Erne: Lough Erne, in the County Fermanagh
Loch Ri: Lough Ree, on the Shannon, in the County Galway
Loegaire Buadach: son to Connad Buide and husband of Fedlimid Nocruthach; one of the chief warriors of Ulster (pronounced Layeray)
Lothor: a place in Ulster
Luachair: probably Slieve Lougher, or the plain in which lay Temair Luachra, a fort somewhere near the town of Castleisland, in the County Kerry
Lug: the divine father of Cuchulain
Lugaid: father of Dubthach
Lugmud: Louth, in the County of that name
Luibnech: possibly a place now called Limerick, in the County Wexford
MacMagach: relatives of Ailill
MacRoth: Medb's chief messenger
Mag: 'a plain' (pronounced moy)
Mag Ai: the great plain in the County Roscommon, extending from Ballymore to Elphin, and from Bellanagare to Strokestown (pronounced Moy wee)
Mag Breg: the plain along and south of the lower Boyne, comprising the east of County Meath and the north of County Dublin (pronounced Moy bray)
Mag Cruimm: south-east of Cruachan, in Connacht
Mag Dea: a plain in Ulster
Mag Dula: a plain though which the Do flows by Castledawson into Lough Neagh
Mag Eola: a plain in Ulster
Mag Inis: the plain comprising the baronies of Lecale and Upper Castlereagh, in the County Down
Mag Line: Moylinne, a plain to the north-east of Lough Neagh, in the barony of Upper Antrim
Mag Mucceda: a plain near Emain Macha
Mag Trega: Moytra, in the County Longford
Mag Tuaga: a plain in Mayo
Maic Miled: the Milesians
Mairg: a district in which is Slievemargie, in the Queen's County and the County Kilkenny
Manannan: son of Ler, a fairy god
Margine: a place in Cualnge
Mas na Righna: Massareene, in the County Antrim
Mata Murisc: mother of Ailill
Medb: queen of Connacht and wife of Ailill (pronounced Mave; in modern Connacht Irish Mow to rhyme with cow)
Meide ind Eoin, and Meide in Togmail: places in or near the Boyne, in the County Louth
Midluachair: Slige Midluachra, the name of the highroad east of Armagh, leading north from Tara to Emain and into the north of Ireland
Mil: the legendary progenitor of the Milesians (See Maic Miled)
Miliuc: a river in Conalle Murthemni
Moduirn: see Sliab Moduirn
Moin Coltna: a bog between Slieve Bawne and the Shannon
Moraltach: great grandfather of Cuchulain
Morann: a famous judge
Morrigan: the war-goddess of the ancient Irish, "monstrum in feminae figura" (pronounced More-reegan)
Mossa: a territory, the southern part of which must have been in the barony of Eliogarty, not far from Cashel, in the County Tipperary
Muach: a river in Conalle Murthemni
Muresc: the land of Ailill's mother; Murresk Hamlet, between Clew Bay and Croagh Patrick, in the County Mayo
Murthemne: a great plain along the northern coast of the County Louth between the river Boyne and the Cooley Mountains; now belonging to Leinster, but, at the time of the Tain, to Ulster (pronounced Muhr-hev-ny)
Nemain: the Badb
Ness: mother of King Conchobar by Cathba; she afterwards married Fachtna Fathach and subsequently Fergus macRoig
Nith: the river Dee which flows by Ardee, in the County Louth
Ochain: the name of Conchan bar's shield
Ochonn Midi: a place near the Blackwater at Navan
Ochtrach: near Finnglassa Asail, in Meath
Oenfer Aife: another name for Conlaech
Oengus Turbech: according to the Annals of Ireland, he reigned as High King from 384 to 326 B.C.
Ord: south-east of Cruachan and north of Tiarthechta
Partraige beca: Partry in Slechta south-west of Kells, in Meath
Port Large: Waterford
Rath Airthir: a place in Connacht
Rath Cruachan: Rathcroghan, between Belanagare and Elphin, in the County Roscommon
Rede Loche: a place in Cualnge
Renna: the mouth of the Boyne
Riangabair: father of the charioteers, Laeg and Id
Rigdonn: a place in the north
Rinn: a river in Conalle Murthemni
Rogne: a territory between the rivers Suir and Barrow, in the barony of Kells, the County Kildare or Kilkenny
Ross: a district in the south of the County Monaghan
Ross Mor: probably Ross na Rig, near Ball Scena
Sas: a river in Conalle Murthemni
Scathach: the Amazon dwelling in Alba who taught Cuchulain and Ferdiad their warlike feats (pronounced Scaw-ha)
Selaig: Sheelagh, a townland in the barony of Upper Dundalk
Semne: Island Magee, north-east of Carrickfergus, in the County Antrim
Senbothae: Templeshanbo, at the foot of Mount Leinster, in the County Wexford
Sencha macAilella: the wise counsellor and judge of the Ulstermen
Sered: a plain in the north of the barony of Tirhugh, County Donegal
Setanta: the real name of Cuchulain
Sid: the terrene gods (pronounced She)
Sil: in Lecale, in the County Down
Sinann: the river Shannon
Siuir: the Suir, a river in Munster, forming the northern boundary of the County Waterford
Slabra: a place north of Selaig, near Kells, in Meath
Slaiss: south-east of Cruachan, between Ord and Inneoin
Slane: a town on the Boyne, in Meath
Slechta: south-west of Kells, in Meath
Slemain Mide: "Slane of Meath," Slewen, three miles to the west of Mullingar, in Westmeath
Sliab Betha: Slieve Beagh, a mountain whereon the Counties of Fermanagh, Tyrone, and Monaghan meet
Sliab Culinn: Slieve Gullion, in the County Armagh
Sliab Fuait: the Fews Mountains, near Newtown-Hamilton, to the west and north-west of Slieve Gullion; in the southern part of the County Armagh
Sliab Mis: Slieve Mish, a mountain in the County Kerry, extending eastwards from Tralee
Sliab Moduirn: the Mourne Range, in the County Monaghan, partly in Cavan and partly in Meath
Sruthair Finnlethe: a river west of Athlone
Sualtaim (or, Sualtach) Sidech: the human father of Cuchulain
Suide Lagen: Mount Leinster, in the County Wexford
Tadg: a river in Conalle Murthemni
Taidle: near Cuib
Taltiu: Teltown, in the County Meath, on or near the Blackwater, between Navan and Kells; one of the chief places of assembly and burial of the Ulstermen
Taul Tairb: in Cualnge
Telamet: a river in Conalle Murthemni
Temair: Tara, the seat of the High King of Ireland, near Navan, in the County Meath (pronounced Tavvir)
Tethba descirt: South Teffia, a territory about and south of the river Inny, in the County Longford
Tethba tuascirt: south-east of Cruachan, in Teffia, County Longford
Tir Mor: in Murthemne
Tir na Sorcha: a fabled land, ruled over by Manannan
Tir Tairngire: "the Land of Promise"
Tonn Clidna: a loud surge in the Bay of Glandore
Tonn Rudraige: a huge wave in the Bay of Dundrum, in the County Cork
Tonn Tuage Inbir: "the Tuns," near the mouth of the river Bann on the north coast of Antrim
Tor Breogain: "Bregon's Tower," in Spain
Tromma: south-east of Cruachan; also the name of a river flowing into the Boyne near Slane
Tuaim Mona: Tumona, a townland in the parish of Ogulla, near Tulsk, south of Cruachan Ai, County Roscommon
Tuatha Bressi: a name for the people of Connacht
Tuatha De Danann: "the Tribes divine of Danu," the gods of the Irish Olympus
Turloch teora Crich: north of Tuaim Mona
Uachtur Lua: in the land of Ross
Uarba: a place in Ulster
Uathach: one of the three women-teachers of Cuchulain and Ferdiad
Uathu: north of Ochain
Ui Echach: the barony of Iveagh, in the County Down
Umansruth: a stream in Murthemne
Usnech: father of Noisi, Annle and Ardan
Uthechar: father of Celtchar and of Menn
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Printed by BUTLER & TANNER, Frome and London
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