The Tain Bo CuailngeThe Cattle Raid of Cooley

Ms. Mohlere Sp 15

Ulster

Connacht

Bike Trail

Louth

Basic Story The story begins with “pillow talk” between Queen

Maedb of Connacht and her husband, King Ailill. They are comparing their possessions, item for item. The only difference is that King Ailill has a beautiful white bull (Finnbennach), and Queen Maedb doesn’t have one. The only possible equivalent is a brown bull (Donn Cuailnge), owned by a man who lives in Ulster. In order to match her husband, she decides to raid Ulster & steal the bull.

(note: leaving a bit out…)

Cuchulainn, a great warrior from Ulster, confronts the armies and a great battle ensues…

The VisionBefore the army sets off from Connacht, a fortune teller named Fedelm has a vision which frightens Queen Medb.

'I see him moving to the fray:take warning, watch him well,Cúchulainn, Sualdam's son!Now I see him in pursuit.

Whole hosts he will destroy,making dense massacre.In thousands you will yield your heads.I am Fedelm. I hide nothing.'

Cuchulainn A great warrior from Ulster, Cuchulainn’s

exploits were legendary from the time he was a young boy.

It was said that he was stronger than any other man (remind you of anyone?)

Originally named Setanta. Earned his name “Cuchulainn” after killing a fierce hound (it took three chains to hold the dog, with three men holding each chain) when he was six years old.

Known as the “Hound of Ulster”

Important characters King Ailill & Queen Medb – King & Queen of

Connacht

Cuchulainn – a 17 year old warrior from Ulster

Fergus – Cuchulainn’s stepfather, and a braver warrior in his own right. Fights C. for Queen Medb.

Daire Mac Fiachna – the owner of the Brown Bull

Fedelm – the fortune teller

Ferdia – Cuchulainn’s foster brother, who has a coat that no ordinary weapon can pierce. Stabs Cuchulainn, but is ultimately killed.

Areas in Ireland related to the Tain

Mound of Queen Medb (Knocknarea, County Sligo)

Cuchulainn Cuchulainn carrying his friend Ferdia, after he has been killed in battle with Queen Medb. This statue is in County Louth

A statue of Cuchulainn at the General Post office in Dublin. This statue is in memory of the uprising of Easter 1916. When Cuchulainn died, he strapped himself upright to a pillar, so he could die upright, facing his enemies. No one dared to approach his body for 3 days, until they saw a bird land on him and peck at his eyes.

Poetry of W.B.Yeats Cuchulain's Fight with the Sea

Cuchulainn Comforted

Who Goes With Fergus?

Fergus and the Druid