Irish Mythology Cycle 2 The Ulster Cycle

Irish Mythology

Cycle 2: The Ulster Cycle The Ulster cycle takes place mostly in the north-east of Ireland, near the modern city of Armagh. It concerns the hero Cu Chulainn, and the lives of his friends and enemies.

The Hero Cu Chulainn is the teenage hero of a group of people living in Ireland called the Uliad. His mother is the sister of the Uliad king, and his father is the god Lug. Does anyone find that name familiar?

Back to cycle 1… Lug was one of the Tuatha De Danann, and the owner of the Spear of Lug, one of the four treasures of the Tuatha. It is also worth noting that he is a half-god. Does anyone know any other stories with children who are half divine?

The Beginning Cu Chulainn was originally called Setanta. One day he was invited to visit Culann, the smith, who heard about how strong the young man was. Setanta promised to visit as soon as he could.

Setanta’s Arrival Chulann, however, soon forgot Setanta was coming. When he arrived at Chulann’s house, the smith released his large guard dog, who attacked the boy. Setanta killed it, and said he would find a new dog to protect Chulann’s house. Until then, Setanta makes a promise. What promise do you think Setanta makes?

Cu Chulainn Setanta promised that until he could find a new dog, he would protect the house himself. From that day on, his name was changed to Cu Chulainn, or ‘The Hound of Chulann. ’ He became known for his strength and ability to fight.

The Prophecy Begun… One day while Cu Chulainn was training, he heard his instructor say that whoever picked up a sword that day would have everlasting fame. What do you think Cu Chulainn did?

Without waiting for his master to finish speaking, Cu Chulainn immediately ran to get one. When he returned to his master, however, the man looked at him with sadness. Any thoughts why?

The Prophecy Completed He confessed he had not finished the prophecy. Whoever took up a sword would have fame, but would die young, which became true of Cu Chulainn is often called the Irish Achilles, since he was a strong warrior who lived only a short time.

The Young Warrior Cu Chulainn was a powerful man. He had the power to transform into a monster in the heat of battle, and for that reason many chose not to fight him. Throughout the years he fought many battles, and loved many women. One of those women, Aife, bore him a son.

Connla and Cu Chulainn Before Connla was born, Cu Chulainn gave his mother Aife instructions. He said his son should come and find him when he was old enough, but tell nobody who he was. Connla obeys and arrives in Ireland years later, a powerful warrior who does not reveal his identity. Any guesses about what happens? It’s not good…

The Death of Connla Cu Chulainn’s soldiers, terrified of the nameless warrior, warn Cu Chulainn about him. Cu Chulainn hunts him down and kills him, only after his death realising that he has killed his own son. This return of a son and death by the father is reminiscent of another legend. Which one?

Cu Chulainn’s Bravery Although there are many incidents of bravery, the story of Bricriu’s Feast is one example. Cu Chulainn and two other men are invited to the house of a trickster, to see who is the strongest and bravest.

The Competition The three men compete in many events and each time it is Cu Chulainn who is the winner. Despite his victory, the other two men refuse to recognize him as the best. Finally, a man named Cu Rui gives them one last challenge.

Cu Rui’s Plan He arrives disguised as a monster, who says that each of the three men may chop off his head, if in return he may chop theirs off on the fourth day. The men agree, and each day for the next three days, they chop off his head. Each time, Cu Rui picks up his head and leaves. When it is Cu Rui’s turn to chop off their heads, what do you think happens?

Cu Chulainn Triumphant When Cu Rui arrives, only Cu Chulainn is there. The other two have fled in fear. Cu Rui announces Cu Chulainn as the winner, and the bravest of men.

The End of Cu Chulainn There are many other stories of Cu Chulainn, but we will only discuss one more: the death of Cu Chulainn and the end of the Ulster Cycle.

The Evil Plan Ø One day, three princes form a plan to kill the Irish hero. They plan to send three messengers to taunt and weaken him, and then kill him once it is safe. Cu Chulainn, unaware of the plan, rides out with his charioteer and two horses, ready to face three men.

The First Taunt The first man arrives and makes Cu Chulainn so angry with his taunt that he kills the messenger. In response, one of the princes kills the charioteer. Cu Chulainn continues his voyage, driving his chariot himself.

The Second Taunt Ø The second messenger arrives and makes Cu Chulainn so angry that he again kills the man. Again, one of the princes attacks Cu Chulainn, this time killing his favorite horse. Cu Chulainn continues with one last horse.

The Final Taunt Finally, the last messenger arrives, and Cu Chulainn is so angry that he kills him. Lugain, one of the princes, throws a spear at the hero, ripping open his stomach and scaring away his remaining horse. Cu Chulainn, dying, stumbles towards a tree. Why?

Cu Chulainn’s Bravery Cu Chulainn ties himself to a tree so he can die standing up, and Lugain approaches him to cut off his head. What do you think happens next?

Cu Chulainn’s Last Act Lugaid steps up to Cu Chulainn, and beheads him, but as he dies, Cu Chulainn drops his sword. As it falls, it cuts off the hand of Lugain. This marks the end of Cu Chulainn, and the Ulster Cycle.

Differences Between The Cycles The Ulster cycle differs from the mythological cycle because although the characters, like Cu Cuchulainn, have superhuman powers, they are not gods. The Mythological cycle is like the Golden Age of Ireland, while the Ulster cycle is the age of heroes.

Vocabulary smith – someone who works with metal, blacksmith everlasting – forever charioteer – someone who drives a chariot taunt – to tease or make fun of someone