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 Táin Bó Cúalnge[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 Conarè 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 Suibnè
from the Siuir, the three Eochaid from Anè, 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 Manè 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 Manè from Mossa, the three
Scathglan from Scairè, the three Echtach from Ercè, the three Trenfer from
Taitè, the three Fintan from Femen, [LL.fo.102a.] the three Rotanach from
Rognè, the three Sarchorach from Suidè Lagen, the three Etarscel from
Etarbane, the three Aed from Aidnè, the three Guarè 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'),
Letè'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 Manè 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 Letè 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 Táin.[a] For, [5]when thou hadst not
thy sword with thee,[5] I did flee before thee in thine own combat on the
Táin; [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 Manè 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 Táin, 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] Manè 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 Largè ('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 Darè, 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 Táin 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 Táin 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:

á (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_.
é (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_.
í (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_.
ó (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_.
ú (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

Aifè: one of the three women-teachers of Cuchulain and Ferdiad (pronounced
_Eefe_)

Ailè: 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

Ainè: _see_ Cnoc Ainè

Airnè: north-east of Assè

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 Liccè

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

Assè: 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 Táin Bó Cúalnge, 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

Branè: 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 _Cruhóor_, _Connahóor_)

Conlaech: son of Cuchulain and Aifè

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 Darè and king of South Munster

Cuscraid Menn Macha: son of Conchobar

Dall Scena: a place north of Ailè

Dalraida: now "the Route," a territory north of Slieve Mish, in the north
of the County Antrim

Darè: 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 Liccè: 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 Scenè: 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

Fenè: the old tribal name of the Gaels; the "King of the Fenè" 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 Táin 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 _Fín-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 Táin

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 Táin 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 Liccè

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

Linè (or Mag Linè): 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 Linè: 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 Táin, 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 Aifè: 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 Largè: 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

_Printed by_ BUTLER & TANNER, _Frome and London_