Background Macha was an Irish war goddesss, strongly linked to the land. Macha was the wife of Crunniuc. She, was thought to be one aspect of the triple death-goddess, the Morrigán (the “Great Queen” or “Phantom Queen”), consisting of Macha “Raven”, Badb “Scald Crow” or “Coiling”, and Nemain “Battle Furey” Macha is associated with both […]

Birth and Childhood Cúchulainn was the son of the Celtic god Lugh and a mortal princess. He was destined for a short glorious life, and he was often depicted with the shadow of his doom looming over his shoulder. As a boy his name was Setanta. On a journey to join the king of Ulster’s […]

Background Aoife (The Bright One) was the daughter of Ailill of Aran, foster daughter to Bodhbh Dearg the King of the Tuatha Dé Danann, and younger sister to Aobh who was the first wife of Lir of SídhFionnachaidh. Stories of Aoife After Lir’s wife died giving birth to twin boys, Aoife was offered as a […]

Overview: Lavercham was a woman resident in the court of Conor MacNessa, and she agreed to take sole charge of the infant Deirdre until such time as she could be married to the king. Stories of Lavercham: Some sources say that Lavercham was a satirist and that all were wary of her sharp tongue. Nevertheless, […]

Overview Ferdia, Cuchulainn’s foster brother, was one of the fiercest of the Connacht warriors and was said to possess a magical skin of horn which no point or blade could pierce. Cuchulainn and Ferdia were close companions when they were receiving their training in arms under the warrior woman, Scathach. 
Stories of Ferdia: When it […]

Background: Fand is a Fairy Woman, described as ‘the pearl of beauty’, wife of Manannan MacLir, the Sea God. Her story is a small intriguing part of the Ulster Cycle and the story of Cuchulainn. Stories of Fand: Cuchulainn, the great warrior, as he would sleep after hunting had a vision of two women of […]