Táin Bó Flidhais
Encyclopedia
Ulster Cycle
The Ulster Cycle , formerly known as the Red Branch Cycle, one of the four great cycles of Irish mythology, is a body of medieval Irish heroic legends and sagas of the traditional heroes of the Ulaid in what is now eastern Ulster and northern Leinster, particularly counties Armagh, Down and...
of early Irish literature
Early Irish literature
-The earliest Irish authors:It is unclear when literacy first came to Ireland. The earliest Irish writings are inscriptions, mostly simple memorials, on stone in the ogham alphabet, the earliest of which date to the fourth century...
. It is one of a group of works known as Táin Bó
Táin Bó
The Táin Bó, or cattle raid , is one of the genres of early Irish literature. The medieval Irish literati organised their work into genres such as the Cattle Raid , the Voyage , the Feast , the Wooing , the Conception and the Death , rather than the familiar but...
, or "cattle raid" stories, the best known of which is Táin Bó Cúailnge
Táin Bó Cúailnge
is a legendary tale from early Irish literature, often considered an epic, although it is written primarily in prose rather than verse. It tells of a war against Ulster by the Connacht queen Medb and her husband Ailill, who intend to steal the stud bull Donn Cuailnge, opposed only by the teenage...
. Táin Bó Flidhais has been passed down to us in two forms, a short version from the Old Irish period and a longer, more wordy version probably written in the 15th century. The early version of Táin Bó Flidhais predates the Táin Bó Cúailnge. It is named for the heroine of the tale, Flidais
Flidais
Flidais is a female mythological figure in early Irish literature, including the Lebor Gabála Érenn, the Metrical Dindsenchas and the Ulster Cycle...
.
Historical setting
At the time that these legendary tales relate to (the second half of the Iron AgeIron Age
The Iron Age is the archaeological period generally occurring after the Bronze Age, marked by the prevalent use of iron. The early period of the age is characterized by the widespread use of iron or steel. The adoption of such material coincided with other changes in society, including differing...
(approx. 50AD – 500AD and early Medieval Ireland (approximately AD 500 – 800), Ireland was a country divided up into hundreds if not thousands of territories known as tuatha. This tale is likely to relate to incidents around 100 AD before the arrival of people bringing Christian teachings with them. Each tuatha had at its head a 'king'. Some 'kings' were higher ranking than others and some, like Queen Maedbh
Medb
Medb – Middle Irish: Meḋḃ, Meaḋḃ; early modern Irish: Meadhbh ; reformed modern Irish Méabh, Medbh; sometimes Anglicised Maeve, Maev or Maive – is queen of Connacht in the Ulster Cycle of Irish mythology...
were the head of an entire province such as Connacht
Connacht
Connacht , formerly anglicised as Connaught, is one of the Provinces of Ireland situated in the west of Ireland. In Ancient Ireland, it was one of the fifths ruled by a "king of over-kings" . Following the Norman invasion of Ireland, the ancient kingdoms were shired into a number of counties for...
. There was constant battling amongst the kings over territorial boundaries and, as is demonstrated in this story, when one “king triumphed over another, he cut off his vicim’s head to parade it as a prestigious trophy, proving that he was no longer alive. Terrible things were done to the conquered 'king’s' remains by the victorious 'king'. Brehon Laws
Brehon Laws
Early Irish law refers to the statutes that governed everyday life and politics in Early Medieval Ireland. They were partially eclipsed by the Norman invasion of 1169, but underwent a resurgence in the 13th century, and survived into Early Modern Ireland in parallel with English law over the...
were the order of the day and armies consisted of both men and women who fought side by side.
At the same time in Ireland, small churches were being built, some being the provenance of just a single monk (usually nowadays referred to as "saints"). The townlands where small religious communities existed are often now known by the name of the 'saint' who founded them – e.g.: Cill Ghallagáin (Church of St. Galligan) or Cill Chomáin
Kilcommon
Kilcommon is a civil parish in Erris, north Mayo consisting of two large peninsulas; Dún Chaocháin and Dún Chiortáin. It consists of 37 townlands, some of which are so remote that they have no inhabitants...
. Some of these small churches grew into religious communities of monks which got larger and more prosperous; others remained small and fairly insignificant. This period was the Golden Age of making illuminated manuscripts and craftworking of relics with gold and silver filigree in the monasteries. Some items, like the Cross of Cong
Cross of Cong
The Cross of Cong is an early 12th century Irish Christian ornamented cusped processional cross, which was, as an inscription says, made for Tairrdelbach Ua Conchobair , King of Connacht and High King of Ireland to donate to the Cathedral church of the period that was located at Tuam, County...
or the Ardagh Chalice
Ardagh Chalice
The Ardagh Hoard, best known for the Ardagh Chalice, is a hoard of metalwork from the 8th and 9th centuries, found in 1868 and now in the National Museum of Ireland in Dublin...
can be seen in Irish museums today.
The Early Christian and the tuatha communities existed side by side across the Irish landscape, sometimes in harmony, sometimes not. Often the “kings” of the tuatha found it advantageous to become patrons of their local religious community as it gave them prestige. The people of the tuatha were usually the extended family of the “king”. They would have included many generations of relatives and also children of other tuatha who were given “fosterage
Fosterage
Fosterage, the practice of a family bringing up a child not their own, differs from adoption in that the child's parents, not the foster-parents, remain the acknowledged parents. In many modern western societies foster care can be organised by the state to care for children with troubled family...
” by a different tuatha and treated with as much love as if they were the children of the “king”. This extended family was the army with which the territorial battles were fought between kings. For an interesting 'take' on Irish life at this time, Topographia Hibernica
Topographia Hibernica
Topographia Hibernica , also known as Topographia Hiberniae, is an account of the landscape and people of Ireland written by Gerald of Wales around 1188, soon after the Norman invasion of Ireland...
(1887) (Topography of Ireland) by Welsh monk, Geraldus Cambrensis who came to Ireland at the time of the first Anglo-Norman
Anglo-Norman
The Anglo-Normans were mainly the descendants of the Normans who ruled England following the Norman conquest by William the Conqueror in 1066. A small number of Normans were already settled in England prior to the conquest...
s in the 12th century, has its place. His book Expugnatia Hibernica (The Conquest of Ireland) was published a couple of years after his Topographia.
Táin Bó Flidhais
Táin Bó Flidhais is not as well known as the Táin Bó Cuailnge, but the story it relates is equally as complex and intricate. It includes many of the most important characters of Irish saga literature who appear in many of the cycles of legends from the period. Queen MaedbhMedb
Medb – Middle Irish: Meḋḃ, Meaḋḃ; early modern Irish: Meadhbh ; reformed modern Irish Méabh, Medbh; sometimes Anglicised Maeve, Maev or Maive – is queen of Connacht in the Ulster Cycle of Irish mythology...
, the Queen of Connacht, is one such individual, as are Cú Chulainn
Cú Chulainn
Cú Chulainn or Cúchulainn , and sometimes known in English as Cuhullin , is an Irish mythological hero who appears in the stories of the Ulster Cycle, as well as in Scottish and Manx folklore...
and the irresistible hero, Fergus mac Róich
Fergus mac Róich
Fergus mac Róich is a character of the Ulster Cycle of Irish mythology...
.
The story of the Táin Bó Flidhais is set in the province of Connacht in Ireland at the end of the Iron Age
Iron Age
The Iron Age is the archaeological period generally occurring after the Bronze Age, marked by the prevalent use of iron. The early period of the age is characterized by the widespread use of iron or steel. The adoption of such material coincided with other changes in society, including differing...
. The Royal fort of Cruachan
Cruachan, Ireland
Rathcroghan is a complex of archaeological sites near Tulsk in County Roscommon, Ireland. It is identified as the site of Cruachan, the traditional capital of the Connachta. While it is debatable whether this was a place of residence, it had huge importance as a cemetery and also hosted some of...
, near Tulsk in Roscommon
Roscommon
Roscommon is the county town of County Roscommon in Ireland. Its population at the 2006 census stood at 5,017 . The town is located near the junctions of the N60, N61 and N63 roads.-History:...
was the seat of the Queen of Connacht, Maedbh and her husband, King Ailill
Ailill mac Máta
Ailill mac Máta is the king of the Connachta and the husband of queen Medb in the Ulster Cycle of Irish mythology. He rules from Cruachan .-Family background, marriage and offspring:...
MacMáta. The story tells the tale of a punitive raid by them on one of the Gamhanraidh
Gamanraige
The Gamanraige were the main branch of the Fir Ol nEchmacht, a people who ruled much of Ireland west of the Shannon in the pre-historic era.The Gamanraige ruled the territory between the Gallimhe or Galway river, to the Drowes and Duff rivers in the north-east. Their capital was Rath Eochaidh,...
tribe who lived in County Mayo
County Mayo
County Mayo is a county in Ireland. It is located in the West Region and is also part of the province of Connacht. It is named after the village of Mayo, which is now generally known as Mayo Abbey. Mayo County Council is the local authority for the county. The population of the county is 130,552...
, a tribe as well respected in Connacht as the Red Branch Knights were in Ulster
Ulster
Ulster is one of the four provinces of Ireland, located in the north of the island. In ancient Ireland, it was one of the fifths ruled by a "king of over-kings" . Following the Norman invasion of Ireland, the ancient kingdoms were shired into a number of counties for administrative and judicial...
. The heroine of the tale is Flidhais Fholtchain
Flidais
Flidais is a female mythological figure in early Irish literature, including the Lebor Gabála Érenn, the Metrical Dindsenchas and the Ulster Cycle...
(Flidhais of the lovely soft hair), a ravishing beauty, a Celtic Artemis
Artemis
Artemis was one of the most widely venerated of the Ancient Greek deities. Her Roman equivalent is Diana. Some scholars believe that the name and indeed the goddess herself was originally pre-Greek. Homer refers to her as Artemis Agrotera, Potnia Theron: "Artemis of the wildland, Mistress of Animals"...
, who was married to Oilill Fionn
Ailill Finn
Ailill Finn, son of Art mac Lugdach, was, according to medieval Irish legend and historical tradition, a High King of Ireland. In the Lebor Gabála Érenn, he succeeds to the throne when his father is killed by Fíachu Tolgrach and his son Dui Ladrach. He rules for nine years. Two years into his...
, a king of the Gamhanraidh tribe and the son of a powerful chieftain called Domhnall Dualbhuidhe (Donal of the yellow locks) who lived at Glencastle
Glencastle
Glencastle is a village of about 30 people in the northwest of County Mayo, Ireland. The townland incorporates an area of . The Irish language is still dominant there.- Topography :...
in Erris
Erris
Erris is a barony in northwestern County Mayo in Ireland consisting of over , much of which is mountainous blanket bog. It has extensive sea coasts along its west and north boundaries. The main towns are Belmullet and Bangor Erris. The name Erris derives from the Irish 'Iar Ros' meaning 'western...
and operated the gates to the Mullet Peninsula. Flidhais and Oilill owned two forts in Co. Mayo, one at Rathmorgan, known as Dún Flidhais, situated at the southern end of Carrowmore Lake
Carrowmore Lake
Carrowmore Lake is situated in the parishes of Kiltane and Kilcommon Erris, County Mayo between the villages of Bangor Erris and Barnatra at the southern end of Broadhaven Bay. The freshwater lake is over four miles long and almost 3 miles wide at its widest point...
in Erris and another west of Lough Conn
Lough Conn
Lough Conn is a lake in County Mayo in the province of Connacht in Ireland and covers about 14,000 acres . With its immediate neighbour to the south, Lough Cullin, it is connected to the Atlantic by the River Moy...
near Nephin
Nephin
Nephin or Nefin , at 806 metres , is the second highest peak in County Mayo and the second highest in Connacht, in Ireland...
, known as Dún Átha Féan, further south. The Gamhanraidh tribe of which Flidhais and Oilill were part, owned large stretches of territory, stretching all the way west of the Shannon
River Shannon
The River Shannon is the longest river in Ireland at . It divides the west of Ireland from the east and south . County Clare, being west of the Shannon but part of the province of Munster, is the major exception...
from North Mayo as far down as County Clare
County Clare
-History:There was a Neolithic civilisation in the Clare area — the name of the peoples is unknown, but the Prehistoric peoples left evidence behind in the form of ancient dolmen; single-chamber megalithic tombs, usually consisting of three or more upright stones...
.
Flidhais and Oilill had a legendary white cow, the Maol, which, it was reputed, gave vast quantities of milk every day – said to be enough milk to satisfy three hundred men together with their women and their children, in one milking. They also owned several other enormous herds of cattle and deer. Flidhais and Oilill had four daughters, one of who was said to be the adulterous lover of the hero, Cú Chulainn
Cú Chulainn
Cú Chulainn or Cúchulainn , and sometimes known in English as Cuhullin , is an Irish mythological hero who appears in the stories of the Ulster Cycle, as well as in Scottish and Manx folklore...
. Flidhais had a reputation of having a voracious sexual appetite herself and she harboured a lust for the Ulster hero Fergus mac Róich
Fergus mac Róich
Fergus mac Róich is a character of the Ulster Cycle of Irish mythology...
who, having fought with and killed so many tribal chieftains in Ulster, was lying low at Cruachan
Cruachan
Cruachan may refer to:*Cruachan, Ireland, the ancient capital of the kingdom of Connacht in Ireland*Cruachan , an Irish Celtic metal band*Ben Cruachan, a Scottish mountain...
, the Royal rath of Maedbh and Ailill in Roscommon for his own safety. Fergus had gone to Cruachan
Cruachan, Ireland
Rathcroghan is a complex of archaeological sites near Tulsk in County Roscommon, Ireland. It is identified as the site of Cruachan, the traditional capital of the Connachta. While it is debatable whether this was a place of residence, it had huge importance as a cemetery and also hosted some of...
after his triumphant bloody battles in Ulster, to gain the shield of the name and fame of Queen Maedbh and her consort, King Ailill mac Máta
Ailill mac Máta
Ailill mac Máta is the king of the Connachta and the husband of queen Medb in the Ulster Cycle of Irish mythology. He rules from Cruachan .-Family background, marriage and offspring:...
.
Fergus was a fine figure of a man and it did not take long for the "shameless" Queen Maedbh to fall hopelessly in lust with her equally promiscuous guest. Her consort, Ailill however, observed the daily infidelity and one night, in retaliation, he stole Fergus's enchanted sword from his guest's scabbard and replaced it with a wooden replica.
Treachery of Bricne
There were always many 'guests' from various tribal factions at Cruachan for one reason or another. At the same time as Fergus was a guest there, there was another guest by the name of Bricne Nimhtheanga of whom it was said “he rejoiced in iniquity as much as in satire”. It was he who initiated the battle which became known as the Táin Bó Flidhais.Flidhais had her precious 'Maol' penned at her fort of Dún Flidhais at Rathmorgan
Carrowmore Lake
Carrowmore Lake is situated in the parishes of Kiltane and Kilcommon Erris, County Mayo between the villages of Bangor Erris and Barnatra at the southern end of Broadhaven Bay. The freshwater lake is over four miles long and almost 3 miles wide at its widest point...
in Erris
Erris
Erris is a barony in northwestern County Mayo in Ireland consisting of over , much of which is mountainous blanket bog. It has extensive sea coasts along its west and north boundaries. The main towns are Belmullet and Bangor Erris. The name Erris derives from the Irish 'Iar Ros' meaning 'western...
. She often lived at this fort in Erris while her husband stayed at the fort on Lough Conn. They had large herds of cattle
Cattle
Cattle are the most common type of large domesticated ungulates. They are a prominent modern member of the subfamily Bovinae, are the most widespread species of the genus Bos, and are most commonly classified collectively as Bos primigenius...
at both places and this suggests they were very wealthy as ownership of cattle was the main indicator of power and wealth prevailing in the economy at the time.
Bricne Nimhtheanga decided to set off for Dún Flidhais fort in Erris
Erris
Erris is a barony in northwestern County Mayo in Ireland consisting of over , much of which is mountainous blanket bog. It has extensive sea coasts along its west and north boundaries. The main towns are Belmullet and Bangor Erris. The name Erris derives from the Irish 'Iar Ros' meaning 'western...
. His plan was to cause trouble. Travellers associated with the Queen of Connacht were treated with great courtesy everywhere they went so when Bricne arrived at Rathmorgan he was courteously welcomed, wined and dined by Flidhais and her entourage who all turned out in their best finery for the occasion. Flidhais had the fort heavily perfumed and decorated with mistletoe and herbs and they wined and dined in great style.
Later everyone was tired and went to sleep apart from Flidhais and Bricne. He sang to Flidhais:
From CruachanCruachan, IrelandRathcroghan is a complex of archaeological sites near Tulsk in County Roscommon, Ireland. It is identified as the site of Cruachan, the traditional capital of the Connachta. While it is debatable whether this was a place of residence, it had huge importance as a cemetery and also hosted some of...
we have come
To ErrisErrisErris is a barony in northwestern County Mayo in Ireland consisting of over , much of which is mountainous blanket bog. It has extensive sea coasts along its west and north boundaries. The main towns are Belmullet and Bangor Erris. The name Erris derives from the Irish 'Iar Ros' meaning 'western...
in the west of Elga.
In every DúnDunDun is now used both as a generic term for a fort and also for a specific variety of Atlantic roundhouse...
we passed, we heard
Of Flidhais and her cow,
Flidhais the lady of Oilill,
Dear to me the name of the spouse,
Domhnall Dualbhuidhe's warrior son,
Bounteous the lady who will not forsake me
When we came out of Eamhain
Our quarrel left no slight track
The cause of Fergus whose exploits are many
Brought us in numbers to Cruachain
Táin Bó Flidhais, also known as the Mayo Táin, is a tale from the Ulster CycleUlster CycleThe Ulster Cycle , formerly known as the Red Branch Cycle, one of the four great cycles of Irish mythology, is a body of medieval Irish heroic legends and sagas of the traditional heroes of the Ulaid in what is now eastern Ulster and northern Leinster, particularly counties Armagh, Down and...
of early Irish literatureEarly Irish literature-The earliest Irish authors:It is unclear when literacy first came to Ireland. The earliest Irish writings are inscriptions, mostly simple memorials, on stone in the ogham alphabet, the earliest of which date to the fourth century...
. It is one of a group of works known as Táin BóTáin BóThe Táin Bó, or cattle raid , is one of the genres of early Irish literature. The medieval Irish literati organised their work into genres such as the Cattle Raid , the Voyage , the Feast , the Wooing , the Conception and the Death , rather than the familiar but...
, or "cattle raid" stories, the best known of which is Táin Bó CúailngeTáin Bó Cúailngeis a legendary tale from early Irish literature, often considered an epic, although it is written primarily in prose rather than verse. It tells of a war against Ulster by the Connacht queen Medb and her husband Ailill, who intend to steal the stud bull Donn Cuailnge, opposed only by the teenage...
. Táin Bó Flidhais has been passed down to us in two forms, a short version from the Old Irish period and a longer, more wordy version probably written in the 15th century. The early version of Táin Bó Flidhais predates the Táin Bó Cúailnge.Dunford, S. Táin Bó Flidhais (2008), Dublin.jstor.org.westernpeople.ie. It is named for the heroine of the tale, FlidaisFlidaisFlidais is a female mythological figure in early Irish literature, including the Lebor Gabála Érenn, the Metrical Dindsenchas and the Ulster Cycle...
.
Historical setting
At the time that these legendary tales relate to (the second half of the Iron AgeIron AgeThe Iron Age is the archaeological period generally occurring after the Bronze Age, marked by the prevalent use of iron. The early period of the age is characterized by the widespread use of iron or steel. The adoption of such material coincided with other changes in society, including differing...
(approx. 50AD – 500AD and early Medieval Ireland (approximately AD 500 – 800), Ireland was a country divided up into hundreds if not thousands of territories known as tuatha. This tale is likely to relate to incidents around 100 AD before the arrival of people bringing Christian teachings with them. Each tuatha had at its head a 'king'. Some 'kings' were higher ranking than others and some, like Queen MaedbhMedbMedb – Middle Irish: Meḋḃ, Meaḋḃ; early modern Irish: Meadhbh ; reformed modern Irish Méabh, Medbh; sometimes Anglicised Maeve, Maev or Maive – is queen of Connacht in the Ulster Cycle of Irish mythology...
were the head of an entire province such as ConnachtConnachtConnacht , formerly anglicised as Connaught, is one of the Provinces of Ireland situated in the west of Ireland. In Ancient Ireland, it was one of the fifths ruled by a "king of over-kings" . Following the Norman invasion of Ireland, the ancient kingdoms were shired into a number of counties for...
. There was constant battling amongst the kings over territorial boundaries and, as is demonstrated in this story, when one “king triumphed over another, he cut off his vicim’s head to parade it as a prestigious trophy, proving that he was no longer alive. Terrible things were done to the conquered 'king’s' remains by the victorious 'king'. Brehon LawsBrehon LawsEarly Irish law refers to the statutes that governed everyday life and politics in Early Medieval Ireland. They were partially eclipsed by the Norman invasion of 1169, but underwent a resurgence in the 13th century, and survived into Early Modern Ireland in parallel with English law over the...
were the order of the day and armies consisted of both men and women who fought side by side.
At the same time in Ireland, small churches were being built, some being the provenance of just a single monk (usually nowadays referred to as "saints"). The townlands where small religious communities existed are often now known by the name of the 'saint' who founded them – e.g.: Cill Ghallagáin (Church of St. Galligan) or Cill ChomáinKilcommonKilcommon is a civil parish in Erris, north Mayo consisting of two large peninsulas; Dún Chaocháin and Dún Chiortáin. It consists of 37 townlands, some of which are so remote that they have no inhabitants...
. Some of these small churches grew into religious communities of monks which got larger and more prosperous; others remained small and fairly insignificant. This period was the Golden Age of making illuminated manuscripts and craftworking of relics with gold and silver filigree in the monasteries. Some items, like the Cross of CongCross of CongThe Cross of Cong is an early 12th century Irish Christian ornamented cusped processional cross, which was, as an inscription says, made for Tairrdelbach Ua Conchobair , King of Connacht and High King of Ireland to donate to the Cathedral church of the period that was located at Tuam, County...
or the Ardagh ChaliceArdagh ChaliceThe Ardagh Hoard, best known for the Ardagh Chalice, is a hoard of metalwork from the 8th and 9th centuries, found in 1868 and now in the National Museum of Ireland in Dublin...
can be seen in Irish museums today.
The Early Christian and the tuatha communities existed side by side across the Irish landscape, sometimes in harmony, sometimes not. Often the “kings” of the tuatha found it advantageous to become patrons of their local religious community as it gave them prestige. The people of the tuatha were usually the extended family of the “king”. They would have included many generations of relatives and also children of other tuatha who were given “fosterageFosterageFosterage, the practice of a family bringing up a child not their own, differs from adoption in that the child's parents, not the foster-parents, remain the acknowledged parents. In many modern western societies foster care can be organised by the state to care for children with troubled family...
” by a different tuatha and treated with as much love as if they were the children of the “king”. This extended family was the army with which the territorial battles were fought between kings. For an interesting 'take' on Irish life at this time, Topographia HibernicaTopographia HibernicaTopographia Hibernica , also known as Topographia Hiberniae, is an account of the landscape and people of Ireland written by Gerald of Wales around 1188, soon after the Norman invasion of Ireland...
(1887) (Topography of Ireland) by Welsh monk, Geraldus Cambrensis who came to Ireland at the time of the first Anglo-NormanAnglo-NormanThe Anglo-Normans were mainly the descendants of the Normans who ruled England following the Norman conquest by William the Conqueror in 1066. A small number of Normans were already settled in England prior to the conquest...
s in the 12th century, has its place. His book Expugnatia Hibernica (The Conquest of Ireland) was published a couple of years after his Topographia.Wright, Thomas, The Historical Works of Giraldus Cambrensis (1913), London.
Táin Bó Flidhais
Táin Bó Flidhais is not as well known as the Táin Bó Cuailnge, but the story it relates is equally as complex and intricate. It includes many of the most important characters of Irish saga literature who appear in many of the cycles of legends from the period. Queen MaedbhMedbMedb – Middle Irish: Meḋḃ, Meaḋḃ; early modern Irish: Meadhbh ; reformed modern Irish Méabh, Medbh; sometimes Anglicised Maeve, Maev or Maive – is queen of Connacht in the Ulster Cycle of Irish mythology...
, the Queen of Connacht, is one such individual, as are Cú ChulainnCú ChulainnCú Chulainn or Cúchulainn , and sometimes known in English as Cuhullin , is an Irish mythological hero who appears in the stories of the Ulster Cycle, as well as in Scottish and Manx folklore...
and the irresistible hero, Fergus mac RóichFergus mac RóichFergus mac Róich is a character of the Ulster Cycle of Irish mythology...
.
The story of the Táin Bó Flidhais is set in the province of Connacht in Ireland at the end of the Iron AgeIron AgeThe Iron Age is the archaeological period generally occurring after the Bronze Age, marked by the prevalent use of iron. The early period of the age is characterized by the widespread use of iron or steel. The adoption of such material coincided with other changes in society, including differing...
. The Royal fort of CruachanCruachan, IrelandRathcroghan is a complex of archaeological sites near Tulsk in County Roscommon, Ireland. It is identified as the site of Cruachan, the traditional capital of the Connachta. While it is debatable whether this was a place of residence, it had huge importance as a cemetery and also hosted some of...
, near Tulsk in RoscommonRoscommonRoscommon is the county town of County Roscommon in Ireland. Its population at the 2006 census stood at 5,017 . The town is located near the junctions of the N60, N61 and N63 roads.-History:...
was the seat of the Queen of Connacht, Maedbh and her husband, King AilillAilill mac MátaAilill mac Máta is the king of the Connachta and the husband of queen Medb in the Ulster Cycle of Irish mythology. He rules from Cruachan .-Family background, marriage and offspring:...
MacMáta. The story tells the tale of a punitive raid by them on one of the GamhanraidhGamanraigeThe Gamanraige were the main branch of the Fir Ol nEchmacht, a people who ruled much of Ireland west of the Shannon in the pre-historic era.The Gamanraige ruled the territory between the Gallimhe or Galway river, to the Drowes and Duff rivers in the north-east. Their capital was Rath Eochaidh,...
tribe who lived in County MayoCounty MayoCounty Mayo is a county in Ireland. It is located in the West Region and is also part of the province of Connacht. It is named after the village of Mayo, which is now generally known as Mayo Abbey. Mayo County Council is the local authority for the county. The population of the county is 130,552...
, a tribe as well respected in Connacht as the Red Branch Knights were in UlsterUlsterUlster is one of the four provinces of Ireland, located in the north of the island. In ancient Ireland, it was one of the fifths ruled by a "king of over-kings" . Following the Norman invasion of Ireland, the ancient kingdoms were shired into a number of counties for administrative and judicial...
. The heroine of the tale is Flidhais FholtchainFlidaisFlidais is a female mythological figure in early Irish literature, including the Lebor Gabála Érenn, the Metrical Dindsenchas and the Ulster Cycle...
(Flidhais of the lovely soft hair), a ravishing beauty, a Celtic ArtemisArtemisArtemis was one of the most widely venerated of the Ancient Greek deities. Her Roman equivalent is Diana. Some scholars believe that the name and indeed the goddess herself was originally pre-Greek. Homer refers to her as Artemis Agrotera, Potnia Theron: "Artemis of the wildland, Mistress of Animals"...
, who was married to Oilill FionnAilill FinnAilill Finn, son of Art mac Lugdach, was, according to medieval Irish legend and historical tradition, a High King of Ireland. In the Lebor Gabála Érenn, he succeeds to the throne when his father is killed by Fíachu Tolgrach and his son Dui Ladrach. He rules for nine years. Two years into his...
, a king of the Gamhanraidh tribe and the son of a powerful chieftain called Domhnall Dualbhuidhe (Donal of the yellow locks) who lived at GlencastleGlencastleGlencastle is a village of about 30 people in the northwest of County Mayo, Ireland. The townland incorporates an area of . The Irish language is still dominant there.- Topography :...
in ErrisErrisErris is a barony in northwestern County Mayo in Ireland consisting of over , much of which is mountainous blanket bog. It has extensive sea coasts along its west and north boundaries. The main towns are Belmullet and Bangor Erris. The name Erris derives from the Irish 'Iar Ros' meaning 'western...
and operated the gates to the Mullet Peninsula. Flidhais and Oilill owned two forts in Co. Mayo, one at Rathmorgan, known as Dún Flidhais, situated at the southern end of Carrowmore LakeCarrowmore LakeCarrowmore Lake is situated in the parishes of Kiltane and Kilcommon Erris, County Mayo between the villages of Bangor Erris and Barnatra at the southern end of Broadhaven Bay. The freshwater lake is over four miles long and almost 3 miles wide at its widest point...
in Erris and another west of Lough ConnLough ConnLough Conn is a lake in County Mayo in the province of Connacht in Ireland and covers about 14,000 acres . With its immediate neighbour to the south, Lough Cullin, it is connected to the Atlantic by the River Moy...
near NephinNephinNephin or Nefin , at 806 metres , is the second highest peak in County Mayo and the second highest in Connacht, in Ireland...
, known as Dún Átha Féan, further south. The Gamhanraidh tribe of which Flidhais and Oilill were part, owned large stretches of territory, stretching all the way west of the ShannonRiver ShannonThe River Shannon is the longest river in Ireland at . It divides the west of Ireland from the east and south . County Clare, being west of the Shannon but part of the province of Munster, is the major exception...
from North Mayo as far down as County ClareCounty Clare-History:There was a Neolithic civilisation in the Clare area — the name of the peoples is unknown, but the Prehistoric peoples left evidence behind in the form of ancient dolmen; single-chamber megalithic tombs, usually consisting of three or more upright stones...
.
Flidhais and Oilill had a legendary white cow, the Maol, which, it was reputed, gave vast quantities of milk every day – said to be enough milk to satisfy three hundred men together with their women and their children, in one milking. They also owned several other enormous herds of cattle and deer. Flidhais and Oilill had four daughters, one of who was said to be the adulterous lover of the hero, Cú ChulainnCú ChulainnCú Chulainn or Cúchulainn , and sometimes known in English as Cuhullin , is an Irish mythological hero who appears in the stories of the Ulster Cycle, as well as in Scottish and Manx folklore...
. Flidhais had a reputation of having a voracious sexual appetite herself and she harboured a lust for the Ulster hero Fergus mac RóichFergus mac RóichFergus mac Róich is a character of the Ulster Cycle of Irish mythology...
who, having fought with and killed so many tribal chieftains in Ulster, was lying low at CruachanCruachanCruachan may refer to:*Cruachan, Ireland, the ancient capital of the kingdom of Connacht in Ireland*Cruachan , an Irish Celtic metal band*Ben Cruachan, a Scottish mountain...
, the Royal rath of Maedbh and Ailill in Roscommon for his own safety. Fergus had gone to CruachanCruachan, IrelandRathcroghan is a complex of archaeological sites near Tulsk in County Roscommon, Ireland. It is identified as the site of Cruachan, the traditional capital of the Connachta. While it is debatable whether this was a place of residence, it had huge importance as a cemetery and also hosted some of...
after his triumphant bloody battles in Ulster, to gain the shield of the name and fame of Queen Maedbh and her consort, King Ailill mac MátaAilill mac MátaAilill mac Máta is the king of the Connachta and the husband of queen Medb in the Ulster Cycle of Irish mythology. He rules from Cruachan .-Family background, marriage and offspring:...
.
Fergus was a fine figure of a man and it did not take long for the "shameless" Queen Maedbh to fall hopelessly in lust with her equally promiscuous guest. Her consort, Ailill however, observed the daily infidelity and one night, in retaliation, he stole Fergus's enchanted sword from his guest's scabbard and replaced it with a wooden replica.
Treachery of Bricne
There were always many 'guests' from various tribal factions at Cruachan for one reason or another. At the same time as Fergus was a guest there, there was another guest by the name of Bricne Nimhtheanga of whom it was said “he rejoiced in iniquity as much as in satire”.Dunford, Stephen, Táin Bó Flidhais The Mayo Táin (2008), Dublin. It was he who initiated the battle which became known as the Táin Bó Flidhais.
Flidhais had her precious 'Maol' penned at her fort of Dún Flidhais at RathmorganCarrowmore LakeCarrowmore Lake is situated in the parishes of Kiltane and Kilcommon Erris, County Mayo between the villages of Bangor Erris and Barnatra at the southern end of Broadhaven Bay. The freshwater lake is over four miles long and almost 3 miles wide at its widest point...
in ErrisErrisErris is a barony in northwestern County Mayo in Ireland consisting of over , much of which is mountainous blanket bog. It has extensive sea coasts along its west and north boundaries. The main towns are Belmullet and Bangor Erris. The name Erris derives from the Irish 'Iar Ros' meaning 'western...
. She often lived at this fort in Erris while her husband stayed at the fort on Lough Conn. They had large herds of cattleCattleCattle are the most common type of large domesticated ungulates. They are a prominent modern member of the subfamily Bovinae, are the most widespread species of the genus Bos, and are most commonly classified collectively as Bos primigenius...
at both places and this suggests they were very wealthy as ownership of cattle was the main indicator of power and wealth prevailing in the economy at the time.
Bricne Nimhtheanga decided to set off for Dún Flidhais fort in ErrisErrisErris is a barony in northwestern County Mayo in Ireland consisting of over , much of which is mountainous blanket bog. It has extensive sea coasts along its west and north boundaries. The main towns are Belmullet and Bangor Erris. The name Erris derives from the Irish 'Iar Ros' meaning 'western...
. His plan was to cause trouble. Travellers associated with the Queen of Connacht were treated with great courtesy everywhere they went so when Bricne arrived at Rathmorgan he was courteously welcomed, wined and dined by Flidhais and her entourage who all turned out in their best finery for the occasion. Flidhais had the fort heavily perfumed and decorated with mistletoe and herbs and they wined and dined in great style.
Later everyone was tired and went to sleep apart from Flidhais and Bricne. He sang to Flidhais:
From CruachanCruachan, IrelandRathcroghan is a complex of archaeological sites near Tulsk in County Roscommon, Ireland. It is identified as the site of Cruachan, the traditional capital of the Connachta. While it is debatable whether this was a place of residence, it had huge importance as a cemetery and also hosted some of...
we have come
To ErrisErrisErris is a barony in northwestern County Mayo in Ireland consisting of over , much of which is mountainous blanket bog. It has extensive sea coasts along its west and north boundaries. The main towns are Belmullet and Bangor Erris. The name Erris derives from the Irish 'Iar Ros' meaning 'western...
in the west of Elga.
In every DúnDunDun is now used both as a generic term for a fort and also for a specific variety of Atlantic roundhouse...
we passed, we heard
Of Flidhais and her cow,
Flidhais the lady of Oilill,
Dear to me the name of the spouse,
Domhnall Dualbhuidhe's warrior son,
Bounteous the lady who will not forsake me
When we came out of Eamhain
Our quarrel left no slight track
The cause of Fergus whose exploits are many
Brought us in numbers to Cruachain
Táin Bó Flidhais, also known as the Mayo Táin, is a tale from the Ulster CycleUlster CycleThe Ulster Cycle , formerly known as the Red Branch Cycle, one of the four great cycles of Irish mythology, is a body of medieval Irish heroic legends and sagas of the traditional heroes of the Ulaid in what is now eastern Ulster and northern Leinster, particularly counties Armagh, Down and...
of early Irish literatureEarly Irish literature-The earliest Irish authors:It is unclear when literacy first came to Ireland. The earliest Irish writings are inscriptions, mostly simple memorials, on stone in the ogham alphabet, the earliest of which date to the fourth century...
. It is one of a group of works known as Táin BóTáin BóThe Táin Bó, or cattle raid , is one of the genres of early Irish literature. The medieval Irish literati organised their work into genres such as the Cattle Raid , the Voyage , the Feast , the Wooing , the Conception and the Death , rather than the familiar but...
, or "cattle raid" stories, the best known of which is Táin Bó CúailngeTáin Bó Cúailngeis a legendary tale from early Irish literature, often considered an epic, although it is written primarily in prose rather than verse. It tells of a war against Ulster by the Connacht queen Medb and her husband Ailill, who intend to steal the stud bull Donn Cuailnge, opposed only by the teenage...
. Táin Bó Flidhais has been passed down to us in two forms, a short version from the Old Irish period and a longer, more wordy version probably written in the 15th century. The early version of Táin Bó Flidhais predates the Táin Bó Cúailnge.Dunford, S. Táin Bó Flidhais (2008), Dublin.jstor.org.westernpeople.ie. It is named for the heroine of the tale, FlidaisFlidaisFlidais is a female mythological figure in early Irish literature, including the Lebor Gabála Érenn, the Metrical Dindsenchas and the Ulster Cycle...
.
Historical setting
At the time that these legendary tales relate to (the second half of the Iron AgeIron AgeThe Iron Age is the archaeological period generally occurring after the Bronze Age, marked by the prevalent use of iron. The early period of the age is characterized by the widespread use of iron or steel. The adoption of such material coincided with other changes in society, including differing...
(approx. 50AD – 500AD and early Medieval Ireland (approximately AD 500 – 800), Ireland was a country divided up into hundreds if not thousands of territories known as tuatha. This tale is likely to relate to incidents around 100 AD before the arrival of people bringing Christian teachings with them. Each tuatha had at its head a 'king'. Some 'kings' were higher ranking than others and some, like Queen MaedbhMedbMedb – Middle Irish: Meḋḃ, Meaḋḃ; early modern Irish: Meadhbh ; reformed modern Irish Méabh, Medbh; sometimes Anglicised Maeve, Maev or Maive – is queen of Connacht in the Ulster Cycle of Irish mythology...
were the head of an entire province such as ConnachtConnachtConnacht , formerly anglicised as Connaught, is one of the Provinces of Ireland situated in the west of Ireland. In Ancient Ireland, it was one of the fifths ruled by a "king of over-kings" . Following the Norman invasion of Ireland, the ancient kingdoms were shired into a number of counties for...
. There was constant battling amongst the kings over territorial boundaries and, as is demonstrated in this story, when one “king triumphed over another, he cut off his vicim’s head to parade it as a prestigious trophy, proving that he was no longer alive. Terrible things were done to the conquered 'king’s' remains by the victorious 'king'. Brehon LawsBrehon LawsEarly Irish law refers to the statutes that governed everyday life and politics in Early Medieval Ireland. They were partially eclipsed by the Norman invasion of 1169, but underwent a resurgence in the 13th century, and survived into Early Modern Ireland in parallel with English law over the...
were the order of the day and armies consisted of both men and women who fought side by side.
At the same time in Ireland, small churches were being built, some being the provenance of just a single monk (usually nowadays referred to as "saints"). The townlands where small religious communities existed are often now known by the name of the 'saint' who founded them – e.g.: Cill Ghallagáin (Church of St. Galligan) or Cill ChomáinKilcommonKilcommon is a civil parish in Erris, north Mayo consisting of two large peninsulas; Dún Chaocháin and Dún Chiortáin. It consists of 37 townlands, some of which are so remote that they have no inhabitants...
. Some of these small churches grew into religious communities of monks which got larger and more prosperous; others remained small and fairly insignificant. This period was the Golden Age of making illuminated manuscripts and craftworking of relics with gold and silver filigree in the monasteries. Some items, like the Cross of CongCross of CongThe Cross of Cong is an early 12th century Irish Christian ornamented cusped processional cross, which was, as an inscription says, made for Tairrdelbach Ua Conchobair , King of Connacht and High King of Ireland to donate to the Cathedral church of the period that was located at Tuam, County...
or the Ardagh ChaliceArdagh ChaliceThe Ardagh Hoard, best known for the Ardagh Chalice, is a hoard of metalwork from the 8th and 9th centuries, found in 1868 and now in the National Museum of Ireland in Dublin...
can be seen in Irish museums today.
The Early Christian and the tuatha communities existed side by side across the Irish landscape, sometimes in harmony, sometimes not. Often the “kings” of the tuatha found it advantageous to become patrons of their local religious community as it gave them prestige. The people of the tuatha were usually the extended family of the “king”. They would have included many generations of relatives and also children of other tuatha who were given “fosterageFosterageFosterage, the practice of a family bringing up a child not their own, differs from adoption in that the child's parents, not the foster-parents, remain the acknowledged parents. In many modern western societies foster care can be organised by the state to care for children with troubled family...
” by a different tuatha and treated with as much love as if they were the children of the “king”. This extended family was the army with which the territorial battles were fought between kings. For an interesting 'take' on Irish life at this time, Topographia HibernicaTopographia HibernicaTopographia Hibernica , also known as Topographia Hiberniae, is an account of the landscape and people of Ireland written by Gerald of Wales around 1188, soon after the Norman invasion of Ireland...
(1887) (Topography of Ireland) by Welsh monk, Geraldus Cambrensis who came to Ireland at the time of the first Anglo-NormanAnglo-NormanThe Anglo-Normans were mainly the descendants of the Normans who ruled England following the Norman conquest by William the Conqueror in 1066. A small number of Normans were already settled in England prior to the conquest...
s in the 12th century, has its place. His book Expugnatia Hibernica (The Conquest of Ireland) was published a couple of years after his Topographia.Wright, Thomas, The Historical Works of Giraldus Cambrensis (1913), London.
Táin Bó Flidhais
Táin Bó Flidhais is not as well known as the Táin Bó Cuailnge, but the story it relates is equally as complex and intricate. It includes many of the most important characters of Irish saga literature who appear in many of the cycles of legends from the period. Queen MaedbhMedbMedb – Middle Irish: Meḋḃ, Meaḋḃ; early modern Irish: Meadhbh ; reformed modern Irish Méabh, Medbh; sometimes Anglicised Maeve, Maev or Maive – is queen of Connacht in the Ulster Cycle of Irish mythology...
, the Queen of Connacht, is one such individual, as are Cú ChulainnCú ChulainnCú Chulainn or Cúchulainn , and sometimes known in English as Cuhullin , is an Irish mythological hero who appears in the stories of the Ulster Cycle, as well as in Scottish and Manx folklore...
and the irresistible hero, Fergus mac RóichFergus mac RóichFergus mac Róich is a character of the Ulster Cycle of Irish mythology...
.
The story of the Táin Bó Flidhais is set in the province of Connacht in Ireland at the end of the Iron AgeIron AgeThe Iron Age is the archaeological period generally occurring after the Bronze Age, marked by the prevalent use of iron. The early period of the age is characterized by the widespread use of iron or steel. The adoption of such material coincided with other changes in society, including differing...
. The Royal fort of CruachanCruachan, IrelandRathcroghan is a complex of archaeological sites near Tulsk in County Roscommon, Ireland. It is identified as the site of Cruachan, the traditional capital of the Connachta. While it is debatable whether this was a place of residence, it had huge importance as a cemetery and also hosted some of...
, near Tulsk in RoscommonRoscommonRoscommon is the county town of County Roscommon in Ireland. Its population at the 2006 census stood at 5,017 . The town is located near the junctions of the N60, N61 and N63 roads.-History:...
was the seat of the Queen of Connacht, Maedbh and her husband, King AilillAilill mac MátaAilill mac Máta is the king of the Connachta and the husband of queen Medb in the Ulster Cycle of Irish mythology. He rules from Cruachan .-Family background, marriage and offspring:...
MacMáta. The story tells the tale of a punitive raid by them on one of the GamhanraidhGamanraigeThe Gamanraige were the main branch of the Fir Ol nEchmacht, a people who ruled much of Ireland west of the Shannon in the pre-historic era.The Gamanraige ruled the territory between the Gallimhe or Galway river, to the Drowes and Duff rivers in the north-east. Their capital was Rath Eochaidh,...
tribe who lived in County MayoCounty MayoCounty Mayo is a county in Ireland. It is located in the West Region and is also part of the province of Connacht. It is named after the village of Mayo, which is now generally known as Mayo Abbey. Mayo County Council is the local authority for the county. The population of the county is 130,552...
, a tribe as well respected in Connacht as the Red Branch Knights were in UlsterUlsterUlster is one of the four provinces of Ireland, located in the north of the island. In ancient Ireland, it was one of the fifths ruled by a "king of over-kings" . Following the Norman invasion of Ireland, the ancient kingdoms were shired into a number of counties for administrative and judicial...
. The heroine of the tale is Flidhais FholtchainFlidaisFlidais is a female mythological figure in early Irish literature, including the Lebor Gabála Érenn, the Metrical Dindsenchas and the Ulster Cycle...
(Flidhais of the lovely soft hair), a ravishing beauty, a Celtic ArtemisArtemisArtemis was one of the most widely venerated of the Ancient Greek deities. Her Roman equivalent is Diana. Some scholars believe that the name and indeed the goddess herself was originally pre-Greek. Homer refers to her as Artemis Agrotera, Potnia Theron: "Artemis of the wildland, Mistress of Animals"...
, who was married to Oilill FionnAilill FinnAilill Finn, son of Art mac Lugdach, was, according to medieval Irish legend and historical tradition, a High King of Ireland. In the Lebor Gabála Érenn, he succeeds to the throne when his father is killed by Fíachu Tolgrach and his son Dui Ladrach. He rules for nine years. Two years into his...
, a king of the Gamhanraidh tribe and the son of a powerful chieftain called Domhnall Dualbhuidhe (Donal of the yellow locks) who lived at GlencastleGlencastleGlencastle is a village of about 30 people in the northwest of County Mayo, Ireland. The townland incorporates an area of . The Irish language is still dominant there.- Topography :...
in ErrisErrisErris is a barony in northwestern County Mayo in Ireland consisting of over , much of which is mountainous blanket bog. It has extensive sea coasts along its west and north boundaries. The main towns are Belmullet and Bangor Erris. The name Erris derives from the Irish 'Iar Ros' meaning 'western...
and operated the gates to the Mullet Peninsula. Flidhais and Oilill owned two forts in Co. Mayo, one at Rathmorgan, known as Dún Flidhais, situated at the southern end of Carrowmore LakeCarrowmore LakeCarrowmore Lake is situated in the parishes of Kiltane and Kilcommon Erris, County Mayo between the villages of Bangor Erris and Barnatra at the southern end of Broadhaven Bay. The freshwater lake is over four miles long and almost 3 miles wide at its widest point...
in Erris and another west of Lough ConnLough ConnLough Conn is a lake in County Mayo in the province of Connacht in Ireland and covers about 14,000 acres . With its immediate neighbour to the south, Lough Cullin, it is connected to the Atlantic by the River Moy...
near NephinNephinNephin or Nefin , at 806 metres , is the second highest peak in County Mayo and the second highest in Connacht, in Ireland...
, known as Dún Átha Féan, further south. The Gamhanraidh tribe of which Flidhais and Oilill were part, owned large stretches of territory, stretching all the way west of the ShannonRiver ShannonThe River Shannon is the longest river in Ireland at . It divides the west of Ireland from the east and south . County Clare, being west of the Shannon but part of the province of Munster, is the major exception...
from North Mayo as far down as County ClareCounty Clare-History:There was a Neolithic civilisation in the Clare area — the name of the peoples is unknown, but the Prehistoric peoples left evidence behind in the form of ancient dolmen; single-chamber megalithic tombs, usually consisting of three or more upright stones...
.
Flidhais and Oilill had a legendary white cow, the Maol, which, it was reputed, gave vast quantities of milk every day – said to be enough milk to satisfy three hundred men together with their women and their children, in one milking. They also owned several other enormous herds of cattle and deer. Flidhais and Oilill had four daughters, one of who was said to be the adulterous lover of the hero, Cú ChulainnCú ChulainnCú Chulainn or Cúchulainn , and sometimes known in English as Cuhullin , is an Irish mythological hero who appears in the stories of the Ulster Cycle, as well as in Scottish and Manx folklore...
. Flidhais had a reputation of having a voracious sexual appetite herself and she harboured a lust for the Ulster hero Fergus mac RóichFergus mac RóichFergus mac Róich is a character of the Ulster Cycle of Irish mythology...
who, having fought with and killed so many tribal chieftains in Ulster, was lying low at CruachanCruachanCruachan may refer to:*Cruachan, Ireland, the ancient capital of the kingdom of Connacht in Ireland*Cruachan , an Irish Celtic metal band*Ben Cruachan, a Scottish mountain...
, the Royal rath of Maedbh and Ailill in Roscommon for his own safety. Fergus had gone to CruachanCruachan, IrelandRathcroghan is a complex of archaeological sites near Tulsk in County Roscommon, Ireland. It is identified as the site of Cruachan, the traditional capital of the Connachta. While it is debatable whether this was a place of residence, it had huge importance as a cemetery and also hosted some of...
after his triumphant bloody battles in Ulster, to gain the shield of the name and fame of Queen Maedbh and her consort, King Ailill mac MátaAilill mac MátaAilill mac Máta is the king of the Connachta and the husband of queen Medb in the Ulster Cycle of Irish mythology. He rules from Cruachan .-Family background, marriage and offspring:...
.
Fergus was a fine figure of a man and it did not take long for the "shameless" Queen Maedbh to fall hopelessly in lust with her equally promiscuous guest. Her consort, Ailill however, observed the daily infidelity and one night, in retaliation, he stole Fergus's enchanted sword from his guest's scabbard and replaced it with a wooden replica.
Treachery of Bricne
There were always many 'guests' from various tribal factions at Cruachan for one reason or another. At the same time as Fergus was a guest there, there was another guest by the name of Bricne Nimhtheanga of whom it was said “he rejoiced in iniquity as much as in satire”.Dunford, Stephen, Táin Bó Flidhais The Mayo Táin (2008), Dublin. It was he who initiated the battle which became known as the Táin Bó Flidhais.
Flidhais had her precious 'Maol' penned at her fort of Dún Flidhais at RathmorganCarrowmore LakeCarrowmore Lake is situated in the parishes of Kiltane and Kilcommon Erris, County Mayo between the villages of Bangor Erris and Barnatra at the southern end of Broadhaven Bay. The freshwater lake is over four miles long and almost 3 miles wide at its widest point...
in ErrisErrisErris is a barony in northwestern County Mayo in Ireland consisting of over , much of which is mountainous blanket bog. It has extensive sea coasts along its west and north boundaries. The main towns are Belmullet and Bangor Erris. The name Erris derives from the Irish 'Iar Ros' meaning 'western...
. She often lived at this fort in Erris while her husband stayed at the fort on Lough Conn. They had large herds of cattleCattleCattle are the most common type of large domesticated ungulates. They are a prominent modern member of the subfamily Bovinae, are the most widespread species of the genus Bos, and are most commonly classified collectively as Bos primigenius...
at both places and this suggests they were very wealthy as ownership of cattle was the main indicator of power and wealth prevailing in the economy at the time.
Bricne Nimhtheanga decided to set off for Dún Flidhais fort in ErrisErrisErris is a barony in northwestern County Mayo in Ireland consisting of over , much of which is mountainous blanket bog. It has extensive sea coasts along its west and north boundaries. The main towns are Belmullet and Bangor Erris. The name Erris derives from the Irish 'Iar Ros' meaning 'western...
. His plan was to cause trouble. Travellers associated with the Queen of Connacht were treated with great courtesy everywhere they went so when Bricne arrived at Rathmorgan he was courteously welcomed, wined and dined by Flidhais and her entourage who all turned out in their best finery for the occasion. Flidhais had the fort heavily perfumed and decorated with mistletoe and herbs and they wined and dined in great style.
Later everyone was tired and went to sleep apart from Flidhais and Bricne. He sang to Flidhais:
From CruachanCruachan, IrelandRathcroghan is a complex of archaeological sites near Tulsk in County Roscommon, Ireland. It is identified as the site of Cruachan, the traditional capital of the Connachta. While it is debatable whether this was a place of residence, it had huge importance as a cemetery and also hosted some of...
we have come
To ErrisErrisErris is a barony in northwestern County Mayo in Ireland consisting of over , much of which is mountainous blanket bog. It has extensive sea coasts along its west and north boundaries. The main towns are Belmullet and Bangor Erris. The name Erris derives from the Irish 'Iar Ros' meaning 'western...
in the west of Elga.
In every DúnDunDun is now used both as a generic term for a fort and also for a specific variety of Atlantic roundhouse...
we passed, we heard
Of Flidhais and her cow,
Flidhais the lady of Oilill,
Dear to me the name of the spouse,
Domhnall Dualbhuidhe's warrior son,
Bounteous the lady who will not forsake me
When we came out of Eamhain
Our quarrel left no slight track
The cause of Fergus whose exploits are many
Brought us in numbers to CruachainDunford, S. Táin Bó Flidhais.
Flidhais asked Bricne to describe Fergus mac Róich to her. He played up to Flidhais knowing that she had a great knowledge of and interest in Fergus from tales from a long time past when Fergus had been a king in Ulster. Bricne related to Flidhais all the charms of Fergus while also telling her that he never met a better man than Oilill, Flidhais’s husband.
The next morning Bricne left Dún FlidhaisCarrowmore LakeCarrowmore Lake is situated in the parishes of Kiltane and Kilcommon Erris, County Mayo between the villages of Bangor Erris and Barnatra at the southern end of Broadhaven Bay. The freshwater lake is over four miles long and almost 3 miles wide at its widest point...
and set off on the return journey to Cruachan. When he got back, he told Queen Maedbh that Flidhais's fort in Rathmorgan was the most magnificent palace he had ever visited. Fergus heard this and he lusted for Flidhais, making Maedbh a jealous woman. Bricne encouraged disquiet amongst everybody to make as much trouble as possible.ancienttexts.org (Flidais).
Fergus's lust for Flidhais
Fergus decided he had to meet with Flidhais, this magnificent woman with a reputed sexual prowess to match his own, and he quickly set off to travel to the fort where he would find Flidhais. Oilill heard about Fergus lusting for his wife and he set out from his fort to meet Fergus's entourage. When the two entourages met there was a heated argument. Oilill FionnAilill FinnAilill Finn, son of Art mac Lugdach, was, according to medieval Irish legend and historical tradition, a High King of Ireland. In the Lebor Gabála Érenn, he succeeds to the throne when his father is killed by Fíachu Tolgrach and his son Dui Ladrach. He rules for nine years. Two years into his...
bluntly asked Fergus "are you coming here to take my wife?" Fergus admitted that that was his intention.Dunford, Táin Bó Flidhais (2008).
Battles
They challenged each other to a combat to sort out the matter. First the two chiefs met in hand to hand combat, then their supporters joined in the battle. Blood flowed and over 1,000 men were killed. Fergus drew out his magic sword but.... it was only the wooden replica placed there by Ailill, the consort of Queen Maedbh, and his sword failed to give him the special powers Fergus expected it to. Oilill's troops emerged triumphant. Fergus was captured by the Gamhanraidh and kept at the cells in Dún Flidhais fort, his remaining troops returned to the Royal rath at Cruachan, filthy and exhausted.
Back at Cruachan, troops were mustered and Queen Maedbh, angry at the thought of losing her young lover to Flidhais, mustered an army consisting of her tribe and all its supporters and family. Maedbh's army set out on the predatory incursion to Erris which became known as the Táin Bó Flidhais. They approached from the south defeating all the tribes who challenged them along the way and leaving a trail of blood in their wake. Queen Maedbh's daughter, Red Cainner, was killed by a spear when Maedbh herself ducked to avoid being struck, and this gave her great sadness and remorse. Her lamentation:
Dig ye the grave of Cainner lying here on the mound, slain
Fermenn, son of Dara Dearg, threw the spear, which caused her death.
Red Cainner, daughter of Ailill and Maedbh.
She is the victim at the mound of the shade.
The darling of the warriors of Enian.
The spouse of Lughaid Mac Conroc.
During seven short days of delight and valour.
Raise her pillar above her grave stone.
Dig ye her grave Dunford, S. Táin Bó Flidhais (2008).
After the burial the army continued on their way and eventually reached Carrowmore LakeCarrowmore LakeCarrowmore Lake is situated in the parishes of Kiltane and Kilcommon Erris, County Mayo between the villages of Bangor Erris and Barnatra at the southern end of Broadhaven Bay. The freshwater lake is over four miles long and almost 3 miles wide at its widest point...
and the fort at Rathmorgan.
Oilill and Flidhais were both there at the fort waiting for the arrival of Queen Maedbh's army. Fergus MacRoigh was being held as a prisoner and had been trussed up and put on display in sight of the exasperated lovelorn Queen Maedbh.
Oilill found himself surrounded by the troops of Queen Maedbh and called on all his support of the Gamhanraidh tribes to defy the oncoming army.
Treachery
Dressed in regal splendour and presenting a magnificent sight, Queen Maedbh offered the leaders of Oilill's army the kingship of the Gamhanraidh and permanent quarters at her royal rath at Cruachan if they fought on her side. To a man, they accepted her bribes and deserted Oilill’s army.
Single handed combat followed between the troops of Queen Maedbh and the Gamhanraidh. Despite their losses, the Erris warriors won most of the combats and Maedbh was devastated once again when three of her closest fosterlings lost their lives.
Oilill and his entire household, except for Flidhais, went up the ramparts of the fortress at Rathmorgan to monitor the situation below, leaving Fergus and the other prisoners alone with Flidhais in the fort. During this time Fergus and Flidhais hatched a treacherous plot so that they could be together. When Oilill returned, Flidhais gave him a strong drink and she continued to ply him with drink until he was well and truly intoxicated. When he was lying unconscious, Flidhais sent a message to Maedbh’s troops to launch an attack on the fort. Oilill was unable to defend the fort and the prisoners inside the fort were released.
Once Fergus had his freedom, he was determined to get his own back on Oilill for his ill-treatment while he had been held prisoner. A bloody battle ensued and eventually Oilill and his remaining troops retreated behind the walls of the Rathmorgan fort. His Gamhanriadh army now numbered only 97 individuals.
The treachery of Chiortán from Dún Chiortáin
As morning dawned, the troops mustered again and the Gamhanriadh decided to make a break for Trá Chinn ChiortainKilcommonKilcommon is a civil parish in Erris, north Mayo consisting of two large peninsulas; Dún Chaocháin and Dún Chiortáin. It consists of 37 townlands, some of which are so remote that they have no inhabitants...
, close to InverKilcommonKilcommon is a civil parish in Erris, north Mayo consisting of two large peninsulas; Dún Chaocháin and Dún Chiortáin. It consists of 37 townlands, some of which are so remote that they have no inhabitants...
on the east shore of Broadhaven BayBroadhaven BayBroadhaven Bay is a natural bay of the Atlantic Ocean situated on the northwestern coast of County Mayo, Ireland. The opening of the bay faces northward, stretching between Erris Head on the west side and Kid Island on the east side with approximately 8.6 km between the two sides.It borders...
, in KilcommonKilcommonKilcommon is a civil parish in Erris, north Mayo consisting of two large peninsulas; Dún Chaocháin and Dún Chiortáin. It consists of 37 townlands, some of which are so remote that they have no inhabitants...
. The chieftain of the peninsula, Ciortán, from Dún Chiortáin in GlengadGlengadGlengad is a small Gaeltacht village in the parish of Kilcommon in northwest County Mayo, Ireland. The townland is also known as Dooncarton , a name which comes from an Iron Age tribal chieftain called Ciortan, a character who appears in the Ulster Cycle legend of the Táin Bó Flidhais.The village...
, assured Oilill that he would have his swiftest ship ready and waiting to take them safely out to sea away from the Cruachan invaders.
When Queen Maedbh’s troops discovered the fort at Dún Flidhais deserted, they pursued their prey up the shores of Carrowmore LakeCarrowmore LakeCarrowmore Lake is situated in the parishes of Kiltane and Kilcommon Erris, County Mayo between the villages of Bangor Erris and Barnatra at the southern end of Broadhaven Bay. The freshwater lake is over four miles long and almost 3 miles wide at its widest point...
into Inver and Ciortán’s waiting boat. However, when Chiortain saw them coming he pulled his boat out of the harbour, leaving Oilill stranded on the shoreline. Oilill had forgotten that Chiortain still held a grudge against him for seducing his wife some time previously. Despite the pleas of Oilill for Chiortan to help him, Chiortan refused to come back into the shore and took his boat out further into Broadhaven Bay, The furious Oilill placed a large rock into his slingshotSlingshotA slingshot, shanghai, flip, bean shooter or catapult is a small hand-powered projectile weapon. The classic form consists of a Y-shaped frame held in the off hand, with two rubber strips attached to the uprights. The other ends of the strips lead back to a pocket which holds the projectile...
and fired it at Chiortain's boat. The deadly aim struck Chiortain in the neck and such was the force that his head was severed from his body and the boat, Chiortain and his crew sunk to the bottom of Broadhaven BayBroadhaven BayBroadhaven Bay is a natural bay of the Atlantic Ocean situated on the northwestern coast of County Mayo, Ireland. The opening of the bay faces northward, stretching between Erris Head on the west side and Kid Island on the east side with approximately 8.6 km between the two sides.It borders...
. The bay between Barnatra and Inver is known as Trá Chiortáin to this day. The Queen’s army caught Oilill at Log na Fola, (the bloody hollow) leading to the following “rannChantChant is the rhythmic speaking or singing of words or sounds, often primarily on one or two pitches called reciting tones. Chants may range from a simple melody involving a limited set of notes to highly complex musical structures Chant (from French chanter) is the rhythmic speaking or singing...
”:
May you have wet arses
Munster scum, evil rogues,
Without benefit of sun,
Or bee or flower,
In a lonely hollow,
Without cerements in misery,
May the hordes of hell follow you
Round and round forever and foreverNolan, Rita, Within the Mullet (1997) Longford.
Oilill died like a prince it was reported. His head was cut off by a triumphant Fergus and was impaled on a lance and brought back to the fort at Rathmorgan to prove to Flidhais that she was now a free woman. Fergus presented her husband’s severed head as a courtship present to Flidhais. However, Flidhais was overcome with guilt as she looked in Oilill’s unblinking all-knowing eyes and she was horrified at what had happened to her husband. She burst into tears and demanded his body be brought back to their fort. The troops retrieved Oilill's body and when Flidhais looked at his body, gashed all over and covered in blood, she was again filled with such remorse she began to recount his every worthy action during his lifetime. Tradition maintains that Oilill is buried just north of Inver in a tumulus which is marked on today’s maps as a 'mound'.
Maedbh's army then set about wreaking havoc on the Rathmorgan fort in retaliation for the death of several of Maedbh's children. When the fort was reduced to ruins, the army set off eastwards back to Cruachan. Domhnall, in his fort at Glencastle was devastated to hear of the death of his son. Fergus carried off both Flidhais and her Maol cow and anything else that was of value from Dún Flidhais fort and also her great herds of cattle and deer.
Maol
Fergus tried to get the 'Maol' cow to rise and walk but she refused to get up. His men believed that the Maol was in grief and sorrow due to the death of her Master. Fergus lost his temper then and prodded the Maol with his sword. When she still refused to get up, he beat her nine rhythmic blows across her back. She bellowed and lowed so loudly that her agonies could be heard for many miles around. Still the cow did not get up on her feet. Bricne came then and said that he could make the 'Maol' get up if he got enough gifts and payment in return for that favour. Fergus agreed to that and the Maol rose to her feet and led the captured herds away from Erris on the long journey towards Cruachan.
Attack of the Wolf Hounds
Queen Maedbdh's army had set off in the same direction towards Barrooskey but to their surprise they met opposition from small bands of the Gamhanraidh tribes who popped out of every crevice along the way, attacking the retreating troops trying to return to Cruachan. There were so many of these attacks that while the army was still in the Glenamoy hills, the melee turned into a full-scale battle again. The indomitable Gamhanraidh made a grotesque pile of Irish warrior heads on the ground. At this stage, Domhnall from Glencastle arrived on the scene again with a new army which consisted of vicious wolf hounds. Their handlers released the dogs and they tore into Maedbh's amy tearing the soldiers limb from limb. Then Fergus came in face to face combat with Domhnall Duabhuidhe and he died at Glenamoy by the sword of Fergus. More troops to support the Gamhanraidh were coming to the scene from Croagh Patrick. After the death of his grandfather, Muireadhach, known as Muireadhach the Stutterer, became the leader of the Gamhanraidh and continued the attack on Maedbdh's troops until he recovered Flidhais and her Maol. Some versions relate that Muireadhach later married Flidhais, others that she lived out the rest of her life in obscurity.
Despite being faced with dangers along the entire route of their journey, the battle weary Maedbdh along with Ailill and Fergus finally made it back to Cruachan and that was the end of the tale of the Táin Bó Flidhais.
The Mayo Táin
The tale of the Táin BóTáin BóThe Táin Bó, or cattle raid , is one of the genres of early Irish literature. The medieval Irish literati organised their work into genres such as the Cattle Raid , the Voyage , the Feast , the Wooing , the Conception and the Death , rather than the familiar but...
Flidhais is also known as 'The Mayo Táin' and there are several local versions with minor differences in the story.encyclopedia.com (Flidais).
In local versions, Flidhais is known as Munhin and Domhnall Dualbhuidhe from Dún Domhnall fort in GlencastleGlencastleGlencastle is a village of about 30 people in the northwest of County Mayo, Ireland. The townland incorporates an area of . The Irish language is still dominant there.- Topography :...
takes the place of Oilill Fionn, being Flidhais's lover, rather than her lover's father. In one of the most common versions, the fort of Dún Domhnall in GlencastleGlencastleGlencastle is a village of about 30 people in the northwest of County Mayo, Ireland. The townland incorporates an area of . The Irish language is still dominant there.- Topography :...
is taken by a surprise attack and the forts of Dún Chiortain and Dún Chaochain, the two main promontories in KilcommonKilcommonKilcommon is a civil parish in Erris, north Mayo consisting of two large peninsulas; Dún Chaocháin and Dún Chiortáin. It consists of 37 townlands, some of which are so remote that they have no inhabitants...
parish, also fall to the raiders. Munhin watching the ensuing battles from a distance is most impressed by the leader of the invading army, none other than Fergus. She requested that a truce be called and Domhnall invited his enemy, Fergus, to enjoy the hospitalities of his fort, Dún Domhnall at GlencastleGlencastleGlencastle is a village of about 30 people in the northwest of County Mayo, Ireland. The townland incorporates an area of . The Irish language is still dominant there.- Topography :...
. It is alleged that Fergus was such a magnificent manly specimen that no woman could look on him without desiring him. In comparison with her husband, whose body was scarred with battle scars, the young Fergus was like a God who women found irresistible. Munhin found the young stud an exciting bedmate and he found that she was like nine women to him. Domhnall had an enchanted sword which gave him his strength and which he carried everywhere with him. An enchantress had the secret to the sword. Munhin’s lust for Fergus grew by the day and his for her. One night they appealed to the enchantress by the use of a magic spell. The enchantress saw the passion they had for one another and she imparted the secret of wresting the sword away from Domhnall. At this, a thunderclapThunderclapThunderclap can refer to:* Thunder* Thunderclap , a fictional superhero created by Marvel UK, a division of Marvel Comics* Thunderclap Newman, a late 1960s rock band* Thunder Clap, a dance move...
shook the glen and Munhin was afraid for what she had done.
A few days later, Fergus said he was leaving the Dún at Glencastle and himself and Domhnall drank a lot of liquor. Domhnall fell asleep he drank so much. Munhin cut his sword off using the secret magic from the enchantress. Fergus took the sword and with one fell swoop he cut off Domhnall’s head. The next morning, Fergus’s flag flew over Dún Domhnall’s fort. Fergus and Munhin then lived together as man and wife. One day Fergus received a call to return to the fort at Cruachan in the middle of Ireland. Munhin insisted on going on the trip with him. They set off on a black steed in torrential rain. They reached the small river which joins the Owenmore river leading from Carrowmore LakeCarrowmore LakeCarrowmore Lake is situated in the parishes of Kiltane and Kilcommon Erris, County Mayo between the villages of Bangor Erris and Barnatra at the southern end of Broadhaven Bay. The freshwater lake is over four miles long and almost 3 miles wide at its widest point...
which was in flood and they had to ford the river across one small stick. As they crossed the river, Fergus, fearing that Munhin would be as faithless to him as she had been to her former husband, gave her a push and she fell into the flooded waters. She flailed wildly but failed to be able to save herself and she was drowned. The river has ever since been known as the Munhin River.Munhin River. Placenames Database of Ireland. Retrieved: 2011-01-17. Following the murderous attack, Fergus continued on his way but at Barrooskey (a remote townland near GlenamoyGlenamoyGlenamoy is a village in the parish of Kilcommon, Erris in the northern part of County Mayo in Ireland.Glenamoy is a general term for the following townlands:* Bellagelly North...
in the east of KilcommonKilcommonKilcommon is a civil parish in Erris, north Mayo consisting of two large peninsulas; Dún Chaocháin and Dún Chiortáin. It consists of 37 townlands, some of which are so remote that they have no inhabitants...
parish in the Barony of ErrisErrisErris is a barony in northwestern County Mayo in Ireland consisting of over , much of which is mountainous blanket bog. It has extensive sea coasts along its west and north boundaries. The main towns are Belmullet and Bangor Erris. The name Erris derives from the Irish 'Iar Ros' meaning 'western...
).
See also
- Brian Rua U'Cearbhain
Brian Rua U'Cearbhain- Brian Rua O’Cearbhain :Brian Rua is a well-known 17th century Errisman. He is remembered as the prophet of Erris, a large Barony in the north west of County Mayo...- Kilcommon
KilcommonKilcommon is a civil parish in Erris, north Mayo consisting of two large peninsulas; Dún Chaocháin and Dún Chiortáin. It consists of 37 townlands, some of which are so remote that they have no inhabitants...- Kiltane
Kiltane-Origins:Kiltane derives its name from Cill Seadhna, or Seadhna's church, which was in the townland of Kiltane by the banks of the Owenmore river. The name 'Seadhna' was well known in the Early Christian Period. There is mention of a bishop and priest of that name in an old tract but no detail as...- Erris
ErrisErris is a barony in northwestern County Mayo in Ireland consisting of over , much of which is mountainous blanket bog. It has extensive sea coasts along its west and north boundaries. The main towns are Belmullet and Bangor Erris. The name Erris derives from the Irish 'Iar Ros' meaning 'western...- Glencullen, County Mayo
- Carrowmore Lake
Carrowmore LakeCarrowmore Lake is situated in the parishes of Kiltane and Kilcommon Erris, County Mayo between the villages of Bangor Erris and Barnatra at the southern end of Broadhaven Bay. The freshwater lake is over four miles long and almost 3 miles wide at its widest point...- Bangor Erris
Bangor ErrisBangor Erris is a town in Kiltane parish in Erris, County Mayo, Ireland with a population of 500. It is on the banks of the Owenmore River and is the gateway to the Erris Peninsula linking Belmullet with Ballina and Westport, nestled at the foot of the "Bangor Trail" a 22-mile mountain pass across...- Belmullet
BelmulletBelmullet is a coastal Gaeltacht town with a population of around 2,000 on the Mullet Peninsula in the barony of Erris, County Mayo, Ireland. Its name means the "mouth of the mullet"...- Mullet Peninsula
- Táin Bó
Táin BóThe Táin Bó, or cattle raid , is one of the genres of early Irish literature. The medieval Irish literati organised their work into genres such as the Cattle Raid , the Voyage , the Feast , the Wooing , the Conception and the Death , rather than the familiar but...
External links
- Táin Bó Flidhais (audio)—excerpt read by author and historian Stephen Dunford.
