Friday, August 19, 2005
UI's Celtic Mythology - Fergus Mac Roth
Fergus Mac Roth, a king of Ulster, according to one myth fell in love with his predecessor's widow, Nessa. She would only marry him if her son, Conchobar Mac Nessa, was allowed to rule for a year. Conchobar, with help from his mother, proved to be a popular king and the people refused to let him stand down. At first Fergus accepted this but, later, when Conchobar lost the support of several leading Ulstermen, he led them in revolt. Conchobar's love for Deirdre was the cause of his unpopularity, especially after he had her lover Naoise killed in order to marry her. Fergus with three hundred Ulster warriors joined Queen Medb in her invasion of Ulster. The great Cuchulainn lost his life in this war, but not at the hands of Fergus. They had been friends before the war and had sworn not to fight each other. During the final battle, Fergus pretended to retreat and the next time they met Cuchulainn would do the same. It was due to Fergus' retreat that Conall, Cuchulainn's foster-brother, was able to defeat Medb's army and rally the Ulstermen after the death of Cuchulainn.
I think this is a good story. I like how these stories all seem to have a purpose in the development of the other stories. They provide a continuity.
I think this is a good story. I like how these stories all seem to have a purpose in the development of the other stories. They provide a continuity.
# posted by United Irelander @ 12:02 AM 
© 2008 United Irelander.
