Friday, September 09, 2005
UI's Celtic Mythology - Macha
Macha was one of the Irish war goddesses, often identified with Badb, Morrigan and Nemain. She first married Nemed, a Scythian ruler who defeated the Fomorii, the sea gods who slew her second husband Nuada and herself at the second battle of Magh Tuireadh. A later Macha laid a curse on Ulster after her boastful husband said that, though heavy with child, she could outrun all the king's horses and chariots. When the king of Ulster threatened to execute her husband if she did not race, Macha cursed all Ulstermen to suffer the pain of childbirth for five days and five nights whenever the kingdom was in danger. Macha won the race and gave birth to twins, which is said to be the reason for calling the fortress of the Ulster kings Emain Macha ("Macha's Twins").
Let that be a lesson for all of you - never make your pregnant wife race against a load of horses.
Let that be a lesson for all of you - never make your pregnant wife race against a load of horses.
# posted by United Irelander @ 12:04 AM 
© 2008 United Irelander.
