Literature Review
Conchobar Mac/Catbad
There are several versions of how Conchobar was conceived. In the earliest, Ness, daughter of Eochaid Sálbuide, the then king of Ulster, asks the druid Cathbad what it is an auspicious time for. Cathbad replies, “for begetting a king on a queen”. There are no other men around, so Ness takes Cathbad to bed and she conceives a son.[2] In a later version, Ness is brought up by twelve foster-fathers, and while all twelve are at a feast, Cathbad, leading a fian or landless war-band, attacks the house and kills them all. Eochaid is unable to avenge them as the culprit cannot be identified, so Ness forms her own fian to hunt Cathbad down. But while she is bathing alone in a pool, Cathbad appears, stands between her and her weapons, and bares his sword. He spares her life on the condition that she becomes his wife. They settle near a river called Conchobar, and Ness soon conceives a son, but in this version the father is the High King Fachtna Fáthach, who is Ness’s lover. As she and Cathbad set out to visit Fachtna, Ness goes into labour. Cathbad tells her if she can manage not to give birth until the following day, her son will be a great king and have everlasting fame, for he will be born on the same day as Jesus Christ. Ness sits on a flagstone by the river Conchobar, and the following morning gives birth. The baby falls into the river, but Cathbad lifts him out, names him Conchobar after the river, and brings him up as his own son.[3]
THE BIRTH OF CONACHAR
CONACHARi MAC Nessa was the son of Cathbad the Druid, or, as some say, of Fachtna fathach, king of Ulster. He was a great and admirable king, and well indeed he might be, for the hour of his birth was the hour of the birth of Christ in Palestine. For seven years before his birth had the prophets foretold that on the same night that Christ should be born, a notable chief should be born in Erin. And this is the prophecy of his father, of Cathbad, on the night dp which he was born, to Nessa his wife : — O Ness, thou art in peril ; Let every one rise at thy birth-giving, Beautiful is the colour of thy hands, O daughter of Echaid buide. Be not sorrowful, O wife, A head of hundreds and of hosts Of the world will he be, thy son. ‘ We have usually adopted the Scottish form of the name, in prefer- ence to the Irish form, Conchobhar or Conchubhar, as suggesting the pronunciation to the English reader. The modern Anglicised form, Conor or Connor, accords ill with Ihe antique tone of the tales.
Marriages and family
Conchobar marries several of Eochu’s daughters. Medb, later queen of Connacht, is the first. She bears him a son called Amalgad, but soon leaves him.
Her sister Eithne conceives a son by him, but Medb murders her by drowning her in a stream. Her son Furbaide is delivered by posthumous Caesarian section.
Mugain bears him a son called Glaisne and remains his chief wife.
The mother of Conchobar’s eldest son, Cormac Cond Longas, is either Eochu’s daughter Clothru or Conchobar’s own mother Ness.[7] Cormac is given to Fergus mac Róich to foster.
His other sons include Cúscraid Mend Macha and Folloman. His daughter Fedelm Noíchrothach marries Cairbre Nia Fer, King of Tara, and they have a son, Erc, and a daughter, Achall.
Conchobar has two sisters, Findchóem [8] and Deichtine.[9] Findchóem marries the poet fAmergin, and they have a son, Conall Cernach. Deichtine is the mother of Cú Chulainn, by either her mortal husband Sualtam or the god Lugh.[10]
Deirdre
When Conchobar is visiting the house of his storyteller Fedlimid mac Daill, Fedlimid’s wife gives birth to a daughter. Cathbad, now Conchobar’s chief druid, prophesies that she will be so beautiful that kings will go to war over her, and she will bring nothing but sorrow. The child is named Deirdre, and Conchobar decides to have her brought up in seclusion from men, intending to marry her when she comes of age. However, she elopes with a young warrior called Naoise. Along with Naoise’s two brothers, the couple go into hiding, and are eventually forced to flee to Scotland. Wherever they settle, the local king tries to have the brothers killed so he can have Deirdre for himself, and they have to move on. Eventually Conchobar tracks them down to a remote island, and sends Fergus to them with his guarantee of safe passage home. On the way home he arranges for Fergus to be separated from his charges by having him invited to a feast, so they are escorted back to Emain Macha by Fergus’s son Fiachu. When they arrive, Fiachu, Naoise and his brothers are murdered on Conchobar’s orders by Éogan mac Durthacht, and Deirdre is forced to marry Conchobar.
Fergus, outraged by the death of his son and the betrayal of his honour, makes war against Conchobar, alongside Cormac Cond Longas, who sides with his foster-father against his father, and Dubthach Dóeltenga. They burn Emain and slaughter the maidens of Ulster, before going into exile with Medb and her husband Ailill in Connacht.
Deirdre lives with Conchobar for a year, but during that time she never smiles, rarely eats or sleeps, and refuses to be comforted. Conchobar asks her what it is she hates, and she replies, “you, and Éogan mac Durthacht.” Conchobar gives her to Éogan. The next day, riding in Éogan’s chariot, she commits suicide by dashing her head against a stone.[11]
The Cattle Raid of Cooley
When Medb raises an army from four of the five provinces of Ireland and launches an invasion of Ulster to steal the bull Donn Cúailnge in the Táin Bó Cúailnge, Conchobar, like all the Ulstermen but Cú Chulainn, is unable to fight, disabled by the curse of Macha. Cú Chulainn fights a series of single combats against Connacht champions, hoping to give the Ulstermen time to recover and take the field.
Eventually Cú Chulainn’s father, Sualtam, comes to Conchobar at Emain Macha to warn him of the devastation the Connacht army is creating and demand he raise his army before it’s too late. Conchobar and his druids agree that Sualtam should be put to death for breaking the protocol of the court – no-one is permitted to speak before Conchobar but the druids – and Sualtam runs out, but falls and decapitates himself on the sharpened edge of his shield. His severed head is brought back in on his shield, still crying out his warning. Conchobar raises his army and leads them into battle. During the fighting, Fergus has him at his mercy, but Cormac Cond Longas prevents his foster-father from killing his biological father, and Fergus strikes off the top of three hills instead. Medb is eventually forced to retreat by Cú Chulainn, but manages to bring the bull back to Connacht, where it fights her husband Ailill’s bull Finnbhennach, kills it, and dies of exhaustion.[12]
The Battle of Ros na Ríg
After the Táin, Conchobar falls ill, and doesn’t eat or sleep. The Ulaid ask Cathbad to find out what’s wrong with their king. Conchobar tells Cathbad that he is ill because the other four provinces of Ireland have made war against him with impunity. Although he was victorious against Ailill and Medb, neither of them was killed in the battle, and he still lost his bull. He wants to make war against Connacht, but it is now winter, so Cathbad advises him to wait until summer when his men and horses will be fresh and energetic, and in the meantime, call on all his foreign allies to bring reinforcements. He sends word to Conall Cernach, who is raising tribute in the Scottish islands, and he raises a great fleet of the Ulaid’s allies in Scandinavia and the Faroe Islands and brings them home to Ulster.
In response to this build-up, the other provinces mobilise. Eochu mac Luchta, king of Munster, convinces Ailill and Medb, very much against Medb’s better judgement, to offer reparations to Conchobar. Ailill sends a man the Ulaid have reason to mistrust as their envoy to make the offer. Conchobar rejects the offer, and says he will not be satisfied until he is able to pitch his tent anywhere in Ireland. When asked where he wants to pitch his tent that night, he selects Ros na Ríg (Rosnaree) on the River Boyne. A battle ensues at Ros na Ríg between the Ulaid on one side, and on the other side the kingdom of Meath, led by Conchobar’s son-in-law Cairpre Nia Fer, king of Tara, and the Gailióin of Leinster, led by their king Find mac Rossa. The battle goes badly for the Ulaid until Conall Cernach joins the fray, because the wavering Ulstermen are too scared of him to retreat. Conall kills a thousand men in the battle. Cairpre Nia Fer kills 800 before Cú Chulainn kills him with a spear thrown from a distance, and then beheads him before his body hits the ground. The Gailióin retreat and the Ulaid take Tara. Erc, Cairpre’s son and Conchobar’s grandson, is installed as the new king of Tara. He swears allegiance to Conchobar and is given Cú Chulainn’s daughter Fínscoth in marriage.[13]
Conor Mac Ness Father Lineage
The mysterious Cathbad was the Druid to King Conor MacNessa of Ulster who served not only as his advisor but also eventually as a means of checking the excessive use of power by the King.
The word Druid can mean ‘oak knower’ or ‘oak seer’ and Druids were often seen as members of an exclusive occupational class, and also as sorcerers. It is generally accepted that the Druid was a type of intermediary, a conduit to the Otherworld.
The centre of a Druidic ritual was in a sacred place located close to trees. The favorite trees of the Druids were the Oak trees and the Rowan trees and it was on wattles of this tree that a Druid would sleep to gain prophetic visions from their dreams.
A Druid’s opinion was always sought on matters of law and tradition. They could identify wrong-doers, interpret dreams, cure illnesses and give shrewd military advice. While the Druid was believed to possess mystical powers they should not be confused with ‘the bard’ who was more often a leading figure such as a poet whose verse was believed to have magical connotations. The teachings of the Druid were based on the five elements: earth, sea, sky, sun and moon.
Cathbad held the highest office at the Court of King Conor MacNessa. As was the tradition at the time no one was permitted to speak before the King, but even the King himself waited to hear first from Cathbad!
Cathbad’s prophecies are pivotal in many of the stories of that ancient time such as the occasion when Cuchulainn took up arms after Cathbad predicted that anyone to do so for the first time on that day would live a memorable, albeit short life. Immediately the boy hero Cuchulainn took up arms and slay three champions who had long dominated Ulster, instantly becoming a hero.
It was also Cathbad’s prophecy about Deirdre of the Sorrows that sets in motion her tragic tale.
When Deirdre was born, Cathbad was able to see from the cry she gave when she was still in the womb that she would bring death and destruction after her. Conor MacNessa tried to avert this prophecy, but his pride and jealousy was so great that he could not let Deirdre go, as a grown woman, to be with the man she loved, Naoise. After luring Deirdre and the sons of Ushnu back to Ulster under a false promise of peace, the King enlisted Cathbad’s help in subduing the fearsome brothers.
Cathbad agreed to help, only on condition that Conor not kill the sons of Ushnu. Cathbad surrounded the warriors with a spell that made them feel as if they were enveloped by water. They had to swim until their arms were so tired that they dropped their weapons. The King then seized his chance and had the brothers executed, keeping the letter of his promise by having someone else actually despatch them from the mortal realm.
Cathbad was furious at the King’s misuse of his powers and put a curse on Conor MacNessa: that his line would end with him, and he would have no descendants after him. This was a terrible curse in a culture that prized a person’s legacy and lineage.
King Conor MacNessa was proud though and thought himself safe, having many sons. But he underestimated the power of the Druid’s curse and over the course of his life, one by one, all his sons died, and by the time he was an old man only the exile Cormac Cond Longas still survived, living in Connaught. The King asked Cormac to come back to Ulster to succeed him. Cormac agreed and set out on his journey to meet his father, only for a deadly accident to befall him on the way, fulfilling Cathbad’s curse.
Other legends of Cathbad have it that the Druid Cathbad was in fact the father of King Conor MacNessa, making the curse he placed upon him even more sinister. It is told that the Princess Nessa had consulted with Cathbad, enquiring of him what that particular day would be suited to. He answered:
‘This day is auspicious for begetting a King upon a Queen!’
His meaning was clear and he lay with Nessa begetting the son Conchobar, later known as Conor, who would become the King of all Ulster.
Cathbad is the quintessential Druid of Irish mythology. The relationship between the King and Druid was of extreme importance, for it determined the fortune of the King and that of his people.
If there was a good King there was seen to be good corn and meat and therefore prosperity for the people. Thus the Druid represents the child of wisdom, born of the male sun representing the cult of the King with mother earth symbolized by the female Goddess. Despite possessing great knowledge, a Druid also held great power. Not only did Druids serve a high king, but they also curtailed the power of that ruler.
This was especially true in the tales of Cathbad and King Conor MacNessa with some tellings having it that Cathbad cursed his very own son, thus ending the line of Conor MacNessa, the great King of Ulster.
HOW CONACHAR GAINED THE son of Fachtna fathach, the famous, worthy king of Ulad, the full-eyed, royal, gigantic warrior. ‘ Compar[1]able to a moon in its great fifteenth was his countenance, his visage, and his face. His beard was forked, fair, and pointed ; his bushy, reddish-yellow hair was looped to the slope of his poll {culad). A purple-bordered garment encircled him, a pin of wrought gold fastening the garment over his shoulder. Next to the surface of his skin was a shirt of kingly satin. A purple-brown shield, with rims of yellow gold, was beside him. He had a gold-hilted, embossed sword ; in his white firm right hand he held a purple-bright, well-shaped spear, accompanied by its forked dart’ ^ On earth was there not a man wiser, nor stronger, nor more champion-like than he. And in his reign the province was a fountain of desire and of wealth, so that there was not a residence waste or empty, from the one end of the province to the other, without a tenant, serving his hereditary lord. And in the king’s house at Emain Macha was great state kept up ; moreover, on his accession the king had promulgated a law that every champion should for one night entertain Ulster, and the king seven nights or four nights, so that each of the chiefs in turn practised hospitality towards the king and the nobles of Ulster. And the kingdom prospered, and in his time was peace and fatness, wise laws and promulgation of justice, and great deeds of championship by Cuchullin and the Heroes of the Red Branch. But Fergus did not willingly submit to his exclusion from the sovereignty ; he gathered a great army and swore to be avenged on Conachar ; but ultimately he ‘ This description is taken from the tale known as Mesca Ulad, p. 29, R.I. A. Todd Lecture Series.
HOW CONACHAR GAINED THE KINGSHIP OVER ULSTER
Now, while Conachar was still a lad, his mother Ness being then a widow, and still beautiful, Fergus mac Roich, who was king of Ulster at that time, desired to make her his wife. ‘ Give me then my conditions,’ said she ; ‘ namely, that for one year my son reign over Ulster, in order that his posterity may be called the descendants of a king.’ And the officers of the kingdom advised Fergus to agree to this, and to resign the king[1]dom for one year into the hands of Conachar. Now when Nessa had gained her point, she set to work so to instruct her son that he should win over to himself the most influential of the nobles and the chiefs of the province. She supplied him with wealth, which was distributed secretly among the people, and in such wise did he win over the Ultonians that the year’s end, when Fergus demanded back the sovereignty, the chiefs refused to allow Conachar to part with it, alleging that Fergus having consented to barter the kingdom as a dowry to his wife, had, in fact, actually resigned it. And they held that to Fergus should be left only what he already possessed, namely, his wife ; and that Conachar should retain the sovereignty of Ulster. Now this was the appearance of the king, of Conachar,
KINGSHIP OVER ULSTER ii
was defeated and driven into Connacht. And there he dwelled a long time in the courts of Ailell and of Meave, king and queen of Connacht ; and there existed long war and hostility between the men of Connacht and the men of Ulster, until Meave stirred up all Erin against Conachar in the great Cattle spoil of Ulster which is called the Tdin b6 Cuailgne. Fergus, although he was greatly embittered against Ulster and against the king on account of the breach of compact and on account of the illegal seizure of the sovereignty, as also for the matter of the children of Usnach’s exile, yet found it hard to be severed from his own people, and he thought it not well to lead the forces of Meave against the Ultonians, as will be seen in the Tdin.^ Now the description of Fergus is this : he was of high stature, and his strength was as that of seven hundred men ; seven hogs and seven vats and seven kine he used to consume ; and his sword would stretch to the length of a rainbow when he wielded it.
3 4 THE CUCHULLIN SAGA
The same propitious hour To him and to the King of the World. Every one will praise him For ever to the day of Doom ; The same night he will be born. Heroes will not defy him, As hostage he will not be taken, He and Christ. In the plain of Inis thou wilt bear him Upon the flagstone in the meadow. Glorious will be his story ; He will be the king of grace. He will be the hound of Ulster, Who will take pledges of knights : Awful will be the disgrace When he falls. Conachar his name Whoso will call him. His weapons will be red ; He will excel in many routs. There he will find his death, [Even] in avenging the suffering God. Clear will be the track of his sword Over the slanting plain of Laim.’ Conachar was called from the name of his mother, mac Nessa. But her name in the beginning had been Assa, ‘docile’ or ‘gentle,’ and it was on this manner that it was changed to Niassa, ‘ungentle.’ She was daughter of Echaid Yellow-heel, king of Ulster, and by his desire she had been trained up by twelve tutors, to whom she was ever docile and full of teachableness. ^ See ‘The Conception of Conachar,’ translated by Prof, Kuno Meyer, from Stowe MS., No. 992. Rev. Celt., vol. vi. pp. 173-182.
The Prophecy
A pivotal element in the narrative of Conchobar’s early life is the prophecy made at his conception. Cathbad’s declaration that the time was right for the birth of a king not only set the course for Conchobar’s life but also positioned him as a figure of destiny from the very start. This prophecy suggested that Conchobar was destined for greatness, to rule with strength and wisdom. Such prophecies were not merely foretellings of future events but were seen as divine mandates, imbuing Conchobar’s eventual kingship with a sense of inevitability and divine right.
The implications of this prophecy resonate throughout Conchobar’s life and reign. It instilled in him a sense of duty and destiny, influencing his decisions and his interactions with allies and enemies alike. This narrative of divine ordination also reinforced his authority among his people, lending a sacred legitimacy to his rule that was recognized across Ulster.
Rise to Power
Conchobar mac Nessa’s ascension to the throne of Ulster is a tale of cunning, prophecy, and strategic marital alliances, illustrating the complex social and legal norms of ancient Irish society. His rise to power was not merely a function of lineage or conquest but involved significant maneuvering influenced by his mother, Ness, and the prevailing legal traditions of the time.
The Story of Fergus mac Róich
The pivotal moment in Conchobar’s path to kingship involved Fergus mac Róich, the reigning king of Ulster. Fergus, known for his strength and valor, fell deeply in love with Ness. She agreed to marry him but set a crucial condition: Conchobar, though still a child, must be made king for a year. This condition was ostensibly to honor the prophecy that Conchobar was destined to be king, and to ensure that his future offspring could claim descent from a king, a significant factor in royal legitimacy.
Fergus, deeply enamored and perhaps underestimating the implications, consented to this arrangement. Conchobar was installed as a nominal king, with the expectation that this would be a temporary arrangement before Fergus resumed his rule.
Ness’s Strategy and Conchobar’s Rule
However, Ness had a strategic plan to ensure her son’s prolonged reign. During his year as king, Conchobar, guided by his mother’s counsel and the druidic wisdom of Cathbad, governed wisely and justly, far beyond the expectations for a boy king. His rule was marked by decisions that showcased his ability to lead, which ingratiated him with the Ulster nobility and the common people alike.
As the end of the year approached, the nobles of Ulster, pleased with Conchobar’s leadership, advocated for his continuation as king. Fergus, bound by his promise and faced with the undeniable popularity of Conchobar’s rule, was compelled to step down. Thus, Conchobar was solidified in power, not just by the machinations of his mother but by the will of the Ulaid people.
Legal and Social Context
Under medieval Irish law, particularly the Brehon laws, kingship was not solely hereditary but elective within certain royal kin groups. A king’s fitness to rule, his fír flathemon (king’s truth), was judged by his ability to ensure prosperity in his territory — signified by bountiful harvests, successful raids, and effective leadership. Conchobar’s ability to demonstrate these qualities during his interim rule significantly legitimized his claim to the throne.
Moreover, the concept of tanistry allowed for an heir (the tánaiste) to be appointed and recognized while the current king still lived. This practice was meant to ensure smooth successions but often led to power struggles. In Conchobar’s case, his designated year as king acted as a proof of his capability, effectively manipulating these traditions to secure his position permanently.
Thus, Conchobar mac Nessa’s rise to power is emblematic of the nuanced interplay between personal ambition, legal norms, and societal expectations in ancient Irish royalty. His continued reign after the temporary term was a testament to his strategic governance and the successful exploitation of both legal structures and personal relationships.
Reign as King
Conchobar mac Nessa’s tenure as the king of Ulster is marked by significant political maneuvering, strategic alliances, and military campaigns that have cemented his legacy as a formidable and astute ruler in Irish mythology. His reign, while characterized by periods of prosperity and strength, was also fraught with challenges that tested his leadership and tactical acumen.
Governance and Political Landscape
During Conchobar’s reign, Ulster stood as a stronghold of stability and power, largely due to his effective governance. Conchobar was known for his judicious administration, which was guided by both the traditional wisdom of the druids and the counsel of his advisers. The king’s rule was marked by a strong adherence to the Brehon Laws, ancient Irish legal statutes that governed everything from property rights to tribal customs. His ability to maintain law and order, ensure justice, and promote prosperity greatly enhanced his reputation among his subjects.
The political landscape of Ulster under Conchobar was one of constant vigilance and strategic defense. Positioned against rivals from within the other provinces of Ireland, particularly Connacht under Queen Medb, Ulster under Conchobar’s rule often found itself at the nexus of broader regional conflicts, which the king navigated with a blend of diplomacy and martial prowess.
Significant Policies and Military Campaigns
One of the most notable aspects of Conchobar’s reign was his military strategy. He was not only a warrior king but also a tactician who understood the importance of strong defense and the strategic use of alliances. His policies often focused on strengthening the fortifications of Emain Macha, the capital of Ulster, and securing the loyalty of his warriors through grants of land and wealth.
The most famous military campaign during his reign was the Táin Bó Cúailnge, or the Cattle Raid of Cooley. This conflict was initiated by Queen Medb of Connacht in a bid to capture the prized bull Donn Cúailnge, symbolizing her challenge to Conchobar’s authority. The epic battle not only tested the military might of Ulster but also highlighted Conchobar’s leadership qualities and his ability to mobilize and inspire his warriors during times of crisis.
Relationships with Key Figures
Conchobar’s relationships with key figures such as Cú Chulainn, the legendary hero of Ulster, and Queen Medb, his nemesis from Connacht, significantly shaped his reign.
• Cú Chulainn: Conchobar’s relationship with his nephew Cú Chulainn was complex. As the foremost warrior of Ulster, Cú Chulainn was essential to the king’s military strategies, particularly during the Táin Bó Cúailnge. Conchobar relied heavily on Cú Chulainn’s almost superhuman abilities on the battlefield, which were crucial in thwarting Medb’s invasion. However, their relationship was not without its tensions, often due to Conchobar’s strategic decisions that put Cú Chulainn at great personal risk and the young hero’s sometimes uncontrollable nature.
• Queen Medb: The dynamic between Conchobar and Queen Medb was one of rivalry and grudging respect. Medb’s ambition and her challenge to Ulster’s dominance were a constant thorn in Conchobar’s side. Their interactions, a blend of political and personal conflict, underscored many of the era’s significant events, including the Táin Bó Cúailnge, which not only was a military conflict but also a profound narrative about power, greed, and heroism.
Personal Life and Relationships
Conchobar mac Nessa’s personal life, characterized by numerous marriages, familial alliances, and complex interpersonal relationships, played a crucial role in shaping his reign as the king of Ulster. These relationships not only influenced his domestic policies but also had significant repercussions for the political landscape of his time.
Marriages and Family Dynamics
Conchobar was known for his multiple marriages, which were often strategically aligned to strengthen his political alliances and secure his position in Ulster. His wives included noblewomen from various territories, each marriage bringing with it new alliances and occasionally, new conflicts.
• Medb (Maeve): Perhaps the most famous of his wives, Medb later became the queen of Connacht. Their marriage, though politically advantageous at the outset, ended in separation due to Medb’s ambition and her desire for power, which clashed with Conchobar’s own leadership. Medb’s departure and subsequent marriage to Ailill of Connacht laid the groundwork for future conflicts, most notably the Táin Bó Cúailnge.
• Mugain: Considered his chief wife, Mugain bore him several children, helping to secure his lineage. Her role in the royal court was significant, often acting as a stabilizing influence within the family and the kingdom.
• Other Marriages: Conchobar’s other marriages to women such as Eithne and Clothru (both potentially his relatives in certain stories), further complicated the family dynamics, particularly with the overlapping familial roles and allegiances they brought into the royal household.
Children
Conchobar’s children, including notable figures like Cormac Cond Longas and Cúscraid Mend Macha, were integral to his legacy. Each child was strategically fostered with allies across Ulster and beyond, as was customary for the time, to cement alliances and educate the next generation of leaders under the tutelage of trusted nobles.
Complex Relationships
Cultural and Mythological Significance
Conchobar mac Nessa’s role in Irish folklore and myth extends beyond his historical or legendary actions as king; it delves into the realms of symbolism and cultural ethos, reflecting the values, fears, and aspirations of ancient Irish society. His character and the stories that surround him serve as a rich tapestry of meaning and insight into the complex dynamics of power, morality, and fate in Irish mythology.
Role in Irish Folklore and Myth
Conchobar is central to the Ulster Cycle, one of the four major cycles of Irish mythology, which is pivotal in showcasing the heroic age of Ireland. His leadership during the iconic Táin Bó Cúailnge and other tales not only highlights his prowess and political acumen but also underscores the cultural importance of kingship and sovereignty in ancient Ireland. Conchobar embodies the archetypal king, whose actions directly influence the welfare of his people and land, adhering to the concept of fír flathemon—the truth of the ruler which ensures peace and prosperity under his rule.
Symbolic Aspects of His Character
• Symbol of Kingship and Authority: Conchobar represents the ideal of kingship in Irish myth, where the king is not just a political leader but also a semi-sacred figure whose personal morality and physical well-being are symbiotically linked with the land he governs. This connection is evident in the prosperity of Ulster under his rule, reflecting the mythological concept that the land flourishes under a just and strong king.
• Agent of Fate and Prophecy: Conchobar’s life is profoundly shaped by prophecies and omens, from the circumstances of his birth to his tragic death. These elements highlight the Celtic belief in the power of fate and destiny, where even kings are not beyond the reach of preordained paths set by the supernatural forces of the cosmos. His interactions with figures like Cathbad, who foretells his birth and the calamitous love story of Deirdre, further cement his role as a figure caught in the web of destiny.
• Complexity of Leadership: Conchobar’s stories often explore the burdens and moral complexities of leadership. His decision-making, particularly in situations involving Deirdre or during the Táin, reflects the intricate balance between personal desires and the greater good. These narratives serve as a reflection on the ethical dimensions of power and the consequences of decisions, providing moral lessons on governance and justice.
• Deirdre: The story of Deirdre is one of the most poignant tales associated with Conchobar. Deirdre, destined to be a woman of great beauty whose life would lead to much strife, was sought by Conchobar for marriage. However, her elopement with Naoise, son of Uisnech, led to one of the most tragic tales in Irish mythology. Conchobar’s obsession with Deirdre and his subsequent actions to reclaim her after she had fled with Naoise led to the death of her lover and his brothers, deeply tarnishing Conchobar’s reputation and setting the stage for further conflicts.
• Fergus mac Róich: Fergus, initially a king of Ulster who stepped down in favor of Conchobar, became one of his most formidable rivals. Although Fergus’s relationship with Conchobar started amicably, with Fergus acting as a mentor and supporter, it deteriorated after Conchobar’s permanent accession to the throne and his betrayal during the Deirdre saga. This betrayal led Fergus to defect to Connacht, where he aligned with Queen Medb against Conchobar, significantly influencing the dynamics of power in Ireland.
Conchobar mac Nessa’s personal relationships profoundly impacted his reign and the narrative arcs within the Ulster Cycle. His marriages shaped the political alliances of Ulster, his familial strategies influenced the future leadership of the region, and his complex interactions with figures like Deirdre and Fergus mac Róich underscored the intertwining of personal motives with political outcomes in ancient Irish kingship.
• Embodiment of Cultural Values: Through his patronage of heroes like Cú Chulainn and his engagement in activities typical of Irish kings—such as feasting, presiding over assemblies, and leading in war—Conchobar embodies the cultural ideals of hospitality, honor, and valor. His court at Emain Macha is depicted as a center of culture and heroism, reflecting the societal values of the time.
Conchobar mac Nessa, through his mythological narratives, serves not only as a historical or legendary figure but as a cultural symbol that encapsulates the complexities of kingship, the inevitability of fate, and the moral quandaries faced by those in power. His stories are integral to understanding the cultural and mythological landscape of ancient Ireland, offering insights into the values and conflicts of its people. Through these tales, Conchobar remains a perennial figure in the collective Irish consciousness, representing the timeless themes of leadership, morality, and destiny.
Legacy and Influence
Conchobar mac Nessa’s legacy extends far beyond the ancient manuscripts and myths of Ireland. His influence permeates through history and modern culture, shaping perceptions of kingship and heroism and inspiring a myriad of literary works and characters in later traditions. His complex character and the epic narratives surrounding his reign have been interpreted and reinterpreted, influencing both literary forms and cultural ideologies.
Historical and Modern Perceptions
Historically, Conchobar has been viewed as a quintessential king whose reign embodies the ideals and complexities of Iron Age Ireland. In medieval Irish literature, he is portrayed as a formidable yet fair ruler, often serving as a benchmark against which other kings are measured. In modern times, Conchobar’s tales, particularly those involving themes of love, betrayal, and tragedy, resonate with contemporary audiences for their depth and relevance to themes of leadership and morality.
The portrayal of Conchobar in modern culture often reflects a fascination with mythological narratives, where ancient tales are reimagined to explore universal themes of power, ethics, and human frailty. Conchobar’s character is sometimes seen through a critical lens, particularly regarding his decisions and moral judgements, which are dissected for their impact on the lives of legendary heroes like Cú Chulainn and tragic figures like Deirdre.
Impact on Other Literary Works
Conchobar mac Nessa’s influence is notably visible in the Arthurian legends, which share several thematic and structural similarities with the Ulster Cycle. Scholars have long noted parallels between Conchobar and King Arthur, particularly in their roles as royal patrons of groups of heroic warriors—Conchobar with the Red Branch Knights and Arthur with the Knights of the Round Table. Both figures are central to tales that define the cultural and mythical landscape of their respective societies.
The tragic elements of Conchobar’s stories, such as the doomed love of Deirdre, akin to the Arthurian love triangles and betrayals, highlight the shared narrative motifs between Celtic myths and later medieval romances. These stories explore the consequences of royal decisions and personal desires, weaving complex tapestries of fate and agency that challenge and intrigue audiences across the ages.
Influence on Characters and Storytelling
Conchobar has possibly influenced the depiction of other literary characters who embody the dual aspects of wisdom and fallibility in leadership. His narrative has enriched the portrayal of nuanced characters who are revered not only for their strength and authority but also for their human vulnerabilities and moral conflicts.
Moreover, the rich saga of Conchobar and the Ulster Cycle has contributed to the broader genre of epic literature, where themes of heroism, loyalty, betrayal, and destiny are explored in depth. These themes continue to resonate in contemporary storytelling, where the blend of historical depth and mythological wonder continues to captivate and inspire both creators and audiences.
The Prophecy
A pivotal element in the narrative of Conchobar’s early life is the prophecy made at his conception. Cathbad’s declaration that the time was right for the birth of a king not only set the course for Conchobar’s life but also positioned him as a figure of destiny from the very start. This prophecy suggested that Conchobar was destined for greatness, to rule with strength and wisdom. Such prophecies were not merely foretellings of future events but were seen as divine mandates, imbuing Conchobar’s eventual kingship with a sense of inevitability and divine right.
The implications of this prophecy resonate throughout Conchobar’s life and reign. It instilled in him a sense of duty and destiny, influencing his decisions and his interactions with allies and enemies alike. This narrative of divine ordination also reinforced his authority among his people, lending a sacred legitimacy to his rule that was recognized across Ulster.
Rise to Power
Conchobar mac Nessa’s ascension to the throne of Ulster is a tale of cunning, prophecy, and strategic marital alliances, illustrating the complex social and legal norms of ancient Irish society. His rise to power was not merely a function of lineage or conquest but involved significant maneuvering influenced by his mother, Ness, and the prevailing legal traditions of the time.
The Story of Fergus mac Róich
The pivotal moment in Conchobar’s path to kingship involved Fergus mac Róich, the reigning king of Ulster. Fergus, known for his strength and valor, fell deeply in love with Ness. She agreed to marry him but set a crucial condition: Conchobar, though still a child, must be made king for a year. This condition was ostensibly to honor the prophecy that Conchobar was destined to be king, and to ensure that his future offspring could claim descent from a king, a significant factor in royal legitimacy.
Fergus, deeply enamored and perhaps underestimating the implications, consented to this arrangement. Conchobar was installed as a nominal king, with the expectation that this would be a temporary arrangement before Fergus resumed his rule.
Ness’s Strategy and Conchobar’s Rule
However, Ness had a strategic plan to ensure her son’s prolonged reign. During his year as king, Conchobar, guided by his mother’s counsel and the druidic wisdom of Cathbad, governed wisely and justly, far beyond the expectations for a boy king. His rule was marked by decisions that showcased his ability to lead, which ingratiated him with the Ulster nobility and the common people alike.
As the end of the year approached, the nobles of Ulster, pleased with Conchobar’s leadership, advocated for his continuation as king. Fergus, bound by his promise and faced with the undeniable popularity of Conchobar’s rule, was compelled to step down. Thus, Conchobar was solidified in power, not just by the machinations of his mother but by the will of the Ulaid people.
Legal and Social Context
Under medieval Irish law, particularly the Brehon laws, kingship was not solely hereditary but elective within certain royal kin groups. A king’s fitness to rule, his fír flathemon (king’s truth), was judged by his ability to ensure prosperity in his territory — signified by bountiful harvests, successful raids, and effective leadership. Conchobar’s ability to demonstrate these qualities during his interim rule significantly legitimized his claim to the throne.
Moreover, the concept of tanistry allowed for an heir (the tánaiste) to be appointed and recognized while the current king still lived. This practice was meant to ensure smooth successions but often led to power struggles. In Conchobar’s case, his designated year as king acted as a proof of his capability, effectively manipulating these traditions to secure his position permanently.
Thus, Conchobar mac Nessa’s rise to power is emblematic of the nuanced interplay between personal ambition, legal norms, and societal expectations in ancient Irish royalty. His continued reign after the temporary term was a testament to his strategic governance and the successful exploitation of both legal structures and personal relationships.
Reign as King
Conchobar mac Nessa’s tenure as the king of Ulster is marked by significant political maneuvering, strategic alliances, and military campaigns that have cemented his legacy as a formidable and astute ruler in Irish mythology. His reign, while characterized by periods of prosperity and strength, was also fraught with challenges that tested his leadership and tactical acumen.
Governance and Political Landscape
During Conchobar’s reign, Ulster stood as a stronghold of stability and power, largely due to his effective governance. Conchobar was known for his judicious administration, which was guided by both the traditional wisdom of the druids and the counsel of his advisers. The king’s rule was marked by a strong adherence to the Brehon Laws, ancient Irish legal statutes that governed everything from property rights to tribal customs. His ability to maintain law and order, ensure justice, and promote prosperity greatly enhanced his reputation among his subjects.
The political landscape of Ulster under Conchobar was one of constant vigilance and strategic defense. Positioned against rivals from within the other provinces of Ireland, particularly Connacht under Queen Medb, Ulster under Conchobar’s rule often found itself at the nexus of broader regional conflicts, which the king navigated with a blend of diplomacy and martial prowess.
Significant Policies and Military Campaigns
One of the most notable aspects of Conchobar’s reign was his military strategy. He was not only a warrior king but also a tactician who understood the importance of strong defense and the strategic use of alliances. His policies often focused on strengthening the fortifications of Emain Macha, the capital of Ulster, and securing the loyalty of his warriors through grants of land and wealth.
The most famous military campaign during his reign was the Táin Bó Cúailnge, or the Cattle Raid of Cooley. This conflict was initiated by Queen Medb of Connacht in a bid to capture the prized bull Donn Cúailnge, symbolizing her challenge to Conchobar’s authority. The epic battle not only tested the military might of Ulster but also highlighted Conchobar’s leadership qualities and his ability to mobilize and inspire his warriors during times of crisis.
Relationships with Key Figures
Conchobar’s relationships with key figures such as Cú Chulainn, the legendary hero of Ulster, and Queen Medb, his nemesis from Connacht, significantly shaped his reign.
• Cú Chulainn: Conchobar’s relationship with his nephew Cú Chulainn was complex. As the foremost warrior of Ulster, Cú Chulainn was essential to the king’s military strategies, particularly during the Táin Bó Cúailnge. Conchobar relied heavily on Cú Chulainn’s almost superhuman abilities on the battlefield, which were crucial in thwarting Medb’s invasion. However, their relationship was not without its tensions, often due to Conchobar’s strategic decisions that put Cú Chulainn at great personal risk and the young hero’s sometimes uncontrollable nature.
• Queen Medb: The dynamic between Conchobar and Queen Medb was one of rivalry and grudging respect. Medb’s ambition and her challenge to Ulster’s dominance were a constant thorn in Conchobar’s side. Their interactions, a blend of political and personal conflict, underscored many of the era’s significant events, including the Táin Bó Cúailnge, which not only was a military conflict but also a profound narrative about power, greed, and heroism.
Personal Life and Relationships
Conchobar mac Nessa’s personal life, characterized by numerous marriages, familial alliances, and complex interpersonal relationships, played a crucial role in shaping his reign as the king of Ulster. These relationships not only influenced his domestic policies but also had significant repercussions for the political landscape of his time.
Marriages and Family Dynamics
Conchobar was known for his multiple marriages, which were often strategically aligned to strengthen his political alliances and secure his position in Ulster. His wives included noblewomen from various territories, each marriage bringing with it new alliances and occasionally, new conflicts.
• Medb (Maeve): Perhaps the most famous of his wives, Medb later became the queen of Connacht. Their marriage, though politically advantageous at the outset, ended in separation due to Medb’s ambition and her desire for power, which clashed with Conchobar’s own leadership. Medb’s departure and subsequent marriage to Ailill of Connacht laid the groundwork for future conflicts, most notably the Táin Bó Cúailnge.
• Mugain: Considered his chief wife, Mugain bore him several children, helping to secure his lineage. Her role in the royal court was significant, often acting as a stabilizing influence within the family and the kingdom.
• Other Marriages: Conchobar’s other marriages to women such as Eithne and Clothru (both potentially his relatives in certain stories), further complicated the family dynamics, particularly with the overlapping familial roles and allegiances they brought into the royal household.
Children
Conchobar’s children, including notable figures like Cormac Cond Longas and Cúscraid Mend Macha, were integral to his legacy. Each child was strategically fostered with allies across Ulster and beyond, as was customary for the time, to cement alliances and educate the next generation of leaders under the tutelage of trusted nobles.
Complex Relationships
• Deirdre: The story of Deirdre is one of the most poignant tales associated with Conchobar. Deirdre, destined to be a woman of great beauty whose life would lead to much strife, was sought by Conchobar for marriage. However, her elopement with Naoise, son of Uisnech, led to one of the most tragic tales in Irish mythology. Conchobar’s obsession with Deirdre and his subsequent actions to reclaim her after she had fled with Naoise led to the death of her lover and his brothers, deeply tarnishing Conchobar’s reputation and setting the stage for further conflicts.
• Fergus mac Róich: Fergus, initially a king of Ulster who stepped down in favor of Conchobar, became one of his most formidable rivals. Although Fergus’s relationship with Conchobar started amicably, with Fergus acting as a mentor and supporter, it deteriorated after Conchobar’s permanent accession to the throne and his betrayal during the Deirdre saga. This betrayal led Fergus to defect to Connacht, where he aligned with Queen Medb against Conchobar, significantly influencing the dynamics of power in Ireland.
Conchobar mac Nessa’s personal relationships profoundly impacted his reign and the narrative arcs within the Ulster Cycle. His marriages shaped the political alliances of Ulster, his familial strategies influenced the future leadership of the region, and his complex interactions with figures like Deirdre and Fergus mac Róich underscored the intertwining of personal motives with political outcomes in ancient Irish kingship.
Cultural and Mythological Significance
Conchobar mac Nessa’s role in Irish folklore and myth extends beyond his historical or legendary actions as king; it delves into the realms of symbolism and cultural ethos, reflecting the values, fears, and aspirations of ancient Irish society. His character and the stories that surround him serve as a rich tapestry of meaning and insight into the complex dynamics of power, morality, and fate in Irish mythology.
Role in Irish Folklore and Myth
Conchobar is central to the Ulster Cycle, one of the four major cycles of Irish mythology, which is pivotal in showcasing the heroic age of Ireland. His leadership during the iconic Táin Bó Cúailnge and other tales not only highlights his prowess and political acumen but also underscores the cultural importance of kingship and sovereignty in ancient Ireland. Conchobar embodies the archetypal king, whose actions directly influence the welfare of his people and land, adhering to the concept of fír flathemon—the truth of the ruler which ensures peace and prosperity under his rule.
Symbolic Aspects of His Character
• Symbol of Kingship and Authority: Conchobar represents the ideal of kingship in Irish myth, where the king is not just a political leader but also a semi-sacred figure whose personal morality and physical well-being are symbiotically linked with the land he governs. This connection is evident in the prosperity of Ulster under his rule, reflecting the mythological concept that the land flourishes under a just and strong king.
• Agent of Fate and Prophecy: Conchobar’s life is profoundly shaped by prophecies and omens, from the circumstances of his birth to his tragic death. These elements highlight the Celtic belief in the power of fate and destiny, where even kings are not beyond the reach of preordained paths set by the supernatural forces of the cosmos. His interactions with figures like Cathbad, who foretells his birth and the calamitous love story of Deirdre, further cement his role as a figure caught in the web of destiny.
• Complexity of Leadership: Conchobar’s stories often explore the burdens and moral complexities of leadership. His decision-making, particularly in situations involving Deirdre or during the Táin, reflects the intricate balance between personal desires and the greater good. These narratives serve as a reflection on the ethical dimensions of power and the consequences of decisions, providing moral lessons on governance and justice.
• Embodiment of Cultural Values: Through his patronage of heroes like Cú Chulainn and his engagement in activities typical of Irish kings—such as feasting, presiding over assemblies, and leading in war—Conchobar embodies the cultural ideals of hospitality, honor, and valor. His court at Emain Macha is depicted as a center of culture and heroism, reflecting the societal values of the time.
Conchobar mac Nessa, through his mythological narratives, serves not only as a historical or legendary figure but as a cultural symbol that encapsulates the complexities of kingship, the inevitability of fate, and the moral quandaries faced by those in power. His stories are integral to understanding the cultural and mythological landscape of ancient Ireland, offering insights into the values and conflicts of its people. Through these tales, Conchobar remains a perennial figure in the collective Irish consciousness, representing the timeless themes of leadership, morality, and destiny.
Legacy and Influence
Conchobar mac Nessa’s legacy extends far beyond the ancient manuscripts and myths of Ireland. His influence permeates through history and modern culture, shaping perceptions of kingship and heroism and inspiring a myriad of literary works and characters in later traditions. His complex character and the epic narratives surrounding his reign have been interpreted and reinterpreted, influencing both literary forms and cultural ideologies.
Historical and Modern Perceptions
Historically, Conchobar has been viewed as a quintessential king whose reign embodies the ideals and complexities of Iron Age Ireland. In medieval Irish literature, he is portrayed as a formidable yet fair ruler, often serving as a benchmark against which other kings are measured. In modern times, Conchobar’s tales, particularly those involving themes of love, betrayal, and tragedy, resonate with contemporary audiences for their depth and relevance to themes of leadership and morality.
The portrayal of Conchobar in modern culture often reflects a fascination with mythological narratives, where ancient tales are reimagined to explore universal themes of power, ethics, and human frailty. Conchobar’s character is sometimes seen through a critical lens, particularly regarding his decisions and moral judgements, which are dissected for their impact on the lives of legendary heroes like Cú Chulainn and tragic figures like Deirdre.
Impact on Other Literary Works
Conchobar mac Nessa’s influence is notably visible in the Arthurian legends, which share several thematic and structural similarities with the Ulster Cycle. Scholars have long noted parallels between Conchobar and King Arthur, particularly in their roles as royal patrons of groups of heroic warriors—Conchobar with the Red Branch Knights and Arthur with the Knights of the Round Table. Both figures are central to tales that define the cultural and mythical landscape of their respective societies.
The tragic elements of Conchobar’s stories, such as the doomed love of Deirdre, akin to the Arthurian love triangles and betrayals, highlight the shared narrative motifs between Celtic myths and later medieval romances. These stories explore the consequences of royal decisions and personal desires, weaving complex tapestries of fate and agency that challenge and intrigue audiences across the ages.
Influence on Characters and Storytelling
Conchobar has possibly influenced the depiction of other literary characters who embody the dual aspects of wisdom and fallibility in leadership. His narrative has enriched the portrayal of nuanced characters who are revered not only for their strength and authority but also for their human vulnerabilities and moral conflicts.
Moreover, the rich saga of Conchobar and the Ulster Cycle has contributed to the broader genre of epic literature, where themes of heroism, loyalty, betrayal, and destiny are explored in depth. These themes continue to resonate in contemporary storytelling, where the blend of historical depth and mythological wonder continues to captivate and inspire both creators and audiences.
https://www.irishhistory.com/myths-legends/the-legend-of-conchobar-mac-nessa-ulsters-mythic-king/
Ruler of Ulster
Conchobar rose to power through his stepfather, Fergus mac Roich, after the king fell in love with Conchobar’s mother. Ness would convince Fergus to give up power for a year to let her son be king. The plan worked, as Conchobar became popular amongst the population for his ability to lead. This caused Fergus to lose his throne after a war with Conchobar.
Ulster would become a powerhouse. Conchobar, wise himself, was backed behind a strong council. He held on to the Brehon Laws that governed everything about Ireland. The political landscape of Ulster turned into one of vigilance and strategic defense. Despite this, the kingdom still found itself being a nexus broad regional conflict. But Conchobar countered this with diplomacy and marital prowess.
Yet, the king was no stranger to conflict. He was a warrior, as most kings were, but the difference was his ability to understand strong defense and use of allies. He focused most of his policies on strengthening up the fortifications of Emain Macha, the capital of Ulster. He kept his warriors loyal through his use of grants of land and the promise of wealth.
One of Conchobar’s famous campaigns was during the Tan Bo Cuailnge or the Cattle Raid of Cooley. Queen Medb of Connacht started the conflict after a bid to steal a prized bull named Donn Cuailnge. This conflict proved importance for the king. As his leadership and ability to inspire his warriors was fully presented. Plus, the conflict showed the true might of the Ulster arm
https://spineonline.co/mythology/conchobarmacnessmyth
Significance of the Study
I. THE DEATH OF Conchobar
We possess, as stated on page vi, five manuscript copies of Aided Chonchobuir, apart from the account contained in Keating’s History. They all differ materially, so that it seemed desirable to print them in eztenso. The version in the Edinburgh ms. xl is partly illegible but it appears to be identical in its opening with that of the Book of Leinster. As is common in the tradition of the oldest Irish tales, these five manuscripts either represent different versions of various ages, or attempts to bring these versions into harmony with each other. We can distinguish the following three different accounts of the events which led to Conchobar’s death. Once when the men of Ulster were at a gathering, the sun was darkened and the moon turned into the colour of blood. On Conchobar’s question as to the cause of this disturbance, the druid Cathbad tells the story of the Crucifixion, dwelling on the fact that Conchobar and Christ were born on the same night. Compare the Compert Conchobuir, “Revue Celtique,” vi., p. 180. This is the account contained in the third version of the Liber Flavus Fergasiorum (§4). Slight variants of this version are to be found in the account of the Book of Leinster (§11), where an earthquake takes the place of the eclipse of the sun, and where the druid’s name is not mentioned, and in the Edinburgh account (§11), in which Conchobar addresses his question to all his druids. A second version places the gathering at Muirthemne. There, on a certain day, Bachrach, a Leinster poet, arrives from abroad,1 and on the question for news tells the story of the Crucifixion which he 1 The manuscript, indeed, says (Lib. Flav., § 1) that he came from Leinster, though it makes Conchobar ask him for news of Alba (i.e. Great Britain) and Leth Moga (the southern halfof Ireland), for which Me should unquestionably read Letha (i.e. the Continent). For from meaning either ‘ Latium’ or ‘ Brittany,’ Letha has practically come to denote the Continent. THE DEATH OF CONCHOBAR 3 has heard on the Continent or in Great Britain. This is the account given most fully in the first version of the Liber Flavm (§1), mentioned briefly in the Stowe manuscript (§1), and given as a variant in the Book of Leinster (§ 13). In a third version, the Roman consul Altus visits Conchobar, either with presents from Tiberius (23. N. 10, § 1, and Liber Flavm, § 2), or to exact tribute for Octavian (Book of Leinster, § 14), and being fury ; himself a Christian, relates the stoiy of the Crucifixion. All versions end very nearly alike; only the account in the Book of Leinster breaks off shortly without mentioning Conchobar’s death. The other versions say that Conchobar’s pity roused him to he uttered a rhetoric beginning ‘ Ba aprainn,’ seized his weapons, and rushed madly about, either as far as the sea (Lib. Flav., § 4) or cutting down the wood on Lettir Lámraige (Edinburgh and Stowe version) ; Mesgegra’s brain starts out of his head, and he dies a Christian, the blood gushing from his head being his baptism. Two late versions —those in the Edinburgh and in the Stowe manuscripts—add the further history of Mesgegra’s brain, the existence of which is revealed by God to Buite mac Brónaig, abbot of Monasterboice (f ca. a.d. 520), who uses it as a pillow, whence it is known by the name of adart Buiti. In support of this, the Stowe version quotes a poem by Cináed húa Hartacáin, a poet who died in a.d. 975, another copy of which may be foand in the Book of Leinster, p. 150 a, 1. 26. Lastly, in the Edinburgh version, the incident of Cenn Berraide, who, in all other accounts, carried the king on his back after he had been wounded by Cet at the Ford of Daire Dá Báeth, is shifted and added on at the end, where it is quite out of place. ( 4 )
https://dn720506.ca.archive.org/0/items/deathtalesofulst00meye/deathtalesofulst00meye.pdf
In the meantime Conchobar’s physician Fingen was brought to him. It was he who would know from the smoke that arose from a house how many were ill in that house, and every disease that was in it.
“Well,” said Fingen, “if the stone is taken out of your head, you will be dead forthwith. If it is not taken out, however, I would heal you, but it will be a blemish for you.”
“It is easier for us,” said the men of Ulster, “to bear the blemish than his death.”
His head was then healed; and it was stitched with thread of gold, for the color of Conchobar’s hair was the same as the color of gold. And the physician said to Conchobar that he should be on his guard lest anger should come on him, and that he should not mount a horse, that he should not have connection with a woman, that he should not eat food greedily, and that he should not run.
In that doubtful state, then, he was as long as he lived, seven years; and he was not capable of action, but remained in his seat only, until he heard that Christ had been crucified by the Jews. At that time a great trembling came over the elements, and the heavens and earth shook with the enormity of the deed that was then done, Jesus Christ, the son of the living God, to be crucified without guilt.
“What is this,” said Conchobar to his druid. “What great evil is being done on this day?”
“That is true, indeed,” said the druid (who then tells the story of the Crucifixion).
“Awful is that deed,” said Conchobar.
“That man now,” said the druid, “was born in the same night in which you were born, on the eighth before the calends of Janu¬ary, though the year was not the same.”
It was then that Conchobar believed. And he was one of the two men that believed in God in Ireland before the coming of the Faith, Morann being the other man.
(The story, which ends with a piece of rhetorical fantasy supposed to have been uttered by Conchobar, is clearly incomplete, for it does not tell of Conchobar’s death. The following paragraph, taken from another version, gives the conclusion.)
And thereupon Conchobar said, “The men of the world would know what I can do in fighting against the Jews for the sake of the crucifixion of Christ, if I were near Him.”
Then he rose and made the onslaught, until Mesgegra’s brain jumped out of his head, so that Conchobar died forthwith. Hence the Gaels say that Conchobar was the first pagan who went to Heaven in Ireland, for the blood that sprang out of his head was a baptism to him. And then Conchobar’s soul was taken out of Hell until Christ encountered it as He brought the captive host out of Hell, so that Christ took the soul of Conchobar with Him to Heaven
https://www.maryjones.us/ctexts/conchobar3.html#:~:text=And%20thereupon%20Conchobar%20said%2C%20%E2%80%9CThe,so%20that%20Conchobar%20died%20forthwith.
Version C
¶1] The men of Ulster were holding a great gathering in the plain of Murthemne. Then towards the gathering came Bochrach, a poet and druid of the men of Leinster, having come out of Leinster after learning poetry. Of him Conchobar asked tidings of Alba and Leth Moga.17
¶2] ‘There is great tidings indeed,’ said he, ‘which have happened in the eastern world, even the crucifying of the King of Heaven and Earth by the Jews; and He it is whom seers and druids have prophesied. To save and to rescue the men of the world from the sin of Adam He came from holy heaven; and He assumed flesh from the Virgin Mary without the presence of man18; and to save the human race He went upon the tree of the cross by command of the Jews. About Easter He went from us and arose on the third day after His suffering,’ viz., Altus also had told this. ‘Tis he who used to come with messages and with treasures and precious things from Tiberius Caesar Augustus, even the king of the Romans, and the king of the world, to Conchobar son of Ness, to Emain Macha. For at that time stewards of the king of the world were equally over the centre of the world and in the islands of the setting and rising sun, so that every famous story that happened was equally known in the whole world.
¶3] In that way the manner in which the crucifixion of Christ happened became known to Conchobar. For Altus told him that
it was Christ who had made Heaven and Earth, and that He had assumed flesh from the Virgin Mary for the sake of redeeming the human race. Altus himself, however, was a believer. ‘Tis therefore he told the story of Christ well, and Conchobar believed in Christ.
¶4] Or ’tis thus it happened.
On the day that Christ was crucified, Conchobar was at a gathering, and the nobles of the men of Ireland around him. Now when darkness came upon the sun, and the moon turned into the colour of blood, Conchobar asked of Cathbad what ailed the elements. ‘Thy own foster-brother,’ said he, ‘He who was born on the same night as you, is now undergoing martyrdom and has been put on the cross, and that is what this portends.’ At that Conchobar arises and takes his weapons upon him, and he said: ‘He is indeed my foster-brother and coeval, and ’tis He that was born in the same night with me,’ and then he made an onslaught from thence until he reached the sea, and he went into it up to his teeth. ‘Tis during the onslaught then that Conchobar sang this lay: ‘’Twas a pity that the Jews after a King’s death,’ &c.
¶5] And thereupon Conchobar said: ‘The men of the world would know what I can do in fighting against the Jews for the sake of the crucifixion of Christ, if I were near Him.’ Then he rose and made the onslaught, until Mesgegra’s brains jumped out of his head, so that Conchobar died forthwith. Hence the Gaels say that Conchobar was the first pagan who went to Heaven in Ireland, for the blood that sprang out of his head was a baptism to him. And then Conchobar’s soul was taken to hell until Christ encountered her as He brought the captive host out of hell, so that Christ took the soul of Conchobar with Him to Heaven.
https://celt.ucc.ie/published/T301037.html
References :
https://celt.ucc.ie/published/T301037.html
https://www.maryjones.us/ctexts/conchobar3.html#:~:text=And%20thereupon%20Conchobar%20said%2C%20%E2%80%9CThe,so%20that%20Conchobar%20died%20forthwith.
https://dn720506.ca.archive.org/0/items/deathtalesofulst00meye/deathtalesofulst00meye.pdf
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https://celt.ucc.ie/published/T301037.htmlReferences :
https://celt.ucc.ie/published/T301037.html
https://www.maryjones.us/ctexts/conchobar3.html#:~:text=And%20thereupon%20Conchobar%20said%2C%20%E2%80%9CThe,so%20that%20Conchobar%20died%20forthwith.
https://dn720506.ca.archive.org/0/items/deathtalesofulst00meye/deathtalesofulst00meye.pdf