Scáthach

Appearances

In the early Irish tale Tochmarc Emire, which sets the stage for the epic Táin Bó Cúailnge, the hero Cú Chulainn must complete several tasks to earn the right to marry Emer. He is sent to a place called Alpae—meaning Scotland—along with Lóegaire and Conchobor, and in a later version also with Conall Cernach, to train under the warrior Domnall. After a time, Domnall sends them to Scáthach for more advanced instruction. Cú Chulainn and his companion Ferdiad go to Dún Scáith, where Scáthach teaches them combat skills and gives Cú Chulainn the deadly spear known as the Gáe Bulg. While there, Cú Chulainn starts an affair with Scáthach’s daughter Uathach, accidentally breaking her fingers. She cries out, summoning her lover Cochar Croibhe, who challenges Cú Chulainn to a duel and is quickly killed. Cú Chulainn then takes over Cochar’s duties and becomes Uathach’s lover; Scáthach promises her daughter to him without demanding a bride price. When the warrior woman Aífe threatens Scáthach’s land, Cú Chulainn fights her and wins by distracting her with lies. He spares her life on the condition that she stop fighting Scáthach and let him father a child with her. Aífe later gives birth to his son Connla, whom Cú Chulainn kills years later without recognizing him.