The Hero's Journey
This hero was the son of the god Lugh.
Who is Cú Chulainn?
Queen Medb ruled this province.
What is Connacht?
Macha was forced to race while in this condition.
What is heavily pregnant?
This prophetess met Medb before the invasion.
Who is Fedelm?
The Irish epic known as the Cattle Raid of Cooley.
What is the Táin Bó Cúailnge?
The name of the warrior woman who trained Cú Chulainn.
Who is Scáthach?
Medb's argument with Ailill began over this topic.
What is wealth and possessions?
The king who ordered Macha to race.
Who is Conchobar?
Fedelm repeatedly said she saw a host covered in this colour.
What is red/crimson?
In early Irish society, this animal represented wealth and status.
What is cattle?
Cú Chulainn earned his famous name after killing this animal.
What is Culann's hound?
This bull gave Ailill an advantage over Medb.
What is Finnbennach?
Macha defeated these in the race.
What are the king's horses/chariot horses?
The one warrior Fedelm predicted would stop Medb's army.
Who is Cú Chulainn?
A sacred vow or taboo that could determine a hero's fate.
What is a geis?
This deadly spear spread barbs throughout the victim's body.
What is the Gáe Bolga?
Medb wanted to borrow this famous bull from Ulster.
What is Donn Cúailnge?
The name given to the curse affecting Ulster's warriors.
What is Ces Noínden
Medb ignored Fedelm's prophecy because of this character flaw.
What is pride
Cú Chulainn tied himself to this when he was dying.
What is a standing stone?
Name two features that often make an Irish hero different from a modern superhero.
What are flaws, tragic fate, geasa, divine lineage, supernatural training, or a heroic death?
Explain why owning Donn Cúailnge was so important to Medb.
It would restore her status and place her on equal footing with Ailill.
How did Macha's curse help Medb's invasion?
It left the warriors of Ulster unable to fight when the invasion began
Why do you think prophecies are important in Irish mythology?
They act as warnings about fate, destiny, and the consequences of human choices
Explain one lesson that Irish mythology teaches about pride.
Pride can cause conflict, cloud judgement, and lead to tragic consequences