Friday, September 30, 2005

 

UI's Celtic Mythology - Sualtam Mac Roth

Sualtam Mac Roth, in Irish mythology, was the brother of Fergus Mac Roth. An Ulsterman, he accepted Cuchulainn as his own son, although the hero's real father was the son god Lugh. On the night of her wedding to Sualtam Mac Roth, Dechtire had swallowed a fly and fallen into a deep sleep. In this state she went to the otherworld with Lugh and there conceived Cuchulainn. While Cuchulainn was single-handedly defending Ulster against the invading forces of Queen Medb of Connacht, Sualtam Mac Roth attempted to gather the men of Ulster who had been weakened by Macha's curse. So desperately did he turn his horse that Sualtam cut off his own head with the sharp edge of his shield. But the severed head continued the call to arms long enough to rouse the warriors.

What do you mean how could a severed head have rallied the warriors? It's a myth! Suspend belief!

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