Medb: The Enigmatic Queen of Connacht

Overview

In the realm of Celtic mythology, Medb stands as the formidable Queen of Connacht, characterized as a central antagonist in the Ulster Cycle. With her extraordinary cunning and strength, she reigned over Western Ireland, exerting considerable influence over the island. Her tumultuous interactions with her former spouse, Conchobar of Ulster, brought her into direct conflict with the legendary hero, Cú Chulainn.

Etymology

The name Medb, derived from the early modern Irish term Meadhbh, translates to “she who intoxicates.” This moniker has been anglicized in various forms, such as Maeve, Mave, and similar variations. In certain contexts, she is also simply referred to as the Queen of Connacht.

Attributes

Medb possessed unparalleled strength, both physically and mentally, surpassing many of her suitors and partners. This fortitude is reminiscent of an Irish goddess of sovereignty, historically linked to rulership over Tara, where the High Kings of Ireland were crowned, suggesting a shared narrative between the two figures. Medb was known for her assertive personality, establishing firm expectations from her partners: they were to exhibit fearlessness, generosity, and a lack of jealousy towards her. A testament to her allure, she garnered numerous lovers throughout her life.

Various locations commemorate her legacy, particularly in Connacht. Notable geographical sites named in her honor include Ballypitmave in County Antrim, Sawel Pitmave in County Tyrone, Medb’s Cairn in County Sligo, Knockmaa in County Galway, and Meskanmave in County Donegal.

Family

Medb was born to Eochu Feidlech, the High King of Ireland, and his wife, Cloithfinn. She had five sisters and four brothers. Her first marriage was to Conchobar mac Nessa, King of Ulster, with whom she had a son named Glaisne. Medb later married Ailill mac Máta, with whom she bore seven sons, each christened Maine, in alignment with a prophecy predicting that someone by that name would kill Conchobar. Additionally, she had a daughter named Findabair, equally noted for her intelligence and beauty.

Family Tree

• Parents
  • Father: Eochu Feidlech
  • Mother: Cloithfinn
• Consorts and Husbands
  • Conchobar mac Nessa
  • Ailill mac Máta
  • Eochaid Dála
  • Tinni mac Conri
• Children
  • Daughter: Findabair
  • Sons: Glaisne, Maine Athramail

Mythology

Medb’s narrative intertwines with the larger tapestry of the Ulster Cycle.

Early Life and Marriage to Conchobar

As the daughter of the High King Eochu Feidlech, Medb was wed to Conchobar, the King of Ulster, whose own father met his demise at the hands of Eochu. Their union produced a son, Glaisne, but the marriage was fraught with conflict, leading to Medb’s departure back to her family’s home. Subsequently, her sister Eithne married Conchobar. In a moment of jealousy and rage, Medb killed Eithne during her pregnancy, prompting the need for a cesarean to save the child, Furbaide.

Medb subsequently usurped the throne of Connacht from Tinni mac Conri and took him as a consort, aiming to prevent further bloodshed. However, a confrontation erupted when Conchobar sought vengeance for Eithne’s death, resulting in his assault on Medb. This spurred Tinni into battle against Conchobar, where he perished, averting a wider conflict. Following these events, Medb set forth her expectations for future spouses: fearlessness, kindness, and a lack of jealousy, offering a glimpse into her intricate relationships.

Her second husband, Eochaid Dála, faced conflict with Ailill mac Máta, who became her third spouse following Eochaid’s death at Ailill’s hands. The shift of names to Maine for her sons came in response to a prophecy surrounding Conchobar’s fatality.

Cattle Raid of Cooley

Medb firmly believed in maintaining a wealthier status than her husbands. When Ailill acquired a prized stud bull, she sought an equal, leading her to the elusive Donn Cúailnge in Ulster. The owner, Dáire mac Fiachna, refused to part with the bull, pushing Medb towards military action. She rallied her forces to confront the Ulsters, led by the formidable Cú Chulainn.

As her army crossed into Ulster, they were struck by a curse that incapacitated them, leaving Cú Chulainn as the sole champion capable of battling. His successive victories stretched over three taxing days. When the curse wore off, and the Ulster warriors recovered, Medb herself succumbed to debilitating cramps, leading her to retreat. Cú Chulainn, upon noticing her condition, chose not to exact harm in his victory but instead offered her a safe passage to retreat.

Afterward, Medb and Ailill negotiated peace with the Ulster faction, leading to a prolonged period free from conflict. Findabair chose to stay with Cú Chulainn, while both forces returned to their respective territories.

Later Life and Death

While Cú Chulainn faced demise at the hands of another invasion led by Medb, she never vanquished Conchobar or Ulster outright. The Conchobar referenced in prophecy was, in fact, not the same man she had battled against. As tensions arose due to Medb’s many affairs, Ailill was driven to kill Fergus mac Róich, a tactician of Ulster, prompting further discord. When Medb discovered Ailill’s infidelity, she directed Conall Cernach to take action against him, resulting in a violent conclusion to their relationship.

In the end, Medb met her demise while bathing in a pool at Inis Cloithreann, where her nephew sought vengeance for his mother’s death. In an unforeseen turn, a piece of cheese thrown with a sling took her life. Her legacy continued through her son, Maine Athramail, who interred her at Knocknarea, positioned to forever face her enemies from Ulster.

Other Mythology

Medb has numerous parallels to other warrior queens, including figures from the mythology of the Amazons and various goddesses of warfare across cultures. As a goddess of Irish sovereignty, she stands alongside other deities like Macha, Badb, Danu, the Cailleach, and the Morrígan.

Pop Culture

In contemporary media, Medb’s character has found resonance, appearing in multiple literary and visual adaptations:
– In the comic series The Boys, Queen Maeve is depicted as a variation of Wonder Woman, portrayed by Dominique McElligott in the television adaptation.
– She features as Maeve the Lady of Winter in Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files.
– Medb plays a significant antagonistic role in The Mystic Knights of Tir na Nog.
– In the Fate series, Medb is represented as a Rider-class Servant.