Aife, a renowned queen of the Otherworld and formidable warrior from Scotland, was as skilled in combat as the famed Irish hero Cuchulainn. Their paths crossed when a young Cuchulainn visited the Isle of Skye to train under the mighty Scathach. Unfortunately, Cuchulainn abandoned Aife and their infant son, Connla, in favor of his true love, Emer, which transformed Aife’s love into profound bitterness and a desire for revenge. The name Aife translates to “beauty” or “radiance,” and she was celebrated in Irish mythology as “The Handsome” and “Greatest of Female Warriors.” Versions of her name include Aoife and Aifa.
In the Ulster Cycle, Aife is portrayed as a masterful warrior trained by the fierce warrior-priestess Scathach. Aife and Scathach, who may have been twins with roots traced back to their father, Airdgreme of Lethra, eventually became bitter foes, perpetually at odds with one another. Scathach governed an enchanted realm known as Tir na Scath, or “Land of Shadows,” where she resided in the mystical fortress of Dun Scathach, now identified as Dunsgiath Castle on the Isle of Skye, a location that bears her name from the Celtic period.
Cuchulainn, a burgeoning legend even as a teenager, had already earned a reputation as the preeminent warrior in the Red Branch of Knights. During his time in Tir na Scath, Scathach sharpened his battle skills and gifted him the magical spear Gae Bulga, an infamous weapon capable of inflicting grave injuries. In a turn of fate, when Aife challenged Scathach to a duel, Cuchulainn was drawn into the conflict. He cleverly proclaimed that Aife’s chariot was about to fall from a cliff, causing her to turn and giving him the chance to rescue her, taking her to Scathach’s castle.
During a celebratory feast following Scathach’s reconciliation with Aife, Cuchulainn and Aife’s brief romance resulted in the birth of Connla. Upon his return to Ulster to wed Emer, Cuchulainn left Aife heartbroken and consumed by anger.
At the age of seven, Connla learned of his father, Cuchulainn. Aife entrusted her son with Cuchulainn’s thumb-ring and made him swear three sacred vows, or geasa. Unbeknownst to Connla, these oaths shielded Aife’s deeper resentment towards Cuchulainn. The vows dictated that he conceal his true identity, never yield to another’s challenge, and confront any adversary head-on. Connla evolved into a strikingly skilled warrior, ultimately being sent to Emain Macha in Ulster to meet Cuchulainn.
The appearance of this enigmatic warrior caused quite a commotion. King Conchubar mac Nessa, feel slighted by Connla’s refusal to disclose his name, summoned Cuchulainn to confront the newcomer after he bested all of the Red Branch warriors. In a fateful battle, Cuchulainn and Connla clashed without realizing their blood connection. In a moment of recognition, Connla saw the light of the hero above Cuchulainn’s head and shouted his identity. Tragically, it was too late, as Cuchulainn mortally wounded Connla with Gae Bulga.
Cuchulainn, devastated, cradled his dying son, realizing that Aife had orchestrated this revenge that caused an irreparable rift. Aife learned of Connla’s demise and was consumed by anguish, regretting the sorrow that her vengeance had caused. She mourned the loss of her son and the man she loved, lamenting the tragic consequences of their story.
The tale illustrates just how high the stakes are when entangling with beings from the Otherworld, emphasizing the anguish brought forth by Aife’s jealousy and resentment, which ultimately led to Cuchulainn’s eternal regret.
