Medb: Queen of Connacht and Celestial Sovereignty
Origins and Dominance
Medb, a prominent figure from the royal lineage of Tara, is infamous for the ruthless slaying of her pregnant sister. Following this act, she aligned herself with Aillil, gaining control over Connacht—her sister’s former domain. Renowned primarily as the sovereign of Connacht during the legendary saga known as the Battle of the Brown Bull of Cooley, Medb embodies numerous mystical attributes typical of Celtic goddesses. Representing sovereignty and land ownership, her fierce independence and assertive character are central to her mythos. Medb’s requirement for any king who aspired to rule at Tara to first engage with her highlights her powerful and territorial nature, often rendering her as a promiscuous figure in tales. Her name evokes the notion of ‘mead,’ connecting her numerous romantic liaisons to the intoxicating qualities of the drink.
The Cattle Raid of Cooley
As with all her interactions, Medb held the dominant role in her partnership with Aillil. This balance was threatened during a competitive boasting session where they compared their possessions. Aillil claimed possession of an extraordinary white bull, leaving Medb envious and determined to assert her superiority. She was aware of a renowned brown bull owned by Cooley and dispatched her envoys to demand its relinquishment. Cooley was initially receptive until he overheard a drunken messenger imply that Medb would resort to force if necessary. This instigated Cooley’s refusal to yield the bull, igniting what is famously known as the Táin Bo Cuailnge, or “the Cattle Raid of Cooley.” Medb rallied her forces from Connacht to seize the bull, facing bravely against Cúchulainn, the legendary Ulster hero, until the Ulster forces were ready to retaliate.
Despite employing various schemes, including bribery, Medb’s attempts to undermine the Ulster resistance were in vain. In a pivotal moment, she convinced her mightiest warrior, Ferdia, to duel his foster brother Cúchulainn, resulting in Ferdia’s tragic death. This loss prompted her followers to voice regret over their allegiance to such a vengeful leader. As the conclusive clash loomed, the prized bull was moved into Connacht for safety. However, upon entering the new pastures, the bull was met by Aillil’s bull, and in a violent contest, they fought to the death, symbolizing the futility of the conflict between Connacht and Ulster. Ultimately, Medb met her demise at the hands of her sister’s vengeful son, who released a slingshot that reportedly bore a piece of cheese.
Legacy of Medb
Medb stands as a resilient and formidable figure, skilled in the arts of magic and sorcery. She willingly upheld her duties, demonstrating great leadership and an ability to inspire her followers. Within her marriage to Aillil, she clearly occupied the stronger position. Her portrayal often oscillated between that of a strikingly beautiful woman to a belligerent warrior, frequently observed leading her forces from her chariot. While sometimes depicted humorously, her character embodies the strength and tenacity not to be underestimated. Medb’s relentless ambition and harsh, domineering demeanor were instrumental in propelling wars solely for the sake of acquiring more property and affirming her dominance.
