In ancient folklore, there was a Celtic goddess named Macha, a fairy woman of the Sidhe, whose tale becomes central to the renowned Irish epic, the Táin Bó Cúailnge. While many remember this narrative for its imposing curse, at its heart, it is a story about birth and the experiences that come with it. The simplest retelling unfolds as follows: Macha, stepping away from her realm in the Otherworld, chose to take a mortal lover for a span of one year. She embraced her role as a homemaker but made one stipulation: her existence was to remain a secret. However, Cruinn, unable to keep such luck to himself, boasted at the Samhain harvest festival that his wife could outrun the king’s swiftest horses.
In a surprising twist, Macha, despite being nine months pregnant, indeed won the race, giving birth immediately upon finishing. In response to Cruinn’s betrayal, Macha unleashed a devastating curse upon the men of Ulster: during their greatest times of peril, they would be afflicted by the pains of childbirth for nine consecutive days and nights. Following this act, Macha vanishes from the tale, leaving her legacy imprinted on the landscape; the location of the race and the birth of her twins was known as Emain Macha, translating to the Twins of Macha, present-day Armagh in Northern Ireland’s County Down.
In Episode 6 of the KnotWork Podcast, titled “The Birth of a Heroine,” I delve deeper into Macha’s narrative and engage in a discussion with Barb Buckner Suarez, a notable childbirth educator and host of the Birth Happens podcast. Barb’s appreciation leans more toward the remarkable strength of those giving birth rather than merely on Macha’s extraordinary athletic ability. This highlights a miraculous truth: the act of birth is a profound event, deserving of reverence.
Through a contemporary feminist perspective, Macha’s greatest achievement is viewed as the successful delivery of her twins. Yet, historically, she is often remembered for her formidable curse. The reaction to Macha’s curse would vary, depending on whether one belonged to the nine generations of Ulster warriors afflicted or to the opposing forces. Those benefiting from the Ulster troops’ incapacitation would likely view Macha unfavorably, even if victorious warriors from Munster or Connacht had the upper hand during Macha’s wrath.
Examining the implications of the curse, it is interesting to note that the warriors were not inflicted with blindness or other horrific ailments, but rather with birth pangs, symbolizing a harsh emasculation that likely made them feel more vulnerable than had they faced a different fate.
A Myth Supporting Gender Diversity
This ancient narrative, with its unique perspectives, allows for a discussion on gender inclusivity, particularly as it relates to the experiences of childbirth that go beyond traditional boundaries. Barb articulates her journey towards using more inclusive terminology, favoring terms such as “pregnant person” to honor a wider spectrum of birthing experiences. This exploration of language demonstrates a commitment to embracing the richness of maternal and paternal roles while also acknowledging the identities of trans and LGBTQ individuals who experience childbirth.
The tale of Macha and the Ulster Curse, documented in the Metrical Dindshenchas between the 11th and 15th centuries, likely draws from oral traditions that date back to the first century BCE. Interestingly, this narrative, revolving around a woman’s childbirth, invites us to reflect on the universality of birthing experiences, transcending gender.
Although misogynistic elements permeate the story—such as Macha’s forced participation in a race while pregnant and the implication that women’s sufferings were the ultimate curse—it is these peculiar aspects that have allowed the story to endure through the ages. Today, we are in a position to reframe the narrative, recognizing that male figures can experience the pains of childbirth as our understanding of gender expands.
This need for reinterpretation emphasizes the relevance of mythology and folklore in our lives today. Rather than seeking a naive past, we look for insights that can guide us as we navigate contemporary challenges and strive for a better future.
A Title Beyond Gender Constraints
While the episode is titled “Birth of a Heroine,” it is crucial to understand that heroines do not exclusively belong to women, nor do heroes only represent men. In “The Heroine’s Journey: For Writers, Readers, and Fans of Pop Culture,” Gail Carriger explores how the journeys of heroes and heroines hinge on their actions and circumstances rather than their biological identities. Carriger illustrates the Heroine’s Journey in familiar terms for those acquainted with Joseph Campbell and Christopher Vogler, outlining critical phases that can also be identified in Macha’s story, further illustrating the rich tapestry of narrative and character development.
