The Legend of Medb: Queen of Connacht
Background
Medb, the daughter of the king of Tara, is a notable figure in Celtic mythology, known for her fierce temperament and significant influence. She became infamous for her ruthless act of killing her pregnant sister to claim the throne and subsequently united with Aillil, thus seizing control over the Connacht territory that rightfully belonged to her sibling. Her legacy is largely formed around her reign during the legendary Battle of the Brown Bull of Cooley, marking her as one of the iconic Celtic goddesses. Representing sovereignty and land ownership, Medb was characterized by her assertiveness and fierce independence. She maintained that no king would ascend to Tara without first uniting with her, which often led to her portrayal as highly sexual and influential. The connection between her name and the word ‘mead’ suggests a parallel between her allure and the intoxicating nature of the drink.
Medb and the Táin Bo Cuailnge
In her marriage with Aillil, Medb’s need for dominance was evident. One evening, a discussion about their respective wealth led to a heated exchange; Aillil boasted about possessing a remarkable white bull. Feeling overshadowed, Medb mentioned that an Ulster man owned an equally famous brown bull. Obsessed with the idea of surpassing Aillil, she commanded her messengers to approach Cooley, insisting he surrender the bull. While initially willing to negotiate, Cooley’s resolve hardened upon overhearing a drunken messenger assert their intent to seize the bull by force. Resentful of Medb’s high-handedness, Cooley declined her demands. This sparked the legendary Táin Bo Cuailnge, or “the Cattle Raid of Cooley,” where Medb rallied the armies of Connacht to capture the coveted bull.
The heroic Cúchulainn of Ulster stood in Medb’s way, managing to stall her advances until Ulster could mount an effective resistance. Medb resorted to various schemes to undermine her enemies, including attempting to sway her best warrior, Ferdia, into fighting Cúchulainn, who was his foster brother. This led to Ferdia’s downfall, culminating in the lamentation of Medb’s troops questioning their loyalty to her vengeful ambitions. On the eve of the final clash, the brown bull was sent into Connacht for protection but met a tragic fate as it was attacked by Aillil’s bull. Their deadly confrontation epitomized the senselessness of war between Connacht and Ulster. In a grim turn of fate, Medb herself met her end at the hands of her sister’s son, who reportedly struck her down with a sling shot utilizing a piece of cheese.
Conclusions
Medb emerged as a figure of strength and independence, possessing arcane knowledge and the skill to lead her followers. A determined and commanding presence, she never shied away from her responsibilities and was often seen as the driving force in her partnership with Aillil. While frequently depicted as an alluring beauty ready for battle, her image told a more complex story of a formidable and relentless individual. Though at times rendered laughable, Medb commanded respect and instilled fear. Her harsh demeanor and domineering ways positioned her as a catalyst for conflict, showcasing the extremes to which she would go to validate her power and ownership.
