Background
Medb, a daughter of the king of Tara, controversially made a name for herself by assassinating her sister while she was pregnant. Subsequently, Medb married Aillil and took control of Connacht, land that her sister would have claimed. She rose to prominence as the queen of Connacht, particularly noted for her involvement in the Battle of the Brown Bull of Cooley. However, Medb also embodies numerous mystical traits that align her with the pantheon of Celtic goddesses. As the goddess associated with sovereignty and land, she displayed a fierce, independent spirit. Medb insisted that no king could rule at Tara without first establishing a union with her, and she was often portrayed as extraordinarily promiscuous. The etymology of her name is suggestive of ‘mead,’ linking her sensual escapades to the intoxicating nature of the drink.
Medb and the Táin Bo Cuailnge
As with all her relationships, dominance was paramount in Medb’s marriage to Aillil. One fateful evening, during a discussion over their respective wealth, Aillil boasted about owning a stunning white bull. Medb, lacking comparable possessions, recalled a legendary brown bull owned by an Ulster man named Cooley. Strongly desiring this bull to outshine her husband, Medb dispatched envoys to Cooley demanding he relinquish it. Initially, Cooley was willing to comply, but he overheard a drunken messenger imply that Medb would resort to force if necessary. Offended by such threats from a woman, Cooley refused to yield the bull, setting the stage for the famous Táin Bo Cuailnge, or “the Cattle Raid of Cooley.” Medb rallied the forces of Connacht in an attempt to capture the coveted bull, while Cúchulainn, the celebrated hero of Ulster, stood in her way until the armies of Ulster mobilized for combat.
Medb’s strategy involved deception and bribery to erode the morale of her adversaries, yet these tactics ultimately failed. She persuaded her best warrior, Ferdia, to confront Cúchulainn, who was also his foster brother, resulting in Ferdia’s death—the last champion of Connacht to fall. Following this tragedy, Medb’s followers expressed regret for having followed such an unforgiving leader. On the eve of the climactic battle, the bull of Cooley was sent into Connacht for protection. Upon entering the new fields, the bull bellowed, provoking a violent encounter with Aillil’s own bull. The two bulls ended up goring each other to death, a poignant representation of the futile war between Connacht and Ulster. Ultimately, Medb met her demise at the hands of her sister’s vengeful son, reportedly killed by a slingshot that launched a piece of cheese at her.
Conclusions
Medb stands out as a powerful and self-reliant figure, skilled in both magic and manipulation. She consistently fulfilled her responsibilities and understood the art of motivating her followers. Within her marriage to Aillil, she was undoubtedly the more assertive partner. Often depicted as magnificent yet frequently armored for battle, she commanded her own chariot into conflicts. While at times her behavior may have appeared absurd, her strength rendered her an indomitable woman who should not be underestimated. Harsh and controlling, Medb’s relentless pursuit of material wealth and dominance often resulted in devastating wars.
