Emain Macha in the context of "Deichtine"

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👉 Emain Macha in the context of Deichtine

In Irish mythology, Deichtine or Deichtire was the sister of Conchobar mac Nessa and the mother of CĂș Chulainn. Her husband was Sualtam, but CĂș Chulainn's real father may have been Lugh of the Tuatha DĂ© Danann.

In one version of the story she was Conchobar's charioteer. When a flock of birds descended on Emain Macha and ate all the grass, the Ulstermen decided to hunt them, and they set off after them in their chariots. They chased them until night fell, and it began to snow, so they decided to seek shelter. They found a house and were welcomed in by the young man who lived there. His wife was in labour at the time, but he showed them hospitality and served them food and drink. His wife gave birth to a baby boy, and at the same time a horse outside the house gave birth to two colts. The Ulstermen went to sleep, but when they woke up they found themselves at the Brug na BĂłinne (Newgrange). The house, the man and his wife had vanished, but the baby and the two colts remained. Deichtine took the boy as her foster-son and they returned to Emain.

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Emain Macha in the context of Ulster Cycle

The Ulster Cycle (Irish: an RĂșraĂ­ocht), formerly known as the Red Branch Cycle, is a body of medieval Irish heroic legends and sagas of the Ulaid. It is set far in the past, in what is now eastern Ulster and northern Leinster, particularly counties Armagh, Down and Louth. It focuses on the mythical Ulster king Conchobar mac Nessa and his court at Emain Macha, the hero CĂș Chulainn, and their conflict with the Connachta and queen Medb. The longest and most important tale is the epic TĂĄin BĂł CĂșailnge (Cattle Raid of Cooley). The Ulster Cycle is one of the four 'cycles' of Irish mythology and legend, along with the Mythological Cycle, the Fianna Cycle and the Kings' Cycle.

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Emain Macha in the context of Conchobar mac Nessa

Conchobar mac Nessa (son of Ness) is the king of Ulster in the Ulster Cycle of Irish mythology. He rules from Emain Macha (Navan Fort, near Armagh). He is usually said to be the son of the High King Fachtna FĂĄthach, although in some stories his father is the druid Cathbad, and he is usually known by his matronymic, mac Nessa: his mother is Ness, daughter of Eochaid SĂĄlbuide, King of Ulster.

Conchobar was an important figure in the Ulster Cycle, appearing in the TĂĄin BĂł CĂșailnge and a number of other stories where he is depicted as a good king.

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