Liath Macha and Dub Sainglend in the context of "Láeg"

Play Trivia Questions online!

or

Skip to study material about Liath Macha and Dub Sainglend in the context of "Láeg"

Ad spacer

⭐ Core Definition: Liath Macha and Dub Sainglend

Liath Macha ("grey [horse] of Macha") and Dub Sainglend ("black [horse] of Saingliu") are the two chariot-horses of Cúchulainn in the Ulster Cycle of Irish mythology.

Both horses appear to Cúchulainn from the pool of Linn Liaith in the mountains of Sliab Fuait, a gift from either Macha or her sister the Morrígan. Cúchulainn leaps onto their backs, and they run around Ireland for a day but cannot throw him off, after which they were tame.

↓ Menu

>>>PUT SHARE BUTTONS HERE<<<

👉 Liath Macha and Dub Sainglend in the context of Láeg

Láeg, or Lóeg, son of Riangabar, is the charioteer and constant companion of the hero Cú Chulainn in the Ulster Cycle of Irish mythology. His horses are Liath Macha and Dub Sainglend.

Cú Chulainn sends Láeg to the Otherworld with Lí Ban, sister to Fand, and he brings back bountiful descriptions of the Otherworld in the tale Serglige Con Culainn (The Sickbed of Cúchulainn). In the tale of Cú Chulainn's death, he is killed by Lugaid mac Con Roí with a spear intended for Cú Chulainn.

↓ Explore More Topics
In this Dossier

Liath Macha and Dub Sainglend in the context of Cú Chulainn

Cú Chulainn (/kˈkʌlɪn/ koo-KHUL-in Irish: [kuːˈxʊlˠɪn̠ʲ] ), is an Irish warrior hero and demigod in the Ulster Cycle of Irish mythology, as well as in Scottish and Manx folklore. He is believed to be an incarnation of the Irish god Lugh, who is also his father. His mother is the mortal Deichtine, sister of King Conchobar mac Nessa.

Born Sétanta, he gained his better-known name as a child, after killing Culann's fierce guard dog in self-defence and offering to take its place until a replacement could be reared, hence he became the "Hound () of Culann". He was trained in martial arts by Scáthach, who gave him the spear Gáe Bulg. It was prophesied that his great deeds would give him everlasting fame, but that his life would be short. At the age of seventeen he defended Ulster single-handedly against the armies of Queen Medb of Connacht in the famous Táin Bó Cúailnge ("Cattle Raid of Cooley"). He is known for his terrifying battle frenzy (ríastrad), in which he becomes an unrecognisable monster who knows neither friend nor foe. He fights from his chariot, driven by his loyal charioteer Láeg and drawn by his horses, Liath Macha and Dub Sainglend.

↑ Return to Menu