A Hero of Ireland

Today's writing assignment: write about a hero of Ireleand.


Cuchalainn, the hound of Culaan,
ferocity earned you your name.
Your battle-frenzy struck blind fear:
it took three vats of water to tame.

You trained in the Land of Shadows,
fought an army for your bride.
A beheading match crowned you hero
worthy of Ireland’s pride.

A stranger came to challenge,
and only when it was done,
You saw the golden ring he wore:
the defeated one was your son.

But more misfortune lie ahead
and could not be conquered with brawn:
you scorned the ardent advances
of the dark-goddess Morrigan.

Medb of Connacht’s dark army came
for an Ulster cattle-raid,
but Ulster’s army was laid low
from the curse that Macha had made.

You fought alone despite the curse
the Witches of Calatin cast,
lashed yourself to an upright stone
determined to fight til your last.

Morrigan, she lit on your shoulder,
her dark feathers gleamed in the sun.
You breathed your last and she had you
then, when all was said and done.