Emer and Cuchulain

There are a lot of legends in the Ulster Cycle. Many of them have unwieldy place and people names. With the following links, I've tried to strike a balance between violence and romance. Just kidding! The links heavily favor romance, simply because it takes a bit of work to wade through all the fighting to find some kissing here and there. Emer, wife of Cuchulain, is one of my favorite characters. She is fiery, compassionate, witty, and loyal. She also gives Cuchulain a run for his money.

(By the way, Bede just looked up from a book of fairy tales and said, "Why does the king think that giving the peasant a few impossible tasks will send him on his way?" It's a legitimate question.)

Birth of Cuchulain

The Wooing of Emer (This section is a bit saucy.)

The Union of Emer and Cuchulain

The Only Jealousy of Emer (This woman put up with a lot!)

The Death of Cuchulain

If this is too much to wade through, here are two reader-friendly versions of the Cuchulain legends written in the manner of novels:

Red Branch, by Morgan Llywelyn

Hound of Ulster, by Rosemary Sutcliff