Cú Chulainn

Cú Chulainn is a warrior hero and demigod in the Ulster Cycle. He is believed to be an incarnation of the 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 defends 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.

Cú Chulainn's wife is Emer, although he has many other lovers. With Aífe he has a son named Connla, whom Cú Chulainn tragically kills. Cú Chulainn himself is said to have died in battle, binding himself to a standing stone so he can die on his feet

Divine Domains

Chaos [Azata, Riot] Destruction [Hatred, Rage] Good [Azata] Liberation [Freedom] War [Blood]

Favored Weapon

Javelin

Artifacts

The Gáe Bulg: meaning "spear of mortal pain/death", "gapped/notched spear", or "belly spear". It was given to him by his martial arts teacher, the warrior woman Scáthach, and its technique was taught only to him. It was made from the bone of a sea monster, the Curruid, that had died while fighting another sea monster, the Coinchenn. It could only be used under very specialized, ritual conditions:

The Gáe Bulg had to be made ready for use on a stream and cast from the fork of the toes. It entered a man's body with a single wound, like a javelin, then opened into thirty barbs. Only by cutting away the flesh could it be taken from that man's body.

Divine Classification

DemiGod

Religions

• Church of the Hound Splitter

Alignment

Chaotic Good

Realm

Tír na nÓg

Church/Cult

Tuatha de Dannan