Medieval Irish Literature: Macha Characters

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Questions and Answers

Which Macha is known for imposing a curse on the Ulstermen?

The war-goddess Macha
The Macha in Lebor G ab àia
Macha, the wife of Crunnchu (correct)
Macha Mongrúad

Macha Mongrúad is described as a healer in Irish literature.

False (B)

What act did Macha Mongrúad force upon her rivals?

To dig the ráth of Emain Macha.

Macha is said to have outpaced the king of Ulster's horses while she was __________.

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Match the characters to their descriptions:

<p>Macha in Lebor G ab àia = Wife of Nemed Macha Mongrúad = Warrior-queen of Ulster Macha, wife of Crunnchu = Cursed Ulstermen during a race Fourth Macha = War-goddess associated with slaughtered men</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Macha (Lebor Gabála)

One of Nemed's wives, an early Irish invader; historical significance is limited.

Macha Mongrúad

Ulster warrior-queen who conquered rivals, enslaved them, and forced them to build Emain Macha.

Macha (wife of Crunnchu/Cruinniuc)

Ulster commoner's wife; famed for outrunning Ulster king's horses while pregnant, thus cursing the men.

Emain Macha

A powerful Ulster fort built by enslaved people. Named after Macha.

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Morrigna

War-goddesses associated with the weapon 'the mast of Macha'.

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Mesrad Macha

A war weapon linked to the Morrigna war goddesses, supposedly composed of slain warriors' heads.

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Study Notes

Medieval Irish Literature Characters: Macha

Four distinct characters named Macha (earlier Machae) are mentioned.
The first Macha was a wife of Nemed, a leader of Irish invaders.
Mag Macha (at Armagh) is named after this Macha
The second Macha, Macha Mongrúad, was a warrior queen who conquered Ulster, enslaving rivals and forced them to build Emain Macha.
The third Macha, wife of Crunnchu/Cruinniuc/Cruinn, outran the king's steeds while heavily pregnant.
This act resulted in a curse on the Ulstermen, causing childbirth pain during times of need.
The fourth Macha is one of three Morrigna war-goddesses, associated with mesrad Mache (the mast of Macha), which reportedly was composed of slain enemy heads.