CUCHULAIN, Champion of Ireland

To make connections with “Sibi”

To explore how myths relate to each other, even when they come from different cultures

Why Are We Doing This?

Irish vs. Indian

Cuchulain=major Irish warrior

Fought dragons, Druids, sorcerers, and other magical enemies

Major Accomplishments

N. Ireland

N. Ireland doesn’t get along very well with the rest of Ireland

Cuchulain often fought the S. Irish

Origin Story

He and two other heroes tried to prove who was the most powerful/strongest of them all

1st hero: Laegire2nd hero: Conall Cearnach

The Strongest of the Three

Cuchulain and three other warriors compete to see who is the best

First test: 3 vicious beasts send 1st two heroes into the rafters—only Cuchulain is brave enough to slay them

What Happened…

Second test: giant/dragon attack

Again, other two heroes are sissies: they cower while Cuchulain thrusts his arm down the dragon’s throat and tears out its heart

Next…

None of these tests are good enough for Laegire and Conall Cearnach

They whine, not willing to believe that Cuchulain is superior to themselves

Still Complaining…

Feast at King’s hallGiant walks inDemands that one hero step forth and cut off his head

The next night, the giant will return and chop off the hero’s own head

Conall Cearnach and Cuchulain are absent, so it has to be Laegire

When it’s time for Laegire to return, however, to get his own head chopped off…

What do you think happens?

Conall, however, is willing to take the challenge

He slices off the giant’s head…

And the next night, when it’s his turn…

What do you think happens?

So Cuchulain takes off the giant’s head, knowing that tomorrow, he will be next

Tomorrow Doesn’t Look So Good

So what happens now?

Cuchulain is the BEST of the heroes.

What Have You Noticed?

Groups of Three

Beasts, Monsters,

Magical BeingsWillingness to Sacrifice Self

Duty to Keep His Word

Disguised God or Sorcerer Who Tricks

Mortals

RECURRENT IDEAS: