Ireland's OWN: Myths & Magic The Ulster Cycle —by Míchealín Daugherty Aristocratic warriors replace the gods in the Ulster cycle. These heroes revel in fighting and glory. An archeological finding at Navan Fort (near Armagh) reveals the warrior culture of the people at this time, and indicates that they retained some of their headhunting practices The hereos in the stories are human, but often have superhuman powers. Some are related to the gods. Cu Chulainn, for example, is a mortal son of a god, and may be defined as the human equivalent to Lugh. Medb (pronounced Mave) is a former goddess reduced to a queen. The squirrel and the bird perched on her shoulder may be indicative of earlier shape-shifting powers.  The Ulster Cycle also reflects certain elements of socialisation. The Celts were a group of tribes, whose divisions often resulted in weakness during warfare. However, they had a complex system of fostering. Children were often reared in neighbouring households � ties that helped to bind communities together. This continued into the Fionn Cycle -- Finn, for example, was reared by a Druid woman.  The Ulster Cycle tales also offer some insight into Geis � an unusual form of taboo that placed heavy restrictions on actions of which violations resulted in curses, ostracism and sometimes even death. The Geis was also used as a form of enchantment or spells. See Also: The Mythological Cycle The Fionn Cycle  Summarised from Irish Legends by Iain Zaczek. Gill & McMillan, Ltd. Dublin: 1998. Special thanks also to Danielle ni Dhighe. Page last updated 20 Jul  2008 Website Design and Myths & Magic logo by Míchealín Daugherty Copyright © 2008 Ireland's OWN All Rights Reserved.