Amargin
Also spelled: Amairgin, Amergin, Amairgen
The Ulster poet who fosters Cúchulainn with Finnchaem and is Conall Cernach's father.
Overview
Amargin claims the baby Cúchulainn in the fostering dispute, boasting of his wisdom, wealth and eloquence and that he is bound to no one but the king. Morann names him the boy's teacher, and the boy is given to Amargin and Finnchaem and reared at Imrith Fort. Later the Táin names an Amargin the royal poet, an Amargin from Es Ruaid, and Amargin son of the smith Ecet Salach from Buais, and the text does not say which of them is this man.
I can kill any chariot-fighter. I look for no one’s thanks but Conchobor’s.
Connections
Related characters
- Conall Cernach (son)
- Cúchulainn (foster-son)
- Finnchaem (fosters Cúchulainn with her)
- Morann (judge who names him the boy's teacher)
Places
- Emain Macha
- Imrith Fort (where he and Finnchaem rear Cúchulainn)
- Murtheimne Plain
- Tailtiu
Appears in chapters
Appears in
- The Ulstermen quarrel over who should rear the infant Sétanta, and Morann gives judgment at Emain that Conchobor should have him, with Sencha, Blai Briuga, Fergus, Amargin and Conall Cernach to help. At Emain Macha. In How Cúchulainn was Begotten.
- Cúchulainn was given to Amargin and Finnchaem and reared at Imrith Fort on Murtheimne Plain. At Imrith Fort. In How Cúchulainn was Begotten.
- The infant Cúchulainn is given to Amargin and Finnchaem to be reared at Imrith Fort on Murtheimne Plain. At Murtheimne Plain. In How Cúchulainn was Begotten.
- In an alternative version printed in the notes, Amargin has a vision in the land of Tailtiu and none dares show his face against him there, and Cúroi pelts stones with him until they agree to stop. At Tailtiu. In Chapter XII: Ulster Rises from its Pangs.