Cathbad
Also spelled: Cathbhadh, Cathbad the Druid, Cathbad the druid
The druid who begets Conchobor on Nes, foretells Derdriu, and names Cúchulainn.
Overview
Cathbad is a druid from the Tratraige of Mag Inis who tells Nes the hour is lucky for begetting a king on a queen, and the king is Conchobor, whom he rears and who is known as Cathbad's son. At Fedlimid's house he lays his hand on the belly where the child screamed and says it is a girl, Derdriu, who will bring evil, and in his verse he foretells the exile of the sons of Uisliu and Fergus. When Emer is brought to Emain he is one of the two put into Conchobor's bed with her to protect Cúchulainn's honour. Teaching his hundred pupils, he says a day is lucky for taking arms, Cúchulainn overhears and claims weapons, and Cathbad denies he sent him, says woe to the boy's mother's son, and later names him the Hound of Culann.
the day has this merit: he who arms for the first time today will achieve fame and greatness. But his life is short.
Connections
Related characters
- Conchobor (son, who was known as Cathbad's son)
- Cúchulainn (names him, and tells him the day of arms means a short life)
- Derdriu (foretold her from the womb)
- Fedlimid mac Daill (turned to by his wife when the unborn child screamed)
- Fergus mac Roich (in Conchobor's bed with Emer and him)
- Nes (begot Conchobor on her)
Connected to
Places
- Emain Macha (where he stays with his son)
- Mag Inis (where his people the Tratraige live)
Appears in chapters
Appears in
- Nes sits outside Emain with her royal women when the druid Cathbad passes, and he tells her the hour is lucky for begetting a king on a queen. At Emain Macha. In How Conchobor was Begotten, and how he took the Kingship of Ulster.
- Cúchulainn brings Emer to Emain, where Bricriu says she must sleep with Conchobor, and Cúchulainn is sent off for the herds of Sliab Fuait and drives them onto the green. At Emain Macha. In Cúchulainn's Courtship of Emer, and his Training in Arms.