Statistics
Other Uses
Synthesis Recipes
None
Used in Recipes
- None
Desynthesis Recipes
None
Obtained from Desynthesis
- None
How to Obtain
| Auction House Category: Armor > Back ( | ) |
Campaign Ops
| Name | Level Cap | Zone |
|---|---|---|
| Splitting Heirs | No Level Restriction, 30 minutes, 6 members | La Vaule (S) |
Historical Information
Cúchulain (Irish "Hound of Culann"; also spelled Cú Chulainn, Cú Chulaind, Cúchulainn, or Cuchullain) is an Irish mythological hero who appears in the stories of the Ulster Cycle, as well as in Scottish and Manx folklore. The son of the god Lugh and Deichtine, sister of the king of Ulster, he was originally named Sétanta, but gained his better-known name as a child after he killed Culann's fierce guard-dog in self-defense, and offered to take its place until a replacement could be reared. At the age of seventeen he defended Ulster single-handedly against the armies of queen Medb of Connacht in the epic Táin Bó Cúailnge ("The Cattle Raid of Cooley"). It was prophesied that his great deeds would give him everlasting fame, but that his life would be short – one reason he is compared to the Greek hero Achilles. He is known for his terrifying battle frenzy or ríastrad, in which he becomes an unrecognizable monster who knows neither friend nor foe. He fights from his chariot, driven by his loyal charioteer Láeg, and drawn by his horses, Liath Macha and Dub Sainglend.
The wielder of the spear Gae Bolg, Cúchulain had upon him two geasa (taboos): The first that he would never eat the meat of a dog, the second that he would eat any meal given to him. Together, these taboos would result in Cúchulain's death at the hands of Lugaid. When Cúchulain is presented a meal consisting of dog meat, he is forced to break his geis, and thus is spiritually weakened.
Lugaid has made three magical spears, and it is prophesied that a king will die by each of the three. With the first spear, Lugaid kills Cúchulainn's charioteer Láeg, the king of charioteers. With the second, he slays Cúchulainn's steed, Liath Macha, the king of horses. Finally, with the third spear, Cúchulainn is mortally wounded. In order to remain standing, Cúchulainn ties himself to a standing stone, which is traditionally identified as the stone still standing at Knockbridge, County Louth. Only when a raven perches on Cúchulainn's shoulder do his enemies believe he is slain. Lugaid severs his head, but as he does so, Cúchulainn's sword falls from his hand and cut's off Lugaid's hand.
