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In the captivating epic, "The Intoxication of the Ulstermen," the anonymous author immerses readers in the mythic landscape of early Irish literature, where themes of heroism, identity, and the supernatural intermingle. Set against the backdrop of the Ulster Cycle, this narrative employs a rich, lyrical prose style that mirrors the oral traditions of its time. The tale vividly chronicles the legendary intoxication of the Ulster warriors, a supernatural event that spirals into chaos, revealing not only the fragility of human valor but also the deep-seated connections between memory, fate, and pride within the rich tapestry of Celtic mythology. The anonymity of the author adds a layer of intrigue, reflecting a long-standing tradition within Irish literature where many works remain unattributed. This obscurity invites readers to reflect on the communal nature of storytelling in medieval Ireland, where tales were often passed down through generations, shaping cultural identity. The author's deep understanding of folklore, combined with a nuanced grasp of the complexities of human behavior amidst divine intervention, showcases the timeless relevance of the narrative. Readers seeking to explore a profound exploration of cultural identity and the intersection of the mundane and the mythical will find "The Intoxication of the Ulstermen" an enlightening read. This work not only represents a cornerstone of Irish mythological literature but also compels modern audiences to ponder the timeless implications of pride and downfall. Essential for those interested in Celtic studies, this epic offers insights that resonate far beyond its historical roots.
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Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2022
"The Intoxication of the Ulstermen" is an excellent example of a class of Irish tales in which the author, instead of following a definite plot, gives free rein to his imagination, using a slender narrative as a thread on which to hang a bewildering array of descriptive and other details that had long been familiar to professional story-tellers. There are few wilder scenes in any literature than that of the drunken chariot heroes of Ulster losing their way and careering southward across country from Ulster to Kerry, only to find themselves at length trapped in an iron house concealed within wooden walls under which raging fires are lighted by their enemies.
When the sons of Mil of Spain reached Erin, their sagacity circumvented the Tuatha De Danann, so that Erin was left to the partition of Amergin Glunmar, son of Mil; for he was a king- poet and a king-judge. And he divided Erin into two parts, and gave the part that was underground to the Tuatha De Danann, and the other part to the sons of Mil, his own mortal people.
The Tuatha De Danann went into the hills and fairy places, so that they spoke with the fairy folk underground. They left five of their number before the five provinces of Erin, to excite war and conflict and valor and strife between the sons of Mil. They left five of them before the province of Ulster in particular. The names of these five were: Brea son of Belgan, in Dromana-Breg; Redg Rotbel in the slopes of Mag Itha; Tinnel the son of Boclachtna, in Sliab Edlicon; Grici in Cruachan Aigle; Gulbann the Grey son of Grac, in the Ben of Gulban Gort son of Ungarb.
They excited a quarrel amongst the sections of Ulster, regarding its division into three parts, when the province was at its best, to wit, during the time of Conchobar son of Fachtna Fathach. They who shared the province with Conchobar were his own fosterling, Cu Chulainn mac Sualtach, and Fintan son of Niall Niamglonnach, from Dun-da-Benn.
The partition that was made of the province was this: from the hills of Uachtar Forcha, which is called Usnech of Meath, to the middle of Traig Baile, was Cu Chulainn's portion of the province. Conchobar's third, moreover, was from Traig Baile to Traig Thola, in Ulster. Fintan's third was from Traig Thola to Rinn Seimne and Latharna.
A year was the province thus, in three divisions, until the feast of Samain was made by Conchobar in Emain Macha. The extent of the banquet was a hundred vats of every kind of ale. Conchobar's officers said that all the nobles of Ulster would not be too many to partake of the banquet, because of its excellence.
The resolution formed by Conchobar was to send his woman messenger, Leborcham, for Cu Chulainn to Dun Delgan, and Findchad Fer Benduma son of Traglethan, for Fintan son of Niall Niamglonnach, to Dun-da-Benn.
Leborcham reached Dun Delgan, and told Cu Chulainn to go and speak with his fair guardian, to Emain Macha. Cu Chulainn was then giving a great banquet for the people of his own territory in Dun Delgan; and he said that he would not go, but that he would attend the people of his own country. His wife, the fair-haired Emer, daughter of Forgall Monach, the sixth best woman that Erin contained, said that he should go and speak with his guardian Conchobar.
"Harnessed are the horses, and yoked is the chariot," said Loeg; "wait not for the evil hour, that thou mayest not be hindered of thy valor. Jump into it when thou likest."
Cu Chulainn took his warlike apparel around him; and he leaped into his chariot, and proceeded on by the most direct road, and shortest way to Emain Macha. And Sencha mac Ailill came to bid welcome to Cu Chulainn on the green of Emain Macha. This is the welcome he offered to him:
"Welcome, ever welcome thy coming, thou glorious head of the host of Ulster; thou gem of valor and bravery of the Gael; thou dear, subduing, purple-fisted son of Dechtire."
"That is the welcome of a gift-asking Man," said Cu Chulainn.
"It is indeed," said Sencha mac Ailill.
"Name the gift thou requirest," said Cu Chulainn.
"I will, provided there be fit securities regarding it."
"Say what are the securities thou dost require, in consideration of a counter-gift for me."
"The two Conalls and Loegaire, viz. Conall Anglonnach son of Iriel Glunmar, and Conall the Victorious son of Amergin, and the furious Loegaire the Triumphant."
The boon was secured upon these guarantees, in consideration of a counter-gift for Cu Chulainn.
"What are the securities thou dost desire regarding the counter-gift?" asked Sencha.
"The three young, noble, distinguished gillies: Cormac Conlonges son of Conchobar, Mesdead son of Amergin, and Eochaid Cenngarb son of Celtchar."
"What I ask," said Sencha mac Ailill, "is that thou wouldst cede to Conchobar, for a year, the third of Ulster which is in thy hand."
"If the the province were the better for his having it for a year, it is not hard; for he is the fountain in its proper site that cannot be stained or defiled, the descendant of the kings of Erin and Alba. Therefore if the province were the better for its being in his possession for a year, it is not hard that he should have it; but if it is not the better, we will insist that he must be placed upon his own third at the end of a year."
Fintan son of Niall Niamglonnach arrived. The illustrious good druid Cathbad met him and bade him welcome.
"Welcome thy coming, O beautiful, illustrious youth; thou mighty warrior of the great province of Ulster, against whom neither plunderers nor spoilers nor pirates can contend; thou border-man of the province of Ulster."
"That is the welcome of a man that asks a boon," said Fintan.
"It is, truly," said Cathbad.
"Speak, that it may be given thee," said Fintan.
"I will speak, provided that I have my fit securities regarding it."
"Say, what securities requirest thou, in consideration of a return boon for me?" said Fintan.
"Celtchar son of Uthecar; Uma, son of Remanfisech, from the brooks of Cooley; and Ergi Echbel from Bri Ergi."
They bound upon those guarantees.
"Speak now, O Fintan; what securities wilt thou accept regarding thy return boon?"
"The three sons of the valiant Usnech; the three torches of valor of Europe: Naisi, Anli, and Ardan."
Those guarantees were ratified on both sides.
They came into the house in which Conchobar was, to wit, into the Tete Brecc.
"Conchobar is now king of Ulster," said Cathbad, "if Fintan will give him his third."
"Yes," said Sencha, "for Cu Chulainn has given his."
"If so," said Cu Chulainn, "let him come to drinking and delight with me; for that is my counter-request."
"Where are my securities and bonds," asked Fintan, "when that is permitted to be said?"