#irishmyth

⚔️ Cú Chulainn & Ferdiad – Warriors, Brotherhood, Lovers 💖 Watch the full 4:41 HD Musicvideo: youtu.be/yqca-7si9M4

Some stories are so powerful that they survive across centuries – and sometimes they reveal more about intimacy, loyalty, and closeness than one would expect from old warrior epics. One such story is that of Cú Chulainn and Ferdiad, two legendary fighters of Irish mythology.

🌿 Between Love and War

The two met as teenagers and grew up together in Scotland, where they trained under the famous warrior woman Scáthach, learning martial arts, rituals, and even magic. From the start they were inseparable: training side by side, sharing meals, tents, and ceremonies. Their closeness was not questioned – it was part of a culture in which male bonds could be physical and intimate in ways we rarely acknowledge today.

🛡️ Brothers-in-Arms

Back in Ireland, they fought for the king of Ulster. Chroniclers and bards describe them almost like a couple: together in training, combat, and ritual, always turned toward one another. This “intimate brotherhood” was told so naturally in the texts that later generations often overlooked how truly close they were.

⚔️ The Fateful Command

Politics, however, tore apart what had grown between them. In the Ulster Cycle, war broke out between Ulster and the kingdom of Connacht. Political intrigue and obligations forced Ferdiad to fight against his closest companion, Cú Chulainn. Bound by loyalty, oaths, and pressure, Ferdiad stood with Connacht. Both knew they did not want to face each other – yet there was no escape.

🌊 Three Days of Battle and Intimacy

Their duel became one of the most famous episodes of the Ulster Cycle. For three days they fought at a river ford.

By day, they clashed with spears and swords.

By night, they laid down their weapons, camped together, shared food, and treated each other’s wounds with oils and healing balms.

This simultaneity of violence and care is one of the most striking moments in Celtic mythology – and unique in the entire European tradition.

💔 The Bitter Victory

On the third day, Cú Chulainn used his secret weapon, the magical Gáe Bolg. Ferdiad fell. Tradition says Cú Chulainn cradled his dying friend in his arms, wept over him, and cursed the politics and war that had forced his hand. No lament, it was said, ever sounded sadder than his mourning for Ferdiad.

💖 Modern Reimagining – Love Instead of Death

In my new interpretation, this tragedy takes a different turn: Cú Chulainn defeats Ferdiad but, instead of killing him, throws aside his sword and kisses him. Inspired by this victory of love, the warring sides make peace.

Historically, this is of course a reinterpretation – but one that remains remarkably close to the spirit of the original: two men whose bond was so strong that it transcended war, politics, and even death.

🌈 Conclusion

Whether seen as tragic defeat or as a modern reimagining with a happy ending – the story of Cú Chulainn and Ferdiad is a rare testimony that close, physical, even tender bonds between men not only existed but were written down in the literature of early Ireland. What was silenced or reinterpreted in later centuries can today be made visible again: a moving tale of closeness, betrayal, pain – and love.

📚 Sources & References

Táin Bó Cúailnge (various manuscripts, incl. Lebor na hUidre and Book of Leinster, 11th–12th c., based on older oral traditions)

Wikipedia: Ferdiad – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferdiad

Wikipedia: Táin Bó Cúailnge – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T%C3%A1in_B%C3%B3_C%C3%BAailnge

Bard Mythologies – Ferdiad – https://bardmythologies.com/ferdia/

Celtic Students Blog: Pride Month & Medieval Ireland – https://celticstudents.blogspot.com/2021/06/pride-month-medieval-ireland.html

@femmedeitiesnet | event two | summer’s end | deity ↳ áine ; irish goddess of summer, wealth, & sovereignty

it’s the end of summer. time for áine to retire until next year, always chasing the summer sun.

If things were different. If we lived in a place without duty... would you be with me?

🍀 Happy Patrick's day ☘️ , here's a piece I did of one of my fav irish story for St- patties! Tristan and Isolde!! I know we are all stuck at home but staying safe is number 1 we can still have fun watching movies and eating junk!! Stay safe guys and wash your hands!

A bird’s eye view of the River Boyne, named after the goddess Boann in Irish mythology. 💧 From Manchán Magan’s ‘Ireland in Iceland: Gaelic Remnants in a Nordic Land’ which I illustrated 120+ pieces for using a brush, pen, ink and watercolors. It is published by Mayo Books and available in shops in Ireland, also available to order internationally on Manchán’s and Mayo Books website. It is a windswept adventure by land and sea preserving myth, folklore and history. 🌀

The March of the Tuatha Dé Danann, otherwise known as the tribe of the goddess Danu - an otherworldly pantheon of gods and goddesses in Irish myth and folklore. They are part of ‘na síoga’, the fairy folk who inhabit nature. 🍃 An illustration with ink and watercolor from ‘Ireland in Iceland: Gaelic Remnants in a Nordic Land’ written by the late Manchán Magan.☀️ The book is available in shops in Ireland and online to order! Seek it out! 🌞 Manchán’s work and words are a lighthouse in these cruel times, rising beyond nationalism and instead shining a light on the migratory roots of our interconnecting cultures, how interwoven we all are through language and culture. Together on the big earth village, with the sea as our belt. 🌊

Hey hey,

I have been working on reimagine my spirituality and hope to be bringing more to this page. It has been a deep dive on overdrive for me into gnostic phenomenon and Christianity’s PAGAN past. There is a LOT of witchy stuff that the early church was into and they got wickedly hypocritical as time went on. I hope to dive into a little bit of that here.

There is a Cathedral Lugo in Spain where a rich tradition of Celtic lore still survives. Back when the church was spreading, it adopted gods of the local traditions…as Pagan as you can get. Here the Celts worshipped Lugh, who is a god of light, healing, poetry, smiths, and many more craftsman. It should be noted that Archangel Michael is also noted for presiding over prayers directed by artisans, craftsman, healers, and is a bringer of light! They also have connections to sailors and are capable warriors. Michael is noted besting Lucifer and Lugh the Fomorians. Two representatives of the Titan-esque unbridled raw power that is seen as destructive.

I put this together for my altar space that I am still putting together, as my original one broke in the move and I am broke so I have to find some cheap way to replace it 😓

Okay, NOW I'm finished with The Morrigan. Made some final color and value adjustments to this piece, etc..

I am available for commissions!