Bricriu facts for kids
Bricriu (also spelled Briccriu or Bricne) was a famous character in old Irish stories called the Ulster Cycle. He was known as a "hospitaller," which means he hosted big feasts. But he was also a bit of a troublemaker and a poet!
Bricriu's Big Feast
The story of Fled Bricrenn (which means "The Feast of Bricriu") tells about a huge party Bricriu once threw. He invited Conchobar mac Nessa and the brave heroes of Ulster to his house in Dún Rudraige (today it's Dundrum in County Down).
The Ulstermen knew Bricriu's reputation for causing trouble. They didn't want to go at first! But after he threatened them three times, they finally agreed to attend his feast.
At the party, Bricriu caused a big argument. He promised the "champion's portion" (the best part of the meal, a special honor) to three different heroes: first to Cú Chulainn, then to Conall Cernach, and then to Lóegaire Búadach. This made the three heroes compete fiercely to see who was truly the best.
To decide, they faced many challenges. Some were judged by Ailill and Medb from Connacht. Others were judged by Cú Roí from Munster. In every test, Cú Chulainn proved to be the strongest and most skilled. But Conall and Lóegaire still wouldn't accept that Cú Chulainn was the true champion.
Finally, Cú Roí, who was disguised as a huge, rough giant, gave them one last challenge. He dared each hero to cut off his head, and then allow him to return later and cut off their head in return. Only Cú Chulainn was brave enough to pass this very scary test! Because of this, he was finally declared worthy of the champion's portion.
More About Bricriu
Bricriu also followed Fergus mac Róich when Fergus went to live in Connacht. While staying at Cruachan, Bricriu caused a lot of problems for Fergus and his partner, Flidais. This trouble led to the story of the Táin Bó Flidhais, which is about a cattle raid.
In another story called Echtra Nerai, Bricriu made fun of Fergus's singing. He said it sounded like a young bull bellowing! Fergus got angry and hit Bricriu with five pieces from a fidchell game (an old Irish board game), hurting him badly.
Bricriu did recover from his injuries. However, he later died at Cruachan at the end of the Táin Bó Cuailnge (the famous Cattle Raid of Cooley). He was trampled to death by two bulls as they fought each other.
Where Bricriu's Name Lives On
The village of Loughbrickland, which is near Banbridge in County Down, gets its name from Bricriu. It is thought to come from the Irish words Loch Briccrend, meaning "Bricriu's Lake." People believe he was a chieftain there and lived in a "Watery Fort" (a type of old circular fort) overlooking the lake.
See also
- Fled Bricrenn
- Mesca Ulad
- Irish mythology in popular culture: Bricriu
