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Celtchar facts for kids

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Celtchar, son of Uthechar, is a brave hero from ancient Irish Mythology. He is part of the exciting stories known as the Ulster Cycle. People described him as a "tall, strong, and very brave hero of Ulster".

Celtchar lived in a place called Dún Lethglaise, which is now known as Downpatrick in County Down. His home was also called Rathkeltair, meaning "Celtchar's Fort". His wife was named Findmór, from Dún Sobairche (Dunseverick).

Celtchar's Amazing Spear

Celtchar had a very special weapon: a powerful spear called the Lúin Cheltchair. This spear was so eager for battle that it had to be kept in a cauldron of poison. This was to stop it from bursting into flames or harming people when it wasn't being used! It was a truly legendary weapon.

Brave Deeds and Challenges

In one famous story, Scéla Mucce Maic Dathó, Celtchar was at a feast. He challenged another hero, Cet mac Mágach. Cet replied that he had once badly injured Celtchar with a spear at Celtchar's own house. This showed how tough and experienced both heroes were.

Celtchar also played a part in the epic tale of the Táin Bó Cúailnge. When the Ulster warriors were in trouble, Celtchar and Conchobar mac Nessa rode to the rescue. They saved eight Ulster women who had been captured by enemies from Ailill and Medb's army.

The Three Dangerous Tasks

After a serious incident involving Blaí Briugu, Celtchar had to make things right. He was given three very dangerous tasks. He had to rid Ulster of three terrible threats.

Conganchnes: The Horn-Skinned Foe

The first threat was a strange warrior named Conganchnes mac Dedad. He wanted revenge for the death of his nephew, Cú Roí. Conganchnes had skin as tough as horn, and no normal weapon could hurt him! Celtchar offered his daughter, Niam, to marry Conganchnes. Niam bravely discovered his secret weakness: he could only be harmed by hot metal hammered into the soles of his feet. With this knowledge, Celtchar defeated him.

Luch Donn: The Wild Dog

The second menace was a giant, fierce dog named Luch Donn, which means "brown mouse". A widow had found it as a tiny puppy and raised it. But the dog grew enormous and completely out of control. It started by killing all the widow's animals, then her sons, and finally the widow herself. Now, this wild dog attacked a different village every single night, causing great destruction. Celtchar bravely faced and defeated Luch Donn.

Dóelchú: His Own Pet

The third danger was Dóelchú, Celtchar's own dog! He had found Dóelchú as a puppy inside Conganchnes's burial mound. At first, only Celtchar could handle the dog. But one day, Dóelchú escaped and became a menace to the cattle and sheep of Ulster. Celtchar had to deal with his own beloved pet. He managed to defeat Dóelchú, but the dog's poisonous blood splashed onto Celtchar. The poison spread through his body, and sadly, it caused his death.

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