Deichtine facts for kids

Deichtine, also known as Deichtire, was a very important woman in Irish mythology. She was the sister of Conchobar mac Nessa, who was a famous king of the Ulstermen. Deichtine is most famous for being the mother of the great hero, Cú Chulainn. While her husband was Sualtam, many stories say that Cú Chulainn's real father was actually Lugh, a powerful god from the Tuatha Dé Danann.

Deichtine: Mother of a Hero

Deichtine's story is full of magic and mystery, especially how her famous son, Cú Chulainn, came into the world. There are a couple of different versions of her tale, but both show her connection to the gods and the birth of a legendary hero.

A Mysterious Birth Story

In one popular version of Deichtine's story, she was the person who drove King Conchobar's chariot. This was a very important job!

The Magical Hunt

One day, a huge flock of magical birds flew down to Emain Macha, which was the capital of the Ulstermen. These birds ate all the grass, so the Ulstermen decided to hunt them down. Deichtine joined the chase, driving Conchobar's chariot. They chased the birds for a long time, even until night fell. It started to snow, so they needed to find shelter.

They found a house and were welcomed inside by a young man. His wife was about to have a baby, but he was still very kind and offered them food and drink. While they were there, the man's wife gave birth to a baby boy. At the same exact time, a horse outside the house also gave birth to two baby horses, called colts.

The Ulstermen went to sleep, but when they woke up, everything had changed. They found themselves at a famous ancient site called the Brug na Bóinne (Newgrange). The house, the man, and his wife had all disappeared! Only the baby boy and the two colts were left. Deichtine felt a strong connection to the baby. She decided to take him as her own foster-son and brought him back to Emain Macha.

A Divine Father?

Sadly, soon after they returned, the baby became unwell and passed away. Deichtine was very sad. She took a drink, and as she did, a tiny, magical creature seemed to jump from the cup and into her mouth. Later, when she fell asleep, the god Lugh appeared to her in a dream. He told her that it was his house they had stayed in that night. He also revealed that the baby who had passed away was his son, and that he had now entered her body.

Lugh explained that she would become pregnant with his child. King Conchobar later arranged for Deichtine to marry Sualtam mac Roich, who owed the king a big favor. Deichtine married Sualtam, and she gave birth to a son. This son was Cú Chulainn, the great hero of Ulster.

In another version of the story, Deichtine herself disappeared from Emain Macha. Then, just like before, a flock of birds led the Ulstermen to Lugh's house. But this time, the woman who was having the baby was Deichtine herself! Again, they woke up at the Brug na Bóinne, and Lugh and his house were gone. Only Deichtine and the baby remained. They returned to Emain, and Deichtine then married Sualtam.

Deichtine's Family Tree

Deichtine came from an important family. Her mother was named Maga, and her father was Cathbad the Druid. Druids were very wise and powerful people in ancient Ireland. Deichtine also had sisters. One of her sisters was Finchoem, who was the mother of another famous hero, Conall the Victorious.