Eochu Feidlech facts for kids

Eochu Feidlech was an important High King of Ireland from ancient Irish stories. He is most famous for being the father of the legendary queen Medb of Connacht. His name "Feidlech" means "the enduring," suggesting he was a strong and lasting ruler.

Eochu's Family and Children

Eochu came from a long line of kings. His father was Finn, and his family tree goes back many generations.

He had a large family with his wife, Cloithfinn. They had six daughters: Derbriu, Eile, Mugain, Eithne, Clothru, and the most well-known, Medb. He also had four sons, including triplets known as the findemna.

One of his daughters, Derbriu, was connected to Aengus of the Tuatha Dé Danann, a group of magical beings in Irish myths.

Four of Eochu's daughters married Conchobar mac Nessa, who became the King of Ulster. This made Conchobar his son-in-law four times over! These daughters were Mugain, Eithne, Clothru, and Medb. These marriages were arranged to make up for the death of Conchobar's father, Fachtna Fáthach.

• Clothru is sometimes said to be the mother of Conchobar's oldest son, Cormac Cond Longas.
• Eithne had a son named Furbaide with Conchobar. Sadly, after Medb caused Eithne's death, Furbaide was born in a special way after his mother had passed away.
• Medb also had a son named Amalgad with Conchobar.

Later, Medb left Conchobar, and Eochu made her the Queen of Connacht. There was a time when Eochu, Conchobar, and Medb all met at an assembly in Tara. Eochu even fought against Conchobar in a battle near the Boyne River, but Eochu was defeated.

Eochu's three triplet sons, the findemna, even tried to take over their father's rule in a battle called Druimm Criaich.

Eochu's Time as High King

According to old Irish texts like the Lebor Gabála Érenn, Eochu became High King after he defeated the previous High King, Fachtna Fáthach, in the Battle of Leitir Rúaid.

The story of this battle says that while Fachtna Fáthach was away from Tara, Eochu, who was then the king of Connacht, gathered an army. He took control of Tara and captured important people as hostages. When Fachtna heard this news in Emain Macha, he quickly gathered his own army from Ulster. They fought Eochu at Leitir Rúaid in a place called the Corann (which is now County Sligo). Eochu won the battle, and Fachtna Fáthach was killed. Another king, Eochaid Sálbuide of Ulster, also died in this battle. After his victory, Eochu marched to Tara and became the High King.

Eochu ruled as High King for twelve years. He died peacefully at Tara. After his death, his brother, Eochu Airem, became the next High King.

Ancient records try to match Eochu's reign with other historical events. For example, the Lebor Gabála suggests he ruled around the same time as the Roman leader Julius Caesar (around 48–44 BC). Other histories, like Geoffrey Keating's Foras Feasa ar Éirinn, place his rule between 94–82 BC, and the Annals of the Four Masters suggest 143–131 BC.