Findabair facts for kids

Findabair (also spelled Finnabair) was a princess in ancient Irish mythology. She was the daughter of King Ailill and Queen Medb of Connacht. Her name means "white phantom." It is similar to the name Guinevere from Welsh legends. Another old story, called the Dindsenchas, mentions a different Findabair. She was the daughter of Lugaid Laigde.

Findabair's Important Role

Findabair was not the main hero in the famous Irish epic, the Táin Bó Cúailnge. However, she played a very important part in the story. During the war, her mother, Queen Medb, offered Findabair's hand in marriage. This was a prize for warriors who would fight against the hero Cúchulainn.

A Prize in Battle

Findabair's beauty became a reason for many conflicts. Warriors were eager to win her hand. This led to many fights during the war. Even Ferdiad, Cú Chulainn's close friend, was convinced to fight him. This was a very sad part of the story.

Tragic Events in the Táin

In the Táin Bó Cúailnge, Findabair's husband, Fráech, was killed by Cú Chulainn. After this, Queen Medb kept offering her daughter to other warriors. She offered Findabair to Nad Crantail and then to Láríne Mac Nóis. This was part of a deal with Cú Chulainn. He would not attack Medb's army at night. In return, he would fight one warrior each day.

The Trick with the Fool

When no other warrior could be found, Findabair was even offered to Cú Chulainn himself. He agreed to the offer. But instead of King Ailill, a fool dressed as the king brought Findabair to him. Cú Chulainn discovered the trick. He became very angry and killed the fool. He also placed a pillar through the fool and another through Findabair's tunic. These stones were later called the Fool's Stone and Finnabair's Stone.

Fer Diad and Rochad

Findabair was later offered to Fer Diad. Queen Medb told him that Findabair loved him very much. Cú Chulainn was very sad when he had to fight Fer Diad. He spoke many poems about his friend. He said that Findabair was a beautiful trap.

Findabair's last love interest was Rochad Mac Faithemain. He joined the forces against Connacht. To stop him, Queen Medb used Findabair's feelings for him. Findabair spent the night with Rochad. News of this reached seven kings from Munster. They had also been offered Findabair for their help. They complained to King Ailill's sons. This led to a battle where many men were killed.

Findabair's Sad End

When Findabair heard how she had been used, she felt great shame. She died because of this sadness. This is why a place was named Finnabair Sléibe, meaning "Finnabair of the Mountain."

Findabair and Fráech

In another story, the Táin Bó Fráich, Findabair loved a warrior named Fráech. He did not want to pay her dowry (a payment for marriage). But Queen Medb bribed him. He agreed to marry Findabair if he helped her fight against Ulster in the Táin Bó Cuailnge.