Fráech facts for kids
Fráech (also spelled Fróech, Fraích, or Fraoch) is a famous hero from ancient Irish mythology. He is part of the exciting stories known as the Ulster Cycle. Fráech is known for being very handsome and for his brave adventures. His mother was Bébinn, a goddess, and his aunt was Boann, the goddess of the Boyne River. This means he had special, almost magical, powers! He belonged to a group of people called the Fir Domnann.
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Fráech: A Hero of Irish Legends
Fráech's Adventures: The Cattle-Raid
One of Fráech's most famous stories is "The Cattle-Raid of Fráech." In this tale, Fráech travels to the home of King Ailill and Queen Medb. He wants to marry their daughter, Findabair, because he heard she was in love with him.
Before his trip, Fráech visited his aunt, Boand. She gave him amazing gifts. These included fifty fancy cloaks, fifty glowing spears, fifty dark horses with gold bells, and fifty swords with golden handles. He also received seven hounds, seven trumpeters, and three harpists!
A Tricky Request
Ailill and Medb welcomed Fráech and his friends. They feasted for two weeks. One night, Fráech met Findabair by the river. He told her he wanted to marry her. Findabair was happy and gave him a special gold ring from her mother.
When Fráech asked Ailill and Medb for Findabair's hand, they asked for a huge "bride-price." This was a payment from the groom's family to the bride's. They wanted sixty horses and twelve white cattle. They also wanted Fráech to help them in a big war called the Cattle Raid of Cooley. Fráech refused, saying the price was too high.
Ailill and Medb worried Fráech might run away with Findabair. So, they planned to get rid of him without looking guilty. They told Fráech he was a great swimmer and took him to a river. As Fráech swam, Ailill found Findabair's ring in Fráech's bag. He threw it into the water. Fráech saw a salmon jump and swallow the ring! He caught the fish and brought it to shore.
The Water Monster's Attack
Medb then asked Fráech to get some beautiful red berries from a tree across the river. Fráech got one branch. Medb asked for another. When Fráech went back into the water, a scary water monster attacked him!
Fráech called for his sword, but none of Ailill's men helped. Brave Findabair quickly took off her clothes and jumped into the water with Fráech's sword. Ailill tried to hurt his own daughter with a spear, but Fráech caught it and threw it back! Findabair gave Fráech his sword. He used it to cut off the monster's head, but he was badly hurt.
Ailill and Medb took Fráech back to their palace. They put him in a bed, expecting him to die. But then, one hundred and fifty maidens from the Sidhe (magical fairy folk), all dressed in green, came. They carried Fráech away to a secret cave. The next morning, everyone was amazed! Fráech returned to the court, perfectly healthy, without a single scratch.
Fráech secretly told his servant to get the salmon he caught earlier. He wanted it cooked for Findabair, with the ring inside. Later, Ailill demanded to know what happened to the ring. Fráech explained he found it and offered to return it for Findabair's love. Ailill and Medb then agreed to let Fráech marry Findabair if he brought his cattle back.
The Stolen Cattle
Fráech left Ailill and Medb. He found that his cattle, his wife, and his three sons had been stolen! Fráech teamed up with another hero, Conall Cernach. They tracked the thieves all the way to the Alps mountains. They were warned that two dangerous serpents guarded the thieves' hideout. But when they arrived, the serpents magically jumped into Conall's belt! The two heroes then attacked the hideout, got Fráech's cattle and family back.
After these adventures, Fráech returned to Ailill and Medb. He agreed to fight for them against the Ulstermen in the great war called the Táin Bó Cuailnge (the Cattle Raid of Cooley).
Fráech's Final Battle
The Rowan Tree Challenge
Another story, "The Death of Fráech," tells of a different challenge. Queen Medb sent Fráech to get berries from a special rowan tree on an island in Loch Medb. These berries could cure sickness and make someone live longer. But a dragon or monster guarded the tree!
Fráech first went to the island and found the dragon asleep. He was able to get some berries without being seen. But Medb wanted more. She asked Fráech to bring back a whole branch from the tree. Fráech returned and tried to pull up the tree. This woke the dragon! The dragon bit Fráech, tearing off his arm. But Findabair quickly gave him a sword. Fráech used it to kill the monster. Sadly, Fráech died from his wounds in Findabair's lap.
Fighting Cú Chulainn
In the Táin Bó Cuailnge (the Cattle Raid of Cooley), Medb sent Fráech to fight against the mighty hero Cú Chulainn. Fráech found Cú Chulainn bathing in a river. Cú Chulainn warned Fráech not to enter the water, or he would kill him.
Fráech took off his clothes and jumped into the water to wrestle Cú Chulainn. Cú Chulainn held Fráech underwater and asked him to give up. Fráech refused. So, Cú Chulainn held him under again until Fráech died. After his death, a group of maidens from the Sidhe, all dressed in green, carried Fráech's body away to a place called Sid Fraich.
Places Named After Fráech
You can still find places named after Fráech today! The mound of Carnfree (which means "Fráech's Cairn" in Irish) is near Tulsk in County Roscommon. This place was once used to crown the kings of Connacht.
Close by is the cave of Cruachan, also known as Oweynagat ("cave of the cats"). Inside this cave, there's an ancient carving called an ogham inscription. It reads VRACCI MAQI MEDVVI, which means "of Fráech son of Medb."
Did you know that Fraoch is also the Celtic name for heather?
