Furbaide Ferbend facts for kids
Furbaide Ferbend is a famous character from the Ulster Cycle of Irish mythology. This collection of ancient Irish stories tells about heroes and kings from the province of Ulster. Legend says that Furbaide Ferbend was buried in a special ancient tomb called a passage grave. This tomb is located on top of Carn Clonhugh, also known as Corn Hill, in northern Longford.
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Who Was Furbaide Ferbend?
Furbaide's father was Conchobar mac Nessa, who was the king of the Ulaid people. His mother was one of the daughters of Eochu Feidlech, the High King of Ireland. Her name was Eithne or Clothru, depending on the story. Eochu gave several of his daughters to King Conchobar. This was to make up for the death of Conchobar's supposed father, whom Eochu had killed.
His Unusual Birth
In some stories, Furbaide's mother was sadly killed by her sister, Medb. Medb later became the queen of Connacht. Furbaide was born in a very unusual way. He was delivered by a special operation after his mother had died. This is why he was given the name Furbaide. This name comes from an old Irish word, urbad, which means "cutting." His original name was Diarmaid.
His Unique Look
Furbaide was described as having smooth skin and a bright appearance. He also had two horns growing on his head! This is where his nickname, ferbend, comes from, meaning "horned man." Other stories say these horns were actually on his helmet. They were said to be two of silver and one of gold.
Furbaide's Adventures
When Furbaide was seventeen years old, he joined his father Conchobar's army. He fought in a big battle at the end of the famous story Táin Bó Cúailnge, which is about a cattle raid.
A Foster Son
In another story, Mesca Ulad, Furbaide is said to be the Cúchulainn's foster-son. Cúchulainn was one of the greatest heroes in Irish mythology. Furbaide fought against the Erna people. He was so handsome that none of his enemies could bring themselves to hurt him!
After King Conchobar
After King Conchobar died, his son Cúscraid Mend Macha became the new king of the Ulaid. Cúscraid gave his brother Furbaide control over the northern and southern regions of Tethbae.
Avenging His Mother
Later in his life, Furbaide got his revenge for his mother's death. The story says that Medb, the queen of Connacht, often bathed in a pool. This pool was on an island in the Shannon River called Inchcleraun.
Furbaide carefully measured the distance from the pool to the shore using a rope. He then practiced with his sling until he could hit an apple placed on top of a stick from that exact distance. The next time he saw Medb bathing, he used his sling. He shot a piece of cheese at her, which was the closest thing he could find. This shot killed Medb, finally avenging his mother.
However, another poem tells a different story. In that version, Furbaide kills the mother of a man named Lugaid Riab nDerg. Lugaid then chases Furbaide and kills him in revenge.
See also
- Medb
- Cairpre Gabra
- Carn Clonhugh
