Mesgegra facts for kids

Mesgegra was a legendary king of Leinster, an ancient kingdom in Ireland. He lived during the time of the Ulster Cycle, a famous collection of old Irish stories. Mesgegra was also known as the brother of Mac Da Thó, a wealthy man from the story The Tale of Mac Da Thó's Pig.

Mesgegra was killed by a brave warrior from Ulster named Conall Cernach. Conall kept Mesgegra's brain as a trophy, hardening it with lime. Later, a warrior from Connacht named Cet mac Mágach stole this "brain-ball." Cet used it to shoot the Ulster king Conchobar Mac Nessa. The brain-ball got stuck in Conchobar's head, and he died seven years later. This event fulfilled an old prophecy that Mesgegra would get his revenge, even after death.

What's in a Name?

The name Mesgegra is mentioned in an old Irish text called Cormac's glossary. This text says that the word Mes means 'edge' or 'blade'.

Mesgegra and his family members often had names that started with "Mes-". This was a common way to name people in their family.

Family Connections

Mesgegra was one of four brothers. Their names were Mesgegra, Mesroida, Mesdana, and Mesdomnand. They were all sons of a man named Art Mes-Telmann. Their father, Art, belonged to a tribe called the Domnann. It's believed that people from Britain, called the Dumnonii, settled in East Leinster long ago, which connects to this tribe.

Mesgegra was the King of Leinster. His brother Mesroida was a rich brugaid, which means a host or someone who ran a guesthouse. Mesroida was also known as Mac Da Thó. Mesdana was a warrior, and Mesdomnand was a poet.

Mesroída, or Mac Dá Thó, is the main character in the story "The Tale of Mac Da Thó's Pig". This story tells about a big feast with a pig and a hound, and a huge fight where many people died in Mac Dá Thó's house.

Life and Death of Mesgegra

Mesgegra was the king of North Leinster. His parents were said to be deaf and unable to speak. His brother was Mes-Róidia.

The Siege of Howth

One day, a famous poet from Ulster named Athirne came to Leinster. He was sent by his king, Conchobar mac Nessa. Athirne traveled around Ireland, making very tough demands for valuable jewels, women, or even an eye! If people didn't give him what he wanted, he would curse them with his poetry, bringing them dishonor.

Athirne wanted to start a war between Leinster and Ulster. So, he asked Mesgegra for a jewel that was thought to be lost forever. But, by chance, the jewel was found and given to him!

Mesgegra even let his wife, Buan, spend a night with the poet. He also had to promise that Buan would be given to any Ulster warrior who brought him Mesgegra's head. Athirne then took 150 wives from Leinster with him. This made the Leinster army chase after him, leading to a big battle with the Ulster army. This fight was called the Siege of Howth. It was a bloody battle that ended in a tie. Leinster's army retreated and built a red wall. The Ulstermen were not allowed to cross this wall because of a geis, which was a special rule or taboo.

Mesgegra's Final Battle

Later, Mesgegra was traveling with only his helper, called a gillie, near a place called Cassán Chlóinta. A strange thing happened: a giant nut, bigger than a man's head, floated down a stream. Mesgegra picked it up and cut it in half with his knife.

His helper woke up, saying he had a bad dream. He asked if his half of the nut was saved. Without properly checking, the helper suddenly cut off Mesgegra's hand!

Now with only one hand, Mesgegra had to drive his own chariot. His bad luck continued when he met the Ulster warrior Conall Cernach. Conall was looking for revenge because two of his brothers had died in the earlier battle. To make the fight fair, Conall tied one of his own hands to his side before fighting Mesgegra.

Conall Cernach defeated and killed Mesgegra. He then hollowed out Mesgegra's head and mixed the brain with lime. Conall took this calcified brain back to Ulster's capital, Emain Macha, as a trophy.

The Brain-Ball's Revenge

Mesgegra's hardened brain became a prized possession for Conall in Ulster. However, it was foretold that Mesgegra would get his revenge even after death. Later, Cet mac Mágach from Connacht stole the brain. Cet shot the brain-ball, and it hit King Conchobar in the head, causing a terrible injury.

The brain-ball made it so Conchobar could not get too excited or angry. He lived for another seven years with the brain-ball in his head. But one day, when he heard the news of the crucifixion of Christ, he became so furious that the brain-ball dislodged, and he died.

It's also interesting to remember that Cet had been outsmarted by Conall in the story of "The Tale of Mac Da Thó's Pig". In that story, Conall won the "Champion's Portion," which was a big honor, shaming Cet and the Connacht warriors. The host who caused all the trouble in that story, Mac Dá Thó, was also known as Mesroeda, and he was King Mesgegra's brother.

Similar Stories

The "brain-ball" of Mesgegra is similar to other powerful sling-stones in Irish myths. For example, the god Lugh had a sling-stone made of hardened blood and sand.

Mesgegra, fighting with one hand, has been compared to other mythical figures. One is Nuada of the Silver Arm, who lost his arm. Another is the Norse god Týr, who lost a hand to bind the giant wolf Fenris wolf. These stories often involve a hero losing a body part but gaining wisdom or power in return.