Mugain facts for kids

Mugain was a legendary queen from ancient Ireland. She is a famous character in the Ulster Cycle, which is a collection of old Irish myths and stories. Mugain was known as the daughter of a powerful king named Eochaid Feidlech.

Who Was Mugain?

Mugain was an important figure in Irish mythology. She was a queen and had a son named Glaisne with King Eochaid Feidlech. She was also the sister of another well-known queen, Medb, who was also a daughter of Eochaid Feidlech. Mugain's name is sometimes spelled Mumain.

Her Family and Name

Mugain's full name in old Irish was Mugain Etanchaitrech ingen Echach Feidlig. This means "Mugain, daughter of Eochaid Feidlech." She had a special nickname, Aitinchairchech, which described her in a unique way.

Mugain and Cúchulainn

One famous story involving Mugain tells about the legendary hero Cúchulainn. Cúchulainn was a very strong and brave warrior. After a big battle, he returned to his home, Emain Macha, full of incredible energy and fury.

Cúchulainn's Great Fury

The people of Ulster, including Mugain, were worried about Cúchulainn's intense power. They feared he might accidentally harm them because his fury was so great. To help him calm down, they tried a special method. They wrestled him into a large barrel filled with cold water. Cúchulainn's body was so hot that the water in the first barrel exploded! They then put him into a second barrel, and that water boiled. Finally, in a third barrel, the water just warmed up to a comfortable temperature, and Cúchulainn began to calm down. This story shows how powerful and extraordinary Cúchulainn was.

The End of Mugain's Story

Mugain's life, like many figures in ancient myths, had a sad ending. Due to various events and her connections with others, her story concludes tragically. The people of Ulster, who cared for her, were involved in the difficult circumstances surrounding her passing.