Ness (Irish mythology) facts for kids

Ness (also called Nessa) is a famous princess from ancient Ireland. She is known in the Ulster Cycle of Irish mythology, which tells old stories about heroes and kings from the land of Ulster. Ness was the mother of Conchobar mac Nessa, who became a very important king. Her father was Eochaid Sálbuide, the king of the Ulaid people.

Ness's Early Life and Name

Ness had an interesting start to her life. In some stories, she was raised by twelve foster-fathers. At first, she was called Assa, which meant "easy" or "gentle," because she was a joy to be around.

However, a sad event changed her life. A powerful druid (a wise person and magician) named Cathbad led a group of warriors called fianna. These warriors attacked her foster-fathers' home, and they were killed. Because no one could figure out who did it, Ness's father, King Eochaid, couldn't do anything.

So, Ness decided to take action herself! She gathered her own group of 27 warriors to find the person responsible. Because of her strong and determined actions, she became known as Ní-assa, meaning "not easy" or "not gentle." This is how she got the name Ness.

Ness and Cathbad

One day, while Ness was alone, Cathbad found her. He asked her to marry him, and she agreed. They settled down in a place called Crích Rois, near a river named Conchobar.

Ness later had a child. In some tales, the father was Fachtna Fáthach, the High King of Ireland.

The Birth of King Conchobar

While Ness and Cathbad were traveling, Ness began to give birth near the river Conchobar. Cathbad, being a druid, had a special vision. He said that if she could wait just one more day to give birth, her son would share a birthday with a very important person.

Ness sat on a stone by the river. The next day, she gave birth to a son. They named him Conchobar, after the river where he was born.

How Conchobar Became King

When Conchobar was seven years old, Fergus mac Róich was the king of Ulster. King Fergus fell in love with Ness. Ness agreed to marry him, but she had one clever condition.

She asked King Fergus to give up his kingship for one year and let her son, Conchobar, be king instead. This way, her sons would be able to say they were the children of a king.

King Fergus talked to his nobles (important leaders). They thought it was a good idea because they believed young Conchobar would only be king in name, and Fergus would get his throne back easily. So, Fergus agreed.

But Ness was very smart! She advised her son, Conchobar, on how to be a good ruler. Conchobar was very good at sharing wealth and giving gifts to the people of Ulster. By the time the year was over, the Ulstermen were so happy with Conchobar that they didn't want Fergus back! So, Conchobar kept the kingship.

Ness was also the mother of Conchobar's sisters, Deichtine and Findchóem.