Súaltam facts for kids

Súaltam mac Róich was an important figure in ancient Irish stories, part of what's called the Ulster Cycle. He is known as the human father of the famous hero Cúchulainn. Súaltam was married to Deichtine, who was the sister of Conchobar mac Nessa, the king of Ulster. Súaltam also had a brother named Fergus mac Róich.

Cúchulainn's Family Mystery

The stories about how Cúchulainn was born are a bit confusing and have different versions.

The Magical Birth Story

In one version, Deichtine was taking care of a baby boy who was the son of the god Lugh. But the baby got sick and sadly passed away. After this, Lugh made Deichtine pregnant. He told her to name the child Sétanta. However, Deichtine was already promised to marry Súaltam. So, she ended the pregnancy, married Súaltam, and then had a child with him, whom she also named Sétanta. This child later became known as Cúchulainn.

The Disappearing Princess

Another story says that Deichtine disappeared from Emain Macha, which was the main place for the Ulster people. Later, the nobles of Ulster were led by a group of magical birds to a house. Inside, they were welcomed by Lugh. He told them his wife was about to have a baby. When the baby was born, the Ulstermen realized that Lugh's wife was actually Deichtine! The child was named Sétanta. Súaltam and Deichtine raised him in their home on the Muithemne Plain in County Louth.

Súaltam's Role in the Great Cattle Raid

Many years later, when Cúchulainn was about seventeen, Queen Medb of Connacht started a huge war called the Táin Bó Cúailnge (which means the Cattle Raid of Cooley). This raid was against Ulster.

Warning the King

During this time, Cúchulainn and Súaltam were guarding the border at a place called Iraird Cuilenn (now Crossakiel in County Meath). While Cúchulainn bravely tried to stop the enemy army by himself, Súaltam went to warn King Conchobar.

For reasons that aren't fully explained in the stories, Súaltam didn't reach Emain Macha for several months. When he finally burst in, he shouted that people were being killed, women were being taken, and cattle were being stolen. He blamed Ailill mac Máta, the king of Connacht, for all of it.

A Tragic End

However, Súaltam was ignored. This was because he had broken an important rule: no one could speak before the king, and the king could not speak before his three druids (wise advisors). King Conchobar and his druids decided that Súaltam should be punished for breaking this rule.

As Súaltam ran out, he accidentally fell against the sharp edge of his own shield. This tragic accident caused him to lose his head. After this sad event, King Conchobar was finally moved to action and gathered his army to fight the invaders.