Tradition / Region: Irish Mythology
Alternate Names: —
Category: Cow
The Myth
In ancient Ireland there lived two mighty bulls whose strength was said to surpass that of all other cattle. One was Finnbennach, owned by the queen of Connacht, admired throughout the land for his size and power. The other was Donn Cuailnge, the great bull of Ulster, the only beast believed capable of matching him.
Their rivalry became the heart of a great conflict. When the rulers of Connacht sought to possess Donn Cuailnge, the attempt set off the struggle remembered as the great cattle raid of Cooley. Warriors marched and kingdoms clashed, for the possession of the bull was seen as a matter of honor and power.
Whenever the two bulls met, their battles were terrible to behold. They charged with thunderous force, locking horns while their hooves tore the ground apart. Hills and fields were scarred by their fights, and men watched in awe as the land seemed to shake beneath them.
At last, in their final encounter, Donn Cuailnge overcame Finnbennach and slew him. Yet the victory cost him dearly, for he too was left wounded from the struggle.
Thus the two bulls passed into legend, remembered as creatures whose strength stirred war among kings and whose clashes were counted among the greatest marvels of Ireland.
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Sources
Monaghan, P. (2004). The Encyclopedia of Celtic Mythology and Folklore. p. 135.
Interpretive Lenses
Religious Readings
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Philosophical Readings
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