Medb, Queen of Connacht, is rightly renowned in Irish legend and mythology, as a strong and influential woman leader. Her centre of power, Cruachan Ai, is still recognised as one of the most important Iron-age sites in Ireland. Medb lead her people in her own name and by her own right. She was a strong woman in a society largely dominated by strong men. She fought hard to maintain the high status of her rule throughout her long life but the choices she made, as always happens, had consequences.
This audio-article endeavours to discover some something of Medb the woman, as she can be found in the old Irish texts? What choices did she have to make to protect her land and people and how did she come to terms with the consequences of those choices? It is an interesting story.
This audio article is based on a presentation given for an on-line conference hosted by Vyvianne Armstrong. This conference is entitled Medb, Intoxication and Initiation. This is one of a series of upcoming conferences. If you would like to find out more, contact Vyviane at vyviane@landseaskytravel.com
Music: A Trip to Emain by Gian Costello
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Thank you, this made me see Medb in other lights apart from my narrow opinion of her as a power-crazy, rather unhinged person!
I’ve read her sons had different names until she asked someone which one of her sons would kill Conchobar. Upon hearing that one by the name of Maine would, she promptly renamed all her sons Maine.