Scáthach Poem by Daniel McDonagh

Neir felt that she had walked for a thousand years
But she needed the courage to defend her fears,
And she took the road where Dún Scáith stands,
To find Scáthach, the legendary warrior woman.
She prayed that she would be given the Gáe Bulg, a deadly spear,
That Cúchulainn carried in his battle years,
But she found the homestead of Scáthach, deserted and empty,
Who had ventured to battle her rival, Aífe.

2006



Scáthach ('Shadowy') is a legendary Scottish warrior woman and martial arts teacher who trains the legendary Ulster hero Cúchulainn in the arts of combat.