Cairbre Nia Fer

A Dictionary of Celtic Mythology

Cairbre Nia Fer, Cairbre Niafer, Cairbre Niaper. King of Tara and antagonist of Cúchulainn in the Ulster Cycle, apparently because of a rivalry over Conchobar's daughter. Fedelm Noíchrothach or Noíchride, whom he marries. Cúchulainn disdains Emer's older sister Fial (2) because of her relationship with Cairbre Nia Fer. Cúchulainn makes short work of him at Ros na Rígh. To avenge this killing Erc (1) also engages Cúchulainn in battle. Cairbre is celebrated for his twelve daughters; his full patronymic is mac Rosa Ruaid. Cairbre's attributed brother is Find File, mythical king of Leinster.

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© A Dictionary of Celtic Mythology 2004, originally published by Oxford University Press 2004.

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Achall
Achall. A daughter of the Ulster warrior Cairbre Nia Fer , she died in sorrow when Conall Cearnach slew her brother; she gave her name to the hill of Achall near Tara . Read more
Erc
Erc 1. A king of Leinster , ally of Medb of Connacht, and key adversary of Cúchulainn , who kills Erc's father, Cairbre Nia Fer . In revenge Erc casts his spear into one of Cúchulainn's favourite horses, Liath Macha [Grey of Macha], just... Read more
Fedelm Noíchrothach
...fresh-heart]. A female warrior noted for her great beauty. A daughter of Conchobar mac Nessa , she abandoned her husband Cairbre Nia Fer in favour of the great Ulster hero Conall Cernach . Her son Fiachna 1 was killed by Dubthach . She may have had a... Read more
Fial
...Elder sister of Emer and daughter of Forgall Manach . Cúchulainn rejected Fial because of her relations with Cairbre Nia Fer . 3. Wife of Lugaid mac Ítha , legendary founding ancestor of several Irish families. Read more
Find File
...historical, poetry is attributed to him and his name is cited in genealogies. Various texts portray him as the brother of Cairbre Nia Fer , king of Tara , and son of a Ros Ruadh, giving him the occasional patronymic of mac Rosa or mac Rossa Ruaid. In T... Read more

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