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Mac Cécht

A Dictionary of Celtic Mythology | 2004 | 700+ words | Copyright

Mac Cécht, Mac Cecht I. [Ir., son of the plough]. King/warrior of the Tuatha Dé Danann who, along with his brothers Mac Cuill and Mac Gréine, kills Lug Lámfhota. Killer also of Mechi, son of the Mórrígan. Probably a euhemerization of the healing god Dian Cécht, Mac Cécht is also the consort of Fódla, an incarnation of Ireland. After the death of Nuadu Airgetlám, Mac Cécht and his two brothers take the king's body for burial at Ailech in Co. Donegal. While there the three brothers decide to divide Ireland among themselves and ask the Milesian Íth, a stranger who has just arrived, to give judgement. Suspicious of Íth's pronouncements, the brothers kill him, prompting the Milesian invasion of Ireland. Mac Cécht is killed by Éremón.

2. A champion of Conaire Mór who joins his king on his fateful last journey in Togail Bruidne Da Derga [The Destruction of Da Derga's Hostel]. In a variant text it is Mac Cécht not Conall Cearnach who takes the king's golden cup to search for water when he is thirsty.

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