female warriors and champions

female warriors and champions. Celtic traditions abound in assertive women, historical, mythological, and legendary. Some commentators have argued that the relatively equitable status accorded women in the Brehon Laws of Ireland allowed for the emergence of strong women. Among the most notable figures are: Aífe (1), ‘the hardest woman in the world’; Bec of Connacht; Boudicca, the historical British warrior, known to legend as Boadicea; Cathach Chatutchenn, who loved Cúchulainn; Coinchenn, the monstrous Irish warrior-woman; Creidne, champion of Fionn's Fianna; Eis Enchenn, adversary of Cúchulainn; Erc (3), a member of Fionn's Fianna; Fedelm Noíchrothach, noted for her beauty; Granuaile (Gháinne Ní Mháille), the 16th-century Irish sea-rover; Medb, the protagonist of the Táin Bó Cuailnge [The Cattle Raid of Cooley]; Scáthach, tutor of Cúchulainn; Luchtigern, the monster cat, was killed by a female warrior. See also LUIDEAG, the murderous Scottish female demon, and SOVEREIGNTY, LADY.

Bibliography

See Antonia Fraser , Boadicea's Chariot (London, 1988);
The Warrior Queens (New York, 1988);
Miranda J. Green , Celtic Goddesses, Warriors, Virgins and Mothers (London, 1995).