Angus cattle

Ailill mac Máta

Ailill mac Máta, Ailill mac Matach. The husband of Medb in the Táin Bó Cuailnge [Cattle Raid of Cooley]. Although he is often described as being ‘of Connacht’, like his wife, the text of the Táin describes him as coming from Leinster, of the family of Russ Ruad. His patronymic distinguishes him from other Ailills, but it is not often used in the text of narratives. He appeared somewhat henpecked in the pillow-talk opening of the Táin but Medb praised him for many qualities, including bravery. Nevertheless, Ailill persisted in demanding that Medb should not have more possessions than he did. Their daughters are Finnabair and Faife.

In another story, Táin Bó Fraich [Cattle Raid of Fraich], Ailill is a stern father and wily king who opposes the marriage of his daughter Finnabair with Fráech to the point of nearly killing the younger man, relenting only when Fráech kills a dragon and recovers a ring swallowed by a salmon.

He assists Angus Óg to besiege Ethal Anbúail, with whose daughter Angus Óg has fallen in love. He sends Nera on his quest in Echtra Nerai [The Adventure of Nera]. Later, Ailill is slain by Conall Cearnach at Medb's urging when she finds her husband unfaithful.

Show all research tools

Cite this article
Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography.

  • MLA
  • Chicago
  • APA

JAMES MacKILLOP. "Ailill mac Máta." A Dictionary of Celtic Mythology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. 25 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

JAMES MacKILLOP. "Ailill mac Máta." A Dictionary of Celtic Mythology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. (May 25, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O70-AilillmacMta.html

JAMES MacKILLOP. "Ailill mac Máta." A Dictionary of Celtic Mythology. 2004. Retrieved May 25, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O70-AilillmacMta.html

Learn more about citation styles

Angus cattle

Angus cattle ăng´gəs , breed of black polled (hornless) beef cattle, originated in Scotland and introduced in 1873 to the United States, where they have become well established. Often called Black Angus or Aberdeen Angus cattle, they have low, compact bodies and are noted for the fine quality of their flesh. As a breed, they lack the size of Shorthorn and Hereford cattle. In recent years, the Red Angus breed of cattle has been derived from red cattle born in registered black herds.

Show all research tools

Cite this article
Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography.

  • MLA
  • Chicago
  • APA

"Angus cattle." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Encyclopedia.com. 25 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

"Angus cattle." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Encyclopedia.com. (May 25, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-Anguscat.html

"Angus cattle." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Retrieved May 25, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-Anguscat.html

Learn more about citation styles

Free newspaper and magazine articles

ANGUS BREEDING A DEMANDING VENTURE IKE JACKSON'S FATHER BROUGHT LAND AND...
Newspaper article from: The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk, VA); 3/5/1997
Angus beef boost; l THE Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society was founded 122 years...
Newspaper article from: The News Letter (Belfast, Northern Ireland); 11/10/2001
Marketing boost for Angus beef; l THE Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society was...
Newspaper article from: The News Letter (Belfast, Northern Ireland); 11/10/2001
Angus cattle images
Angus cattle. (Image by Americasroof, CC)