Lóegaire Búadach

Ulster Cycle hero, who appears to be one of the three most prominent when he contends for the champion's portion [Irish curadmír] with Cúchulainn and Conall Cearnach in Fled Bricrenn [Briccriu's Feast]. Although his name is often cited in passing, the most important text describing Lóegaire comes from the 11th century. When the poet Áed (9) was about to be drowned for his adultery with Conchobar's wife, Mugain (2), Lóegaire rushed from his house in anger to save him. He struck the crown of his head on a door lintel and was killed, but not before he slew thirty of the executioners and spared Áed's life. Lóegaire's mantle is one of the Three Treasures of Ireland. Under the name Lóegaire Bern Búadach, almost a separate identity, he was the ancestor-deity of the Osraige [Ossory], and was thought to have a famous sword.

In the Ulster Cycle of Irish mythology, Lóegaire Búadach (Lóegaire the Victorious) is a hapless Ulster warrior who mainly functions as comic relief. When he, Cúchulainn and Conall Cernach contend for the champion's portion at Briccriu's feast, Lóegaire is always a distant third. He lived at Inber Seimne (Larne, county Antrim).

His death-tale sums him up. When the poet Aed was to be drowned in a lake near Lóegaire's house for adultery with Conchobar's wife Mugain, he cried for help and Lóegaire rushed to the rescue. As he leaped out the door, he knocked the top of his own head off on the lintel. Still, he managed to kill thirty soldiers and save Aed's life before he died.

Texts

• Bricriu's Feast
• The Death of Lóegaire Búadach

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