In the
Ulster Cycle of
Irish mythology
Irish mythology is the body of myths indigenous to the island of Ireland. It was originally Oral tradition, passed down orally in the Prehistoric Ireland, prehistoric era. In the History of Ireland (795–1169), early medieval era, myths were ...
, Culann was a
smith whose house was protected by a ferocious watchdog. Culann's hound was a pup of
Celtchar's hound Dael, and he was found in the skull of
Conganchnes mac Dedad along with two other pups (Celtchar and
Mac da Tho's hounds); Culann's hound was speckled, while Celtchar and Mac da Tho's hounds were black and grey, respectively.
Culann invited
Conchobar mac Nessa, king of
Ulster
Ulster (; or ; or ''Ulster'') is one of the four traditional or historic provinces of Ireland, Irish provinces. It is made up of nine Counties of Ireland, counties: six of these constitute Northern Ireland (a part of the United Kingdom); t ...
, and his retinue to a feast at his house. On the way Conchobar saw his young nephew
Sétanta playing
hurling
Hurling (, ') is an outdoor Team sport, team game of ancient Gaelic culture, Gaelic Irish origin, played by men and women. One of Ireland's native Gaelic games, it shares a number of features with Gaelic football, such as the field and goa ...
, and was so impressed he invited the boy to join him at the feast. Sétanta told him he would catch up once the game was over.
The feast got underway, and Culann asked Conchobar if he was expecting anyone else. Conchobar, who had forgotten about Sétanta, answered no, and Culann unleashed his watchdog. When Sétanta arrived he was forced to kill the dog in self-defence, and out of obligation offered to take its place until a replacement could be reared. For this he was renamed ''
Cú Chulainn'' – "Culann's hound".
References
Ulster Cycle
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