Eithne Tháebfhota ("of the Long Side") was one of the daughters of the king
Cathaír Mór. According to the Irish mythology, she was described as the queen of two kings of different generations.
Queen of Ireland
In most Old Irish writing, she is the wife of
Conn Cétchathach
Conn Cétchathach (), or Conn of the Hundred Battles, son of Fedlimid Rechtmar, was a legendary High King of Ireland who is claimed to be the ancestor of the Connachta, and through his descendant Niall Noígiallach, the Uí Néill dynasties, w ...
. Her marriage was thought beneficial to the kingdom; until her death the fields gave three harvests a year, showing that she was a form of the goddess of Sovereignty.
Esnada Tige Buchet
In ''The Melodies of Buchet's House'', Eithne was in fosterage to Buchet when her numerous brothers came and stole his cattleherds. Buchet forced to leave his house, with his wife and Eithne. They lived in a small hut, at the forest of Kells, when she met her future husband,
Cormac mac Airt
Cormac mac Airt, also known as Cormac ua Cuinn (grandson of Conn) or Cormac Ulfada (long beard), was, according to medieval Irish legend and historical tradition, a High King of Ireland. He is probably the most famous of the ancient High Kings ...
, Conn's grandson. She spends a night with him, to conceive
Cairbre Lifechair
Cairbre Lifechair ("lover of the Liffey"), son of Cormac mac Airt, was, according to medieval Irish legend and historical tradition, a High King of Ireland. He came to the throne after the death of Eochaid Gonnat. During his time Bresal Belach w ...
.
Echtrae Cormaic
In ''The Adventure of Cormac'', she also appears to be Cormac's wife.
Family tree
Sources
Extrait o
"Eithne Tháebfhota on Oxford Index"
References
{{Reflist
Cycles of the Kings
Fenian Cycle
Irish women
Year of birth unknown
Year of death unknown