This is a multistep prompt in which you have to answer each of the questions posed to you. Cú Chulainn has superhuman strength for an adolescent boy, and everyone he faces underestimates his strength and ability to win some rather fierce battles. Although he is portrayed as the hero of this epic, a close examination of his actions reveals some rather troubling behavior. In this writing, explain what you think about the battles Cú Chulainn engages in, how he emerges as victorious, and your impression of him as a heroic figure, using examples and/or quotes from the text to support your answer. Cú Chulainn

Cú Chulainn (pron. Koo-kul-in), also Cúchulainn, is one of the greatest heroes of Irish-Celtic mythology, particularly the Ulster Cycle. The son of another cultural hero-figure, Lugh, Cú Chulainn is a mighty warrior whose weapon is Gáe Bolga, a terrible spear that inflicts 30 wounds on its target from only a single strike. Cú Chulainn is involved in many adventures such as defending Ulster from a Connacht army, amorous engagements with warrior-queens and fairies, and the tragic killing of his own son Connla. Cú Chulainn is known for his tremendous agility and skills but is ultimately undone by sorcery and killed by another hero, Lugaid mac Con Roi.

Guidelines

• Your initial response should be at least 500 words in length

• Use MLA format for any quotations or citations that you use to support your answer

• Use size 12 font, one-inch margins, and double-spacing

• Consult the MLA Formatting and Style Guide to understand how to format citations and

references and for general writing assistance (writing style, mechanics, grammar, etc.).

Readings

The Táin: From the Irish Epic Táin Bó Cuailnge, translated by Thomas Kinsella. Oxford University Press, 2002.

• Chapter VII: Single Combat, pp. 114 to 124
• Chapter VIII: The Bull Is Found. Further Single Combats. Cúchulainn and the Morrígan, pp. 125 to 136
• Chapter IX: The Pact is Broken. The Great Carnage, pp. 137 to 155
• Chapter X: Combat with Fergus and Others, pp. 156 to 167
• Chapter XI: Combat pf Ferdía and Cúchulainn, pp. 168 to 205
• Chapter XII: Ulster Rises from its Pangs, pp. 206 to 223
• Chapter XIII: The Companies Advance, pp. 224 to 237
• Chapter XIV: The Last Battle, pp. 114 to 253

Additional Resources: External Links

Bard Mythologies: https://bardmythologies.com/the-death-of-cuchulainn/

Ancient Texts: http://www.ancienttexts.org/library/celtic/ctexts/cuchulain3.html