Cú Chulainn: A Hero's tale

Part I: The Boy Who Became a Hound

The sky above Emain Macha, fortress and heart of Ulster, was brooding, as if the heavens foresaw the journey of Sétanta—a boy barely old enough to hold a hurley, yet brimming with a strength and fire that set him apart. On this day, he would join King Conchobar mac Nessa’s feast. His heart beat wildly, and his mind swirled with imaginings of standing among Ulster’s mighty warriors, men he idolized beyond all others.

Arriving late, Sétanta heard music and revelry spilling from Conchobar’s great hall. As he neared the entrance, a growl tore through the night, and from the shadows sprang a beast—Culann’s hound, a monstrous creature bred to guard the hall with its life. It launched towards Sétanta, sinew and fury ready to strike. With only a heartbeat to act, Sétanta lifted his hurley and swung with all the strength in his young arms, striking the beast down. The hound fell to the earth, its dying breath a growl that faded into silence.

The warriors rushed outside, shocked to see the boy standing alone above the fallen creature. Conchobar looked at Sétanta with awe. "You are a warrior already, even as a child," he murmured.