Wicca 101: Ancient Myths & Modern Man (Part 2)

In the first section of the myth, there are three things that stand out as immediately apparent. First, the position of the Druid within Celtic society as described in this myth is equal to or possibly above that of a King. Cathbad’s prophecy and the reaction to it also indicates that the words of the Druids were regarded with great care. Secondly, the rights of a guest in a house are such that they are protected from maltreatment. In this respect, the Celts were much like the Vikings in their high regard of the importance hospitality. And the third point that stands out as impressive is the implicit warning that is found in the Greek myth of Oedipus: do not attempt to out wit fate.

The second portion of the myth has two main items that virtually leap from the page. The first is that a person must act in accordance with the geis (taboos) placed upon them. It is by invoking the geis upon Naoise (one of the three sons of Usnech, with whom Deirdre has fallen in love with) that Deirdre moves him to defy King Conchobar. The importance of geis within ancient Celtic society is reiterated in the third portion of the myth, even as it leads to the downfall of the tragic heros and heroine of this story. The second point of interest to become apparent is how the traits that make Deirdre and Naoise desirable are more then physical beauty. Deirdre is an educated, bold woman of many talents. Naoise, while also of notable physical appearance, is also an accomplished hunter, heroic warrior, and honorable.

The third section of the myth portrays the results of breaking one’s geis and the effect of breaking oaths. As geis are broken, previously undefeated heros experience defeat and weakness in the face of combat with the enemy. It is possible to argue that breaking the geis carry’s its own curse. In this portion of the myth, the fearsome sorcery of the Druids is portrayed as well as the relationship between King and Druid is clarified. It is only with the threat of death that King Conchobar is able to get Cathbad to do as he wishes. Following the completion of his spells, Cathbad leaves Conchobar’s company. In subsequent portions of the Ulster Cycle that take place following the events of this myth, Cathbad does not reappear. It is quite likely that Cathbad never returned to King Conochobar’s court. This withdrawal of the Druid’s favor could be pointed at as part of the reason why Conochobar is unsuccessful in his efforts to resist the attacks of Queen Medb’s army in a latter portion of the myth cycle.

The final part of the myth gives not only the death of Deirdre but also a glimpse of how prisoners of war were treated and ancient burial practices. The Lament of Deirdre eulogizes Naoise and his brothers, bringing to mind their peaceful life in Scotland. This lament follows a fairly standard formula for Celtic laments from this period of history. King Conchobar’s forcible marriage to Deirdre and his proposal to share her with Éogan mac Durthacht shows that contrary to the usual autonomy of Celtic women (epitomized by Queen Medb and other heroines), Deirdre is treated as chattel. It stands to reason that other women thus taken as spoils of battle were treated as chattel because no indication is given that this was a unique circumstance.

As one looks at this myth in its entirety, three things stand out quite clearly. First is that one can not cheat fate. Second is the importance of keeping one’s geis. Thirdly is the ruin that comes from dividing loyalties between king and oneself. These three things are what ultimately bring the sons of Usnech to their ruin and lay the groundwork for the eventual destruction of King Conochobar.