Distinct Part of Eamhain Macha
Eamhain Macha had three dwellings, one for the wounded, one for the arms and valuables including Meisceadhra’s brain, and one the house in which Conchubhar and his warriors were served. In the king’s house was great state and rank and plenty. Nine compartments were in it from the fire to the wall: thirty feet the height of each bronze partition; carvings of red yew therein; a wooden ceiling beneath, a roofing of tiles above. Conchubhar’s compartment was in the forefront of the house with ceiling of silver and pillars of bronze. Their headpieces glittered with gold and were set with carbuncles so that day and night were equally lightsome therein. A plate or gong of silver above the king to the roof-tree of the royal house. When Con¬chubhar struck the plate with his royal wand all the men of Ulster were silent.
The twelve divisions of the twelve chariot-chiefs were round about the king’s compartment. Yea, all the valiant warriors of the men of Ulster found space in that king’s house at the time of drinking, and yet no man of them would press upon the other. Splendid, lavish and beautiful were the men of Ulster in that house. In it were held great and numerous gatherings of every kind and wonderful pastimes. Games and music and singing there, heroes performing their feats, poets singing, harpers and players on the timpan striking up their sounds. Five and three score and three hundred was the number of Conchubhar’s household. The Chariot Chiefs of Ulster per¬formed on ropes stretched across from door to door in the house of Emania. Fifteen feet and nine score was the size of that house, and three feats were performed there, the spear-feat, the apple-feat, and the sword-feat. Among the chiefs of the Craobh Ruadh, who performed those feats, were Conall Cearnach, Laoghaire Buadhach, Fearghus mac Roigh, Cealtchar, Dubhthach and Sceal.
Among the chiefs of the Craobh Ruadh, who performed those feats, were onall Cearnach, Laoghaire Buadhach, Fearghus mac Roigh, Cealtchar, Dubhthach and Sceal. The Craobh Ruadh, indeed, occupy altogether the bigger space in our country’s annals, mainly owing to the marvellous exploits of their immortal hero Cuchulainn. The name of this Ulster hero promises to endure forever, and to take rank with the foremost spirits on the epic-roll of history.
