Scathach
Sca-hakh

Irish: shadow

Female warrior who lived on the Isle of Skye, and gave her name to the island; in the Ulster Cycle, she initiated Cu Chulainn in the art of war and the art of lovemaking. Forgall the Wiley sent Cu Chulainn to Scathach, figuring that she would kill him, telling the boy-hero that she was the greatest teacher, and without her he would never understand the true art of being a warrior.

Cu Chulainn fought his way to her house, endured tests, and then was accepted as her pupil, which included sleeping with her, and fighting the princess Aife, her rival.


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Mary Jones © 2004