Medbh

Medbh is a figure from Irish mythology, most prominently featured in the Ulster Cycle. She is often depicted as the warrior queen of Connacht, a province in western Ireland. Medbh is a complex character, known for her ambition, her intelligence, and her formidable martial prowess. She is a central antagonist in the epic tale Táin Bó Cúailnge (The Cattle Raid of Cooley), where her desire for a magnificent bull drives her to wage war against Ulster.

Her lineage and origins are varied in different tellings, but she is frequently portrayed as a powerful sovereign who rules independently. Medbh's motivations in the Táin are largely driven by pride and a desire to match the wealth and prestige of her husband, Ailill mac Máta. She is a shrewd strategist and a charismatic leader, capable of rallying armies and inspiring loyalty.

Beyond the Táin, Medbh appears in other narratives, often in roles that highlight her authority and her involvement in political and military conflicts. She is sometimes associated with the sovereignty goddess, embodying the land itself and its right to rule. Her character represents a powerful female figure in a predominantly male-dominated mythological landscape, and her story continues to be a significant element of Irish folklore and literature.