Sétanta

Sétanta is a figure from Irish mythology, most notably appearing in the Ulster Cycle. He is the childhood name of the hero Cú Chulainn. The name Sétanta was given to him after he, as a young boy, single-handedly killed the ferocious hound of Culann, the smith. To atone for killing the hound, Sétanta promised to become Culann's watchdog until a new one could be trained. He was then renamed Cú Chulainn, meaning "Hound of Culann."

The stories surrounding Sétanta detail his precocious strength, intelligence, and a wild, untamed nature. Even before taking on the name Cú Chulainn, he displayed remarkable prowess. His adventures as Sétanta often foreshadow the greater deeds he would perform as Cú Chulainn. These early tales highlight his solitary nature and his ability to overcome formidable challenges independently. The transformation from Sétanta to Cú Chulainn marks a significant point in his development, symbolizing his acceptance of responsibility and his destiny as a warrior.