cí

Cú is a Gaelic word meaning hound or dog and is commonly used as an epithet in Irish mythology and as an element in proper names. In Old Irish and modern Irish, cú appears both as a standalone noun and as a prefix in compound names, often rendered in English as “hound of” or “dog of.”

The most famous bearer of the epithet is Cú Chulainn, the central hero of the Ulster Cycle. His name translates as “Hound of Culann,” reflecting a legend in which he killed Culann’s guard dog as a child and vowed to defend Culann’s house in its place until a replacement was grown. The motif of the hound is a recurring symbol of prowess, courage, and martial skill in Irish literature.

Cú Roí mac Dáire is another well-known figure associated with the epithet, yielding the title “the Hound of the King.” He appears as a king-hero in several medieval Irish narratives, where the image of the hound underscores themes of loyalty, cunning, and leadership.

In broader usage, cú survives in modern Irish as a common noun and appears in place names, literary works, and scholarly discussions of the mythological corpus. As an element in heroic nomenclature, it conveys attributes linked to the legendary dogs of myth—speed, ferocity, and fidelity—rather than a literal canine name.

See also: Cú Chulainn; Cú Roí; Ulster Cycle.