the men of Domnand. For their mode of combat was equal and alike. They had learned the science of arms, bravery, and valor with the same tutors; with Sciithach, and with Uathach, and with Aife. And neither of them had any advantage over the other, except that Cuchulaind had the feat of the gae-bolg (the casting of the belly-dart)."[1]
Message after message was sent to Ferdiad, asking him to come and tight Cuchuhiind. But "he knew wherefore they wanted him—to fight and combat with his own friend and companion and fellow-pupil, Cuchulaind, and he came not with them."
Then Queen Medb (Meave or Mah) sent the druids to urge, and the satirists to sting, Ferdiad; and, more out of fear of the bitter poets than the priests, the warrior yielded.
"The subject of the strange belief in ancient Ireland, in the power of a poet," says Prof. Eugene C Curry, " would be one of great interest to investigate." By their satires they were supposed to be able to bring fatalities on men. Laidcenn, a poet of the fourth century we are told, satirized the men of Leinster, "so that neither corn, grass, nor foliage could grow for them during a whole year." The belief in this occult power of the poet was general in all the ancient history of Ireland.
- ↑ The gai-bulga or gae-bolga, (the belly-dart) is unique among the weapons of Ireland. There is a common phrase often heard in Ireland, "Put the gui-bolg on him" (meaning a masterful stroke), which I have heard vulgarized in America into, "Put the kye-bosh on him." It is strange to trace such a phrase back to a mysterious weapon used thousands of years ago in Ireland.
"This was the character of that dart," says the ancient
