Cu Chulainn fulfills both the physical and moral requirements of a traditional hero and is the true equivalent to other heroes such as Hercules in the Greek pantheon. One of the qualities that makes Cu Chulainn a hero is his extreme strength. This is seen many times in his myth, beginning before his fifth year of age when he fended off the “boy corps” of his uncle Conchobar, also knocking down 50 of them (Leeming 231). His strength also allowed him to kill Culann the smith’s dog by slamming it against a rock when it attacked him. Later he would slay the sons of Nechtan in combat (Leeming 232). However, strength is obviously not enough to make one a hero, as I think they must have morals as well. Cu Chulainn has this as he often lends aid to others. In addition to saving Ulster from invaders, he agrees to act as Culann’s watchdog after he had killed his hound, hence his name “Cu Chulainn” which means “Culann’s watchdog”. He does this at only 7 years of age. He also sacrifices himself to a short life in return to becoming the greatest warrior, as on the day that Cathbad proclaimed the prophecy, Cu Chulainn assumed the arms of Conchobar and went on his quest. Lastly Cu Chulainn exhibits self-control despite his appetite for battle, as he calms his rage after returning from his quest to kill the sons of Nechtan, though this is because Conchobar throws him into vessels of cold water (Leeming 232).

I think that the idea of being a hero may have changed from paganism to the Christian period, because in the pagan period heroes were often not moral or had trouble with their morals. For example, Hercules killed his family (although he was compelled to do so by Hera) and he also betrayed his wife Deianira for Iole. Jason betrayed his wife Medea for Kreousa. Then Christianity came along, with Jesus, a completely moral man who gives himself up for humanity. As a result, I think that Western society grew to demand more moral standards from the hero than they did before with the pagan heroes. Therefore, today we do recognize the flawed morals of heroes like Hercules. Cu Chulainn appears to be mostly morally sound and does not do the bad things that heroes like Hercules do. So, in conclusion, this is what makes Cu Chulainn a hero.

 

 

Works Cited

Leeming, David A. The World of Myth: An Anthology. New York: Oxford University Press, 2019.