Training with Scathach. Ag Treanáil.

Cúchulainn desperately wanted to join the Red Branch knights of Ulster, but to do so he had to be trained in the art of warfare.  Many of the great Celtic heros were trained by Scathach, a fierce female warrior, whose name means 'Shadowy one'.  So it was to the stonghold of Scathach that Cúchulainn set off in order to fulfil this training.

Legend tells us that Scathach's stronghold is situated off the coast of Alba (the old Gaelic name for Scotland).  It is very likely that this is now the island that we call the Isle of Skye.  Scathach is pronounced 'Sca-hah',  or 'Sce-hah' , so it is said that the Island owes it's name to this famous warrior woman!  It was not unusual for   women to train warriors in ancient Celtic times.  Many fearsome female warriors existed up until the late sixth century.   Indeed, many of the most terrible and warlike of the Celtic gods were always female!  If you would like to learn more about female warriors, click here!