The Death-Tales of the Ulster Heroes (Kuno Meyer)

Version A

1. Once upon a time the men of Ulster were greatly intoxicated in Emain Macha. Thence there arise great contentions and comparison of trophies between them, even between Conall and Cuchulinn and Loegaire. ‘Bring me/ said Conall, ‘the brain of Mesgegra, so that I may talk to the competing warriors.’ At that time it was a custom with the men of “Ulster to take the brains out of the head of every warrior whom they slew in single combat, and to mix lime with them, so that they were made into hard balls. And whenever they were in contention or at comparison of trophies, these were brought to them, so that they had them in their hands.

2. ‘“Well, 0 Conchobar,’ said Conall, ‘until the competing warriors perform a deed like this in single combat, they are not capable of comparing trophies with me.’ ‘That is true,’ said Conchobar.

3. Then the brain was put upon the shelf upon which it was always kept. On the morrow every one went his own way to his sport. Then Cet, the son of Matu, went upon a round of adventures in Ulster. This Cet was the most troublesome pest that was in Ireland. This is the way he went, across the green of Emain, having with him three warriors’ heads of the men of Ulster.