Cú Chulainn Character Analysis

What do Greek, Irish, African, Roman and, even Norse mythology have in common? That is not a difficult question it is very simple and the answer is that all are centered around a hero. However, not any type of hero, but a mythic hero. A hero is imperative to mythology, because for the most part myths focus on the struggles and barriers the hero will come across while on his or her journey. In the translation of theIrish epic Táin Bó Cúailnge; The Tain by Thomas Kinsella tells the story of the bold, powerful mythic hero Sétanta later known as Cú Chulainn. Cú Chulainn isn't just a hero, but he is the embodiment of a mythic hero, this is shown through his characteristics and most of all behavior. Although, Cú Chulainn is the classic exemplar of a mythological hero, minus being conventional he is still in a class of his own. There are a few distinctions between a hero and a mythic hero. A hero is made, but mythic heroes are born not everybody is fortunate enough to have the qualifications to be a hero. However, mythic heroes have qualified since birth. In Cú Chulainn's case he was born to be a …show more content…
As a matter of fact he makes fighting look effortless. In The Tain Cú Chulainn ability to slaughter multiple men and leave a bloodbath everywhere he goes with one swift move is compelling. Many mythic heroes are strong, well-versed warriors namely, Hercules a resilient man who is blessed with phenomenal strength. Mythic heroes usually will defend not only their loved ones, country, themselves, and cause destruction if necessary to get what they desire. After all that's exactly what Cú Chulainn did. For an example when he killed hundreds of men all for the love of Emer. Cú Chulainn annihilated anyone who came his way “He dealt the army great mortal blows there and streams of blood broke over the place on every side” ( Kinsella