Motif
hero denied single combat and slain by ambush
hero_denied_single_combat_and_slain_by_ambush
A motif of the Sacred Combat and Ritual Warfare family, within the sub-family Champion Combat and Duel. Every row below is a tagged passage; each rests on a quote in its source text.
1 occurrences
1 traditions
celtic irish
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The Ancient Irish Epic Tale Tain Bo Cualnge THE DEATH OF FORGEMEN / THE GREAT ROUT ON THE PLAIN OF MURTHEMNE FOLLOWETH HERE BELOW / THE SCYTHED CHARIOT / XVIII; lines 8906-8938 confidence: high
Scholars say that if Oengus had fought them in single combat, two-thirds of the host would have fallen before him by Emain Macha.
The passage contrasts the expected or hypothetical single combat with the hosts' actual ambush from every side, resulting in Oengus's death in unequal fight.
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