Motif
Heroic single combat at a ford
heroic_single_combat_at_a_ford
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.
3 occurrences
2 traditions
celtic irish (2) · celtic (1)
celtic irish
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Heroic Romances of Ireland ACCORDING TO THE GLENN MASAIN VERSION / ALSO THE CONCLUSION OF THE TALE FROM THE SAME VERSION / THE COMBAT AT THE FORD / INTRODUCTION; lines 4722-4800 confidence: high
Maev’s compact provides a daily champion to oppose Cuchulain; the army may advance while the combat lasts but halts until morning if the champion is killed. Before Ferdia, Cuchulain has killed many champions in duel.
The passage identifies the Combat at the Ford between Cuchulain and Ferdia and describes Maev’s practice of supplying champions for duels against Cuchulain.
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The Ancient Irish Epic Tale Tain Bo Cualnge THE MARCH OF THE HOST / THE YOUTHFUL EXPLOITS OF CUCHULAIN / THE SLAYING OF ORLAM / THE PROPOSALS; lines 6156-6289 confidence: high
Fiachu returns to the camp and binds Nathcrantail to go to the ford of combat on the following day.
Nathcrantail is bound to go to the ford of combat, meets Cuchulain, and is killed after formal exchanges.
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celtic
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Myths & Legends of the Celtic Race CHAPTER II: THE RELIGION OF THE CELTS / CHAPTER III: THE IRISH INVASION MYTHS / CHAPTER IV: THE EARLY MILESIAN KINGS / CHAPTER V: TALES OF THE ULTONIAN CYCLE; lines 5726-5808 confidence: high
Cuchulain and Ferdia discuss the day’s weapons; Cuchulain chooses “all or any,” and they fight with spears until midday without advantage.
The passage centers on a formalized duel between Cuchulain and Ferdia at the Ford, with chosen weapons and escalating combat.
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