Scathach: Teacher of Great Warriors

About this episode

In this episode we talk about Scathach, the mythical Irish warrior woman who would train men able to reach her island in the art of war. Her most famous pupil was the legendary Cú Chulainn, and much of her story is connected to her encounter with him. She gives Cú Chulainn a weapon that she created herself, the Gáe Bulg, but never teaches him how to use it. We look at Scathach, as well as her daughter and sister, and the drama that unfolds when Cú Chulainn arrives. We also discuss what this might say about the art of war, and the negotiation of the Anima.