2. SETANTA

A little boy trotted along a high mountain road. He was playing a most unusual game. He struck a silver ball into the air with his hurley. Next he threw his hurley after the ball and his spear after the hurley. Then he ran on so quickly that he caught them all in his hand before any of them reached the ground. He had made up this thrilling game himself to shorten his long journey.

The boy's name was Setanta. He was on his way to visit his uncle, the great Conchubhar mac Neasa, King of Ulster. He was in a jolly mood, for he hoped to join the Macra : that famous troop of boys which King Conchubhar trained at his palace in Eamhain Macha. These boys were very like our boyscouts of today. They were like our boyscouts of today. They were known throughout the country for their skilful games and mighty deeds. Setanta know he could match any of them. He feared, however, that he might be too young to join. He was only seven years of age.

So lost was Setanta in his game that he was not at all tired when he reached the great playing fields of Eamhain Macha. There he saw the Macra playing a game of hurling. He stood and watched the game. Suddenly the ball sailed through the air towards him. Setanta leaped high and caught it. As he ran on to the field the players tried to block him, but he jumped aside ans dashed past them. He threw the ball in the air, struck it hard with his hurley and drove it straight into the goal. The angry boys turned black looks on Setanta. He had joined their game without being asked. Worse still, he had beaten them. They gathered together and attacked the little stranger. Setanta raised his hurley and fought like a young lion. He struck down fifty of them and chased the rest from the field.

Afterr this the boys thought well of Setanta and made peace with him. His uncle, King Conchubhar mac Neasa, welcomed him to Eamhain Macha and let him join the Macra. Soon after that he became their leader.

There was a wealthy smith in Ulster camed Culann. One day he invited King Conchubhar and his chiefs to a feast in his great dune. On th evening of the feast the king made ready to set out and invited Setanta to go along with them. Setanta, however, was playing with the Macra and begged to finish his game. He would follow later, he said, finding his way by the hoof-marks of the horses and the track of the chariots.

Leaving Setanta to his game, the king and his chiefs set out for the feast. When they reached Culann's dune they found a banquet prepared for them. Fresh rushes had been spread on the floor and a great fire burned in the middle of the room. Before the feasting and merry-making began, Culann asked his guests if all had arrived. If they had, he told them, he would let loose his fierce watch-dog to guard the dune during the feast. Everyone had come, they answered, so the great hound was set free. They had all forgotten about Setanta.

Setanta strikes the ball, driving it down the dog's throat.

Having finished his game, young Setanta set out on the track of the chariots. He amused himself on the way with his hurley and ball. As soon as he came near Culann's dune the fierce hound sprang forward with a wicked snarl. Setanta paid no heed. He went on with his play until he was near enough to take sure aim. Then with a mighty stroke he struck the ball straight into the dog's mouth and down his throat. The hound gave a great yelp of pain, and at the sound of Conchubhar and his chiefs remembered Setanta. Fearing that the little boy would be torn to pieces, they grabbed their swords and rushed from the dune. Suddenly they stopped and stared in wide-eyed wonder. There stood Setanta, smiling and unhurt, while the fierce hound of Culann lay dead at his feet. With shouts of joy the chieftains of Ulster lifted the little boy shoulder-hogh and carried him to the feast.

But Culann the smith did not share their joy. Now that his great watch-dog was dead, how was he to guard his dune, his cattle and his wealth ? Setanta saw his grief and spoke up.

"From now on, Culann, I will be your watch-dog," he said. "I will guard you dune and you goods until I train another hound as good as the one I have killed."

Everybody was pleased at this wise offer. Setanta kept his word. He did what eh promised so well that his name was changed.

From that day on he was known by the name of CU CHULAINN.