The Hound of Culann

Setanta Wrestles with the Hound

An illustration of Setanta wrestling with the ferocious hound of Culann. One version of the story says that Setanta wrestled with the hound before choking it and dashing its body to the ground, while another says that he killed the hound with a sliotar. Either way, it was considered an impressive feat for such a young man to survive a fight to the death with a savage guard dog.

Copyright managed by the Library Council.

Setanta Wrestles with the Hound
Copyright managed by the Library Council.

Setanta Wrestles with the Hound

An illustration of Setanta wrestling with the ferocious hound of Culann. One version of the story says that Setanta wrestled with the hound before choking it and dashing its body to the ground, while another says that he killed the hound with a sliotar. Either way, it was considered an impressive feat for such a young man to survive a fight to the death with a savage guard dog.

Copyright managed by the Library Council.

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When the king arrived at the feast, the host welcomed him and asked whether there was anyone to come after him. King Conchobhar forgot that he had invited Setanta and replied that there was no one else. So Culann released his savage hound to guard the premises from attackers while the guests feasted. This was no ordinary dog. Three chains were needed to hold it, with three men on each chain.

Soon Setanta arrived, playing with his hurley and sliotar as he travelled. On seeing him, the hound ran out with his ferocious teeth shining in the dark. At this stage, the men feasting could hear what was happening, but they could only watch from the door because the dog was too fast to stop. They were sure this was the end for Setanta.

However, in a flash, Setanta raised his hurley and thwacked his sliotar with great force at the dog. His aim was perfect, as the ball ripped into its mouth and through its body, killing it instantly.

Culann was relieved that Setanta had survived the encounter, but sad to have lost such a great guard dog. To make up for killing him, young Setanta promised to guard Culann's land until a new puppy had been reared.

Irish Wolfhound

The Irish wolfhound has a strong place in legend. It is the tallest breed of dog in existence and has the speed of a greyhound.

Irish Wolfhound

Irish Wolfhound

The Irish wolfhound has a strong place in legend. It is the tallest breed of dog in existence and has the speed of a greyhound.

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Impressed with this promise, those at the feast agreed that Setanta should be given a new name. They called him Cúchulainn, which means 'the Hound of Culan'. Still only a young boy, Setanta was known by this name from then onwards.

Cúchulainn had numerous adventures after that. He became the best Red Branch Knight and did King Conchobhar proud.