Medb's (maive) first husband was Conchobar mac Nessa of Ulster, but that marriage didn't last. She then murdered Conchobar's next wife, her own sister Eithne, while she was pregnant. Eithne's son, Furbaide, was born by posthumous caesarian section.
Her father installed her as queen of Connacht, driving out the then king, Tinni mac Conri; however, Tinni regained a share of the throne when he and Medb later became lovers. Conchobar later raped Medb after an assembly at Tara. War ensued between the High King and Ulster. Tinni challenged Conchobar to single combat, and lost. Eochaid Dála of the Fir Domnann, who had been Tinni's rival for the kingship, protected the Connacht army as it retreated, and became Medb's next husband and king of Connacht.
Medb demanded her husband satisfy her three criteria - that he be without fear, meanness or jealousy. The last was particularly important as she had many lovers. While married to Eochaid Dála, she took Ailill mac Máta, chief of her bodyguard, as her lover. Eochaid discovered the affair, challenged Ailill to single combat, and lost. Ailill then married Medb and became king of Connacht.
Card Text
Benrig Medb (Water)
7 Life
3 Speed
7 Experiance
1 Damage
Irish • Warrior • Female
Slaintiuil: Twice each round, when an opposing player would gain life you gain the life instead.
Queen of connaught in the first century BC, Medb invaded Ulster to acquire the magnificent bull of Cooley. By doing this, she would outdo the possesions of her husband King Ailill, and become head of the household.
Illus.: RK Post • Set 4 • 01/100
Warrior Pack
History in Brief
Anachronism Package Blurb
In Celtic Ireland, whichever spouse held the majority of possessions could claim leadership of the household. Queen Medb’s belongings were, in every respect, equal to those of her husband, King Ailill, except for Ailill’s magnificent white bull, which had only one superior in all of Ireland. Medb invaded the province of Ulster to gain possession of the Brown Bull of Cooley and, by doing so, rulership over the kingdom. Driven by a thirst for power, Medb again resumes her quest for the Donn Cuailnge. Blessed by the goddess Anú and with men prepared to risk death for even a favorable word, use Queen Medb and her singular ambition to overcome all those who oppose her in the Anachronism arena.
Trivia
- According to legend, Medb is buried in a 40 foot high stone cairn on the summit of Knocknarea (Knock na Ré in Irish) in county Sligo.
- The LÉ Maev (02), a ship in the Irish Naval Service (now decommissioned), was named after her.
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