Warriors, fearless action, and fighting are what prevail in the Ulster Cycle world.
From Cuchulainn's Boyish Deeds
‘”The day is good thus,” said Cathbad; “it is certain he will be famous and renowned, who shall take arms therein; but he will be short-lived only.”
The fame and renowned status of the story's hero will come with a heavy price.
Irish Literature
This group of legends and tales originate from the people of Northeastern Ireland during a heroic age. They were referred to as the "Ulaids" which is where the term "Ulster" was derived from. The stories survived mostly as oral passages until they were preserved as manuscripts during the 12th century in The Book of the Dun Cow, among others. The warriors within the story were known for fighting from their chariots, taking memorabilia from their fights, and were notoriously humbled in journeys and battles by curses and objects resembling premonitions. Mythological and legendary elements are common throughout these stories.
Historical Context of the Stories
"Show me on which side Emain is."
The reign of King Conor, whom is commonly referred to as Conchobar Mac Nessa, is central to events at Emain Macha. A building where defeated enemies were stored gave inspiration to the naming of his Knights of the Red Branch. As with all good stories, Conchobar needed a rival court which is where Connaught comes in to play. Ruled by King Ailill and Queen Medb, the rivalry between the two courts is fueled by Medb's decision to marry Ailill ahead of Conchobar as only he was free of "meanness, jealousy, or fear." The Knights of the Red Branch are led by Cúchulainn, son of Lug, god of the strong arm. His mother, a mortal woman named Dechtire, is the sister of Conchobar Mac Nessa.
CÚCHULAINN’S BOYISH DEEDS
Throughout the story we are reminded of how strong and formidable Cúchulainn is and learn that he is destined for greatness. At one point, he is warned about taking Conchobar's armor since whoever wears it will live a short life. Cúchulainn is unfazed and takes it anyways. As the story progresses he increasingly seeks out battle and is even warned at times by 'taboos' or premonitions which warn him of what is to come. He pays little attention to these signs and continues on his journey. He eventually dies at the hands of the three sons and three daughters of Calatan, a sorcerer who he killed in battle. This story seems to be pulled into two different positions. On one hand you have the heroics by Cúchulainn and his ability to safeguard his people from the opposition in war. On the other hand, his reign is short lived since he goes about recklessly through his life and was only ever interested in fame, and therefore, himself. There are, however, plenty of instances were he is portrayed as noble and humble. The best instance being when he is invited to eat hound's flesh by a some peasants. Since he does not consider himself to be above anyone else, he is forced to accept the food which is his ultimate downfall. In the end, we are left with a young man who we must judge by either the deeds of his lifetime, or the deeds that we would have expected him to have accomplished.