The Intoxication of the Ulstermen
Also known as: Mesca Ulad, The Drunkenness of the Ulstermen, Intoxication of the Ulstermen
A Middle Irish Ulster Cycle tale in which the warriors of Ulster become drunk at a feast and, diverted by confusion and misdirection, wander far from Emain Macha, courting danger and strained hospitality before returning chastened.
Description
This Middle Irish prose tale, known as Mesca Ulad, belongs to the Ulster Cycle. It recounts how the Ulstermen, after a feast, fall into drunken disorder and depart Emain Macha in confusion. Their misdirected journey subjects them to a series of perilous encounters and fraught hostellings (bruidne), where obligations of hospitality chafe against martial pride. The narrative foregrounds courtly protocol—boasting, honor, seating, and precedence—while showing how excess (mesca) undermines collective judgment. Though episodic, the tale reflects the political geography of Ulster and neighboring territories and showcases the reputations of its leading champions and counselors.
Historiography
Mesca Ulad survives in the Middle Irish manuscript tradition associated with the Ulster Cycle, with attestations linked to major compilations such as Lebor na hUidre (12th c.) and the Yellow Book of Lecan (14th c.). The language and style indicate redaction from earlier oral materials. The tale was edited and translated in early Celtic philology journals and collected in modern anthologies of the Ulster Cycle. Scholarly discussion treats its bruiden episodes alongside other Irish "hostel" narratives and examines its etiquette of feasting and precedence.
Date Notes
Middle Irish prose redaction likely compiled from earlier oral Ulster Cycle material; precise dating uncertain.
Major Characters
- Conchobar mac Nessa
- Fergus mac Róich
- Cú Chulainn
- Medb
- Ailill mac Máta
- Bricriu
- Cet mac Mágach
- Conall Cernach
Myths
- The Drunken Mustering of the Ulaid
- The Rout at Da Choca’s Hostel
Facts
- Mesca Ulad is a Middle Irish Ulster Cycle tale centered on a drunken expedition of the Ulstermen.
- Its narrative structure aligns with Irish bruiden (hostel) tales that test hospitality and status.
- The tale foregrounds questions of precedence, boasting, and honor within Conchobar’s court.
- Linguistic features suggest compilation from older oral materials into a 12th-century redaction.
- Key Ulster heroes—Cú Chulainn, Conall Cernach, and Fergus—are present as archetypal champions.
- The geography traversed marks borders and rival territories around Ulster.
- Early modern editions and translations appeared in Celtic philological journals.
- Manuscript witnesses are associated with major compilations like Lebor na hUidre and the Yellow Book of Lecan.