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Who are the main characters in the Ulster cycle?
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Celtic literature
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The Ulster cycle, a collection of ancient Irish legends, centers on the heroic age of the Ulaids and features several prominent figures. The main characters include:12
- Conchobar mac Nessa (Conor): The semi-historical king of the Ulaids who rules from Emain Macha.13
- CĂș Chulainn: The central hero of the cycle and the greatest of the Knights of the Red Branch. He is the son of the god Lug and Dechtire, the sister of King Conchobar.13
- Medb: The fierce and powerful queen of Connaught, who instigates the conflict known as The Cattle Raid of Cooley.14
- Ailill: The king of Connaught and the mate of Queen Medb.14
- Fergus: A mighty hero and exile from Ulster, noted for his virility and his role in the conflict between Ulster and Connaught.42
- Deirdre and NoĂsi: Two doomed lovers whose tragic story is one of the most influential tales in the cycle.12
- Cathbad: The great Druid of Ulster, who serves as an advisor to King Conchobar and is sometimes cited as his father.5