Britannica
Sources used in this answer
Why did Queen Medb invade Ulster in The Cattle Raid of Cooley?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
Celtic literature
Britannica editor Jeff Wallenfeldt provides an overview of the Irish language.
In the Ulster cycle epic known as The Cattle Raid of Cooley, Queen Medb of Connaught invades Ulster primarily to settle a dispute over wealth with her husband, Ailill.1
The conflict arises because Ailill possesses a white-horned bull, which serves as a symbol of his superiority. To challenge this and establish her own equal status, Medb resolves to acquire the famous Brown Bull of Cooley, a magnificent animal that would match or exceed the prestige of her husband's possession. Despite warnings of disaster from a prophetess, Medb leads her army into Ulster to seize the bull, triggering the legendary conflict.1