Ferdia

Family: Men of Irross Donnand · Role: champion · First appears: The Combat at the Ford · Part 1

Ferdia, son of Daman, was a champion of the men of Irross Donnand and a friend and fellow pupil of Cuchulain, with whom he had trained under Scathach, Uathach, and Aife. Early in the morning before their combat, he refused the heralds sent by Maev, but came when her threats of satire and reproach compelled him. She promised him rewards, including Findabair as his wife, if he fought Cuchulain; Ferdia secured a condition that six champions would ensure the rewards if he killed his friend. He agreed to fight six champions or Cuchulain, whichever seemed easier.

At the middle of the night, Ferdia ordered his charioteer to prepare his chariot. When Fergus mac Rog told Cuchulain that his friend and fellow pupil was coming to fight him, Ferdia met Cuchulain at the ford, where they reproached each other for breaking their friendship. Across successive days they wounded one another with spears and swords, receiving care and sharing provisions between bouts. Though they parted sorrowfully each night, Ferdia returned alone early one morning, and they began the Feat of the Ford; at midday he repeatedly threw Cuchulain from his shield into the ford.

In the final combat, Cuchulain fatally wounded Ferdia with the Gae-Bulg. He carried Ferdia’s body across the ford to its north side, and later lamented his death.