Fraech

Family: Connaught · Role: hero · First appears: Táin Bó Fraích · Literal Translation · Part 1

Fraech, son of Idath and Befind of the men of Connaught, received twelve white-eared cows from his mother. After stories of him reached Findabair, she fell in love with him; at Cruachan, Ailill and Maev welcomed Fraech and his company. Findabair refused to elope, but gave him her ring as a token, saying, “it shall be my choice accordingly to go to thee.”

When Fraech sought to marry Findabair, Ailill demanded a dowry and aid in the Spoil of the Cows from Cualnge. Fraech refused the demanded dowry. Ailill found Findabair’s ring in Fraech’s purse and threw it into the river; when a monster attacked Fraech in the water, Findabair brought him a sword, and Fraech killed it. After Ailill made peace with him, Fraech arranged for Findabair to receive the salmon containing the ring. He later agreed to marry her when he returned with his cows from the east.

In the meanwhile, Fraech’s cows, wife and three sons were stolen. With Conall Cernach’s help, he rescued his wife and sons from the dun, then returned to his territory with them and his cows.