[1-1] YBL. 38b, 46-57.

[a] The meaning is obscure.

[b] Literally, ‘torn.’

[1]Here followeth the Description of Cuchulain’s chariot, one of the three chief Chariots of the Tale of the Foray of Cualnge.[1]

[1-1] YBL. 38a, 48-49.  In the following description of the chariot and steeds has been incorporated part of the parallel passages in LU. 1969-1977 and YBL. 38a-38b.  Eg. 106, Eg. 109 and H. 2. 12 (Revue Celtique, xi, 25) contain more adjectives.

It was not long that Ferdiad’s charioteer remained there when he saw something:  [2]"How beholdest thou Cuchulain?” asked Ferdiad of his charioteer.  “I behold,” said he,[2] “a beautiful, live-pointed chariot, [3]broad above, of white crystal, with a thick yoke of gold, with stout plates of copper, with shafts of bronze, with wheel-bands of bronze covered with silver,[3] approaching with swiftness, with speed, with perfect skill; with a green shade, with a thin-framed, dry-bodied (?) box surmounted with feats of cunning, [4]straight-poled,[4] as long as a warrior’s sword. [5]On this[5] was room for a hero’s seven arms, the fair seat for its lord; [6]two wheels, dark, black; a pole of tin, with red enamel, of a beautiful colour; two inlaid, golden bridles.[6] [7]This chariot was placed[7] behind two fleet steeds, [8]nimble, furious, small-headed,[8] bounding, large-eared, [9]small-snouted, sharp-beaked, red-chested,[9] gaily prancing, with inflated[a] nostrils, broad-chested, quick-hearted, high-flanked, broad-hoofed, slender-limbed, overpowering and resolute.  A grey, broad-hipped, small-stepping, long-maned horse, [10]whose name was Liath (’the Roan’) of Macha,[10] was under [W.3379.] one of the yokes of the chariot; a black, crisped-maned, swift-moving, broad-backed horse, [1]whose name was Dubh (’the Black’) of Sithleann,[1] under the other.  Like unto a hawk after its prey on a sharp tempestuous day, or to a tearing blast of wind of Spring on a March day over the back of a plain, or unto a startled stag when first roused by the hounds in the first of the chase, [LL.fo.83b.] were Cuchulain’s two horses before the chariot, as if they were on glowing, fiery flags, so that they shook the earth and made it tremble with the fleetness of their course.

    [2-2] YBL. 38a, 51-52.

    [3-3] YBL. 38b, 1-3.

    [4-4] LU. 1973.

    [5-5] YBL.

    [6-6] YBL. 38b. 19-21.

    [7-7] LU. 1972.

    [8-8] LU. 1973.

    [9-9] LU. 1973.

    [10-10] Eg. 209.

    [a] Literally, ‘bagnosed.’

    [1-1] Eg. 209.

[2]"In the front of this chariot is a man with fair, curly, long hair.  There is around him a cloak, blue, Parthian purple.  A spear with red and keen-cutting blades, flaming-red in his hand.  The semblance of three heads of hair he has, namely, brown hair next to the skin of his head, blood-red hair in the middle, a crown of gold is the third head of hair.