The Slaying of Loch Summary

Ailill and Medb decide that Loch should be the next to fight Cuchulain. He refuses to do so, thinking that Cuchulain is too much a child and unworthy of his great skill. Loch tells them to send his brother, Long, instead. They do so, and Long is killed in battle.

Medb sends her maidens into the forest to beg Cuchulain to wear a pretend beard so the Irish will think he has matured and is thus worthy of fighting. He does so, and when Loch sees him, he decides he can fight Cuchulain after all. Loch begins battle with Cuchulain.

Meanwhile, the fairy Morrigan comes to destroy Cuchulain while he is fighting. She disguises herself first as a white cow threatening to lead the herd to stampede. Cuchulain shoots her eye out, barely pausing his fight. She...