An Introduction to SLIABH BAN by ARLENE HUNT

Was there ever a more misunderstood woman than poor Queen Maeve, Queen of Connacht? All she wanted was a loan of The Brown Bull of Cooley for one measly year so that she could be equal in stature to that of her boastful husband, King Ailell, who owned the renowned White-Horned Bull. Hardly much of a request for a Queen to make, one would think. Then all because some drunken mouthpiece couldn’t hold his liquor, she was refused and humiliated by Daire Mac Fiachniu of Ulster, the brown bull’s owner.

What choice had she but to wage war on Ulster and take what should have been offered freely? It’s the principle of the thing. One man’s bull is another woman’s equal footing in the marital home.

What greater fun is there than to play with the story of a lusty, bawdy proud woman who will not take no for an answer? Part Xena Warrior princess, part Aphrodite, part Brunhilde and absolutely no part Peig Sayers, Queen Maeve was a whirlwind of passions and headstrong capabilities. I was greatly enthralled with her as a child when I read about her escapades first. I loved her chariot of war, her willingness to do battle at the drop of an insult. She is an Irish icon.

Edited by Gerard Brennan & Mike Stone

Requiems for the Departed
Irish Crime, Irish Myths.

Requiems for the Departed can now be pre-ordered on the Morrigan Books website.