Conchobar Mac Nessa

Conchobar was born to the princess Nessa and, according to legend, the druid Cathbad. Seeking the throne for her son, Nessa agreed to marry the reigning King of Ulster, Fergus mac Róich, on one specific condition: that Conchobar be allowed to rule for a single year so his descendants could be known as the children of a king. During that year, guided by his mother’s cunning wisdom, Conchobar distributed wealth so generously and settled disputes so justly that when the year ended, the people of Ulster refused to let Fergus return. Conchobar became a powerful and respected monarch, presiding over the elite Red Branch Knights from his capital at Emain Macha. However, his long reign was later marred by his obsession with Deirdre of the Sorrows. Having raised her in isolation to be his bride, Conchobar was consumed by rage when she fled with Naoise. His subsequent betrayal of a sacred oath to capture them led to the death of the Sons of Usnech and the self-imposed exile of Fergus. His end was as strange as his rise; a calcified 'brain ball' shot by a rival remained lodged in his head for years. It is said that when he heard the news of the crucifixion of Christ, his fury caused the ball to dislodge, ending his life.