Honor Code, The Tain, And Gantz s Early Irish Myths And...

Christopher Kramer English 319U 03/22/2017 Honor To The Hero The honor code that can be found in the Mabinogi, The Tain, and Gantz’s Early Irish Myths and Sagas drives the characters towards the ideal Celtic hero. The following of the honor code could be better seen as a way of serving the identity and reputation of the hero rather than a deeper code of morality as it might suggest. The gae bolga, Efnisien, Mider’s love for Etain, and Rhiannon’s magic bag are all instruments of unworldly power, making the impossible possible for each of the heroes. It is because of these supernatural influences that the heroes are both blessed and cursed by their own powers. The compliance to the honor code plays less a role in truly enabling the hero and†¦show more content†¦After each day of fighting they exchange food and bandages to heal one another (The Tain 248) Yet Ferdia’s final words accuse Cuchulainn of unfairness. (The Tain 256) And the gae bolga again brings death to a warrior more skilled then Cuchulainn, placi ng not only might and skill but also the will of Cuchulainn as the agent of fate. It might be of no coincidence that both Cuchulainn’s and Ferdia’s foster mother Scathach gives the gae bolga to Cuchulainn. (The Tain 72) Scathach is a prophetess and she knows Cuchulainn’s fate and his dedication to his heroic role in fighting for the honor of Ulster. (The Tain, 69) The Mabinogi, King Bendigeidfran’s wisdom and honor is depicted in the story of Branwen daughter of Llyr, when he divides the cauldron people among the land, helping them grow into good warriors (The Mabinogi 64). King Matholwch, the king of Ireland resents the cauldron people who after receiving complaints, resorts to burning the cauldron people alive. The story of the cauldron people emphasizes King Matholwch’s weak will. His honor is submissive in both the presence of Bendigeidfran and his people, often resorting to following their bad advice. Within the main plot, King Bendigeidfran exhibits honor and allegiance to Matholwch in giving Branwen’s hand in marriage. (The Mabinogi, p.60) He quickly offers horses and his honor-price in gold and silver to compensate the shame his half-brother done to Matholwch’s horses. (The Mabinogi, p.62) He literally