A "Beheading Game"

The Feast of Bricriu

“The Feast of Bricriu,” also known as Feld Bricrenn, is a “beheading game” story in Irish mythology. In the story, Bricriu, a troublemaking nobleman, invites nobles to a feast at his new home in Dundrum. He prompts three heroes named Cuchulainn, Conall Cernach, and Lóegaire Búadach, to compete for the “Champion’s portion” of the meal, or the finest cut of meat. The heroes perform several feats, and after the feast, they all travel to Munster to be judged by Cú Roí, a king well known for his roles as an arbitrator, to see which one of them deserves the Champion’s portion. Every time the heroes are judged, it seems that Cuchulainn is proclaimed the winner, yet the other heroes refuse to accept that. When the heroes return to Emain Macha, or a pagan ritual site, they encounter a creature named Bachlach, who challenges each of the men to cut off his head, and in return, he will get to cut off their heads. All of the men take swings at Bachlach’s head, and when it falls, Bachlach picks it up and puts it on his head, only to return the next night to finish his end of the deal. It just so happens that the only man who shows up the next night is Cuchulainn, and Bachlach is so impressed by his bravery, he spares his life. There is a twist in the story, as Bachlach is actually Cú Roí in disguise. Nevertheless, Bachlach finally names Cuchulainn the winner of the champion’s feast. 

This story is very similar to the story of “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight,” as the hero ultimately survives the dangerous ordeal in which he is involved. Although there is not a long journey in Feld Bricrenn, the themes of courage and knightly chivalry remain.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fled_Bricrenn
http://www.channel4learning.com/support/programmenotes/netnotes/images/sirgawain/image009.jpg
http://faculty.goucher.edu/eng240/Turner%20Gawain%20Project%202005/beheading.htm

Wealtheow's Stream of Consciousness

Although I never anticipated marrying Hrothgar or even living in his kingdom, I understand that this is the best thing to do for my people. Hrothgar seems to be nice and honorable man, but he is aging exponentially, it seems. I assume my duties in the mead hall, so that I may please Hrothgar and the people, to keep the alliance maintained. These men in the mead hall become excessively drunk, but I still must keep providing the mead. After my long days in Heorot, I tried to relax in my bed, however, the nights in this kingdom are anything but quiet. I was so frightened when I first saw that horrible beast, Grendel, thrashing into room! As if I came across some amount of good fortune from the gods, I was luckily released by this monster. It seemed as if something changed Grendel’s mind, but I could not tell what it was. After a few years, I have given birth to 2 sons, and their father continues to grow even older. When Hrothulf arrived, I saw him as a young man who was sad despite his health. I know that he has worst times to come in his life, especially because I have seen so much pain and suffering in Hrothgar’s mead hall.

 I also sense some sadness in my husband. I feel that he may feel bad that I am so young, yet he is so old and could die at any year. Despite Hrothgar’s pity to me, I still love him and I am glad that I am able to keep the alliance between our Scylding nation and Hrothgar’s. I am concerned; nevertheless, that Hrothulf and and Hrothgar are trying to gain more power. I don’t think that it is necessary in a time like this, especially with a dangerous monster like Grendel on the prowl. One day, when a Geat arrived, I found a new source of confidence in safety. Beowulf has the courage of a lion, and I truly think that he could defeat Grendel. At one of the last banquets before Grendel attacked, I noticed the fears of the men, and I still would continue to quench their fears with large goblets of mead. I know that someday the kingdom will be peaceful, but at the moment I still remain skeptical and hope for happiness in my time of need.