Garb mac Stairn (also spelt Garbh, Gharbh, Garibh Mac-Starn, etc.) is a character in late (perhaps 17th century) prose narratives and poetry (duan) of the Ulster cycle; and claims Scandinavian origins,[1] or is represented as a giant from the Eastlands.[2]
He arrives in Ireland demanding tribute, only to be defeated and beheaded by Cúchulainn in a Highland verse account.[3] He also appears as an antagonist in a South Uist folkloric version of the Táin Bó Cúailnge.[4]
In a Highland popular folktale, Garbh Mac Stairn figures as a giant living in the neighborhood, from whom Cuchullin attempts to steal his fine light-coloured bull. Cuchullin impersonates a herd (herdsman) and enters the home, crawls into the bed of Garb's mistress, and she mistakes him for a wee baby.[5]
Garbh mac Starn is also said to be identical to (or be the original model of) the Suaran son of Starno, king of Lochlin, in James Macpherson's works attributed to Ossian.[6]
- ^ Mackillop 1998
- ^ Maclean 1892
- ^ Maclean 1892
- ^ Carmichael 1873
- ^ Campbell 1862, Popular Tales, vol. 3, pp.194-9
- ^ Works of Ossian, vol. 2 (1765), Hugh Blair, Dissertation, p.xxxiv, "Duan a Gharibb Mac-Starn is another Irish poem in high repute.. Garibh Mac-Starn is the same with Ossian's Swaran, the son of Starno. His single combat with, and victory over all.. excepting.. Cuchullin."