at Cúchulainn’s house where a meal was prepared. Just before the food was served, Cathbad the Druid suddenly appeared at the head table, almost, it seemed, materializing out of thin air. He was tall and slender and although the top of his head was bald, a long mane of silver hair began at the sides of his head and flowed down his back. A full silver beard matched the color, silky texture and length of his hair, reaching well down the druid’s chest. Cathbad was dressed in plain brown hooded robe cinched at the middle with a black rope. When those gathered had recovered from the surprise of his appearance, Cathbad called for Fergus and Ferdia to be brought to him. Mairéad presented the twins and Cathbad held his great-grandchildren for the first time.
The old man pondered each child, staring deeply into blue eyes that remained totally focused without as much as a blink. The children seemed to stare as intently into Cathbad’s eyes as Cathbad searched the boys’. A strange glow came over the unlikely trio and the room fell silent as all social chatter ceased for many minutes. It was clear that something special was taking place and everyone looked to the elder druid with anticipation.
The silence lasted for several more minutes, although to some it seemed like a much longer time. Finally, a young voice from the rear of the room was heard to ask, “Is it the sight? Have you seen a vision? Have you seen the future?”
The question was met a universal “Hush” from the rest of the gathering who knew that no one could rush the process. Cathbad would make a pronouncement in his own time.
After another, seemingly interminable delay, the druid’s voice, cracking with age emotion, was finally heard.
“I have seen something magical in the eyes of these children, but for the first time in my life, I do not fully understand what it means.”
This statement was met with a collective groan and those present looked at each other in concern and confusion. Cathbad was widely regarded as one of the greatest druids who ever lived. For as long as any of them remembered, he had been the great oracle whose wisdom was required when any important decision needed to be made. His pronouncements were always delivered with a confidence that inspired everyone who listened but this was the first time those gathered ever heard Cathbad speak with anything except absolute certainty.
The old man continued, “Perhaps, I am nearing the end of my days on earth and perhaps my powers have begun to desert me.”
“No” several people replied, “This cannot be.”
One woman spoke, “Noble father, you are the greatest druid who has ever walked the earth. Surely your powers would not desert you when we need your wisdom.”
Cathbad continued to consider the young children before holding them both high above his head. After a time he lowered the children and gazed at the group that surrounded him. “I will tell you what I see, and perhaps in time I will understand what it means. It may be that if I seek the wisdom of the trees and the wind, I will understand what I see. If I am not successful in interpreting this vision, it will be up to someone else to stand in my place and this will be the last time I will ever exercise my powers of vision and foresight.”
The room again fell silent.
Cathbad began, “I see in these boys a remarkable strength. They will be heroic champions, like their father, but in ways their father would never have dreamed. Their destiny however heroic will not be determined on the field of battle and, unlike Cúchulainn, they will not die a hero’s death.”
The people murmured among themselves. They were obviously well pleased with the prediction that Fergus and Ferdia would be heroic champions, but what was a heroic champion if not in the image of Cúchulainn? And, if the twins were not to die a hero’s death, did this mean they would die a coward, or merely old men? Everyone seemed to have his or her opinion and
The old man pondered each child, staring deeply into blue eyes that remained totally focused without as much as a blink. The children seemed to stare as intently into Cathbad’s eyes as Cathbad searched the boys’. A strange glow came over the unlikely trio and the room fell silent as all social chatter ceased for many minutes. It was clear that something special was taking place and everyone looked to the elder druid with anticipation.
The silence lasted for several more minutes, although to some it seemed like a much longer time. Finally, a young voice from the rear of the room was heard to ask, “Is it the sight? Have you seen a vision? Have you seen the future?”
The question was met a universal “Hush” from the rest of the gathering who knew that no one could rush the process. Cathbad would make a pronouncement in his own time.
After another, seemingly interminable delay, the druid’s voice, cracking with age emotion, was finally heard.
“I have seen something magical in the eyes of these children, but for the first time in my life, I do not fully understand what it means.”
This statement was met with a collective groan and those present looked at each other in concern and confusion. Cathbad was widely regarded as one of the greatest druids who ever lived. For as long as any of them remembered, he had been the great oracle whose wisdom was required when any important decision needed to be made. His pronouncements were always delivered with a confidence that inspired everyone who listened but this was the first time those gathered ever heard Cathbad speak with anything except absolute certainty.
The old man continued, “Perhaps, I am nearing the end of my days on earth and perhaps my powers have begun to desert me.”
“No” several people replied, “This cannot be.”
One woman spoke, “Noble father, you are the greatest druid who has ever walked the earth. Surely your powers would not desert you when we need your wisdom.”
Cathbad continued to consider the young children before holding them both high above his head. After a time he lowered the children and gazed at the group that surrounded him. “I will tell you what I see, and perhaps in time I will understand what it means. It may be that if I seek the wisdom of the trees and the wind, I will understand what I see. If I am not successful in interpreting this vision, it will be up to someone else to stand in my place and this will be the last time I will ever exercise my powers of vision and foresight.”
The room again fell silent.
Cathbad began, “I see in these boys a remarkable strength. They will be heroic champions, like their father, but in ways their father would never have dreamed. Their destiny however heroic will not be determined on the field of battle and, unlike Cúchulainn, they will not die a hero’s death.”
The people murmured among themselves. They were obviously well pleased with the prediction that Fergus and Ferdia would be heroic champions, but what was a heroic champion if not in the image of Cúchulainn? And, if the twins were not to die a hero’s death, did this mean they would die a coward, or merely old men? Everyone seemed to have his or her opinion and
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