Sualtam mac Róich

Mortal of Ulaid; brother of Fergus mac Róich; husband of Deichtire. Foster/legal father of Cú Chulainn under the dominant Lugh-paternity tradition. Famous for his death-by-own-shield-rim at Emain Macha during the Macha-curse phase of the Táin: rode to raise the alarm, was decapitated when his shield turned, and his severed head continued to shout the warning until Cathbad heeded it.

Powers

• his severed head keeps crying the war-alarm until Ulster wakes
• His severed head keeps shouting the war-warning

Relations

• sibling: Fergus mac Róich
• spouse: Deichtire
• foster parent: Cú Chulainn

Sources

• Compert Con Culainn (Lebor na hUidre); Táin Bó Cúailnge (Recensions I and II); Aided Con Culainn