Irish Baby Name · Boy

Sualtam

Pronounced: SOO-al-tum

Meaning: Uncertain, possibly from a saga epithet

About the name

Origin
Irish
Variants
Sualdam, Sualtaim
Stronghold region
Ulster

Overview

In the Ulster Cycle, Sualtam mac Róich was the mortal father of Cú Chulainn. His desperate ride to rouse the men of Ulster ends in his decapitation by his own shield.

The story behind Sualtam

Rode to warn the Ulstermen of Méabh's invasion and was killed when his own shield turned and beheaded him; his severed head went on shouting the warning.

Mythology & legend

Mortal foster-father of Cú Chulainn (whose true father was Lugh).

Did you know?

He died of horror at the curse on the Ulstermen, his head still warning them of Connacht's invasion.

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