C) Functions: Warrioresses or Witches?

Being war-goddesses, the functions and roles of the Mórrígain, Badb and Macha or Nemain are mainly described in three famous mythic battles: Cath Muige Tuired Cunga [‘The First Battle of Moytura’], Cath Maige Tuired [‘The Second Battle of Moytirra’] and Táin Bó Cuailnge [‘The Cattle Raid of Cooley’]. Cath Muige Tuired Cunga relates the war opposing the Tuatha Dé Danann to the Fir Bolg, who refused to give half of their territory up to them. Cath Maige Tuired narrates the famous battle between the Tuatha Dé Danann, led by the powerful Lug Lámhfhada (‘Long-Armed’), and the obscure race of the Fomhoire, commanded by Balor of the Evil Eye. Táin Bó Cuailnge, a saga dating from the 11th c., describes the cattle-raid launched by Queen Medb of Connachta against Ulster and its young hero Cú Chulainn.