As even yet Cuchulain’s opponents would not admit his championship, they were all three directed to return to Armagh, to await Curoi’s judgment.  Here it happened that all the Ulster heroes were in the great hall one night, except Cuchulain and his cousin Conall.  As they sat in order of rank, a terrible stranger, gigantic in stature, hideous of aspect, with ravening yellow eyes, entered.  In his hand he bore an enormous axe, with keen and shining edge.  Upon King Conor’s inquiring his business there, the stranger replied: 

“Behold my axe!  The man who will grasp it to-day may cut my head off with it, provided that I may, in like manner, cut off his head to-morrow.  If you have no champion who dare face me, I will say that Ulster has lost her courage and is dishonored.”

At once Laegire accepted the challenge.  The giant laid his head on a block, and at a blow the hero severed it from the body.  Thereupon the giant arose, took the head and the axe, and thus, headless, strode from the hall.  But the following night, when he returned, sound as ever, to claim the fulfilment of Laegire’s promise, the latter’s heart failed him and he did not come forward.  The stranger then jeered at the men of Ulster because their great champion durst not keep his agreement, nor face the blow he should receive in return for the one he gave.

The men of Ulster were utterly ashamed, but Conall Cearnach, who was present that night, made a new agreement with the stranger.  He gave a blow which beheaded the giant, but again, when the latter returned whole and sound on the following evening, the champion was not to be found.

Now it was the turn of Cuchulain, who, as the others had done, cut off the giant’s head at one stroke.  The next day the members of Conor’s court watched Cuchulain to see what he would do.  They would not have been surprised if he had failed like the others, who now were present.  The champion, however, showed no signs of failing or retreat.  He sat sorrowfully in his place, and with a sigh said to King Conor as they waited:  “Do not leave this place till all is over.  Death is coming to me very surely, but I must fulfil my agreement, for I would rather die than break my word.”

Towards the close of day the stranger strode into the hall exultant.

“Where is Cuchulain?” he cried.

“Here I am,” was the reply.

“Ah, poor boy! your speech is sad to-night, and the fear of death lies heavy on you; but at least you have redeemed your word and have not failed me.”

The youth rose from his seat and went towards him, as he stood with the great axe ready, and knelt to receive the blow.

The hero of Ulster laid his head on the block; but the giant was not satisfied.  “Stretch out your neck better,” said he.

“You are playing with me, to torment me,” said Cuchulain.  “Slay me now speedily, for I did not keep you waiting last night.”