The Slaying of Lochi Summary

The warriors of Ireland set up camp for the night. Medb is thirsty and asks her handmaid, Lochi, to get her a drink of water from the river. Lochi, wearing the golden tiara of a royal maid, goes to get the water, and Cuchulain, believing her to be Medb, shoots a rock at the tiara from afar. He shatters the tiara and also kills the maiden.

The Slaying of Lochi Analysis

This chapter is interesting because it shows Cuchulain killing an innocent woman, a rare event in the life of a mythic warrior hero. It would have been less shocking to read if Lochi were slain because she has picked a fight with Cuchulain. This slaying leaves readers wondering what the repercussions will be.