The Combat of Ferdiad and Cuchulain Summary

The Irish next decide that Ferdiad should fight Cuchulain and end the battle once and for all. Cuchulain and Ferdiad trained together in Ulster under the same masters. They equal one another in skill, size and fighting style. Cuchulain is slightly better with the barbed spear, and Ferdiad is slightly more skilled at man-to-man combat because of a horned suit he wears for protection. Ferdiad refuses to fight his friend, and Medb hires sorcerers to bring boils on Ferdiad's skin to shame him for cowardice. Ferdiad decides it is better to fight his friend than be disgraced and goes into the camp, where he is wined, dined and entertained in Medb's tent.

Medb promises Ferdiad anything he could wish for - land, women, titles and riches - if he will just conquer Cuchulain...