Cú Roí

Cú Roí is a prominent character amongst the Irish myths of the eighth century. The story of Fled Bricrenn states that three men compete for the "champion's portion"(the bravest warrior at a feast received the best portion of food) and would be judged, one of the judges being Cú Roí. A man named Cú Chulainn was chosen by all of the judges, but the other two men disagreed wholeheartedly. Cú Roí goes to approaches the three men in a different form and challenges each to behead him, as long as he returns the blow later on. Apparently, only Cú Chulainn accepted the challenge honorably and he won. The beheading game is similar to that of the one that appeared in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. Also, Cú Roí is depicted as someone with magical abilities as he is able to disguise himself and change form/shape. The concept of superhuman abilities is seen in Sir Gawain when looking at the Green Knight who was a disguise of Lord Bertilak.

Unferth's Diary

     I just feel humiliated. My entire goal in life was to be a warrior. I have always dreamed of experiencing the feeling of being great, being respected, being known. I wanted to live up to the highest standards and looked upon as a role model for younger men of the kingdom. I wished to lead my army into battle and win glorious battles. I wanted to make my country proud. I wanted to be someone who others feared, but respected. I wanted to be a hero.

     All of my dreams and aspirations were crushed the day I encountered Grendel. That filthy, no good, rude, cynical monster embarrassed me. He made me look weak, though no human can withstand his magical power. He bashed my character. He took away my dignity. He crushed me. I sought revenge up until the day that another being came into my life who destroyed any bit of hope left in me of being a hero. His name is Beowulf. I dislike him very much. This man who thinks he is the greatest thing on Earth and owns everything in the land. How can he just come into our kingdom and demand the attention of everyone? I highly doubt even his arrogant self can defeat such a beast as Grendel. I hope he fails, that way I will not be the only one to bear shame anymore.

     I despise them both and one day I will redeem myself.