Scáthach

A famous woman warrior. Scáthach (Scathach) lived in the Land of the Shadow (which was possibly the island of Skye, near mainland Scotland). She was among the greatest women warriors who trained young warriors in special techniques in combat. Her greatest pupil was Ulster's hero, Cú Chulainn (Cu Chulainn).

When Cú Chulainn started wooing Emer, he was told that she would only marry the greatest champion in Erin (Ireland). Cú Chulainn sought out Scathach. The hero journey to the Land of Shadow, where he encountered several other young warriors at the Bridge of Leaps, who were also seeking to train under Scathach, including Fer Díad MacDamann, a Firbolg warrior. Not one of the warriors there could cross the river. Those who tried to leap across were either thrown back, or else they fell to their deaths. Cú Chulainn tried to leap three times and was thrown back. It was only on the last leap that Cú Chulainn mastered the Salmon's Leap. Accomplishing this, Scathach agreed to teach Cú Chulainn.

From Scathach, Cú Chulainn learned two important skills: the Salmon's Leaps and wielding the deadly spear called gae bolg. With this spear, Cú Chulainn killed many great warriors, including Fer Díad and his son Connla. Cú Chulainn would also die from the gae bolg.

Scathach's chief enemy was another woman warrior named Aife, whom she was feuding with. When Aife and her followers raided Scathach's island, Scathach slipped sleeping powder into Cú Chulainn's drink to prevent the youth from taking part in the coming battle. However, Cú Chulainn only slept a couple of hours before he woke and joined the battle against Aife. Cú Chulainn defeated Aife, more through a ruse than actual prowess. The hero forced Aife to surrender and to make peace with Scathach.

She also taught Connla, the son of Cú Chulainn and Aine, her style of combat, though Scathach did not teach him the gae bolg.