Two Sonnets for OneShotPoetryWednesday.

Cu Chulainn, from Celtic Mythology

A few years ago I was writing a novel called “Devil’s Revenge”.  There is a passage towards the end of this too-cumbersome book where the characters descend into Celtic times and mythology.  From that research I came across Cu Chulainn and other characters in this fascinating mythology.  I knew a little before beginning this research but it wasn’t  enough to fill a thimble.  The mythology of Cu Chulainn and in fact that whole period gave rise to a lot of attempts at some form of poetry.  It seemed then that the sonnet form, something I had never written before, seemed to be the ‘proper’ form to  embrace this mythology.  One thing I realized: I really hate sonnet form.  It’s damn hard.

Note: Part of the  accepted mythology is that Lug dragged his cock (which stood in for a  huge club…)across the earth and made the mountains and valleys.  It’s not just me being nasty….it’s in the myth.  These sexual-psychological issues were important in the mythologizing.   Being King, God of Light, he had to have something outrageous going for him…

Also, Cu Chulainn was known as the Hound of Ulster (another story there…)

Lady Nyo

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WHEN CU CHULAINN COURTS EMER

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“In that sweet country, I’ll rest my weapon”

Said Cu Chulainn to beauteous Emer

And a war spasm came upon him fast

With face distorting, hair stood upended

Teeth barred in anger, cock a rigid mast

His body whipped around, his knees unbended,

And sweet Emer prayed his luck would last.

–

Her father, King Lug, Celtic God of Light

Set her swain to tasks and toil unending,

While Bricru the Poison Tongue cries in fright:

“The Hound of Ulster, Irish unbending,

Leads in battle for comes he in his might!

And Emer waits with patient love the day

When Cu Chulainn comes near and claims his right!

–

IMMORTAL MARRIAGE

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When Lug dragged his cock upon the earth deep

And threw up mountains and hillocks in haste

Fair Aine came behind him with sweet seeds reap’d

And fertile was the land, no virgins chaste

Followed the reapers and saw the crows fly

Up in the air with black wings flapping sound

She watered the plantings with moisture, sighed

For Lug had others of mistresses round

–

Fair Aine pined in sorrow, her heart laid bare

All other women Lug held with his charm

When she walked afield, the men  did dare

To raise their eyes and hearts without alarm.

The children she bore now, peppered the earth,

And Lug still dragged his cock, taunting with mirth!

–

Jane Kohut-Bartels

Copyrighted, 2009, 2010

THE VALKYRIOR, a story in 200 words…

THE VALKYRIOR

Helga, Hedwig and Ingrid were summoned to Valhalla. They crossed the rainbow bridge entering Odin’s great hall. Two ravens, Hugin and Munin, perched upon his shoulders, as he addressed the warlike virgins.

“My table is lacking the best of warriors. There’s a battle brewing below and I command you. Bring back the bravest dead warriors. I would have company and fellowship.”

So these three Valkyrior, “Choosers of the slain” rode forth in their strange flickering armor, which flashed over the northern skies, and created the Aurora Borealis.

Ingrid the youngest saw a warrior so beautiful, she would save him. His armor knocked off in battle, she grew lustful. She became an iridescent mist and carried him far from harm. Changing back, she threw herself at his feet, kissing them.

Being a man he grabbed her and took her maidenhood, leaving blood on the earth.

The raven Hugin passing overhead, saw all and croaked into Odin’s ear their pleasures.

Odin, thundering anger, ordered them to Valhalla, though the warrior still breathed. Ingrid clung to him, tearful, begging Odin’s mercy.

Seeing her devotion, he allowed them life and gave immortality to the warrior. They gave him many grandchildren.

janekohutbartels
Copyrighted, 2008