Maeve, Queen, was the legendary warrior queen of Connacht in Ireland. Her exploits are recorded in the tale of The Cattle Raid of Cooley in which the hero Cuchulainn defended Ulster from Maeve’s attack. Maeve, also spelled Mave, is said to have lived in the first 100 years after Christ’s birth and to have held her court at Cruachan (now Rathcroghan, in County Roscommon). She was the daughter of the high king of Ireland, Eochaid Feidlech, and the wife of King Ailill. Maeve ruled Connacht for about 80 years. The legends of Mab, the fairy queen, were possibly based on stories told about her. See also Cuchulainn; Mythology (The Irish cycles).
