Sencha mac Ailella is a character from the Ulster Cycle of Irish mythology. He acts as an important judge and notable poet during the reign of Conchobar mac Nessa. He volunteered to foster Cúchulainn, but was only an educator. Sencha helped establish peace between the Ulstermen.
Sencha's face broke out in "blotches" when giving a misogynistic judgment. They were a consequence of a spiritual or magical ban that compelled him to behave fairly. His face was later healed when Brigit convinced Sencha to reconsider his judgment.
He has been compared to Nestor of Homer's Iliad and Merlin of the Arthurian Legends.
References
- ^ "Sencha mac Ailella". About.com. Retrieved 8 February 2010.
- Maier, Bernhard (1 April 2000). Dictionary of Celtic Religion and Culture. Boydell Press. p. 352. ISBN 978-0-8160-4524-2.
- Monaghan, Patricia (January 2004). The Encyclopedia of Celtic Mythology and Folklore. Facts on File. p. 108. ISBN 978-0-8160-4524-2.
- John, Matthews; Caitlin Matthews (1 March 2004). The Encyclopaedia of Celtic Myth and Legend: A Definitive Sourcebook of Magic, Vision, and Lore. The Lyon Press. p. 512. ISBN 978-1-59228-302-6.
- Monaghan, Patricia (January 2004). The Encyclopedia of Celtic Mythology and Folklore. Facts on File. pp. 56–57. ISBN 978-0-8160-4524-2.