Ethne The Dread

Ethne the Dread was born in Wales in late 200AD. Her name Ethne was derived from the Irish Mythologyical hero Eochhaidh Feidhkeach - who, according to Celtic legends was drowned by her jealous sister when she fell pregnant.

Ethne was a member of the Desi Clan, a clan that originated in Ireland, but was exiled to Walco by King Cormac MacArt after his son was killed by the Desi Clan Chief. However the death was not forlorn. The Chief's daughter had been raped by the prince.

The Clan hoped to one day return to their homeland. Ethne's father, Crimthand was the current high Chieftan. The Desi' spent their time plundering local villages and ports, living off their spoils. Yet they not only robbed, they also slaughtered those who opposed them.

The Desi had a blood-lust and it is rumoured that Ethne had a thirst for blood that was unmatched but by that of her father. The Chieftan would drink the blood of his victims' to harness their strength. 

Ethne's birth was seen as a great sign of success for the Desi Clan. 

The Clan's Magi Bri claimed:

The maiden that has been born tonight, all the men of Ireland shall know her...her mother's kindred will seize the land on which they shall dwell. 

Crimthand decided after hearing the oracle, to groom his new daughter as a warrior, so she could successful return to the Desi to Ireland.

Crimthand began the training with feeding his daughter Ethne, the flesh of the tribes younger boys. All the families of the clan had to supply Crimthand any boys they bore after the first two. Crimthand believe that his daughter Ethne would grow fast and strong if she fed of the flesh of males.

Ethne lived solely on the flesh of humans. When the clan raided other villages, the warriors would purposely capture the younger boys so Ethne could feed.

Ethne grew into a warrior as her father had hoped. She became known as Ethne the Dread for the fear she instilled in any male who crossed her path. She was a large woman, bigger and stronger than most of the men in the tribe. She continued her daily diet of eating human flesh well into her twenties.

 After she ascended the throne of the Desi clan she tried unsuccessfully to reclaim Ireland twice. 

Bibliography: Cannibal Killers (detail to be added)

Written by Jacqui

Copyright © 2002  by [The Crime Web].

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Original Written: August 3, 2001

Updated: February 07, 2002