Cairbre Nia Fer

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Cairbre Nia Fer was a legendary Irish king said to be king of Tara from the Laigin (the Leinster people). He is known from medieval stories that mix myth and history.

Names and origin
Cairbre Nia Fer is also known as Corpri, Coirpre, Cairpre, Nioth Fer, Niafer, and Niaper. He was the son of Rus Ruad.

Early references
The first mentions come from Tírechán’s Memoir of Saint Patrick (a 7th‑century Latin text) found in the Book of Armagh. In one tale, Saint Patrick raises a giant from a tomb who says he was killed by the sons of Mac Con during Cairbre Nia Fer’s reign, placing Cairbre’s time far back in legend. The Amra Choluim Chille (in later notes) says Cairbre is descended from Cathair Mór.

Chronology in sources
The Lebor Gabála Érenn (The Book of the Taking of Ireland) places Cairbre during the reign of the High King Eterscél and links his era to the time of Augustus, Christ’s birth, and contemporaries like Conchobar mac Nessa, Cú Roí, and Ailill mac Máta. Other parts of the tradition try to align his place in history, sometimes pushing him earlier than Conchobar’s time.

Family and role in the Ulster Cycle
In Ulster Cycle stories, Cairbre is a king of Tara and the brother of Ailill mac Máta, who is married to Medb of Connacht. Cairbre’s wife is Fedelm Noíchrothach, daughter of Conchobar. They have a son, Erc, and a daughter, Achall. Cairbre is sometimes mentioned alongside major heroes like Conchobar, Cú Roí, and Ailill. In the tale Cath Ruis na Ríg, Cairbre and his ally Find mac Rossa fight Conchobar and the Ulaid. The hero Cú Chulainn kills Cairbre with a long-distance spear and then decapitates him. After Cairbre’s death, his son Erc swears loyalty to Conchobar and becomes king of Tara in Cairbre’s place.

Aftermath
Erc later becomes involved in plotting against Cú Chulainn. Conall Cernach recovers Erc’s head to Tara, where Achall dies of grief for her brother.