Knights of the Red Branch

The Knights of the Red Branch^WP (赤枝の騎士団, Akaeda no Kishi-dan^?) was the knightly order who defended Ulster^WP during the time of the Ulster Cycle^WP, between 100 BC and 100 AD.

Compared to other legendary knightly orders, such as the Round Table, Cú Chulainn describes the Red Branch as lacking in chivalry, since its members were held to no code other than loyalty to Ulster. Cú Chulainn, himself being the type to frivolously start and then abandon fights in neighboring countries, felt there were so many suspicious characters among the Red Branch that Ulster was a bigger threat than any of its enemies. One example of the order's battle-hungry tendencies is the spell Ath nGabla, a curse of forced death combat passed down through its members.

The order took on apprentice warriors below adult age, around twelve or thirteen years old. These boys would eventually become full-fledged knights after going through the "rites of warriorhood."

Members

• Fergus mac Róich - Said to be the pride of the Red Branch, he was the cornerstone of the order until he left in rage due to the actions of the king.
• Cú Chulainn

Enemies

• Medb
• Clan Calatin