Cu Chulainn is an Irish mythical hero who appears in the stories of the Ulster Cycle, as well as in Scottish and Manx folklore. The son of the god Lugh and Deichtine (sister to the current king of Ulster), he was originally named Setanta, but gained his better-known name as a child after he killed Culann's fierce guard-dog in self-defense, and offered to take its place until a replacement could be reared. Cu Chulainn trained in war under the goddess Scathach, who lives in the Land of Shadows, and earned the magic spear Gae Bolg. At the age of seventeen, he defended Ulster single handedly against the armies of Queen Mab of Connacht in the epic Tain Bo Cuailnge. It was prophesied that his great deeds would give him everlasting fame, but that his life would be short; one reason he is compared to the Greek hero Achilles. He is known for his terrifying battle frenzy, in which he becomes an unrecognizable monster who knows neither friend nor foe. He fights from his chariot, driven by his loyal charioteer Laeg, and drawn by his horses, Liath Macha and Dub Sainglend.
Many say he acquired a lot of power by submitting himself to some geis, two of which are "I'll never eat dog meat" and "I'll never refuse a meal offered by a woman." But then a woman offered him some dog meat, so he had to choose what geis to break and he accepted the meal. After that, he was forced by Mab to break his geis one by one, as so he met his death at the hands of Lugaid (child of Cu Roi, a man he had to kill to defend Ulster). He once spurned the goddess Morrigan and was cursed to die by being pierced on his own spear. Afterwards, Morrigan took him to the land of the fae, where he became a knight.
"Origin: Ireland. The legendary fairy hero. He was a beautiful young man once, with dauntless courage. He is the son of Lugh, the god of light. He took on a dreadful form in battle and fought with a powerful spear, the Gae Bolg. He spurned Morrigan and was cursed to die by being pierced on his own spear. Afterwards, Morrigan took him to the land of the fairies, where he became a knight."
—Shin Megami Tensei A-Mode DDS dictionary
Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne[]
Cu Chulainn appears as a distinct demon. He cannot be encountered nor recruited by the Demi-fiend, rather, the Demi-fiend can only obtain him by evolving Setanta by reaching at least Lv. 52 himself and completely mastering Setanta's skill set.
Shin Megami Tensei IMAGINE[]
"A demigod hero of Celtic mythology who originated in Ireland. He is the son of the sun god Lugh, of the Tuatha De Danann. His name means "hound of Chulainn." A strikingly handsome young man, Cú Chulainn was said to be dauntless and bold. When a battle begins, blood sprays from his pores, his jaw swells up to the size of his head, and his mouth splits open from ear to ear, giving him a terrifying appearance and causing his enemies to quake in fear. Cú Chulainn trained in war under the goddess Scáthach, who lives in the Land of Shadows, and earned the magic spear Gáe Bulg. Later, he broke the taboo (geis) upon him and grew weak as a result. Under a terrible curse, he finally met his demise pierced by his own spear. Some suggest that Cú Chulainn was a real historical figure, and today there exists a stone called the "Stone of Cú Chulainn," to which the hero is said to have tied himself in his dying moments."
—Shin Megami Tensei IMAGINE compendium
Cu Chulainn can only be obtained through fusion. He acts as a boss with Morrigan within Shibuya's Quartz gold level instance and plays a central role as an NPC and enemy in the Foreign County in the Woods series of quests.
He is one of the demons it is possible to obtain as a mount. When the player uses him as a mount, he carries the player bridal style regardless of player gender. His armor appears as equipment for the player along with an all-black variant. It is also possible to acquire his spear, Gae Bolg, which grants the ability to use a penetrate affinity skill by the same name when equipped. Gae Bolg can be obtained by using the care command on the demon or through synthesis.
Through a series of G1 Trial quests from a Cathedral of Shadows researcher in Ikebukuro, it is possible for players to fuse a strengthened version of Cu Chulainn that learns his unique skill Gae Bolg as well as has increased HP cost reduction.
Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey[]
"A gallant Celtic hero, son of the sun god Lugh. He is said to have beaten an army singlehandedly. He was cursed to die after spurning the war goddess Morrighan, and was impaled on his own mighty Gae Bolg."
—Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey compendium
Cu Chulainn appears as an NPC in the EX Mission "A formal search request," in which his mother has traveled to the Schwarzwelt to find him. The trail for him leads first to Sector Bootes, where an Orthrus will indicate he has moved to Sector Antlia to offer support to his old teacher Scathach. Meeting with Scathach will reveal Cu Chulainn has heard of the search and is moving to meet the protagonist.
Near the entrance to Sector Antlia, Cu Chulainn will be found with Enemy Search. He will leave for Sector Carina to meet with his mother; once met there, he will reward the protagonist by unlocking himself for fusion, giving him Gae Bolg and the item Knight's Oath, which contains a Demonica code to summon him.
Shin Megami Tensei IV[]
He appears in the Challenge Quest, Cu Chulainn's Training. His teacher, Scathach, has turned Cu Chulainn back into Setanta and wants Flynn to face him so he learns the way of the warrior. After learning the lesson, she restores Setanta back to his original form and thanks Flynn.
Shin Megami Tensei IV Apocalypse[]
"A gallant Celtic hero, son of the sun god Lugh. He is said to have beaten an army singlehandedly. He was cursed to die after spurning the war goddess Morrighan, and was impaled on his own mighty Gae Bolg."
"A gallant Celtic hero and son of the sun god Lugh. He is said to have beaten an army singlehandedly. He was cursed to die after spurning the war goddess Morrighan and was impaled on his own mighty spear, Gae Bolg."
—Shin Megami Tensei V lore
Cu Chulainn appears in an Abscess in Sotokanda alongside Dakini.
Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers[]
"A gallant Celtic hero who wields the mighty spear, Gae Bolg. He is the son of the sun god Lugh and Deichtine and possessed formidable strength ever since childhood. In battle, his normally beautiful appearance turned fearsome and is said to have turned away an army on its own. He was cursed to die for spurning the war goddess Morrigan's love and was impaled on his own mighty Gae Bolg. Even then, though, he tied his body to a pillar and died without ever falling."
—Soul Hackers 3DS compendium
Soul Hackers 2[]
"A gallant Celtic hero and son of the sun god Lugh. He is said to have beaten an army singlehandedly, his normally beautiful appearance shifting into one so fearsome, the enemy fled in terror. He was cursed to die after spurning the war goddess Morrighan's advances and was impaled on his own mighty spear, Gae Bolg. It is also said that, in his final moments, he tied himself to a pillar so that he might die on his own two feet."
—Soul Hackers 2 demon info
Cu Chulainn is a demon of the Genma race and can be found as an enemy in the 24th Ward Municipal Tower.
Persona 3[]
Cu Chulainn appears as the Persona of the Tower Arcana. He can be summoned once the protagonist reaches Lv. 40 or above. In the original and FES version of the game, Cu Chulainn, along with Scathach, also grants the protagonist the Fusion SpellShadow Hound, which inflicts severe Strike damage upon all enemies.
FES / Portable[]
Cu Chulainn returns as the Persona of the Tower Arcana, retaining all of his attributes. Since FES introduces the weapon fusion system, Cu Chulainn can be fused with any Nihil item into Gae Bolg at Shinshoudo Antiques.
Reload[]
"A hero in Celtic folklore. He was called Setanta until he earned the name "Hound of Culann." There are many tales of his adventures. He received his spear, Gae Bolg, from his mentor, Scathach."
—Persona 3 Reload background
Cu Chulainn is a Persona of the Tower Arcana and can be found during Shuffle Time in the Tziah Block of Tartarus. He is one of the few Personas to naturally learn eight skills in his skillset. Cu Chulainn bestows the Heart ItemFetching Hero's Comb, which is needed to fuse Gae Bolg.
Cu Chulainn is one of the Personas used by Margaret in this game.
Persona 5[]
"A hero in Celtic folklore. He was called Setanta until he earned the name, "Culann's Hound." There are many tales of his adventures. He received his spear, Gae Bolg, from his mentor, Scathach."
During his confrontation with the Phantom Thieves in Shido's Palace, Goro Akechi summons Cu Chulainn and Cerberus to demonstrate his ability to induce madness in whomever he pleases. Cu Chulainn will attack the party with highly damaging Physical skills until he and Cerberus are defeated, upon which Akechi will continue the fight unaided. As a Shadow, Cu Chulainn is known as the "Spear-wielding General."
Royal[]
Cu Chulainn is now the sixth Persona of the Faith Arcana and can now be found as a Shadow in Maruki's Palace. His level was increased from 67 to 76 and all of his skills except for Charge were replaced. When itemized through Electric Chair execution, Cu Chulainn will now yield a One-shot Kill Skill Card. During a fusion alarm, Cu Chulainn will yield a Riot Gun Skill Card instead.
A Cu Chulainn appears as a mini boss in Maruki's Palace alongside a Scathach, and although he retains his weakness to Electricity skills, it can be covered by Scathach using Elec Wall on him.
Persona 5 Strikers[]
"A hero in Celtic folklore. He was called Setanta until he earned the name, "Culann's Hound." There are many tales of his adventures. He received his spear, Gae Bolg, from his mentor, Scathach."
—Persona 5 Strikers background
Cu Chulainn is a Persona of the Star Arcana and can only be obtained through fusion in the Velvet Room. He is the subject of the "Prison Mail, Part 8" request for Lavenza, in which she requests to see a Cu Chulainn with the Concentrate skill. Leveling Mot to level 59 so he learns Concentrate and then fusing Mot with Nebiros will allow Cu Chulainn to easily inherit the Concentrate skill.
DemiKids Light & Dark[]
"An honorable and trustworthy demon-knight armed with his mighty lance, "Gaiborg"."
Known as Karfu, he can perform the combo Razor Dance with Scatha, Zypher or Roog and Holy Slash with Tamlin. He also has the power Odds Breaker.
Digital Devil Saga: Avatar Tuner[]
Cu Chulainn appears as a normal enemy encounter. He can easily be found at Coordinate 136. Optionally, after defeating Mick the Slug, the party can return to Coordinate 136 where they will find the remaining HipHop Brother, Pyro Jack. Should they choose to help him find the key to open the chest, a Cu Chulainn will appear. Talking to him will net the player a key but it will not open the chest. He is also one of the demon allies summoned by the optional boss Demi-fiend during battle; he focuses on lowering the party's Defense and striking them with powerful Physical attacks.
Digital Devil Saga: Avatar Tuner 2[]
Cu Chulainn returns as a normal enemy encounter in Digital Devil Saga: Avatar Tuner 2. He can easily be found in final dungeon, the Sun. Cu Chulainn often appears alongside with Pallas Athena when fought.
Devil Survivor[]
Cu Chulainn is a demon of the Genma race and can be fused once the protagonist reaches level 39. As a unique demon, only one Cu Chulainn can be possessed by the party at a time. Cu Chulainn is one of only a handful of unique demons (including Shiva and Norn) to appear in free battles, consistently appearing on day 6 and 7.
Devil Survivor 2[]
"A gallant Celtic hero who wields the mighty spear, Gae Bolg. He is the son of the sun god Lugh and Deichtine and had mighty strength ever since childhood. In battle, his normally beautiful appearance turned fearsome and is said to have singlehandedly turned away an army. He was cursed to die for spurning the war goddess Morrigan's love and was impaled on his own mighty Gae Bolg. Even then, though, he tied his body to a pillar and died without ever falling."
—Devil Survivor 2 compendium
Cu Chulainn returns using his old design from Soul Hackers which makes him and Tam Lin no longer share the same, palette-swapped appearance.
Shin Megami Tensei: Liberation Dx2[]
"A gallant Celtic hero, son of the sun god Lugh. His weapon is the mighty spear Gae Bolg. His good looks could be deceiving, for in battle he is ferocious, tearing down his enemies and wiping out their armies."
—Shin Megami Tensei: Liberation Dx2 compendium
Cu Chulainn is a fusable 5-star demon. He has the unique skill Gae Bulg as a physical attack and is the only fusable demon who learns a passive elemental pierce skill, namely Force Pierce.
Cu Chulainn's design references the namesake character from the shojo manga Fairy King authored by Ryoko Yamagishi.
Cu Chulainn's design throughout many Megami Tensei games is frequently reused by Tam Lin whenever he appears in games that feature Cu Chulainn as well, with their colors being the only difference. The only games that are an exception to this are the Devil Children games (where Cu Chulainn and Tam LIn have different appearances) and Devil Survivor 2 (where Cu Chulainn uses his Devil Summoner appearance while Tam Lin still uses his design from the PlayStation artwork of Shin Megami Tensei).
Cu Chulainn, Yoshitsune, Ardha, and Helel are the only mythical figures who aren't Persona originals that appear in Persona 4 Arena Ultimax.
In a demon popularity poll in 2017 in Japan, Chu Chulainn received the third largest voter turnout.[2]
.png "Cu Chulainn (Dx2 Art).png (833 KB)")
.png "Cy Chulainn Devil Survivor 2 (Top Screen).png (21 KB)")
.png "Cu Chulainn (P O.A.).png (284 KB)")
.jpg "Cu Chulainn in Dx2 (Devil Summoner).jpg (34 KB)")
.png){kind=link}
Japanese
French
Italian
German
Spanish