Macha's Folly

Macha's Folly is the colloquial name for a battle that occurred between two bands of Gallóglaigh, the Oakhearts and the Gryphons led by Macha and MacArthur respectively. The battle was a part of a broader conflict between two Riders, who were posturing to expand their holdings into the lands of the other. The two bands were hired to seize the valley in which the battle took place. Both forces were about equal in size but the Griffons had the benefit of higher ground and an easier approach. MacArthur's Gryphons were the undisputed victors of the conflict, though the reasons for this are disputed.

The two bands met in a valley and MacArthur quickly got the upper-hand. However, Macha continued to press on where a more conservative thane would have cut their losses. MacArthur sought out Macha directly, hoping that if they could drive her from the field the battle would be ended swiftly. During the fight a storm broke out and a flash-flood swept down the valley. McArthur began to retreat his band but Macha's forces were too broken to effectively withdraw. Macha and the majority of her force were lost with only minimal losses on McArthur's side.