Fergus mac Róich (son of
Ró-ech or "great horse"; also
mac Róig,
mac Rossa) is a character of the
Ulster Cycle of
Irish mythology. Formerly the king of
Ulster, he is tricked out of the kingship and betrayed by
Conchobar mac Nessa, and becomes the ally and lover of Conchobar's enemy queen
Medb of
Connacht, and joins her expedition against Ulster in the
Táin Bó Cúailnge. The name
Fergus (later Irish
Fearghus) means "man-strength" or "virility", and Fergus is described as being of enormous size and sexual potency. This leads him into many a precarious situation as in the story of the
Táin Bó Flidhais.