Appearances: FFX, FFXI, FFXIII, FFXIV
Fang's weapon Gae Bolg from FFXIII
The Gáe Bolg originates in Irish mythology where it used by the hero Cúchulainn. Here is a handy link for the pronunciation of the spear's name. The first part of the name, gáe, simply means spear with bolg being derived from either 'belly/stomach' or 'gap/breach'. So it is the 'belly spear' or 'notched spear'. It is a magic spear said to branch out into numerous points once it enters a body. At times it requires quite cumbersome rituals to use properly.
In the epic tale The cattle raid of Cooley the young hero Cúchulainn wields the spear against his foster brother Ferdiad. The overall plot of the tale roughly revolves around the Queen Mebh covetting a magic bull, Donn Cuailnge, and Cúchulainn, only teen at the time, taking out the Queen's champions.
About two thirds through the tale Mebh solicits the help of Ferdiad who is said to be the only man equal to Cúchulainn in combat strength. These two young warriors had trained together under Scáthach, a formidable female warrior. They were the best of bros, Cúchulainn even saying to Ferdiad that "We were men that shared a bed". Make of that what you will. Though the two had trained together it was only Cúchulainn who knew the secret of how to wield the Gáe Bolg.
So it was that the two great warriors met at the ford and lament at length the plight they were in. But eventually they agree to the terms of battle and knuckle down. In the morning they fight with shield and light throwing spears. Then they take up heavier throwing spears. Neither takes the advantage so both retire for the night. The next day sees them fighting with great sword and shield. Still no victor appears. The third day rolls around and Ferdiad knows this will be the knock out day. He knows Cúchulainn hasn't used his trump card yet.
Both men meet for the final time at the ford. This last day of fighting is to be the greatest yet as both pull out their magical artifacts or, in Cúchulainn's case, calls on his Faery connections. But Cúchulainn is rue to use the dreaded Gáe Bolg. It is not until his charioteer Laeg mocks the hero that he call for his spear to be readied. Laeg submerges the spear in the river before handing it to Cúchulainn who then losses it with his right foot. Ferdiad's defenses are so good that it takes several attempts before Cúchulainn is able to land the killing blow on his foster brother. In the end "it [Gáe Bolg] cut its way through the [Ferdiad's] body's protection into him, till every joint and every limb was filled with its barbs".
For those wanting read the epic themselves a translation can be found here and the chapter relating to Cúchulainn and Ferdiad's battle can be found here.
Kimhari's Gae Bolg from FFX
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