Bres and Óengus are two figures who play a prominent role in early Irish mythology. Both appear in Cath Maige Tuired (CMT), a tale that is often considered one of the most significant mythological works in the body of literature. Although Óengus, or “the Mac Óc” as he is called in the epic, shares similar mythological qualities with his depictions in other works, this is not always the case. Bres, the half-Fomoire king of the Tuatha Dé Danann, serves as the primary antagonist in CMT. However, his appearances elsewhere do not always resonate with this evil portrayal. It has been argued that Bres was appropriated to make a larger political point and may reflect the possibility of established characters being altered to more effectively impact contemporary audiences. By comparing the roles of the two figures in CMT with those in other literature, their respective mythological attributes and functions can be explained more fully. The account will be constructed by first outlining Bres' role and functions as it pertains to the CMT, which involves themes of kingship, father/son relationships, and historical allegory. This will be followed by an investigation of Bres' appearances outside of the famous story and what they potentially indicate regarding his mythological associations. The figure of Óengus will be treated in a similar way with regards to his role in the CMT and the theme of the father/son relationship. This will be followed by an evaluation of its most important attestations such as Tochmarc Étaíne and Aislinge Óenguso and the corresponding mythological associations. The discussion will culminate by examining the conclusions that can be drawn from the comparisons and their significance in the interpretation of these myths...... middle of paper ......bert, Máire. "Goddess and King: Sacred Marriage in Early Ireland", in L. O. Fradenburg (ed.), Women and Sovereignty (Edinburgh, 1992) p. 264-75.Koch, J.T. and J. Carey, 'The name-day tale of Ryd-y-ygfarthfa', from The Celtic Heroic Age 3rd ed. (Aberystwyth, 2000), p. 348.Mac Cana, Proinsias. Chapter 2: 'Gaul Gods and Insular Equivalents' in Celtic Mythology (London, 1996), p. 20-52.Ó Cathasaigh, Tomás. 'Myth and Saga: 'The Courtship of Étaín'', in B. Ó Conchubhair (ed.), Why Irish? Irish Language and Literature in Academia (Galway, 2008), p. 55-69.Swift, Caterina. "The Gods of Newgrange in Irish Literature and the Romano-Celtic Tradition", in G. Burenhult and S. Westergaard (eds.), Stones and Bones: Formal Disposal of the Dead in Atlantic Europe during the Mesolithic-Neolithic Interface 6000 -3000 BC, BAR International Series 1201 (Oxford, 2003), page. 53-63.