CORMAC MAC AIRT One of the wisest of the Irish High Kings, Cormac's wisdom was derived from a golden cup which, if three lies were spoken over it, would break into three pieces. But if three truths were spoken over it, it could be made whole again. Cormac also possessed a magic branch, musical and made of silver, with three golden apples on it. When the High King shook the branch the wounded, the sick and women in childbed would fall asleep until the next day. Both artifacts were a gift to Cormac from Manannan Mac Lir, and at his death they vanished.