Early Irish Myths and SagasFirst written down in the eighth century AD, these early Irish stories depict a far older world - part myth, part legend and part history. Rich with magic and achingly beautiful, they speak of a land of heroic battles, intense love and warrior ideals, in which the otherworld is explored and men mingle freely with the gods. From the vivid adventures of the great Celtic hero Cu Chulaind, to the stunning 'Exile of the Sons of Uisliu' - a tale of treachery, honour and romance - these are masterpieces of passion and vitality, and form the foundation for the Irish literary tradition: a mythic legacy that was a powerful influence on the work of Yeats, Synge and Joyce. |
Contents
A Note on the Pronunciation of Irish Words and Names | |
The Destruction of Da Dergas Hostel | |
The Dream of Óengus | |
The Cattle Raid of Fróech | |
The Labour Pains of the Ulaid The Twins of Macha | |
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Common terms and phrases
Ailill and Medb answered asked Lomnae Drúth beautiful birds Bóand Bricriu Bruig Cáer Cathub Cattle Raid Celtchair champion’s portion chariot chieftains churl cloak Clouds of blood Conall Cernach Conare Conare’s Conchubur Connachta Cromm Deróil Crúachu Cú Chulaind Cú Ruí Cúscraid Dagdae Danand daughter Deichtine Derdriu Derga’s Hostel destruction drink druids Dubthach Dubthach Dóeltenga Dún Echu Elcmar Emer Emuin Machae Éogan Fand feast feat fell Fer Rogain Fergus fidchell Findabair Findtan Fróech Fúamnach gold hair head heroes horses host Ingcél Ireland Irish judgement king of Ériu Labraid land Lí Ban Lóeg Lóegure and Conall Lóegure Búadach Macc Cécht Macc Óc Mane Mider night nine Noísiu Óengus otherworld plunderers province Raid of Cúailnge replied rose round Samuin Senchae shield Síd Síde silver Slíab sons of Uisliu spear stories swear sword Temuir three fifties tonight took Ulaid Ulster Cycle weapons wife woman Wooing of Étaín