The Siege of Knocklong
(Forbhais Droma Dámhgháire)
Translated into English and Modern Irish by Seán Ó Duinn
The sole surviving manuscript containing the ancient Irish epic on which this tale is based is found in the Book of Lismore. In 1814,
this was discovered in a secret recess in Lismore Castle, Co. Waterford and is an invaluable collection of Manuscripts dating from the
15th century. The present story has been skilfully converted to new Irish from the mediaeval Gaelic of the original and juxtaposed with
an English translation by Seán Ó Duinn, a member of the community of Glenstal Abbey. This mythological tale centres around the
march of the High King Cormac Mac Airt, his army and his druids into Munster for the purpose of forcing the Munstermen to pay
taxes. The tale is one of kings and heroes, druids and demons, of myth and of magic, of a time when battles were won not by one’s
military ability but by the strength of his magic. The tale is so beautifully woven and so faithfully, yet simply, translated that it could
be recommended for all age and interest levels but especially and obviously for all with a special interest in Irish Mythology.
Donal Brady
Waterford County Library
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