The Tain
Translated from the Irish epic Tain Bo Cuailnge by Thomas Kinsella
Like most great books, the Tain can be read and enjoyed on a number of levels.
It is first and foremost a great story, having all the elements a reader could wish for – strong and powerful men and women, including
legendary heroes – Cuchulainn, Maeve and Ferdia – conflict, lust, greed and tragedy.
It is also, like Newgrange or the Fort of Emhain Mhacha, evidence of the age, wealth and continued relevance of Gaelic civilisation.
In the context of the current peace process, it is interesting to note that it is an allegory about the attempts by the Ui Neill, originally
from Connacht, to overthrow the older rulers of the ‘Men of Ulster’.
Liam Ronayne,
Donegal County Library
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