num_pages: 282
description: The Táin Bó Cúailnge, centre-piece of the eighth-century Ulster cycle of heroic tales, is Ireland's nearest approach to a great epic. It tells the story of a great cattle-raid, the invasion of Ulster by the armies of Medb and Ailill, queen and king of Connacht, and their allies, seeking to carry off the great Brown Bull of Cúailnge. The hero of the tale is Cúchulainn, the Hound of Ulster, who resists the invaders single-handed, while Ulster's warriors lie sick.Thomas Kinsella's presents a complete and living version of the story. His translation is based on the partial texts in two medieval manuscripts, with elements from other version, and adds a group of related stories which prepare for the action of the Táin. Illustrated with brush drawings by Louis le Brocquy, this edition provides a combination of medieval epic and modern art.
language: English
title: The Táin: From the Irish Epic Táin Bó Cúailnge
titlecomplete: The Táin: From the Irish Epic Táin Bó Cúailnge
characters: Findabair, Nad Crantail, Lugh, Súaltam, Láeg, Conall Cernach, Amergin mac Eccit, Fedelm Noíchrothach, Medb, Bricriu, The Morrigan, Flidais, Donn Cuailnge, Garb mac Stairn, Nemain, Ailill mac Máta, Fráech, Fedelm, Dáire mac Fiachna, Cathbad, Cú Roí, Conchobar mac Nessa, Dubthach Dóeltenga, Cúscraid, Cú Chulainn, Fergus mac Róich, Finnbhennach, Cethern mac Fintain, Cormac Cond Longas, Ferdiad
genres: Ireland, Mythology, Medieval, Poetry, Literature, Fantasy, Classics, Irish Literature, Fiction, Folklore
ratings_count: 4326
publisher: Oxford University Press