The Táin (Irish Epic) Táin Bó Cúailnge

A discussion of what makes the Táin such an outstanding, action-packed epic with readings. This edition was translated by Ciaran Carson. Apologies for any and all mispronunciations!
0:00 Opening
2:48 Reading on Combat and Summary
16:05 Recommended if you like
Recommended if you like:
Early Irish Myths and Sagas, including Exile of the Sons of Uisliu
The Iliad by Homer
The Shahnameh by Ferdowsi
Njal’s Saga, my discussion: • Njal’s Saga (chapters ...
Beowulf
Conan stories by Robert E. Howard
Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien
The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie
Deirdre of the Sorrow by John Millington Synge
#booktube
#irishliterature
#epicpoetry

[@bottleimpbooks]

I had lectures with Ciaran Carson while studying in Belfast - fascinating man. I recommend his novel Shamrock Tea. It's believed that the the first written version of the Táin Bó Cúailnge was produced a mere stone's throw from where I currently sit! At Bangor Abbey, here in my hometown of Bangor, sometime in the 7th century. If I can film a short video from the abbey, I will. At the very least I'll try to take some snaps for Instagram. I've been quiet of late as I was sick twice in November before catching COVID in December! An exhausting few weeks, but pleased to say I've made it back to Ireland for Christmas. Hope all is well with you and the family. Matthew

[@ramblingraconteur1616]

Those are two spectacular connections, Matthew. I’ll be keeping an eye out for Shamrock Tea. I am glad you are feeling better after what must have been a brutal stretch. Hopefully this time back home is particularly special for you! Cheers, Jack

[@Shellyish]

As you read about the battle, it reminded me of The Iliad and then you mentioned The Iliad. Enjoyed hearing your comparison. I wish you a wonderful week! Sincerely, Shelly

[@ramblingraconteur1616]

Thanks, Shelly, those scenes from the Iliad were definitely springing to kind, especially all of the mention of chariots. I hope that your week with both kids home is especially fun! Cheers, Jack

[@seanmchugh6263]

I sugest that one of the difficulties encountered by modern people reading the Tain is that we do not appreciate the extent to which this Iron Age warfare was ritualised. Each arrior lived within a cats-cradle of constraints which forced them to act in a given manner. So, for instance, when there was only one man at the ford, ir was culturally impossible for the army to simply roll over him. The culture and custom demanded that a one-on-one fight between champions should take place.

[@MargaretPinard]

Hurrah for a great text and translation--what a faceted, enthusiastic review! 🤗🙌🏼

[@ramblingraconteur1616]

Thanks, Margaret! It was a lot of fun to read. Do you go in for the Irish sagas? Hope this is a happy week for you! Cheers, Jack

[@MargaretPinard]

@@ramblingraconteur1616 I am interested in the folklore and gaelic and accents and songs and ballads! So I guess yes 🥰

[@travelthroughstories]

Love the Táin! It's definitely an underrated medieval epic. Great review - I really enjoyed the dramatic readings.

[@ramblingraconteur1616]

Thanks for the kind words! There’s so much energy to the Táin. Have you read any of the other sagas or tales from the Ulster Cycle? Hope you’re having a great week! Cheers, Jack

[@travelthroughstories]

@@ramblingraconteur1616 I've read the Táin Bó Flidhais and some other excerpts in the collection "Early Irish Myths and Sagas," though I'm quite under-read when it comes to Irish stuff. I really want to get more into it though - there are some parallels with some of the Icelandic sagas that I'm interested in. Cheers!

[@ramblingraconteur1616]

@@travelthroughstories I’ve found some of those with the Icelandic sagas too, great narratives!

[@BookishTexan]

No one want's to fight him because he kills the crap out of everyone.😁😁 The Tain is so rich and fun, and as mention, occasionally tedious. I enjoyed your discussion. It brought back memories of the work.

[@ramblingraconteur1616]

Oh yeah, all of those excuses about his youth don’t fool anyone. Poor Finnabair just gets passed from one would-be husband hero to the next. Glad you enjoyed it, Brian. Have you read any of the other Ulster Cycle works or Irish sagas? Cheers, Jack

[@BookishTexan]

@@ramblingraconteur1616 Nope. I would like to though.