The Tain

By Ciaran Carson (translator) ,

Book cover of The Tain

Book description

The Tain Bo Cualinge, centrepiece of the eighth-century Ulster cycle of heroic tales, is Ireland's 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…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked The Tain as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

If you’re going to read Ireland’s most famous epic in English, you might as well read the most vivid translation going. These ancient stories were full of humour and raunchiness, as well as all the action and heroism you might be expecting. In my opinion, Ciaran Carson gets the tone absolutely right.

From Peadar's list on exploring Irish mythology.

If you love The Tain...

Ad

Book cover of Caesar’s Soldier

Caesar’s Soldier by Alex Gough,

Who was the man who would become Caesar's lieutenant, Brutus' rival, Cleopatra's lover, and Octavian's enemy? 

When his stepfather is executed for his involvement in the Catilinarian conspiracy, Mark Antony and his family are disgraced. His adolescence is marked by scandal and mischief, his love affairs are fleeting, and yet,…

Want books like The Tain?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 16 books like The Tain.

Browse books like The Tain

Book cover of The Book of Conquests
Book cover of Gods and Fighting Men: The Story of the Tuatha de Danaan and of the Fianna of Ireland
Book cover of Ireland's Immortals: A History of the Gods of Irish Myth

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

2,355

readers submitted
so far, will you?

Ad

📚 If you like The Tain, you might also like...

Book cover of Lava Red Feather Blue

Lava Red Feather Blue by Molly Ringle,

Awakening the handsome prince is supposed to end the fairy tale, not begin it. But the Highvalley witches have rarely done things the way they're supposed to. On the north Pacific island of Eidolonia, hidden from the world by enchantments, Prince Larkin has lain in a magical sleep since 1799…

Book cover of Forsaking Home

Forsaking Home by I. Graham Smith,

Forsaking Home is a story about the life of a man who wants a better future for his children. He and his wife decide to join Earth's first off-world colony. This story is about what risk takers and courageous settlers and what they would do for more freedom.

Edin is…

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in Irish mythology, Ireland, and folklore?

Irish Mythology 13 books
Ireland 323 books
Folklore 397 books