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…

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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.

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