The Táin
The Táin by Thomas Kinsella, published by Oxford University Press in 2002, is a significant edition of Ireland’s greatest epic, The Táin Bó Cuailnge. This 282-page work recounts the heroic tale of a cattle raid, where the armies of Medb and Ailill, queen and king of Connacht, invade Ulster to seize the prized Brown Bull of Cuailnge. The narrative centers on Cuchulainn, the Hound of Ulster, who valiantly defends his homeland while its warriors are incapacitated.
Readers will find that Kinsella’s translation draws from partial texts in two medieval manuscripts, incorporating elements from various versions of the tale. This edition also includes a selection of related stories that set the stage for the main action. Enhanced by brush drawings from Louis le Brocquy, this version merges the richness of medieval epic with contemporary artistic expression, offering insights into themes of heroism and conflict within the context of ancient and classical literature.
Official synopsis Publisher
The Táin Bó Cuailnge, centre-piece of the eighth-century Ulster cycle of heroic tales, is Ireland’s greatest 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 Cuailnge. The hero of the tale is Cuchulainn, the Hound of Ulster, who resists the invaders single-handed while Ulster’s warriors lie sick. Thomas Kinsella 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 versions, 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.
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