Early Irish Myths and Sagas (Penguin Classics) [Paperback]

Jeffrey Gantz (Translator)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0140443975 | ISBN-13: 978-0140443974 | Publication Date: March 25, 1982

First written down in the eighth century AD, these early Irish stories depict a far older world part myth, part legend and part history. Rich with magic and achingly beautiful, they speak of a land of heroic battles, intense love and warrior ideals, in which the otherworld is explored and men mingle freely with the gods. From the vivid adventures of the great Celtic hero Cu Chulaind, to the stunning Exile of the Sons of Uisliu' a tale of treachery, honour and romance these are masterpieces of passion and vitality, and form the foundation for the Irish literary tradition: a mythic legacy that was a powerful influence on the work of Yeats, Synge and Joyce.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)

About the Author

Jeffrey Gantz received a doctorial degree in Celtic Languages and Literatures from Harvard University. He lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where he works as a newspaper editor and journalist. He has also translated The Mabinogion for Penguin Classics. Jeffrey Gantz received a doctorial degree in Celtic Languages and Literatures from Harvard University. He lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where he works as a newspaper editor and journalist. He has also translated The Mabinogion for Penguin Classics.

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Penguin Classics (March 25, 1982)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0140443975
• ISBN-13: 978-0140443974
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #73,407 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

55 of 55 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great for serious students of Irish myth and Celtic culture, March 28, 2002

By 

"ishmaela" (GA, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Early Irish Myths and Sagas (Penguin Classics) (Paperback)

As a die-hard Celtophile, I thoroughly enjoyed this collection. Gantz's translations capture the cadences of the original tales so that the reader can get a feel for how they must have sounded to their original audiences. The selected tales also give insight into the Celtic culture, showing clearly their value of warcraft and battle while also portraying their acute sensitivity to beauty.

After having assigned this book to college-level World Lit students, however, I have to say that the translations aren't as accessible to the casual reader. Many of my students found the tales confusing and--unfortunately--tedious. With that in mind, newcomers to Irish/Celtic myth and folklore may wish to begin their exploration with a more modernized text before delving into this one.

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars good book for the Celtic scholar, December 18, 2005

By 

Siobhan Olaoghaire Sannes "Art Does Not Apolo... (Portland, OR) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Early Irish Myths and Sagas (Penguin Classics) (Paperback)

Most mythology collections do not contain word for word translations of the myths, instead choosing to let the author retell them. Gantz' book, however, is a direct translation (making changes only where necessary) and many readers might be put off by the form in which these tales have come down to us. Accustomed to more linear storytelling, some readers might have difficulty following. However, for the serious scholar, this book is very important as it gives the student a chance to see what was actually written in the Book of the Dun Cow, etc., references we surely know by name from other mythology introductions. If you do pick up this book, be prepared to concentrate perhaps more than you are used to and you will be well rewarded.

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Solid, Readable Translation; Interesting Selection of Tales, March 7, 2002

By 

Francine Nicholson (New England) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Early Irish Myths and Sagas (Penguin Classics) (Paperback)

When people new to ancient Irish tales ask for recommendations, I usually suggest Thomas Kinsella's translation of the Ta/in, the central saga of the Ulster cycle, a collection of medieval tales about the ancient heroes of northeastern Ireland. I also recommend this inexpensive, well-done collection of tales, most of which also concern the characters found in the Ta/in. Gantz's translations are reliable and readable. His opening commentary, though short, is solid. He also includes several tales--notably "The Dream of Oengus" and the "Cattle Raid of Froech"--not available elsewhere. For further commentary, add _Celtic Heritage_ by Alwyn and Brinley Rees to your shopping cart.