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

by Jeffrey Gantz (Translator)
Key Phrases: plundering chieftains, apartment with three men, man for each weapon, Fer Rogain, Lomnae Drúth, Conall Cernach (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
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.

Language Notes
Text: English (translation)

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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 (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #124,857 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #17 in	Books > Literature & Fiction > World Literature > Mythology > Sagas
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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

42 of 42 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

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.

31 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent choice for anyone interested in mythology., March 20, 1999

By A Customer

Early Irish Myths and Sagas is a collection of stories revolving around a time in Ireland's history known as the Ulster Cycle. The Ulster Cycle produced many grand adventures involving heroes, giants, contests, courting and great battles. The narrations follow the lives of the Ancient Celts, who were a warrior class society, similar to that of the one in Beowulf. The collection of myths found in Early Irish Myths and Sagas, hold themes that are commonly found in other mythological texts from other cultures. Many parallels can be drawn between a character named Cu Chulaind (whom appears in many of the stories) and Hercules of the Greek tradition. The stories found in this collection are the kind that set the guidelines for modern fantasy and fiction writers today. This book is a must for anyone interested in books about: mythology, warrior based society, ancient Celts(ancestors to the Scottish Highlanders), or interesting battle tactics.

18 of 19 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

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.