Early Irish Myths and Sagas (Penguin Classics) Reprint Edition

by Jeffrey Gantz (Translator)

261 ratings

ISBN-13: 978-0140443974

ISBN-10: 0140443975

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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.

For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.

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Product details

Publisher : Penguin Classics; Reprint edition (March 25, 1982)
Language : English
Paperback : 288 pages
ISBN-10 : 0140443975
ISBN-13 : 978-0140443974
Item Weight : 7.5 ounces
Dimensions : 5.1 x 0.6 x 7.8 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #114,077 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Customer Reviews:
261 ratings

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Ashley Scamehorn

This book contains the following tales:

Reviewed in the United States on December 24, 2015

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This book contains the following tales:

The Wooing of Etain
The Destruction of Da Derga's Hostel
The Dream of Oengus
The Cattle Raid of Froech
The Labour Pains of the Ulaid and the Twins of Macha
The Birth of Cu Chulaind
The Boyhood Deeds of Cu Chulaind
The Death of Aoife's Only Son
The Wasting Sickness of Cu Chulaind and the Only Jealousy of Emer
The Tale of Macc Da Tho's Pig
The Intoxication of the Ulaid
Bricriu's Feast
The Exile of the Sons of Uisliu

72 people found this helpful

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Nastia

Alright for the layman

Reviewed in the United States on April 19, 2016

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As opposed to the laymen who proclaim the book as being accurately translated, when they have no background in the source language, I can say without doubt that Gantz has taken many liberties in his translation of the source material. He is unfortunately inconsistent in his approach: Sometimes translating a word, sometimes keeping it the same to "mystify" the translation, often leaving out entire sentences or phrases that he doesn't like, but at other times keeping the word order of Old Irish which results in a bulky English translation.

If one desires to make a literal translation, then let it be literal.

His introduction is decent, although disorganized at parts and unclear in others. The notes are abysmal, they consist of a page and a quarter, most stories with only one note. The interpretations and contextual introductions to each myth was refreshing, although at times he does not back up his assertions with thorough evidence.

All in all, if you are new to Irish myth and are looking for an introduction, this is an alright introduction although it has flaws.Just be aware to take everything with a cum grane salis, and not just accept it at face value.

35 people found this helpful

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Paul Larcombe

Well researched, beautifully written with a smooth easy style.

Reviewed in the United States on November 4, 2019

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Excellent knowledge, well written. If youre interested in the history of the UK, this is a worthy addition to anyones library. Clear concise writing without the unnecessary awkwardness of academic writing.

2 people found this helpful

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Debbie S.

Irish gift

Reviewed in the United States on May 26, 2020

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My son in law of Irish descent, loved this book. Arrived on time and in perfect condition!

One person found this helpful

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Christopher R. Travers

Short but valuable

Reviewed in the United States on January 17, 2010

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This book contains a good selection of stories, focusing on the Ulster Cycle (the cycle centering on the exploits of Cu Chulainn), though the first story is from the Mythological Cycle. Great care was given to the selection of stories, and the translations are very vivid. Very often times, the general devices are captured, as is shown in the tale of the Destruction of Da Derga's Hostal (question, answer beginning with "that is not hard" or occasionally "that is hard"). Many renditions do not include this sort of narrative device, and its inclusion here is appreciated.

Commentary is minimal which is appropriate for a work like this.

The book contains a great deal of source material for mythological studies generally. While it certainly should not be the only book on the subject, it should be in every serious student's library.

Highly recommended.

10 people found this helpful

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Meeeeeeeeee

I love mythology and picked this up because I knew relatively ...

Reviewed in the United States on October 25, 2015

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I love mythology and picked this up because I knew relatively nothing about Irish mythology. I don't exactly feel proficient after reading this but I do feel like I got a good overview.

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Omeath

Five Stars

Reviewed in the United States on February 25, 2018

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Just as described and the order was processed promptly!

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Jack Parsons

Great Book

Reviewed in the United States on August 18, 2015

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Very well written, lots of good historical information, and a good translation of the myths. I only wish there had been more of a variety, as this seemed to concentrate on the Ulster cycle myths and none of the Feinian cycle myths.

6 people found this helpful

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Amazon Customer

Not what I was looking for.

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 14, 2021

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I was looking for a retelling of Irish folklore but this book is a translation of the book of Leinster. It shows how these stories were told hundreds of years ago.
Some of these chapters were a slog of repetition, explained as how storytellers would stretch out stories and their welcome at their hosts expense, which translated to my expense!
Fine if you're interested in the original telling but not if you want an entertaining read.

2 people found this helpful

Alan Fleming

Excellent.

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 9, 2021

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I will buy more books like this one. I recommend the author.

Mr. A. S. Wilson

Fascinating

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 29, 2020

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My son, who wanted to find out about his ancestral mythology, has found this book brilliant..

Kevin Penlington

I like this book for the stories but also as a source for cultural comparisons.

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 14, 2018

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I would have liked to have seen some of the source material and more of the origin myths.

One person found this helpful

Ann Duffy

arrived on time

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 17, 2019

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useful

One person found this helpful

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Early Irish Myths and Sagas (Penguin Classics) Reprint Edition

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