Review of the Tain on Goodreads

The Tain by Thomas Kinsella (Translator)
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the most accurate translation of the epic Irish tale, the Táin Bó Cuailnge, and includes the major remscéla or pre-tales which go a long way towards putting some of the madder stuff into a bit of context.

There's still a lot of mad stuff in there, but sure it's all good.

Starting at Rathcroghan, in County Roscommon, the story wends it's way across the country to Cooley in County Louth. Featuring CúChulainn, Lugh, the Morrigan, Ferdia, Conor MacNessa, Fergus Mac Roich, and the notorious warrior Queen of Connacht, Medb - you won't be short of an interesting character to keep track of.

I really like the artwork included in this version, by Louis le Brocquy; it captures well the tenuous nature of the meanings and symbolism that are woven into the fabric of this teaching tale.

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