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Early Irish Myths and Sagas (Penguin Classics) Paperback – March 25, 1982

by Jeffrey Gantz (Translator)
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 461 ratings
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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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Previous page
  1. Print length
    288 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Penguin Classics
  4. Publication date
    March 25, 1982
  5. Dimensions
    7.76 x 5.08 x 0.31 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0140443975
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0140443974
  8. See all details
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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 ‏ : ‎ 3.52 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7.76 x 5.08 x 0.31 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 461 ratings

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Gwyn Jones

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Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
461 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Christopher R. Travers
5.0 out of 5 stars Short but valuable
Reviewed in the United States on January 17, 2010
Verified Purchase
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.
14 people found this helpful
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Paul Larcombe
5.0 out of 5 stars Well researched, beautifully written with a smooth easy style.
Reviewed in the United States on November 5, 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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J. Tyrakowski
4.0 out of 5 stars Yeats' Inspiration
Reviewed in the United States on March 9, 2007
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The flood of mythically inspired movies in the last few years highlights the fact that the best new stories are the old ones. And like most movies, their books are better. Gantz provides a useful preamble to each section, which is vital for newcomers. We've literally lost our imaginations and need a tutor to remind us that the people we're reading about could be gods, too. The description of Etain (page 62?) is breathtaking. Caution: The guide to pronunciation is woefully inadequate and detracts from an otherwise pleasant diversion. On to Yeats!
8 people found this helpful
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Ashley Scamehorn
5.0 out of 5 stars 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
115 people found this helpful
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Debbie S.
5.0 out of 5 stars 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!
2 people found this helpful
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Meeeeeeeeee
5.0 out of 5 stars I love mythology and picked this up because I knew relatively ...
Reviewed in the United States on October 25, 2015
Verified Purchase
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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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United States on October 9, 2017
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Well researched and well written.
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Nastia
3.0 out of 5 stars 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.
53 people found this helpful
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ger cullen
5.0 out of 5 stars well presented
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 2, 2023
Verified Purchase
well researched, accurate as possible, and a good read.
One person found this helpful
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39pandas
5.0 out of 5 stars Clearly written account of Irish myths and legends
Reviewed in Canada on August 2, 2020
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very well written account of Irish myths and legends beginning with a description of the Celtic context and Irish culture. One of the most clear books I've read on the subject.
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39pandas
5.0 out of 5 stars Clearly written account of Irish myths and legends
Reviewed in Canada on August 2, 2020
very well written account of Irish myths and legends beginning with a description of the Celtic context and Irish culture. One of the most clear books I've read on the subject.
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One person found this helpful
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L1pst3r
5.0 out of 5 stars Super!
Reviewed in Germany on March 4, 2020
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Schön zu lesen, tolle Sagen!
One person found this helpful
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Alessandra
5.0 out of 5 stars Complete introduction and stories
Reviewed in Italy on January 14, 2015
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Ho usato questo libro come fonte di informazioni per la mia tesi triennale riguardo il turismo irlandese, nella parte in cui introducevo la storia delle invasioni e delle tradizioni mitologiche, soprattutto dei Thuata. Molto interessante la parte introduttiva che spiega moltissime cose degli antichi celti irlandesi e soprattutto la parte mitologica, che racconta le storie delle gesta eroiche e delle divinità celtiche accuratamente riportate dall'antropologo jeffrey Gantz.
3 people found this helpful
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Mr. A. S. Wilson
5.0 out of 5 stars 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..
5 people found this helpful
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