Early Irish Myths and Sagas (Penguin Classics)

Rating:
Summary: Great for serious students of Irish myth and Celtic culture
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: An excellent choice for anyone interested in mythology.
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: Shipshape Rendering of Old Irish Material
Review: This anthology probably provides enough to satisfy the general reader regarding early Irish literature. The translations are well selected. Personally, I would have preferred a bit more commentary, but in general this book goes about as far as one can go in describing Old Irish literature without entering into the field of the specialist.

Rating:
Summary: Solid, Readable Translation; Interesting Selection of Tales
Review: 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.