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Táin bó Cúailgne, recension I

  • Old Irish, Middle Irish
  • prose
  • Ulster Cycle, Táin bó Cúailnge
Scope
redaction/recension • multiple versions
Manuscripts

This recension is found in four manuscripts:

Dublin, Trinity College, MS 1318 cols 573–958 = section of the Yellow Book of Lecan [s. xivex/xvin]
pp. 17a–53a (facsimile) cols 573–644
Beginning missing.
Dublin, Royal Irish Academy, MS 23 E 25 (1229) = Lebor na hUidre [s. xi/xii]
ff. 55a–82b
Interpolated by H. End missing.
London, British Library, MS Egerton 1782 [1516-1518]
ff. 88r–105v
Interpolated. End missing.
Maynooth, Russell Library, MS C 1 [1587]
pp. 1–76
Interpolated. Beginning and end missing.
Language
  • Old Irish Middle Irish
  • Old Irish and Middle Irish
Form
prose (primary)
verse (secondary)
Associated items
Aided CáurAided CáurEpisode found in all three recensions of Táin bó Cúailnge.Aided con na cerdaAided con na cerdaAided Etarcomail (⁊ imarchor n-athisc fer n-Érend)Aided Etarcomail (⁊ imarchor n-athisc fer n-Érend)Aided Fir BaíthAided Fir BaíthAided FraíchAided FraíchEpisode found in the first recension of Táin bó CúailngeAided in togmaili ⁊ in pheta eóinAided in togmaili ⁊ in pheta eóinAided LethainAided LethainAided LóchaAided LóchaAnecdote about the death of Medb's handmaid Lócha (Recension 1) or Loche (Recension 2).Aided Lóich meic Mo FemisAided Lóich meic Mo FemisAided LóthairAided LóthairAided na maccraideAided na maccraideAided na macraidiAided na macraidiAided na rígamusAided na rígamusAided na trí nónborAided na trí nónborAided Nath CrantailAided Nath CrantailAided Óengussa meic ÓenlámaAided Óengussa meic ÓenlámaAided OrláimAided OrláimAided Redg cáinteAided Redg cáinteAided Tamuin drúithAided Tamuin drúithAided trí mac Nechta ScéniAided trí mac Nechta ScéniAided trí mac nGárachAided trí mac nGárachEpisode found in all three recensions of Táin bó CúailngeAided ÚalandAided ÚalandA series of episodes found in Táin bó Cúailnge (recensions I and II), in which the river Cronn and one or two other streams rise against the hosts of Connacht, hindering their progress and leading to the death of Úalu and the loss of many more warriors.Airecor nAradAirecor nAradAislinge nAimirginAislinge nAimirginBánchath RochadaBánchath RochadaBángleó RochadaBángleó RochadaCaladgleó CethirnCaladgleó Cethirn

Episode in the Táin bó Cúailnge (Recensions I and II), in which the warrior Cethern mac Fintain single-handedly fights the men of Ireland in their encampment (while Cú Chulainn is recovering), returns to receive treatment for his wounds, and launches a final attack on the encampment. It is the first of a final series of episodes in the Táin (the so-called dinda na Tána as Recension I describes them).

In carpat serda ⁊ in Breslech Mór Maige MurthemneIn carpat serda ⁊ in Breslech Mór Maige MurthemneCath Eógain meic Derthacht fri ChonchobarCath Eógain meic Derthacht fri ChonchobarComlond Munremair ⁊ Con RoiComlond Munremair ⁊ Con RoiComrac Con Culaind fri FindabairComrac Con Culaind fri FindabairComrac Fergusa fri Coin CulaindComrac Fergusa fri Coin CulaindComrac Fir Diad ⁊ Con CulaindComrac Fir Diad ⁊ Con CulaindComrac Lárine meic NóisComrac Lárine meic NóisEpisode found in all three recensions of Táin bó CúailngeComrac MaindComrac MaindDamgal na tarbDamgal na tarbThe episode of the fight between the two bulls, Donn Cúailnge and Finnbennach, towards the end of the Táin (I, II). It includes the brief tale of Bricriu’s death (Aided Bricrinn/Bricni).Dinda na TánaDinda na TánaFagbáil in tairbFagbáil in tairbFiacalgleó FindtainFiacalgleó FindtainInna formolta (inso sís)Inna formolta (inso sís)Short episode in the Táin bó Cúailnge (Recension I and II) in which Fergus praises the young hero Cú Chulainn. It forms a prelude to Fergus' reminiscences of Cú Chulainn's deeds, which are found in the next two episodes.Imacallaim na Mórigna fri Coin CulaindImacallaim na Mórigna fri Coin CulaindImroll Belaig EóinImroll Belaig EóinIntroduction to the Táin bó CúailngeIntroduction to the Táin bó CúailngeLingid Fergus darsin n-omnai ina charputLingid Fergus darsin n-omnai ina charputMacgnímrada Con CulainnMacgnímrada Con CulainnNot an independent(ly preserved) tale, but a story included in Táin bó Cúailnge, recension I and II.Meillgleó nIliachMeillgleó nIliachEpisode in the Táin bó Cúailnge (Recensions I and II).Orgain ChúalngiOrgain ChúalngiRúadrucca MindRúadrucca MindIn scél iar n-urdIn scél iar n-urdSirrabad SúaldaimSirrabad SúaldaimSlánugud na MórrignaSlánugud na Mórrigna

The narrative covered here consists of two main threads: (1) Slánugud na Mórrigna proper: Cú Chulainn’s meeting with the Morrígan, who is disguised as an old woman with a cow, and his unwitting healing of her injuries as he utters a blessing at every drought of milk he accepts from her; and (2) Cú Chulainn’s victories in a series of fights with numerous opponents sent by Medb of Connacht as he defends Ulster in the area of Delgu Muirtheimne.

Slicht sain so co aidid nÓrlaimSlicht sain so co aidid nÓrlaimTochestol UladTochestol UladTochostul fear nÉrendTochostul fear nÉrendToichim na mbuidenToichim na mbuidenEpisode in Táin bó Cúailnge (Recensions I and II), in which Ailill and Medb watch the approaching Ulaid through intermediaries. It employs the so-called ‘watchman device’, in which a watchman with keen sight, here Mac Roth, offers a visually rich if puzzling description of what he sees and in which an interpreter of the description, here Fergus mac Róich, is able to identify the approaching characters.Túarascbáil delba Con CulaindTúarascbáil delba Con CulaindÚs in Duib Chúalngni for táinÚs in Duib Chúalngni for táinThe final episode of the Táin (I, II) and an epilogue to the story of the fight of the two bulls. In the texts, Donn Cúailnge, severely wounded after its triumph over Finnbennach, returns home, scattering body parts of its opponent on the road and giving rise to new placenames. It dies at the end of its journey, either in Druim Tairb (TBC I) or near Taul Tairb (TBC II). Both recensions make use of dinnshenchas in describing the bull’s itinerary, but differ in the placenames they refer to.

Classification

Ulster Cycle
Ulster Cycle
id. 1797
Táin bó Cúailnge
Táin bó Cúailnge
id. 624
Contents
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Work in progress

Introduction to the Táin bó Cúailnge » entry

» Comments: Lines 1–134 (O'Rahilly 1976): Tarcomlad slóiged mór la Connachtu ... Finit a titulrad

The story proper (In scél iar n-urd inso sís)

» Comments: Lines 135–372 (O'Rahilly 1976)

Praise of Cú Chulainn (Inna formolta inso sís) » entry

» Comments: Lines 373–397 (O'Rahilly 1976)

The boyhood deeds (macgnímrada) of Cú Chulainn: beginning » entry

» Comments: Lines 398–469 (O'Rahilly 1976), headed Na Macgnímrada inso sís

Macgnímrada: The death of the boys » entry

» Comments: Lines 470–480 (O'Rahilly 1976)

Macgnímrada: The fight between Eógan mac Durthacht and Conchobar » entry

» Comments: Lines 481–523 (O'Rahilly 1976)

Macgnímrada: The death of the 27 men » entry

» Comments: Lines 524–539 (O'Rahilly 1976), headed Aided na trí nónbor inso ⁊ in fáth arná laimthé a n-guin ina cess

Macgnímrada: The killing of the smith’s hound » entry

» Comments: Lines 540–607 (O'Rahilly 1976)

Macgnímrada: The death of Nechta Scéne’s three sons » entry

» Comments: Lines 608–824 (O'Rahilly 1976)

A different version up to the death of Órlám » entry

» Comments: Lines 825–832 (O'Rahilly 1976)

The death of Fráech » entry

» Comments: Lines 833–857 (O'Rahilly 1976)

Fergus leapt across the oak-tree in his own chariot » entry

» Comments: Lines 858–867 (O'Rahilly 1976)

The death of the marten and of the pet bird » entry

» Comments: Lines 920–945 (O'Rahilly 1976)

The finding of the bull » entry

» Comments: Lines 1487–1509 (O'Rahilly 1976)

The death of Redg the satirist (Aided Redg cáinte) » entry

» Comments: Lines 1510–1568 (O'Rahilly 1976)

The meeting of Cú Chulainn and Finnabair » entry

» Comments: Lines 1569–1608 (O'Rahilly 1976)

The combat of Munremar and Cú Roí (Comlond Munremair ocus Con Roi) » entry

» Comments: Lines 1609–1630 (O'Rahilly 1976)

The death of the youths (Aided na macraidi) » entry

» Comments: Lines 1631–1657 (O'Rahilly 1976)

The bloodless fight of Rochad » entry

» Comments: Lines 1658–1684 (O'Rahilly 1976)

The death of the royal mercenaries (Aided na rígamus) » entry

» Comments: Lines 1685–1693 (O'Rahilly 1976)

The death of Cúr (Aided Cáur) » entry

» Comments: Lines 1694–1736 (O'Rahilly 1976)

The death of Fer Baeth » entry

» Comments: Lines 1737–1806 (O'Rahilly 1976)

The combat of Láiríne mac Nóis » entry

» Comments: Lines 1807–1844 (O'Rahilly 1976)

The conversation of the Morrígan with Cú Chulainn » entry

» Comments: Lines 1845–1873 (O'Rahilly 1976)

The death of Lóch mac Mo Femis » entry

» Comments: Lines 1874–2037 (O'Rahilly 1976)

The healing of the Morrígan, etc. » entry

» Comments: Lines 2038–2071 (O'Rahilly 1976)

The scythed chariot and Breslech Mór Maige Muirthemne » entry

» Comments: Lines 2072–2334 (O'Rahilly 1976)

The description of Cú Chulainn » entry

» Comments: Lines 2335–2454 (O'Rahilly 1976)

The mis-throw at Belach Eóin » entry

» Comments: Lines 2455–2482 (O'Rahilly 1976)

The death of Taman the jester » entry

» Comments: Lines 2483–2487 (O'Rahilly 1976)

The death of Óengus mac Óenláime » entry

» Comments: Lines 2488–2494 (O'Rahilly 1976)

The meeting of Fergus and Cú Chulainn » entry

» Comments: Lines 2495–2522 (O'Rahilly 1976)

The fight with Mand » entry

» Comments: Lines 2523–2566 (O'Rahilly 1976)

The fight of Fer Diad and Cú Chulainn » entry

» Comments: Lines 2567–3153 (O'Rahilly 1976)

List of the chief episodes of the Táin » entry

» Comments: Lines 3154–3160 (O'Rahilly 1976)

(1) The hard fight (caladgleó) of Cethern » entry

» Comments: Lines 3161–3327

(2) The tooth-fight (fiacalgleó) of Fintan » entry

» Comments: Lines 3328–3335 (O'Rahilly 1976)

(3) The red shame (rúadrucca) of Mend » entry

» Comments: Lines 3336–3345 (O'Rahilly 1976)

(4) The bloodless fight (bángleó) of Rochad » entry

» Comments: Lines 3346–3365 (O'Rahilly 1976)

(5) The humorous fight (meillgleó) of Iliach » entry

» Comments: Lines 3366–3386 (O'Rahilly 1976)

(6) The missile-throwing of the charioteers » entry

» Comments: Lines 3387–3392 (O'Rahilly 1976)

(7) The trance of Amairgen, etc. » entry

» Comments: Lines 3393–3409 (O'Rahilly 1976)

(8) The repeated warning of Súaltaim » entry

» Comments: Lines 3410–3453 (O'Rahilly 1976)

(9–11) The muster of the Ulstermen, the trance of Dubthach and Ailill » entry

» Comments: Lines 3454–3543 (O'Rahilly 1976)

(12) The march of the companies » entry

» Comments: Lines 3544–3944 (O'Rahilly 1976)

(13–15) The muster of the men of Ireland » entry

» Comments: Lines 3945–4160 (O'Rahilly 1976)

Sources

Primary sources Text editions and/or modern translations – in whole or in part – along with publications containing additions and corrections, if known. Diplomatic editions, facsimiles and digital image reproductions of the manuscripts are not always listed here but may be found in entries for the relevant manuscripts. For historical purposes, early editions, transcriptions and translations are not excluded, even if their reliability does not meet modern standards.

[ed.] [tr.] OʼRahilly, Cecile [ed. and tr.], Táin bó Cúailnge: Recension I, Dublin: DIAS, 1976.
CELT – edition: <link> CELT – translation: <link>
[ed.] Strachan, John, and J. G. OʼKeeffe [eds.], The Táin Bó Cúailnge from the Yellow Book of Lecan: with variant readings from the Lebor na Huidre, Dublin and London: Royal Irish Academy, 1912.  
comments: Reprinted in 1967
Wikisource – Wikisource (not fully proofread): <link> Internet Archive: <link>
[ed.] Windisch, Ernst [ed.], “Táin bó Cúailnge nach der Handschrift Egerton 1782”, Zeitschrift für celtische Philologie 9 (1913): 121–158.
Internet Archive: <link>
[ed.] Ó Fiannachta, Pádraig [ed.], Táin Bó Cuailnge: the Maynooth manuscript, Dublin: Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies, 1966.
Edited from the O'Curry MS.
[tr.] Carson, Ciarán [tr.], The Táin: translated from the old Irish epic Táin Bó Cúailnge, Penguin Classics, London: Penguin, 2007.  
Translation based on O’Rahilly’s editions of Recension II, LL, and Recension I.
web page identifiers
Contributors
Dennis Groenewegen
Page created
July 2012, last updated: January 2024
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