The Tain

“The Tain”, also known as “Tain Bo Cuailnge” or “The Cattle Raid of Cooley”, is a heroic and legendary tale from early Irish literature. Earliest manuscripts of this epic story survive from the 12th century and versions of this ancient tale have been found in Old Irish, Middle Irish, and Modern Irish translations. “The Tain” is set in a pre-Christian age of heroes in Ireland, sometime around the first century, and is the central tale in the Ulster Cycle, one of the four great cycles of Irish mythology. It is the thrilling saga of the young hero Cuchulain and his single-handed defeat of the invading armies of Medb and Ailill, who have come to try and steal Donn Cuailnge, the Brown Bull of Cooley. It is also the tale of the rivalry and discord between King Ailill and his wife and competitor Queen Medb. It is the competition for greatness between husband and wife that inspires her relentless quest to steal the famed bull from Ulster. “The Tain” has everything that a reader may expect from legendary epic tales: impossible tasks, bloody battles, inspiring acts of heroism and strength, treachery, betrayal, love, and magic. Presented here is the translation of Joseph Dunn.