Ireland

Read the short piece on The Death of Cu Chulainn. You can find the link here.

Finish up your paper on The Tain.

I will introduce Tales of the Elders. We will be reading the Prologue and Chapter 1 for Monday, November 23.

Read The Tain through page 206 for Wednesday, November 11th.

Folks, I’ve pushed the due date of the next paper until Wednesday, November 18th. Five pages on a focused aspect of The Tain.

We’ve decided (over C’s good advice) to cancel class on Wednesday, November 4th. For next Monday, November 9th, please read The Tain through page 156. I want you to carry class conversation on that day.

For next time please read The Tain through p. 100 (through the “Death Death!” section).

Look here

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090929194207.htm

http://www.physorg.com/news173513472.html

For next time you will be reading “The Wasting Sickness of Cu Chulaind & The Only Jealousy of Emer” and “The Intoxication of the Ulaid.”

•  After reading these stories, do you still think CC should be labeled an ideal Irish warrior?
• Who is stronger in “The Wasting Sickness,” CC, Fand, or Emer?
• Is “The Wasting Sickness” something close to a modern love story?
• Where is the humor in “The Intoxication of the Ulaid”?
•  Is “The Intoxication” a serious consideration of honor or just a fun drinking story?
• What do these stories tell you about the “Cultural Authorship” of the early Irish?

With the reading for Monday you will be introduced to the hero of the course, Cu Chulaind, the Hound of Ulster.  He is an elite hero — a nearly perfect killing machine — but he is also flawed in a number of interesting ways.

The first two stories describe his birth and boyhood deeds.  The third story describes one of his more famous mature acts.  Here are some things to consider as you read:

• Why the mysterious paternity?
• Why does CC want the boy’s troop to ask for his protection?
• What does it suggest that CC not immediately accompany Conchobur to the blacksmith’s feast?
• What do you make of CC’s shyness around naked women?
• What do you make of CC’s actions toward Aife’s son?
• Why is Aife’s son named what he is named?
• What does the description of CC tell you about early Irish concepts of heroes and heroism?

This is a tough, repetitive story. Hang in there. At the very least read the first 4 or 5 pages, some in the middle (to get an idea of the repetition), the the last 4 or 5 pages.

• What does sort of Ri (King) is Conare? Good or Bad?
• What are gessa?
• What do you make of the ritualized death of Conare?
• What does it suggest that so few of Conare’s followers died with him?
• Is Conall Cernach a hero or not at the end of this story?

As you read “The Wooing of Etain” in the Gantz text, consider the following:

• Why the shifting (rotating) love triangles?
• Is it in fact love that is being described?
• How old is Etain at the end of the story? (and how can that be?)
• Is Mider a good man (or good Tuatha de Dannan)?
• Is the Daghda cruel?
• Is it somehow useful to see Oengus as a manifestation of an early Irish god of love?
• Why is Etain the woman that everyone wants?
• Consider Fuamnach’s position as first wife?  Are her actions called for?
• Consider the magical elements of the story — what are they and how do they work?
• Can you see serious plotting or is this tale a mess?