Over nine waves : a book of Irish legends

by Marie Heaney

Paper Book, 1994

Status

Available

Call number

398.209415

Genres

Nonfiction

Collection

Rowan

Publication

London : Faber and Faber, 1994.

Description

"In her colloquial retelling of these stories, Marie Heaney conveys the full dramatic and poetic power of one of Europe's oldest narrative traditions. The most important tales from the three major pre-Christian sequences - the Mythological Cycle, the Ulster Cycle and the Finn Cycle - are followed by lives of the saints Patrick, Brigid and Columcille, and the result is a uniquely accessible compendium." "Encompassing both extremes of violence and the most sublime and tender imaginative fancy, the world of Over Nine Waves is one in which the present-day reader will have no difficulty finding his or her bearings. Marie Heaney is the ideal guide, demonstrating with authority what may still be too little known, that the ancient Irish legends are comparable in their force and profundity to any in the world."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved… (more)

User reviews

LibraryThing member Bostonseanachie

This is a delightful modern but faithful retelling of the main legends of Irish literature. Heaney has a breezy, action-driven approach to the tales that still has a certain emotional resonance (often involving wounded pride). Madness, vengeance, sorrow, teamwork, courage abound, as well as some

wonderful descriptions of beauty and Ireland and Tir Na nOg. The Tuatha de Danaan, the Children of Lir, Cuchulainn, and the Fianna are all included here. There is perhaps less focus on certain characters (e.g., Maebh). The tales of Saints Patrick, Brigid, and Columcille that are the last three sections of this book seemed a bit out of place compared to the largely pre-Christian material with which they are grouped. Had I been editor, I would have excluded them--not least of which because, other than Patrick's, the lives described don't have a lot of narrative oomph.

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LibraryThing member VivalaErin

Mythology is my passion, and these stories are perfect for the ancient culture of Ireland. I read a few of the cycles for an Irish Lit class, and the tales of the heroes are easy to read and understand in these translations.

LibraryThing member MaelBrigde

– This isn’t a complete review, but simply a note for the Brigit lovers who are checking out this Librarything account.

The first set of tales retold by Heaney in this book is The Mythological Cycle, including the battle of Moytura. She does a wonderful job of condensing it without leaving a

whole lot out. However, tho' I approached the final paragraphs with bated breath, I found that Brigit’s part in the story is omitted. Whereas it may be the single most important moment in the cycle for me, I can understand why from another point of view it may have been left out. Still, a disappointment. Lol

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