English 217 - MEDIEVAL LIT: OLD IRISH

Topics course.: An introduction to the language and literature of early Ireland in a series of grammar lessons and readings from the epic saga Táin Bó Cúailnge ‘The Cattle Raid of Cooley.’ We supplement our study with readings in translation from Greek and Roman authors on the ancient Celts and from other works in Old Irish, in particular, those expressing conceptions of this and the Otherworld, the role of the Celtic gods and goddesses, the character of their legendary kings and queens, the tension between Christian and traditional values, and the celebration of warfare, sexuality and motherhood. Enrollment limited to 20.

Topic: Old Irish.