The richly interwoven stories that make up the Táin tradition contain a wide diversity of characters. There is much to explore. Even their back stories have back stories!
In this episode, we explore the back stories of two such characters: the well-known Ulster king, Conchobar Mac Nessa, and the lesser-known Ulster hero, Conall Cernach.
Join the Story Archaeologists in the first of two episodes that uncover the significance of a few portentous conceptions and births.
Read the texts for yourself!
Scéla Conchobar, "The Tidings of Conchobar", from the Book of Leinster.
edited by R. I. Best and Osborn Bergin
translation by Whitley Stokes
Compert Conchobair, "The Conception of Conchobar", from Rawlinson B512 (incorrectly referred to in the episode as from the Yellow Book of Lecan)
edited by Vernam Hull
translation on the Celtic Literature Collective
Compert Conchobair, "The Conception of Conchobar", from Stowe 992
translation by Kuno Meyer
"The Conception of Conall Cernach", from Cóir Anmann, "The Fitness of Names"
Cóir Anmann, edited by Whitley Stokes
"The Conception of Conall Cernach", translated by Patrick Brown
Links to other books referenced in the episode
"Even Cuneiform writing could not be managed left handed": "The Ark before Noah" by Irving Finkel (highly recommended)
"The journey across the Alps in Táin Bó Fraoich": “Worlds of Arthur.” by Guy Halsall
Need some revision?
You may find it helpful to revisit our episodes on Fled Bricrenn, Bricriu's Feast:
Fled Bricrenn 1: The Feasting Hall
Fled Bricrenn 2: The Road to Crúachán
Fled Bricrenn 3: Your Head or Mine?
Fled Bricrenn 4: A Head to Head Discussion
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by The Story Archaeologists
Music: “Tam Lin” by Gian Castello
