The folkore of Ireland

Sean O'Sullivan

Published by B.T. Batsford , hardcover with dustjacket ,illustrated

Ireland has the oldest vernacular literature in the Western world. This collection of tales and legends comes from unpublished manuscripts in the Department of Irish Folklore at University College, Dublin, which have been specially translated for this book. They reveal the distinctive flavour, the variety and the persistence of Irish folklore.

The mythological and hero tales (when kings and heroes were the main characters) and the ordinary folktales vividly convey the ancient art of storytelling. The Irish oral tradition can also be seen in the folk legends and the historical legends. Finally there are unusual examples of folk prayers and charms and of proverbs and riddles, as well as a selection of traditional songs and ballads. For serious students of folklore there are full references, a bibliography and indexes of motifs and tale types.