The Tain Short Essay Answer Key

Short Essay Answer Key

1. Why do the poets of Ireland gather in the section called "Before the Tain?"

The poets of Ireland gather in the section called "Before the Tain" in order to collect and recall the various stories of the "Tain Bo Cuailnge" in its entirety.

2. How do the scholars learn the tale of the Tain in its entirety?

The scholars learn the tale of the Tain in its entirety when Muirgen, one of the scholars, finds the gravestone of Fergus mac Roich. He prays over the grave to find the complete Tain and the figure of Fergus appears before him in a mist and recites the whole Tain.

3. How does Conchobor become king of Ulster?

Conchobor's mother,Nes, married King Fergus mac Roich under the condition he would make her infant son (Conchobor) king for one year. Fergus thought it was silly, but went along...
(read more)