EN142: Myths & Legends of Ireland & Britain
Fall 2011

First Essay

The first essay is due at the beginning of class on Tuesday, October 18. It should be approximately 5-6 pages long. There are two options for this essay:

Option One: The Táin

Write on The Táin. Some possible topics:

• Write on the figure of Cúchulainn in The Táin. You might consider him as an embodiment of the Irish ideals of heroism, of the warrior, or of virtue in general, or you might argue that he is a flawed character who falls short of such ideals.
• Write on the roles of women in The Táin, or on the figure of Medb in particular. You could argue that women play significant roles in the epic, or that they are excluded for significant reasons. You could argue that Medb is a powerful and positive figure, or that her character is shaped by masculine anxieties regarding female power.
• Write about The Táin as an epic. Does it embody an idea of nationhood or express particular national ideals that might have been important to its medieval audience, or that might be important to modern people seeking to define the Irish national character? Does it impart particular qualities or characteristics to the Irish people? Does it express a particular response to war and killing, or to a warrior ethic?

Option Two: Irish Legends

Compare and contrast any two ancient Irish legends that we have studied (one of which may be The Táin). Some possible topics:

• Compare and contrast the representation of the Irish “otherworld” in two tales, such as “The Voyage of Bran,” “The Adventure of Conle,” or “The Wasting Sickness of Cu Chulainn and the Only Jealousy of Emer.”
• Compare and contrast the representation of the character of Cúchulainn in two tales.
• Consider the roles of women in ancient Irish legend with special attention to two tales.
• Consider the connections between words and deeds in two of the tales, or the connections between vows and honor.

Whichever topic you choose, be sure to begin your essay with a clear, concise, precise thesis. The entire essay should be devoted to defending the thesis with specific evidence from the texts.