ANTH 390
Topic Options
Irish myth was meant to be understood on several levels. At its simplest, it is merely entertainment. It also is meant to teach values of the society. It is meant to explain the roles of the gods. And it undoubtedly contains other and deeper levels of meaning as well--e.g., relating to cosmography as in the case with Tochmarc Étaíne, which seems to concern itself with lunar cycles.
Papers should be no more than ten pages in length. Generally speaking, each paper should follow some thread of content from the tales read during that segment of the course, or one that was present both in that cycle and those already covered. By "thread" I mean a motif, character (or set of characters), or some other recurrent element. The element(s) chosen (preferably limited to only one or two) should be analyzed in depth as to context and possible significance. Think in terms of patterns and possible symbolic meanings. The topics listed below are only suggestions, meant to give you some idea of possible topics. If in doubt as to whether the one you are thinking of is appropriate, please check with me.
First Paper - Mythological Cycle
(due at the end of the fifth week of the semester)
1) Compare the first and second battles of Mag Tuired (Moytirra)
2) Discuss one of the recurrent elements in Lebor Gabála Érenn--e.g., the use of numbers, mention of dates/seasons/days of the week, links between events & places in the landscape, etc.
3) Compare the roles of the Fír Bolg and Fomorians.
Second Paper - Ulster Cycle
(due at end of the tenth week)
1) Compare the various Tána (of Cúalnge, Fraech, Dartaid, Regamon, Flidais, and Regamna [available at www.sacred-texts.com/neu/hroi/hroiv2.htm]--and of Aingen, Munad, Ros, Ruanadh, Sailin, and Ere as well, if you can find translations). Discuss characters, motifs (picking absolutely any that appear: references to events, characteristics, dates, etc.), and anything that seems to connect or seems to be paralleled in two or more. In other words, look for patterns.
2) Compare the gatherings ("Destruction of Dá Derga's Hostel," "The Story of Mac Datho's Pig," "Bricriu's Feast," "The Intoxication of the Ulaid," "Dá Choca's Hostel") with the same issues in mind. Or, for that matter, compare the hostels & banqueting halls.
The last two tales
are not available in translation on the internet.
3) Again, consider motifs--numbers, colors, precious metals, animals, battles at fords, and so on.
Third Paper - Fenian Cycle
(due at time scheduled for the final exam)
1) Compare and contrast some aspect(s) of the stories about the two heros Cú Chulainn and Fionn MacCumhail. In what ways are the themes, symbols, characters, etc., similar and in what way do they differ? In choosing your focus, take into account not only personal characteristics and activities but also geographical connections and any indications of links with particular parts of the year. For example, there is good reason to believe the stories about Cú Chulainn have to do with the struggle between the forces of light and dark during the winter. He is always associated with Samhain and the period that follows. What about Finn? Are there any patterns apparent? Do his stories even have a symbolic meaning that you can see? Or do they appear to be just entertainment? Does he seem to be operating in the same sort of culture as Cú Chulainn or are there obvious differences? Alternatively, select some other pair of characters from this and earlier cycles.
2) Take an in-depth look at some aspect of ancient Irish social organization or culture reflected in the tales (e.g., the role of the champion, hosting, women, or the like).
Revised Nov 07