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Ireland has an extensive and diverse literary tradition in the vernacular which far exceeds its medieval European counterparts. The origins and development of writing, including Ogham script, and the influence of Christianity on our rich manuscript tradition will be explored. Many of the early manuscripts, including the Stowe Missal, the Book of Kells, the Book of Leinster and Lebor na hUidre, are among our most important national treasures. The practical aspect of manuscript production, illumination and writing will be introduced followed by a detailed study of their contents. Students will study the myths, sagas and legends in English translation in the context of the main Cycles of the pre-Norman period. Topics to be discussed include supernatural beings and the Otherworld, heroes and heroic literature, kings and sovereignty goddesses and outsider figures such as druids and the fíanna. The influence of this material on the later literary tradition will also be considered.
Note: This module will also be available in Semester 2.
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