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Irish Legends For Children
This beautifully illustrated collection contains six tales that have been passed down for generations in Ireland, including Children of Lir, a mystical twist on the traditional evil stepmother fable, and Fionn and the Dragon, in which the prince of Fianna uses his bravery to reclaim his throne.
64 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1994
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
June 11, 2019
Taken mostly from the An Rúraíocht (Red Branch/Ulster) and An Fiannaíocht (Fenian) cycles of Irish mythology, the six stories contained in Yvonne Carroll's Irish Legends for Children are some of the better known tales from this tradition, and, together with the colorful illustrations of Lucy Su, make an admirable introduction to the subject, for very young children. Here we have:
Children of Lir, the lone selection from na Scéalta Miotaseolaíochta (the Mythological Cycle), which follows the story of the four children of King Lir, transformed into swans for nine hundred years by their jealous step-mother, Aoife.
Deirdre of the Sorrows, a tale from An Rúraíocht, in which the beautiful Deirdre, daughter of Fedlimid mac Daill (Feidhlim in this story), is raised in isolation after a prophecy foretells that she will bring death and disaster to the men of Ulster. Promised in marriage to King Connor, Dierdre's love for the warrior Naoise, and their defiance, in running away together, precipitates a series of events that fulfill the prophecy.
As always, with this tale, I find myself wondering two things. First, Dierdre's guardian, in her isolation, is named Leabharcham, which contains the Irish word for book (leabhar): what significance, if any, does this have? Second, what the devil do Irish storytellers mean, when they say things like "So Deirdre did bring sorrow and trouble to Ulster as the druids had foretold"? No! The idea that someone else should choose Dierdre's husband for her, caused all the trouble. If she'd been free to choose for herself, and no one felt they had the right to intervene, then the whole darn thing would have been moot. Ah well... spilled milk, as the say.
Setanta, another tale from An Rúraíocht, which tells the tale of the youthful son of the King of Dundalk, how he came to the castle of King Connor at Armagh, how he proved himself, and how he gained the name Cú Chulainn ("the hound of Culainn"), becoming one of the greatest heroes of Irish mythology.
The Salmon of Knowledge, from An Fiannaíocht, which tells of the boyhood of Fionn mac Cumhaill - his training by two women (Bodhmall and Liath Luachra, unnamed in this telling), after the slaying of his father, his time with Finnéigeas the poet, and his consumption of the Salmon of Knowledge. Young readers are sure to get a kick (as I always do) out of the fact that the great hero Fionn derives much of his wisdom from sucking his thumb! Ha!
Fionn and the Dragon, a second tale from An Fiannaíocht, in which Fionn defeats a terrible dragon that has been besieging the High King's compound at Tara, thereby winning back the leadership of the Fianna from Goll Mac Morna, the warrior who killed his father.
And finally, Oisín in Tír na nÓg, about Fionn's son, and his time with Niamh of the Golden Hair, daughter of the king of Tír na nÓg.
Children of Lir, the lone selection from na Scéalta Miotaseolaíochta (the Mythological Cycle), which follows the story of the four children of King Lir, transformed into swans for nine hundred years by their jealous step-mother, Aoife.
Deirdre of the Sorrows, a tale from An Rúraíocht, in which the beautiful Deirdre, daughter of Fedlimid mac Daill (Feidhlim in this story), is raised in isolation after a prophecy foretells that she will bring death and disaster to the men of Ulster. Promised in marriage to King Connor, Dierdre's love for the warrior Naoise, and their defiance, in running away together, precipitates a series of events that fulfill the prophecy.
As always, with this tale, I find myself wondering two things. First, Dierdre's guardian, in her isolation, is named Leabharcham, which contains the Irish word for book (leabhar): what significance, if any, does this have? Second, what the devil do Irish storytellers mean, when they say things like "So Deirdre did bring sorrow and trouble to Ulster as the druids had foretold"? No! The idea that someone else should choose Dierdre's husband for her, caused all the trouble. If she'd been free to choose for herself, and no one felt they had the right to intervene, then the whole darn thing would have been moot. Ah well... spilled milk, as the say.
Setanta, another tale from An Rúraíocht, which tells the tale of the youthful son of the King of Dundalk, how he came to the castle of King Connor at Armagh, how he proved himself, and how he gained the name Cú Chulainn ("the hound of Culainn"), becoming one of the greatest heroes of Irish mythology.
The Salmon of Knowledge, from An Fiannaíocht, which tells of the boyhood of Fionn mac Cumhaill - his training by two women (Bodhmall and Liath Luachra, unnamed in this telling), after the slaying of his father, his time with Finnéigeas the poet, and his consumption of the Salmon of Knowledge. Young readers are sure to get a kick (as I always do) out of the fact that the great hero Fionn derives much of his wisdom from sucking his thumb! Ha!
Fionn and the Dragon, a second tale from An Fiannaíocht, in which Fionn defeats a terrible dragon that has been besieging the High King's compound at Tara, thereby winning back the leadership of the Fianna from Goll Mac Morna, the warrior who killed his father.
And finally, Oisín in Tír na nÓg, about Fionn's son, and his time with Niamh of the Golden Hair, daughter of the king of Tír na nÓg.
December 7, 2019
Kind of boring renditions of Irish stories. Props for keeping the original brutality, but there's very little that's engaging or provides context. Decent illustrations with some very silly depictions of people.
January 28, 2019
Picked this up in the tiny library down by Powderhorn Park in our neighborhood. I love love love that there are so many tiny libraries all around where we live. There's always something sweet and interesting to read in them and it's a great place to share books that we're done with.
I'm almost half-Irish on my dad's side (with a little Scottish, German and some other things sprinkled in) so I'm always a little curious about Irish and Celtic legends, poets, culture.
I hadn't heard of any of these stories, so it was fun to learn a little bit about the Red Branch Knights and the Children of Lir who turn into swans and Oisin who goes to live in the land of eternal youth. The stories were magical, violent, and tragic. Seems like they'd be a little scary for little kids? Also I'm not sure what you learn from them -- bravery, beauty is a woman's most important trait, and that life is hard and unfair... maybe not my favorite lessons to share with my future kiddos, but interesting to read ;)
I'm almost half-Irish on my dad's side (with a little Scottish, German and some other things sprinkled in) so I'm always a little curious about Irish and Celtic legends, poets, culture.
I hadn't heard of any of these stories, so it was fun to learn a little bit about the Red Branch Knights and the Children of Lir who turn into swans and Oisin who goes to live in the land of eternal youth. The stories were magical, violent, and tragic. Seems like they'd be a little scary for little kids? Also I'm not sure what you learn from them -- bravery, beauty is a woman's most important trait, and that life is hard and unfair... maybe not my favorite lessons to share with my future kiddos, but interesting to read ;)
April 13, 2019
My aunt sent me a larger version of this book when I was very young I really enjoyed the pictures even bringing back sweet innocence from my childhood. I had never read it and had no idea what the stories were about now I’m delighted I’ve read them! I couldn’t really recommend the stories for children myself but one could change them a little if they did want to read them to their kid. I personally think the stories are sad ☹️ especially first and second last. Highly recommend this book! Enjoy!
April 8, 2021
Irish mythology has become one of my favorite things to read about. These are nice short stories about our main legends but have a touch of how Catholicism was bred into our culture and not actually the true tales. However it was nice to just remind myself of the old Legends
March 28, 2023
I'm not sure why anyone would think that telling children stories of evil magic spells and/or tales of children being sent away to grow up without their parents would be fun or educational. But the illustrations are very nice.
June 13, 2024
This is a great book of some of the legends of Ireland. The stories have been handed down for centuries. They are the typical, wonderful fantasy stories with kings, knights, princesses, and dragons. The artwork is lovely. Great read for children of all ages.
Read
April 12, 2026was speaking to someone about irish folklore ystd so gave myself a refresh with this book!!! short little book meant for children of course so i will look up more details of the stories for myself :) love magical folklore mythology sm
July 22, 2026
- Brother bought this on our trip to Dublin, Ireland.
- Cool read on some of the traditional Irish legends, with really wonderful and detailed illustrations.
- Feels fun to read like a child again!
My rating: 4/5
- Cool read on some of the traditional Irish legends, with really wonderful and detailed illustrations.
- Feels fun to read like a child again!
My rating: 4/5
June 8, 2018
Rather lackluster tellings of some fantastic Irish tales. Prefer different versions.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 31, 2020
god it makes me so happy to feel so connected to my culture :D!!!
téigh connacht agus téigh maigh eo!!
téigh connacht agus téigh maigh eo!!
December 20, 2020
Gaeilge čaptíkʷł...
September 7, 2021
Un bel libricino che se mastichi un po' di inglese si legge abbastanza in fretta.
December 24, 2022
It's a good retelling of Irish legends. The gentle reader should know that Irish legends seldom have happy endings though, so make sure your kid can handle that.
Read
January 4, 2025@ perpustakaan taman literasi
December 2, 2025
My auntie and uncle brought this book all the way back from Ireland for me! Reading these old Irish legends made me feel connected to my Irish roots!
August 31, 2011
These are basically stories I've read in the other books ... but the pictures in this book are absolutely beautiful! Illustrated by Lucy Su, I would highly recommend this book if you want to read these Irish legends. They are detailed enough to be enjoyable for adults, yet simple enough to be enjoyed by children. Wonderful versions of some classic Irish tales, which, by the way, were recently told to us on a tour bus ... IN IRELAND!
One of my favorites to read every March! The pictures, on the cover and throughout, are truly beautiful! And the Irish legends are told in a way that is appropriate for children (the adult versions can be a bit gorier). Lovely reading!
One of my favorites to read every March! The pictures, on the cover and throughout, are truly beautiful! And the Irish legends are told in a way that is appropriate for children (the adult versions can be a bit gorier). Lovely reading!
March 12, 2012
A little too short with only 6 very short tales which seemed to be a little too simplified. Maybe it is better for younger children; mine are 7 and11 and could probably get into a more complex reselling. No pronunciation guide which is very bad when reading Gaelic names. You KNOW you are mangling them while reading out loud. Beautiful illustrations!
March 1, 2012
It was a very good and interesting legend book. It had giants and kings. S.M.
October 9, 2013
The stories are simple, quick but also pretty traumatising if you think about them for long! Deirdre's boyfriend and brothers get beaten to death! We liked it though but it left us wanting more.
October 17, 2014
Could have been longer and as someone has already stated - the name pronunciation could have been included. Beautiful illustrations.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews