King of Irelands Son

by Padraic Colum

A born story-teller, Padraic Colum's prose holds the natural music of the spoken voice. Humour, poetry and action spring into these tales from the ancient lore of his native Ireland. The King of Ireland's son sets out to find the Enchanter of the Black Back-Lands where he meets the Enchanter's daughter, Fedelma and is betrothed to her. He loses her and his adventures to find her again lead him to the Land of the Mist, the Town of the Red Castle, and the worlds of Gilly of the Goatskin, the Hags of the Long Teeth, Princess Flame-of-Wine, and the Giant Crom Duv.

Genres: Ireland, Fantasy, Fiction, Classics, Mythology, Irish Literature, Fairy Tales

276 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1916

About the author

Padraic Colum was an Irish poet, novelist, dramatist, biographer and collector of folklore. He was one of the leading figures of the Celtic Revival. (Source)

Reviews

[Debbie Zapata · Rating 3 out of 5]

Apr 2 ~~ Review tomorrow, unless I can't sleep tonight.

Apr 5 ~~ Gee, my tomorrows got away from me a little bit, didn't they?!

Another from my Encore List, this was a fun jaunt through Ireland, along with the Kings oldest
son, who ". . . grew up so wild that in the end the King and the King's Councillor had to let him have his own way in everything."

When i first read that description I though the Prince would be a right jerk, and to a certain extent he was, but he had some great adventures and was put to the test many times in order to prove that he loved Fedelma, The Enchanter's Daughter.

Fun to read, even with all the side stories that each character tells along the way. (Two people are crossing fields on a long journey; while they are in the field with white flowers one tells a story, and when they cross the field with blue flowers the other tells a story, and so on.) That type of thing made me give up on an epic poem not long ago, but here it was easy to see how each of the side stories told figured in the main tale, so i forgave Colum for distracting me from what I wanted to know: would the Prince and Fedelma ever get together?!

My edition had lovely black and white illustrations that made me itch for colored pencils. This is definitely a keeper.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read this book as a child, and have lost track of the number of times I've reread it. Coming back to it as an adult, I am stunned at the beauty of Colum's language and at his handling of plot. There is a story within a story within a story, with smaller tales that reflect on the main ones and often involve the same characters. It's just astounding. And the stories themselves often have an eerie beauty and an undercurrent of sadness. But there's lots of humor, too, and lots of adventure, and, among the characters, girls as well as boys get to show spunk and initiative. My personal favorite is Morag, the serving girl who helps Flann the orphan boy escape from servitude to a giant. I also love the Spae woman, and Rory the fox! If you read it, I'm sure you'll find favorite lines and characters of your own.

[Fiona Altschuler · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this! It was charming, magical, and simply written, and I really liked the way all the stories were loosely connected — it gave the book a Russian nesting doll-type feel. And it had all the tropes that make Celtic stories so great — rash promises, impossible tasks, and hidden identities!

[Ryan McCarthy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a nesting doll of tales, all of them beautiful, charming, sometimes very funny (especially the King of the Cats or the tale of Gilly and the Churl) and always full of enlightenment. The center story is the quest of the book's namesake, but perhaps the real hero is the elusive Swan of Endless Tales, who, at one point, flies above the King of Ireland's son and Gilly of the Goatskin as they're counting bones; they are enthralled by the Swan's song and lose their count. If you're bored of counting bones, pick up this book, and you too will be enthralled, and, forgetting the count, your mind will ascend on swan's wings into supernal beauties.

[Heather O'Neill · Rating 3 out of 5]

I only read this book because it was part of my son's Waldorf homeschool curriculum. I really didn't care for the book that much. I found myself constantly thinking of other things as I was reading the book and having to consciously make myself pay attention more; the story and characters didn't engage me. My boys (ages 5 & 7), on the other hand really enjoyed the book and would ask me keep reading more each time that we were reading it and would tell their dad about the story.

[Josh Redlich · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book of unforgettable imagery. I read it just before traveling to Ireland, and the country, which is magical enough as is, was so much more so because of this story. the interconnected fairy tales of The King of Ireland's Son make it a great bedtime story for children as well, as each chapter ends nicely, but each story is part of a larger whole. If you are interested in Irish mythology and fairy tales, this is for you.

[Leah Jay · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story of this book was actually quite good, but there were so many subplots to keep up with that I almost lost my mind! I was led this way and that throughout the whole book, it felt like someone was playing tug-of-war with my arms.
The main character was kind if pushy, which turned a nice romance into a stupid one.
I really wanted to like this book, but it has to be a solid 3 stars for me, no more.

[Israel Lawton · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a child, I attended a Waldorf school in Maine, and this book was a core part of the literary curriculum. Though it has been many years sense my last complete reading, the book was such a pivotal part of my childhood that I feel fully confident in recommending it without reservation to readers of all ages. It is a lush, rhythmic, beautiful tale, metal in the most classic and delicate way, and a delightful example of everything Fantasy literature attempts to emulate.

[Frank Parsons · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a children's book that I'm not sure was really meant for children. In here are a series of loosely interrelated stories that are at times adventurous, chivlarous and exciting while at other times cruel, frightening and frankly sad. If you like the old fairy tales, not the Disneyfied crap you get nowadays, then you'll enjoy this book.

[Paul Calhoun · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading this, I want a dog at my heels, a hawk on my wrist, a brave steed to carry me whither I list, and the blue sky over me.

What's amazing is how many of the old fantasy tropes have been [i]lost[/i]. I wouldn't have expected folktales to contain so many elements that seem new, but these do!

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

For Children's Books group, March 2020, I read the full The King of Ireland's Son, from 1916, with many stories braided and beaded along the main story. It wasn't the easiest read ever because of that... but I bet it would actually be easier for youngsters because they could enjoy each tale as a unit before moving on (whereas I tried to read it in less than two days).

Most of the women are strong enough, some are heroes in their own right. Some of the stories are funny. Some have themes that are a bit remote to readers nowadays. Many elements of many of the stories have been seen elsewhere, but none of the tales are actually familiar. There's lots of vocabulary words that I don't even know if today's children in Ireland would know.

There is no note, so I don't know if Colum is a folklorist recording nursery or wonder tales, or created these himself based on traditions.

The illustrations by Willy Pogány are wonderful. They are line drawings that remind me just a bit of Walter Crane's work; they are lively, expressive, clear, and appealing.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun audiobook to listen to with the kids! I thought it was a collection of fairy tales, but it's actually an overarching story with fairy tales woven in. The kids and I enjoyed it thoroughly.

[Naomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook listen for car rides. Read with a great Irish brogue, roving and wild tales that all weave together in the end.

[Katharina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had this book read to me at about age 7 at school (it's essentially on the curriculum for grade 2 in Steiner/Waldorf schools) and I remember enjoying it a lot. As the child of a Steiner teacher, I had my own copy at home which I read quite a few times. I have just read it again to my children who are almost 7 and 10 (they go to a public school) and they both loved it. I think the little one didn't know what was happening some of the time but the older one was totally on board and picked up on all the references and enjoyed unravelling the clues that all connect up at the end of the book. I really love mythology and Ireland, so it appeals to me just from that perspective, but I found some of the repetition a bit heavy going at times, although my mum assures me this is done to reinforce the concepts for kids and they didn't seem to have a problem with it, it works for them, and it certainly wasn't an issue for me as a kid. At first I found reading this book as an adult a bit tedious, it kind of annoyed me that one story led to another one which led to another and it was essentially like The House that Jack Built trying to work out what has to happen before what before what before what before they can finally break the spell and be happy! But the kids really enjoyed that aspect of it. And as the book goes along the pace picks up and it begins to feel comfortable. The edition I have is at least 40 years old and it has quite a few errors in it, some weird consistency and flow problems that seem to crop up, probably just due to lack of proper editing, but it really doesn't detract from the book to any great extent, and the errors reduce as the book goes along. It does make me wonder whether the newer editions have been changed at all or even given some explanatory notes. Anyway, overall, I thoroughly recommend reading this, good for kids about age 7 and up. Just be ready to have to work out when you'll stop reading, especially when reading to kids, because it's not really split up into conventional chapters.

[Shelley · Rating 3 out of 5]

My infatuation with Ireland and obsession with fairytales prompted me to pick up this collection of Irish folklore. I had not heard of these stories before, and a lot of them were actually pretty amusing -- although there seemed to be a trend of "this trial has x-number of obstacles you must overcome".

A common problem with a lot of fairytale collections is that the stories tend to blend together by the end. I felt something similar while I was reading, but now on reflection, I'm surprised by how must I still remember -- Fedelma, the Enchanter's Daughter; When the King of the Cats Came to King Connal's Dominion; The Sword of Light (er, although not so much The Unique Tale); The King of the Land of Mist. Colum used an interesting "story within a story within a story" style. I thought this was clever, and made for interesting storytelling, but at some points I felt the original plot was left hanging for too long that I ended up being really anxious in wanting Colum to come back and give us a resolution.

[Benaiah Lohnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant. Padraic Colum writes a bewitching tale filled with Kings, Giants, Cities, Hags, Enchantments, Witches, Gigantic Cats, Eagle Lords, and Fortune. In this story Fate reigns supreme leading a prince along a difficult trail filled with challenges supreme and problems deadly. Fate and Fortune lead the young prince of Ireland along a trail filled with Love, Romance, and Challenges all culminating in test. A test that will determine if his is worthy of everything else. It's all or nothing.

[Nijole · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite books to read out loud

[Jennifer Christie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an epic, filled with gorgeous prose, a classic hero's journey. The true heroes of the story are the women, who continually save our favorite son of the King of Ireland as he at first rather haphazardly begins his trip, faces problems by throwing up his hands in dread of the tasks he faces, and then goes on and manages decently on his own to save the girl he loves -- who, let's face it, has already saved his life at least the times and who he wouldn't have put in danger if only he had listened to her.
But I digress. I enjoyed it, started reading it to my young daughter, and now, a year or so later it is still one of her favorite stories. We recently started reading it through together again at bedtime. We both enjoy the strange situations the King's son encounters, and how he must constantly go on side quests as he inches nearer to his goal. It's such a nice change from modernized fairy tales, where the story is so nearly tied up and simplified.

[Saba Abu Farha · Rating 4 out of 5]

إن رغبت التعرف على ثقافة بلد ما فاقرأ فلوكلورها والحكايا الشعبية التي تتداول جيلا بعد جيل...
فتلك الحكايا بخباياها تعلمنا الكثير عما تختزله الثقافات ونقف أمامها بذهول لغرابتها وخيالها الواسع.
ولعل الكتاب الذي بين أيدينا لا يقل ذهولا فهو حكايا من الفلوكلور الإيرلندي الذي تحاول إيرلندا الحفاظ عليه رغم سطوة بريطانيا العظمى.
بادريك كولين قاص قصص أطفال غيضا من فيض بعض حكايا الشعبية التي ترويها الجدات لأحفادها، ليمتعنا بتلك الثقافة الغنية التي تستحق الوقوف أمامها بجلال وإكرام لما فيها من غنى معرفي وإنساني ووجداني.
كتب الكتاب 1916، وأعيد طباعته 2020، يستحق القراءة والولوج في الميثولوجيا والفلوكلور الإيرلندي الذي لا يعرف عنه الكثير.
لغة الكتاب سهلة ويمكن إنهائه خلال ساعتين من المتعة المتوازية مع الإنبهار.

[Santina · Rating 2 out of 5]

I only started this because my son was reading it in school and was so excited to tell me about the stories from the book. They're turning it into a play as well. I just couldn't get through it. Seems I'm not a fan of stories that jump from one thing the next without flow. I'm reading about the Prince one chapter, the next I'm reading about a cat with no relation to the prince. Sounds much better being retold by my son. I'll hear the rest of the stories that way.

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It has a very classical-fantasy feeling to it. While enjoyable, this style of writing can drain on you after a while. It could also get a bit confusing at times, as it was a story-within a story-within a story. You had to keep all the threads straight. However, it was very charming, although the execution could of used some work.

[Bridgette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book as a child (grade two) for school and we created puppets for it and performed it at the end of the year, and I'm so glad it was part of our curriculum. I come back to it every couple of years and have re-read at least 5 times and enjoy it thoroughly every time, such a wonderful adventure one I will definitely pass down and read to my kids one day.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a fun read for our March read aloud. My 7 (almost 8) year old loved it and wants us to read it every March. It’s a Children’s book with many stories within stories. One review said “nesting dolls of stories” which paints the perfect picture for the book. I’m sure when we read it again we will enjoy the book even more.

[Brent · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had a very difficult time following the plot of this book, especially at first. Fortunately my 8 year old that I read it to, LOVED IT, and was able to keep me updated on what the hell was going on. LOL.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an entertaining bit of story telling. The book is a collection of smaller stories, all woven together to make the pieces whole.

[Kirstin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A vivid and lovely fairy tale story with strong male and female characters. This edition had quite a number of annoying typographical errors though...wrong pronouns, punctuation etc.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Padraic Colum is always a pleasure to read. His storytelling voice is so compelling and draws all of us into the story.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful old story. A childhood favourite reread.

[Silas · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted some Irish mythology, and I got that, plus a kind of fun story. It goes on and on and on and on.