Horslips - Concerning The Tain lyrics

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Ireland's most exciting saga is, undoubtedly, Tain Bo Cuailgne ( The<br />

Cattle Raid of Cooley ), the centrepiece of the Ulster cycle of Heroic<br />

Tales.<br />

Normally referred to as "The Tain", it deals with the conflict between<br />

The forces of Connacht and Ulster for possession of a prize bull.<br />

The events of the Tain are estimated to have taken place in Ireland<br />

Approximately 500 B.C. The earliest written version of the Tain known<br />

To us is contained in the Book of the Dun Cow, which dates from the 12th<br />

Century. Before this the story was kept alive by storytellers.<br />

Two other manuscript versions are also available; the 12th century Book<br />

Of Leinster and the 14th century Yellow Book of Lecan. The Tain, as<br />

Ireland's equivalent of the Aeneid, has long intrigued historians, academics<br />

And writers.