| The Cycles of the Kings | |
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The Cycles of the Kings (alias the Historical Cycle) is the name given by modern scholars to the Old, Middle, and Early Modern Irish narratives that deal with the exploits of Irish kings. Although over one hundred of these stories survive from the late seventh through the seventeenth centuries, few are known outside academic circles. The goal, therefore, of The Cycles of the Kings Web Project is to promote the study of these texts by doing for them what James F. Kenney did so admirably for the works in The Sources for the Early History of Ireland: Ecclesiastical (Dublin reprinted 1993). When completed, The Cycles of the Kings Web Project will provide a wealth of information on these tales, including a list of all the extant sagas together with plot summaries; notes on manuscript sources, translations, and editions; bibliographies of secondary literature; and character lists. The project will also include a complete list of all the kings who appear as major characters in these stories together with their dynastic affiliations, dates, and other pertinent information. Lastly, the project will include a complete list of all the dynasties represented in these stories together with a brief 50-100 word account of their historical development and place in Irish society. The purpose of this information is to provide students and teachers with the background necessary to read and appreciate these fascinating sagas. This project was begun in the summer of 2003. It went online in the summer of 2004, and it is expected to be completed by the end of summer 2005. Comments about any aspect of this project are welcome (contact information).
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| Copyright 2004-2005 Dan M. Wiley. Last updated 11/17/05 | |