From Library Journal
Continuing his expansive retelling of the ancient Irish epic of Cuchulainn begun in The Raid (Forge, 1997), Eickhoff spotlights the swashbuckling and humorous tale of the feast of Fled Bricriu, god of mischief. Traversing between this and the "otherworld," three of Ireland's great mythic heroes enter into a battle of wits, swords, and elements to be named Champion of Conchobor of Nessa's realm in Ulster and win the accompanying privileges. As the competition unfolds, Bricriu sends them on a rollicking quest. What Eickhoff's modern retelling loses in poetic form it more than makes up for in colorful, lively prose, complete with a glossary that does much to enhance understanding of the historical context. Predating Sir Gaiwain and the Green Knight, this portion of the epic Ulster Cycle has been known since the eighth century. Readers of mythology and lovers of the richness that is Irish literature will find this modern retelling accessible and most entertaining.ASusan Gene Clifford, Aerospace Corp., El Segundo, CA
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From Booklist
The current vogue for all things Celtic has spurred interest in the ancient mythological figures and tales of Ireland. Iron Age Celtic material was recorded in writing many hundreds of years later by Celtic monks who were not far removed from the values and ideals of their ancestors. Eickhoff, who previously recast the great epic
Tain bo Cuailnge as the novel
The Raid, now turns his attention to the
Fled Bricrend, the feast of Bricriu. A sharp-tongued man, Bricriu has been banished from the high king's court for sowing dissension among the warriors. To retaliate, Bricriu stages a great feast, then sets the greatest warriors of Ulster, including the awesomely powerful Cuchulain, to arguing about who gets the "hero's portion," the greatest honor of any feast. Those looking for sentimental Irishness should go elsewhere, for there's plenty of magic and loads of sex in this sprawling, bawdy entertainment.
Patricia Monaghan
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
