[1.] Introduction: reference to Síd Truim in poem in Serglige Con Culainn; [2.]
Síd Truim and the Tuatha Dé Danann; [3.] Síd Truim as the place of Cú Chulainn’s
birth: in first version of tale Compert Con Culainn contained in MS RIA D iv 2 (1223); [4.]
Síd Truim as the place of Cú Chulainn’s burial: in poem A Oisín fuirigh ar Dhia; [5.] The location of Síd Truim; [6.] Conclusions.
Examines various examples of conflict of obligations caused by the hero’s code of honour and the gessi imposed on him, focusing on the case of Cú Chulainn.
Examines the institution of fosterage in early Ireland, focusing on the adoption of Cú Chulainn by Conchobar and the other prominent Ulstermen. Discusses in particular the terms: gormac, dalta, nia, mac fóesma, sét gerta (or gairitechta), orba niad and orba dúthrachta. Cf. T. Ó Cathasaigh, in Peritia 5 (1986), pp. 128-160.
Studies the forms of this motif in Celtic, Old English and Old Norse literature.
Also in Occasional papers in linguistics and language learning 8 (Aug., 1981), pp. 53-61 [= Studies in English language and early literature in honour of Paul Christophersen / edited by P. M. Tilling (Coleraine: New University of Ulster, 1981)].
Suggests that a counterpart of classical Apollo was known and
worshipped in pagan Ireland, and that his attributes were
transferred to local divinities which subsequently surface in Irish literature as Conmáel mac Ébir and later but more importantly Cú Chulainn.
Examines instances of Cú Chulainn’s transgression of gender, identity and tribal boundaries, with reference to Julia Kristeva’s concept of ‘abjection’.