Cuchulainn and the Crow Queen

This retelling of the Irish Ulster Cycle traces Cúchulainn from his disputed birth to the battle of the bulls and his final death. Along the way, it presents the young champion’s defence of Ulster, his battle frenzy and the violent obligations of a warrior society shaped by tribal rivalries, kings and warrior queens.

Hovering over the story is the Morrigu, the Crow Queen, a battle goddess linked with chaos, death and conflict. Her presence gives the hero’s exploits a darker dimension, particularly as the narrative moves towards his downfall. Bernard Kelly’s version draws on less familiar episodes as well as the central legends, with illustrations and additional material by June Peters.