KingsCycle

Abstract

The Kings Cycle is a category of literature in the Irish language which is comprised of a wide range of works in both prose and poetry which share a focus on the exploits of the historical and mythical kings of Ireland. The works (approximately 140 in number) vary in date; works in this cycle were written in Old, Middle, and Early Modern Irish, and their stories are set at various points between the fifth and the eleventh century CE . The narratives focus primarily on prominent rather than lesser kings, and there are numerous dynastic story‐cycles within the wider Kings Cycle grouping. The works frequently display a mix of myth and history, and historical and unhistorical figures appear alongside each other. The composite nature of this cycle presents various types of story, including: origin‐legends, pseudo‐historical works, legal narratives, and adventure stories.