Heroic Romances of Ireland, Translated into English Prose and Verse — Volume 1

"HEROIC ROMANCES OF IRELAND" by Arthur Herbert Leahy is a window into Ireland's mythical past, presenting ancient Celtic stories in both prose and poetry, probably put together in the late 1800s. It seeks to share old Irish legends filled with heroes, magic, and love with today's audience, using figures like Cuchulain and Etain to show themes of bravery, romance, and the supernatural. The book starts by talking about Irish literature's place in the world and why it's important, pushing back against those who ignore stories from cultures that aren't Greek or Roman and arguing for the value of Celtic art. It also lays out how the book is put together, mixing prose with verse, and teases the first story, "The Courtship of Etain," which involves a king's love for a magical woman and the meddling of supernatural beings.