- Why do you think the text starts the way it does – a conversation between a king and queen in bed – a war
over a bull? - Describe the symbolic importance of the men of Ulster experiencing birthing pains which keeps them from
helping Cuchulainn in the battle with Ulster. - Come with a symbolic reason why the text would focus on one man, Cuchulainn, fighting this fight all alone?
Could it symbolize something else that readers could relate to in their lives? - Describe the role of Queen Medb within the text; does she serve to teach Cuchulainn anything?
- Explain the importance when The Morrigan visits Cuchulainn in the text? Why does she appear first as a
maiden, then in 3 animals forms, and then as an old woman? What does this scene show us about the growth
of Cuchulainn? - Does Cuchulainn grow/change within the text?
- What is the meaning of the end of the text with its focus on two bulls?
- What is the overall meaning of the book?
Use the following websites for your reference:
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/302034/the-tain-by-ciaran-carson/9780140455304/readersguide/
https://www.gradesaver.com/the-t%C3%A1in
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T%C3%A1in_B%C3%B3_C%C3%BAailnge
Sample Solution
