After the Táin: A Tale of Cú Chulainn

by

David Jordan

(Vulpine Press, March 2023, pb, 184 pp.)

Reviewed by Victoria Silverwolf
The author relates new adventures of a folk hero from Irish mythology in this novella. In warfare, battle fury transforms him into a raging monster. Weary of this kind of life, he deliberately partakes of milk from a divine cow that causes him to lose his memory.

When this proves unsatisfactory, he drinks another draught of milk that causes him to regain his memory, as well as another that allows him to obtain whatever knowledge he wishes to acquire; namely, the ability to travel in time to the Trojan War. What results during this excursion causes two of his friends to journey to the Underworld.

Familiarity with traditional tales of Cú Chulainn is not strictly necessary for full enjoyment of this story, although it would be helpful. The premise of having the hero meet characters from Homer’s Iliad, as well as Socrates and Merlin, is certainly original.

The author’s use of language is not always appropriate for the kind of tale being told. It is disconcerting, for example, to read about a character in ancient Ireland who refers to a bad situation as a “bummer.” (There is no indication that this is meant to be a deliberately humorous anachronism.) I lost count of how many times characters living in the distant past said “OK” or “okay.” (The inconsistency in spelling is also distracting.)

The narrative is very heavy on dialogue, often discussing things the reader already knows. Although there are some striking descriptions, these are few and far between. The work could benefit from some judicious editing.

Victoria Silverwolf has never been to Ireland.