The Greeks have nothing on the Irish with respect to telling tales of tragedy. This post is with respect to one such tragedy. Togail Bruidne Da Derga or The Destruction of Da Derga’s Hostel is a tale within the Ulster Cycle. It recounts the birth, life and death of Conaire Mor, son of Eterscel Mor, a legendary High King of Ireland. It is considered among the finest of Irish sagas of the period and is comparable to Tain Bo Cuailnge.
The theme is one of gathering doom as the king is forced time and again to break taboos during this pre-Christian era. This tale of tragic marvels is told through repetitions and verbal formulas highly representative of Irish oral transmission. To know this story is to gain rich insight to pre-Christian Ireland and to hear a tale much worthy of retelling.
A version of this saga may be read here:
http://www.bartleby.com/49/3/1.html
An introduction to pre-Christian Irish mythology may be viewed here:
ALOHA PROMISES FOREVER 