Keltic Cycles

[cmacq]

This thread is offered so that some people may understand that what is today called a Keltic Cycle, is a recent literary invention and not an ancient format. These cycles are composed of the synthesis of numerous stories, poems, and pseudo-histories related to a given topic. These cycles are by all means not direct translations of a text and are often highly elaborated on by their modern authors.

Now, then...

The Donn Cycle may have been taken from the Lebor Gabála/Lebor Gabála Érenn/Leabhar Gabhála Éireann in English The Book of the Taking; aka, The Book of Taking Erin's Isle/Erie/Ireland or The Book of the Conquests and also often commonly called 'The Book of Invasions?'

This Milesian character is Eber/Emer Donn mac Miles/Mil Espáine

When alive he was somewhat of a very bad dude, hence the name (Donn means the Dark One in English). I think there also was an old Hebridean story about Donn's pursuit of the Dannan/De'anna from Erie to the Isle of Mull? In one or both stories, after he was killed, I think he became the infamous Donn, king (god) of the dead? There are several additional short-stories just about the KIA Donn. Its been a long time since I've seen these stories, I'll have to check on them?

I've never seen this part of the Leabhar Gabh`ala called a cycle before? But, then again, there may be more to the story than I'm aware of. Maybe whomever connected all the sperate stories into a single thread? Thats how all the other so-called Cycles became Cycles to begin with. Again, maybe there's a knowing Erinite out there that could shed some more light?

I hope this helps...