A movie on Cúchulainn

**oudysseos** · 02-05-2010, 17:06

"The Myth" is not quite as monolithic as all that- there are a couple of different recensions of the Tain, and lots of little individual parts that are traditionally grouped with it. Kinsella's translation, although a true masterpiece, went a long way towards enshrining the notion that there is one and only one Tain, which is not quite the case.

Also, let's not forget that the Tain is not history, nor is it really the end result of a long oral tradition, so don't look it for accurate information about Late Iron Age Ireland. Barry Raftery is the man for that (Pagan Celtic Ireland).

Which is why, I suppose, people feel free to do their own versions of the Tain in film and comic. There's lots in Kinsella's version that wouldn't translate well to the screen- although, the version that Genava linked to looks like a truly epic piece of crap. It's a shame, as I think that there is a really good Cuchullain movie that could be made.

**ziegenpeter** · 02-08-2010, 13:34

Originally Posted by oudysseos

the version that Genava linked to looks like a truly epic piece of crap. It's a shame, as I think that there is a really good Cuchullain movie that could be made.

What makes you say that? Did I miss anything? I only get the page with an eye (which could be an eye from one of those AVATAR guys...) and some sketchy synopsis. Not a lot to base a prediction in, he?

**geala** · 02-18-2010, 07:19

Thank you for the info, Genava. Cuchulainn is one of my most favorite "heroes". It is very probable that the movie will be a desaster but I will buy it nevertheless on all accounts just because of the setting. Are there any informations on the release date? ( I mean the movie, not EB II...)

@ oudysseos: what makes "An Tain" so brilliant? The adaption of the story? The dialoges? Unfortunately I cannot read Irish. The costumes of the people shown at least are not what I imagine when I think of Cuchulainn and Co. or Irish warriors in general.

**oudysseos** · 02-18-2010, 16:48

Hmmm. Hard to say. For us interested in our putative native tongue, an Irish language comic book is pretty cool. It's not really meant to be historically accurate, because the Tain does not take place in history. Also, I know some of the guys who produced it, so I'm not impartial.

**geala** · 02-21-2010, 09:05

I understand your sympathy very well.

It's a pity that I cannot read Irish or Gaelic myself.

It's just this, if I were able to make a movie or comic about a saga like that of Arthur, the Nibelungen, Beowulf or some from Island, I would use the chance to show some historical imprints. The Tain or other stories in which Cuchulainn appears might not be historical (at least I don't think the old warriors were f.e. able to chop off hills with their swords), but stem from a culture and point to a certain time (maybe disputed). Proper clothes, weapons and armor would be important for me. Some cloth is also described in the Tain itself (or my weak memory betrays me), as far as I remember more tunics and kilts and bare feet, not loincloths and boots.

BTW, how is Cuchulainn pronounced? I do it normally like Cou-chou-linn (like in "you", "check" and "Lindisfarne", Ku-tschu-lin in German), all syllables short and I accentuate the first syllable (although the accent on the second syllable would make a more impressive name in my ears). What is the correct method? How do you pronounce Tain Bo Cuailnge? Tan Bo Coulnay or Tun Bo Coulee or ...?

**bobbin** · 02-22-2010, 00:56

Originally Posted by geala

BTW, how is Cuchulainn pronounced? I do it normally like Cou-chou-linn (like in "you", "check" and "Lindisfarne", Ku-tschu-lin in German), all syllables short and I accentuate the first syllable (although the accent on the second syllable would make a more impressive name in my ears).

More like "koo khullin" with the "kh" sounding like the "ch" in the scottish "loch" but starting with a almost silent "k" sound (infact you could get away with just saying "koo hullin"). "khullin" should be said quickly with the stress on the first syllable.

**athanaric** · 02-22-2010, 08:56

Originally Posted by bobbin

More like "koo khullin" with the "kh" sounding like the "ch" in the scottish "loch" but starting with a almost silent "k" sound (infact you could get away with just saying "koo hullin"). "khullin" should be said quickly with the stress on the first syllable.

Like [ku 'xuli:n]?

**geala** · 02-22-2010, 13:28

Originally Posted by bobbin

More like "koo khullin" with the "kh" sounding like the "ch" in the scottish "loch" but starting with a almost silent "k" sound (infact you could get away with just saying "koo hullin"). "khullin" should be said quickly with the stress on the first syllable.

Thanks. But I'm still a bit dazzled. Is "oo" differently spoken to "u"? Is it the English pronunciation what you mean? I don't think so, because "u" in English is mostly pronounced like the "a" in "are". Is "oo" more a long "o" or more like "ou" in "you" or "oo" in "cool" (which sounds like ou in you, both more or less a long "u" in German)? In German we pronounce the "u" like "ou" in "you" and the "ch" like in "loch", the "i" like an English "ee". So I would pronounce Cuchulainn now like Ku-(c)hu-linn (German pronunciation) or Cou-(c)hou-lin (English pronunciation).

It would be much more easy if the English speaking people would speak as they write.