An academic critical edition based on several manuscripts.

INTRODUCTION

I. Sources

The version of Tromdámh Guaire here given is contained in the Book of Lismore (15th cent.)., fo. 144a my text being taken immediately from O’Curry’s transcript of that book in the Royal Irish Acamy (23. H. 6). I have collated it with three paper MSS. in the Academy collection, 24 M 31 (M), 23 O 16 (O1) and 23 O 34 (O2) ; of these O1 and O2 give (with very slight difference) a modern version differing considerably from that of Lismore ; M agrees substantially with Lismore (with somewhat modernized spelling) down to the words “ As decair na miana sin, ” etc. (l. 531 below), the remainder being in close agreement with O. I have given variant readings from M and O only where they helped to elucidate the text. I have silently expanded contractions, using italics only in cases where I was doubtful of the correct expansion. Where the Lismore text is defective, I have filled up gaps from M, these being indicated by square brackets.