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I'm currently reading, "Thomas The Rhymer" (E. Kushner) and an anthology, "Ballad Tales" modern retellings of trad ballads. These have whetted my interest in these tales. Suggestions for print editions of ballads and stories?

Not exactly what you're looking for, but Morgan Llywellyn writes novels of Irish legends, some of which have ballads based on them. Bard was one; she's written a few about Brian Boru; O'Sullivan's March isn't a ballad, but it is a traditional tune (a 6/8 march).

I read another book based on a ballad around the same time I read Thomas the Rhymer and Bard, but I can't call it up right now. Actually, I just came up with it, it's TAm Lin by Pamela Dean.

Neither Rhymer nor Tam Lin spoke to me that well. I liked the Morgan Llywellyn books (I only read two or three) better. But in the same spirit, you might want to check out Lord Dunsany. The King of Elfland's Daughter was very much in the spirit of the elfin ballads, and a very well put together book. I can't think of a folk song like The Charwoman's Shadow, but it's a really wonderful book, too.

I had Dean's "Tam Lin" and found it unbearable. Llewellyn I've heard of but not read.

Like the HPL reference.

While I'm not sure if there are any ballads written about him, you might be interested in the stories/legends of Cu Chulainn?

If you're not acquainted with him, Cu Chulainn is a legendary Irish hero. Lots of monster slaying, single-handedly defeating armies, rescuing fair damsels and whatnot. Demigod and hero of the nation, a sort of Irish Heracles if you will.

Here's Wikipedia's entry for 'Cu Chulainn in Popular Culture', looks like he's been the subject of more than a few songs.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irish_myt ... A_Chulainn

Without yet checking the provided link, your description sounds much like "The Tain."

your description sounds much like "The Tain."

I hadn't heard of that, but you're dead right. 'Táin Bó Cúailnge', or 'The Driving Off of Cows of Cooley' as Wikipedia rather dramatically translates it. It sounds epic, and I shall endeavour to get my mitts on a copy post-haste. Cheers!

Lozq wrote:

your description sounds much like "The Tain."

I hadn't heard of that, but you're dead right. 'Táin Bó Cúailnge', or 'The Driving Off of Cows of Cooley' as Wikipedia rather dramatically translates it. It sounds epic, and I shall endeavour to get my mitts on a copy post-haste. Cheers!

Thomas Kinsella's translation, while not word-for-word, is nevertheless easy and enjoyable to read.

An Draighean wrote:Thomas Kinsella's translation [of the Táin], while not word-for-word, is nevertheless easy and enjoyable to read.

Seconded! And the illustrations add a certain extra something as well; done by gloomy ink-and-brush shapes of solid black and just a step away from abstract, for me they somewhat bring cave art to mind.

I shall endeavour to get my mitts on a copy

I suggest Thrift Books. In the same quest/adventure story genre, but a rather different culture "The Thirtieth Warrior" aka "Eaters of The Dead" is a good read.

Nanohedron wrote:

An Draighean wrote:Thomas Kinsella's translation [of the Táin], while not word-for-word, is nevertheless easy and enjoyable to read.

Seconded! And the illustrations add a certain extra something as well; done by gloomy ink-and-brush shapes of solid black and just a step away from abstract, for me they somewhat bring cave art to mind.

I enjoyed it greatly too (and must read it again sometime) having known the tales in various retellings since childhood. My copy was found and bought new in Holland when I was studying there in 1986–7 and was just one of several surprise Dutch bookshop finds!

Peter Duggan wrote:My copy was found and bought new in Holland when I was studying there in 1986–7 ...

I'm not sure, but I think I got mine either in the late 70s or early 80s; I associate it somehow with one of my exes.

I don't know where it is any more - I might even have given it away. I do that now and again.

Is it harder to find now? I bought mine from the bookstore at Queens University in Belfast, in 1979. I remember because it was the year my wife and I were married, and we spent a lot of money there on our honeymoon.

I suggest Thrift Books.

I hadn't come across this mob before, cheers! And only $5 shipping to Australia. Brilliant