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The Return of the Hero
Hardcover
FantasyGeneral FictionLiterary Fiction
ISBN13: 9781025501789
Publisher: Tradd Street Press
Published: Feb 14 2026
Pages: 242
Weight: 1.14
Height: 0.56 Width: 6.14 Depth: 9.21
Language: English
The Return of the Hero is a brilliant and satirical exploration of Irish mythology and the inevitable clash between ancient pagan values and the dawn of Christianity. The narrative follows the legendary Fenian hero OisÃ-n upon his return to Ireland after spending three centuries in the magical realm of TÃ-r na nÃg. To his dismay, he finds a land transformed, where the heroic feats of the Fianna have been replaced by the austere teachings and rituals of the Church.
The core of the novel consists of a series of witty and profound dialogues between OisÃ-n and Saint Patrick. Through these spirited exchanges, Darrell Figgis juxtaposes the joy, courage, and naturalism of the old world with the moral complexities and dogma of the new. While OisÃ-n recounts the grand adventures and noble spirits of Fionn mac Cumhaill and his warriors, Saint Patrick attempts to guide the legendary hero toward a Christian salvation he barely understands.
Rich in atmosphere and intellectual depth, The Return of the Hero serves as both a tribute to the Fenian Cycle and a sharp-witted critique of social and religious institutionalism. It remains a significant work of the Irish Literary Revival, offering readers a unique blend of epic fantasy, philosophical debate, and timeless folklore.
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This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.
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