Research Paper on:
Ancient Irish Tale 'How Ronan Slew His Son'

Unformatted Sample Text from the Research Paper:
are often themes that are seen in the inherent nature of man. They are, in that respect, examinations of the weak condition of mankind from many different perspectives. In the  ancient Irish tale "How Ronan Slew His Son" we see many of these elements or themes. In the following paper we examine the story, discussing elements or themes that are  illustrative of the weaknesses of mankind, realities which inadvertently destroy that which is good. How Ronan Slew His Son In this story we seem to have a king,  Ronan, who is somewhat wise and very appreciative of his son. He loves his son and thinks that his son could do no wrong. In truth, he is right. But,  he is swayed to think otherwise. And, this perhaps could have been avoided if he had listened to his sons advice in the beginning of the story. Ronans wife  had died and his son had urged him to find another wife. In his wisdom, Ronans son understood that his father was a better man with a wife. Ronan wanted  a young woman he had heard of, while his son suggested he marry a woman of some wisdom and age. "Truly, you are not a mate for a girl...Will you  not take a sedate woman? That would be more fitting than a little skittish thing of a girl." However, Ronan could not be stopped, presenting us with his first weakness  as a man, a weakness that would be his undoing. Ronan sought this woman, slept with her, and brought her back as his queen, despite the initial suggestions of  his son. Eventually this woman, the new queen, found that she wanted Ronans son. In her we see yet another aspect of the weaknesses of mankind. She was not content