The boy who takes up the spear and shield of Manhood on this day will become the most renowned of all the warriors of Ireland, men will follow at his call to the world's end, and his enemies will shudder at the thunder of his chariot wheels. So the ancient prophecy went, and as the boy Cuchulain heard it, he went forward to claim the weapons of his manhood. This is the story of how he became the greatest of heroes - the Hound of Ulster.

In 50 BCE, Morrigan, the goddess of war, has become restless as a long-lasting peace settles over Ireland. Deciding the time of peace must end, she chooses Setanta, the nephew of the king of the north, to become her ward. After a young Setanta slays the demon-hound of Cullan, he becomes known as Cú Cullan—The Hound of Cullan. As Cú Cullan grows older, it is apparent that an extraordinary power lies within him . . . and a great darkness. When he chooses the quiet life of a farmer over the sword, Morrigan, angry at the betrayal, instigates an invasion of his homeland and Cú Cullan must challenge fate itself to keep the goddess at bay. This exciting, ancient tale is retold for a contemporary audience by master storytellers Paul J. Bolger (Cool World, The Land Before Time, The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists!), Barry Devlin (Horslips: The Táin, U2: Making of Rattle & Hum, A Man of No Importance), and Dee Cunniffe (The Paybacks, Redneck).

Chronicles the exploits of the great Irish hero Cuchulainn, the mystical warrior known for his fierce dedication to king and country, whose inspirational deeds and courage changed the course of Irish history.

A retelling of a traditional Irish folk tale. The king is on the way to visiting Culain's house, when he sees a young boy, Setanta, playing hurling very bravely, and asks him to join them later. However, as he forgets to inform his host that he will have an extra visitor. Setanta is attacked by Culain's guard dog - which he bravely fights and kills. As Culain is so sad at the loss of his prized hound, Setanta offers to guard the house and its grounds until a replacement is found. The king, impressed by the boy's bravery and skill, gives him the name Culchulainn, the Hound of Ulster.

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A thrilling retelling of the traditional Irish legend of Cúchulainn written by Malachy Doyle. Young Setanta, the son of poor shepherds, is determined to impress the might king of Ulster with his strength and bravery and to join the Red Branch Knights. He could easily beat the other warriors at hurling. He could even triumph over them in a fight. But can he defeat the ferocious hound of Ulster, the smith Culann's menacing guard dog, and prove his worth? This page-turning story from Malachy Doyle, based on the traditional Irish folk tale, has exciting black-and-white illustrations by Erin Brown and is perfect for children who are developing as readers. The Bloomsbury Readers series is packed with brilliant books to get children reading independently in Key Stage 2, with book-banded stories by award-winning authors like double Carnegie Medal winner Geraldine McCaughrean and Waterstones Prize winner Patrice Lawrence covering a wide range of genres and topics. With charming illustrations, ideas for discussion points and online guided reading notes written by the Centre for Literacy in Primary Education (CLPE), this series is ideal for reading both in the classroom and at home. For more information visit www.bloomsburyguidedreading.com. Book Band: Grey (ideal for ages 8+)