Táin Bó Cúailnge

“…I know we have still not shattered that highest and hardest glass ceiling, but some day someone will…and to all the little girls..you are valuable and powerful and deserving of every chance and opportunity in the world…” This powerful statement from Hillary Clinton’s concession speech on November 8, 2016 depicts the need that our culture still has for gender equality. Throughout history there has been a battle between the sexes, mainly men attempting to take power away from women. Stories or myths that have been collected and translated allow one to learn about different cultures, specifically the standards of that time. In modern times, there are films and comic books which reflect our ideals. Comparing the ancient to the modern myth provides insight into how the tension between man and woman has differed or remained throughout different cultures and time periods. Although it can be discomforting to see the ways in which women were treated in ancient myths, it is certainly encouraging to see how mindsets have changed over time. While there is still much progress to be achieved, our culture and modern myths are much more friendly to the idea of gender equality than past myths. The ways in which women are portrayed in the myth The Tain carries strong messages. The cultural standard for women during this time is illustrated in the character Emer. Being “…the finest in Ireland for shapeliness and purity and tidiness,” (Kinsella 31) setting a high standard for Irish women in…