Aspects of cultural relativity within Lebor Gabála Érenn

Abstract

Within this thesis I propose to conduct an investigation into the Lebor Gabála Érenn (LGÉ) from a primarily anthropological standpoint. In the course of my investigation I plan on accomplishing three tasks. The first is to establish what can be said about the status of LGÉ and the reasons why it was preserved. This will include an appraisal of previous scholarship on the subject. The second, and by definition the core task. is to illustrate and discuss the cultural relevance (as defined in the Definitions section above) of certain elements within LGÉ as it may have existed for a continuing community: the 'users' of LGÉ during the period of its formation and evolution. The third task, building on the second, is to take thus identified as culturally relevant on the basis of their behaviour in LGÉ, and subject them to a cross -cultural comparison. The creation myths of the Navajo Nation have been selected for this comparison. The purpose of this comparison will be to provide a measure of control over our selection and deployment of cultural indicators, and to enable us to approach the question of culture- specific versus universal elements at this level of inquiry.