An Banshenchas (literally "the woman lore") is a medieval text which collects brief descriptions of prominent women in Irish legend and history into a poetic narrative.[1]
Unlike much of early Irish literature, An Banshenchas may be attributed to a specific author and date. The introduction of the poem states that Gilla Mo Dutu Úa Caiside, of Ard Brecáin in Meath, composed it in 1147.
- ^ The -shenchas element in this word is the same one appearing in dinsenchas (place lore) and is cognate with seanachie, a word that has entered English language as a word for a traditional Irish storyteller.