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The Countess Cathleen

From Hero-Myths & Legends of the British Race, by M. I. Ebbutt

This legend appears in M. I. Ebbutt's collection Hero-Myths & Legends of the British Race, first published in 1910, though the story itself is much older—a medieval Irish tale retold by poets and playwrights for centuries. The text reflects its era; a few period terms have been modernised. The story explores the tension between self-interest and self-sacrifice, and asks what a soul is truly worth. Cathleen's choice—to trade her own salvation for the freedom of others—has echoed through literature as one of the great images of redemptive love.

Band

Blue · Independent readers, confidentTypical starting range: ages 12–14

Length

long · about 1019 words in 5 sections · 2 pictures

Source

Hero-Myths & Legends of the British Race, M. I. Ebbutt

First published

see the About page in the reader

Regions

Canada · United States

Included formats

• · Web reader and PDF
• · EPUB for e-readers
• · Home-print sheet
• · Folded booklet
• · Binder edition (8.5 × 11)
• · Worksheet
• · Quick Check (10 questions) with answer key
• · Read-aloud script
• · Teacher’s Edition (members)

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