[3] The only surviving copy of this text is found in the manuscript Leabhar Mhic Cárthaigh Riabhaigh or the Book of Lismore which itself dates to the fifteenth century.
[4] The story is set in seventh-century Ireland and is a literary showcase and parody of the practice of satire that was common among professional poets at the time.
[6] Féargal Ó Béarra on the other hand gives a more insightful translation of the title with "the excessive poetic retinue which afflicted Guaire".
[9] The story starts off by introducing the reader to Dallán who is the poet for King Hugh Finn of Bréifne at the time.
Hugh Finn wanted to attain the king of Oriel’s ever-powerful shield, so he asks Dallán to demand it from him as payment for a poem.
Over the time of their visit however, the poets become very demanding and needy, ordering a number of impossible tasks they want Guaire to complete for them.
Marbán, Guaire’s brother and swineherd, chief prophet of heaven and earth helps him complete all the tasks they ask.
One day some time later, Marbán decides he will seek revenge from the poets because of their atrocious behaviour and abuse of power.
The poets travel Ireland and Scotland for a year until they eventually find out that the only person who knows the story is Fergus mac Róich.
When Fergus returns to his grave, shortly after the poets recite an Táin Bó Cuailnge for Marbán and the curse is lifted.
Writing poetry and prose was largely dominated by the professional poets and so the vast majority of surviving texts were written in their high-register.