How many major cycles does Irish mythology have?

How many major cycles does Irish mythology have? Irish mythology is conventionally divided into four major cycles. They are the Mythological Cycle, the Ulster Cycle, the Fenian or Fianna Cycle, and the Cycles of the Kings, also called the Historical Cycle.

The Mythological Cycle concerns Ireland’s legendary early peoples and the Tuatha Dé Danann, who preserve many features of the pre-Christian supernatural tradition. The Ulster Cycle is the heroic body of stories centered on figures such as Cú Chulainn, Conchobar mac Nessa and Medb; its centerpiece is the Táin Bó Cúailnge, or Cattle Raid of Cooley.

The Fenian Cycle follows Fionn mac Cumhaill and the Fianna, a warrior band whose adventures include wilderness exploits, hunts and encounters with the Otherworld. The Kings’ Cycle blends legend, genealogy and history, recounting rulers and dynastic traditions from strongly mythical kings to more historical figures.

This is a classification of surviving literature, not a claim that every Irish myth fits neatly into one category. Some voyage tales, place-lore and later stories stand outside the four-cycle framework. “Four” remains the standard quiz answer.