The central conflict ignites when the armies of Connacht invade Ulster to seize the legendary Brown Bull of Cuailnge, forcing a lone hero to defend his province. Cuchulainn, the Hound of Ulster, stands as the primary obstacle against the invading forces of Queen Medb and King Ailill. While the warriors of Ulster are incapacitated by a curse, Cuchulainn must utilize his superhuman abilities and tactical prowess to hold the border against overwhelming odds. The narrative framework follows the structure of an ancient oral epic, blending prose and verse to recount the brutal realities of heroic warfare and the rigid codes of honor governing the warriors of the Ulster Cycle.

Readers and critics frequently highlight this translation for its ability to maintain the raw, archaic energy of the original Irish text while remaining accessible to modern audiences. Discussion often centers on the stark, visceral nature of the violence and the complex moral landscape inhabited by the warriors of the Ulster Cycle. Many appreciate the inclusion of the preparatory stories, which provide necessary context for the central conflict of the cattle raid. The collaboration between Kinsella’s prose and le Brocquy’s illustrations is often cited as a significant factor in the book's enduring appeal as a definitive version of the epic. The work is widely regarded as a foundational text for those interested in Celtic mythology and the evolution of heroic literature.