Echtra

Definition and etymology

In Irish literature Echtrae and Immram are tales of voyages to an Otherworld. In general the "Echtrae" are set in a pagan context. In contrast the Immram, though containing mythological story elements, are set in post-pagan Ireland, and the main protagonist is Christian, and the journey is usually by sea.

A point of contention in absolute definition exists in the case of "Immram Brain maic Febail". Despite the naming this tale is considered to form part of the Echtrae milieu, and may have been named as an Immram due to a conflation of Bran (Brain) and St. Brendan.

Generally, echtra was the Old Irish word for "adventure" (literally meaning an "outing".), as well as a cognate for the Latin extra, The modern and middle Irish language word is eachtra.

The Dictionary of the Irish Language notes alternative usage meanings in addition to the primary "expedition, voyage, journey" - these include "a warlike expedition", and the more general "tale", or "history".