What is "banshenchas"

An Banshenchas (literally "the woman lore") is a medieval text which collects brief descriptions of prominent women in Irish legend into a poetic narrative.

Unlike much of early Irish literature, An Banshenchas may be attributed to a specific author and date. The introduction of the poem states that Gilla Mo Dutu Úa Caiside, of Ard Brecáin in Meath, composed it in 1147.