This does not mean according to the date of their composition, which in most cases is quite indiscoverable, and still less, according to the dates of the MSS.

in which they are contained.

The order is given by the position, in real or mythical history, of the events they deal with.

Of course it is not practicable to dovetail them into one another with perfect accuracy.

Where a story, like that of the Children of Lir, extends over nearly a thousand years, beginning with the mythical People of Dana and ending in the period of Christian monasticism, one can only decide on its place by considering where it will throw most light on those which come nearest to it.