Author(s): James Stephens
Beautiful, playful young Deirdre, caught in the crosshairs of Ireland’s wily, chauvinistic King Conachur, who desires to marry her after his own wife Maeve has escaped his clutches, is one of many prequels to the legend of “The Great Tain”, Ireland’s national epic. Sometimes called “The Irish Iliad”, this saga of war between rival Irish and Scottish kings, with its many characters, was preserved in oral tradition with many variations, until committed to writing in the Middle Ages. Stephens gives his own interpretation, insights and humor of the Deirdre story as he spins court intrigue, jealousy, subterfuge. Deirdre’s innocence, training as a young lady of worth; her escape from Conachur, her love for her husband (murdered at the King’s hand), and eventual suicide, are the stuff of Irish legend, riveting throughout, rivaling the romantic tragedy of Romeo and Juliet. (Summary by Michele Fry)
List of characters:Conachur mac Nessa – King of UlsterFergus mac Roy – King of Ulster before Conachur displaced him, married his mother Nessa and became Conachur’s step fatherFelemid – the storytellerDeirdre – daughter of Felemid, raised by Laversham for ConachurNessa – daughter of Echaid Yellow-Heel, once King of Ulster, mother of Conachur, wife of Cathfa, then FergusCathfa – Conachur’s father, also poet/seer/magician; Nessa’s husband until she left him for FergusMaeve – daughter of the High King of Ireland, unwilling wife of Conachur, who finally escapes and leaves him lonely, embarrassed and angryLaversham – Conachur’s “conversation woman” (confidant), his spy, and Deirdre’s foster mother/groomerNaoise – Deirdre’s lover and husband, warrior in Conachur’s army, Uisneac’s eldest sonAinnle and Ardan – Naoise’s younger brothersUisneac – father of Naoise (Deirdre’s husband), Ainnle and ArdanBricriu – in charge of hospitality, also a poet and troublemakerFachtna the Mighty – in some legends the son of Og and Nessa’s lover; possible father of Conachur, which would make Conachur half mortal/half GodClothru – daughter of the High King of Ireland, wife of Conachur until killed by her sister MaeveBuinne and Iollann, sons of Fergus mac Roy
Definitions: featly = nimbly, gracefullyfindriny = A precious metal often cited in early Irish manuscripts as having a value lower than gold or silver.eric – tribute/penalty/punishment paid in reparation for murder or other major crimes.geasa – obligations or prohibitions, vows, taboos or curses which, if violated, bring dishonor or even death. Conversely, the observing of a geas is empowering.