Deirdre of the Sorrows (Cyclopedia of Literary Characters)
At a glance:
- Author: J. M. Synge
- First Published: 1910
- Type of Work: Play
- Type of Plot: Tragedy
- Time of Work: The legendary past
- Setting: Ireland
- Genres: Drama, Tragedy
- Subjects: Mythology or myths, Love or romance, Suicide, Escapes, Music or musicians, Kings, queens, or royalty, Legends, Kidnapping, Fate or fatalism, Heroes or heroism, Ireland or Irish people, Middle Ages, Celtic Twilight, Celts
- Locales: Ireland
Characters Discussed
Deirdre (DEER-druh), a Gaelic legendary heroine foretold to bring trouble into the world. Loved by King Conchubor, she, in turn, loves Naisi, with whom she flees. After seven years of happiness, the lovers are lured back to the king’s castle, where Naisi is slain. In her sorrow, Deirdre kills herself to join her lover in another world.
Naisi (NAY-shee), a Gaelic legendary hero. Winning Deirdre’s love, he takes her from King Conchubor. After seven happy years with his bride, he is tricked into a meeting with the king and is slain.
Conchubor...
[The entire page is 514 words long]
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