Deirdre of the Sorrows

When Deirdre daughter of Feidhlim was born the wise old druids foretold that she would bring great sorrow to Ulster. They also foretold that she would be the most beautiful woman in Ulster.

King Connor gave the order that Deirdre was to be betroved to him, and until she was old enough she was to be sent away to an old lady called Leabharcham. Leabharcham lived in the woods and Deirdre grew up a very lonely and beautiful girl. She would indeed be the most beautiful woman in Ulster. She had Golden hair and eyes as blue as the Sky.

On afternoon Deirdre told Leabharcham about a tall fearless warrior she dreamt of every time she closed her eyes. “ He has black hair and skin like snow. He is the one man I yearn to meet Leabharcham”  “ oh no I can never let you meet this man even though he is a brave warrior.  He is a son of Uinseach. You must never speak of him again. You are betroved to King Connor of Ulster.”

But Deirdre could not forget the man of her dreams so Leabharcham sent for him so that Deirdre could meet the man of her dreams. As soon as they met Deirdre and Naoise fell in love.” We must leave Ulster right away” Deirdre said, “Otherwise I will have to marry king Connor.”

They left for an island off the coast of Scotland. While they were there somebody told King Connor what had happened to Deirdre. Connor was furious and plotted a scheme to kill the sons of Uinseach. He sent a fake apology to the sons. They believed the letter and set abouy to return to Ulster against Deirdre’s will. When they returned to Ulster king Connor order to kill the sons of Uinseach. As Naiose fell to the ground Deirdre screamed and dropped dead. She had died of a broken heart. It was as it had been foretold. Deirdre had brought sorrow to Ulster.

                By: Nicole & Ian