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Scotlands Culture\|Scotlands Stories
Deirdre of the Sorrows
The tragic tale of the beautiful Deirdre has been told for more than 2000 years.
It is a tale of love and loss.
Before Deirdre was born, the chief druid Cathbad foretold that her incredible beauty would lead kings, lords and warriors to fight and die for her love.
Deirdre’s father was Fedlimid Mac Daill, the royal storyteller.
He told wonderful tales at the court of Conchobar mac Nessa, King of Ulster. When King Conchobar learned of the druid’s prophesy he decided to have Deirdre raised in seclusion.
When Deirdre grew into a beautiful young woman the druid Cathbad's prophesy began to come true. Kings, noble warriors and lords battled, bled and died for the fair Deirdre.
Deirdre of the Sorrows is part of the Ulster Cycle of Irish Myths. It is the last of 'The Three Sorrowful Tales of Erin'.
At the end of the 19th century, Alasdair Carmichael collected the story of Deirdre on the Isle of Barra in the Western Isles of Scotland.
Listen to the story of Deirdre of the Sorrows
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