|
I am Deirdre. I come from legend. Once I was the most beautiful and gentle woman in Irish legend. Today I am a most beautiful and gentle cat who walks among you.
Here you will learn about Deirdre of Erin, the woman of Irish legend and about Deirdre of Erin, the cat who is becoming a legend. Let yourself experience the fascination.
Deirdre of Erin, woman of legend
Deirdre of Erin, cat of legend
Deirdre of Erin, woman of legend
The "Sorrowful Story of Deirdre" is the great love story found in The Fate of the Sons of Uisliu (Oidheadh Chloinne Uisneach) of the Early Irish literature known as the Ulster cycle. First written down in the eight or ninth century, it has been retold many times and retains the power to move us. It has been called "The most stunning tale ever written in Irish." [Grantz, 1981]
The oldest version we know is the one recorded in the Book of Leinster dated around 1140. It contains several themes of old heroic sages: the "outcast child" as Deirdre was raised in seclusion because of a foretelling before her birth that many men would die on her account; the "elopement" theme as she runs away with Noísiu, son of Uisliu; the "wooing heroine" theme of the heroine's wooing of the hero which is a characteristic Celtic touch.
By the 15th century the The Fate of the Sons of Uisliu (Oidheadh Chloinne Uisneach) along with The Fate of the Children of Tuireann (Oidheadh Chloinne Tuireann) and The Fate of the Children of Lir (Oidheadh Chloinne Lir) had become known as The Three Sorrows of Storytelling (Tri Truaighe Scéalaigheachta).
This site has plans to contain two English translations of the story. The first, now online, is from the ninth century , and the second - in progress - is a version collected in the nineteenth century.
Deirdre of Erin, cat of legend
Gentle nature and loving disposition combined with natural grace and beauty led to this charming cat's being named for the legendary Deirdre. She enjoys sittin on my lap, softly purring, while I read Celtic myths, legends, and folk tales. She is the Muse of this web site which was created as a repository of Celtic legends and folk tales.
This is the online home of Deirdre of Erin, the legend who walks among us. More of her story remains to be told.
Credits:
Deep blue and yellow knot backgrounds are from Celtic Web Art.
Emerald background and from Bitsy's Boutique.
Deirdre's globe from Snowglobes by Runtell.
Copyright © 2001 by Erin O'Neill. All rights reserved.
GeoCities offers free sites in exchange for ad banners. Sometimes they're interesting. Consider clicking through occasionally to help keep sites free. Thanks.
|
