Deirdre Sightings
- "The Exile of the Sons of Uisnach" in The Book of Leinster 1101 - 1300
This is one story without a happy ending—from my birth to my death! Naoise and I fall in love, but I curse him to be a joke if he doesn't take me out of Ireland. So, he, his brothers, and I all flee to Scotland, but Conchobar brings us back and kills them. Then, I took my own life, unable to live without my love.
- "The Death of the Sons of Usnach" 1401 - 1500
Read my entire lonely lament after Naoise's death here. My dramatic death is uber-sad—I jump on Naoise's body and kiss him thrice, then I die. Very Shakespearean before Shakespeare's own time!
- Deirdre by W.B. Yeats 1907
This great Irish poet turned Dee's story into a play worthy of his Celtic bard ancestors. William Butler (W.B.) Yeats does Deirdre justice, portraying the majesty and tragedy of a young life gone wrong on the stage. Oh, and it doesn't hurt that there's a love story at its heart, either.
- Wild Irish Roses: Tales of Brigits, Kathleens, and Warrior Queens by Trina Robbins 2004
Learn all about the bold Irish women of yore, from love stories to battling queens. Alongside Deirdre are featured the likes of pirate Grace O'Malley, actress Scarlett O'Hara, and warrior woman Aoife. Not bad company!
- The Swan Maiden by Jules Watson 2009
Watson brings ancient Ireland to life in Deirdre's story. Why swans, though, Deirdre wants to know? They're actually vicious birds... well, whatever the reason for the book's title, Watson does this tragic heroine a good turn.