“Longes mac n-Uislenn” (“The Exile of the Sons of Uisliu”) is a tragic tale from the Ulster Cycle of Irish mythology. It tells the story of Deirdre, a beautiful woman prophesied at birth to bring ruin upon Ulster. Despite the warning, King Conchobar mac Nessa raises her in isolation, intending to marry her when she comes of age. However, Deirdre falls in love with Naoise, one of the three heroic sons of Uisliu. They flee Ulster together to escape the king’s claim, living in exile in Scotland along with Naoise’s brothers, Ainnle and Ardan. Eventually, Conchobar deceitfully invites them back under the pretense of safe passage. Upon their return, the brothers are treacherously murdered, and Deirdre is taken captive. Refusing to submit to Conchobar, she ultimately dies by suicide—throwing herself from a chariot or smashing her head against a rock, depending on the version.
Alias Deidre
Real Names/Alt Names “Deirdre of the Sorrows”, Deirdre an Bhróin
Appearance List Literarature: Longes mac n-Uislenn (“The Exile of the Sons of Uisliu”), part of the Ulster Cycle of Irish mythology (12th century)
Sample Read A Book of Myths (1915) by Jeanie Lang [Internet Archive]
Description “Longes mac n-Uislenn” (“The Exile of the Sons of Uisliu”) is a tragic tale from the Ulster Cycle of Irish mythology. It tells the story of Deirdre, a beautiful woman prophesied at birth to bring ruin upon Ulster. Despite the warning, King Conchobar mac Nessa raises her in isolation, intending to marry her when she comes of age. However, Deirdre falls in love with Naoise, one of the three heroic sons of Uisliu. They flee Ulster together to escape the king’s claim, living in exile in Scotland along with Naoise’s brothers, Ainnle and Ardan. Eventually, Conchobar deceitfully invites them back under the pretense of safe passage. Upon their return, the brothers are treacherously murdered, and Deirdre is taken captive. Refusing to submit to Conchobar, she ultimately dies by suicide—throwing herself from a chariot or smashing her head against a rock, depending on the version.
