Deirdre of the Sorrows: Analysis of Major Characters
"Deirdre of the Sorrows" is a tragic tale from Gaelic mythology centered on the characters of Deirdre, Naisi, and King Conchubor, highlighting themes of love, betrayal, and fatalism. Deirdre, a heroine foretold to bring calamity, is torn between her love for the hero Naisi and the advances of the king, Conchubor, who desires her for himself. After eloping and living happily together for seven years, the couple is deceived into returning to the king’s castle, where Naisi meets a tragic end at Conchubor's hands. Heartbroken, Deirdre chooses to end her own life, hoping to reunite with Naisi in the afterlife. Other significant figures include Lavarcham, Deirdre's devoted nurse, and Fergus, a friend of Conchubor who, upon learning of the betrayal, retaliates by burning the king's castle. Additionally, Owen, another of Conchubor's friends, succumbs to despair over his unrequited love for Deirdre, leading to his own demise. The story ultimately portrays the destructive power of love and the inescapable nature of fate within the context of ancient Gaelic culture.
Deirdre of the Sorrows: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: John Millington Synge
First published: 1910
Genre: Play
Locale: Ireland
Plot: Tragedy
Time: The legendary past
Deirdre (DEER-druh), a Gaelic legendary heroine foretold to bring trouble into the world. Loved by King Conchubor, she, in turn, loves Naisi, with whom she flees. After seven years of happiness, the lovers are lured back to the king's castle, where Naisi is slain. In her sorrow, Deirdre kills herself to join her lover in another world.
Naisi (NAY-shee), a Gaelic legendary hero. Winning Deirdre's love, he takes her from King Conchubor. After seven happy years with his bride, he is tricked into a meeting with the king and is slain.
Conchubor (kon-KEW-bohr), the lonely king of Ulster. In love with Deirdre, whom he has resolved to marry in spite of the prophecy that she is born for trouble, he loses her to Naisi. Eventually, he tricks the lovers into a meeting at which Naisi is slain. After Deirdre commits suicide in her grief, the king is led away, old and broken.
Lavarcham (lah-VAHR-kahm), Deirdre's nurse.
Fergus, King Conchubor's friend. In good faith, he brings King Conchubor's peace offering to Deirdre and Naisi. When he learns of the lovers' betrayal, he burns the king's castle.
Owen, King Conchubor's friend and spy. In despair over his hopeless love for Deirdre, he destroys himself.
Ainnle (AYN-luh) and Ardan, Naisi's brothers, slain with him by King Conchubor's warriors.