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| Deirdre |
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| Deirdre, the most beautiful woman in Ireland, grew up under the protection of King Conchobhar Mac Neasa. She fell in love with Naoise -" hair as dark as a raven's wing, cheeks red as blood and body white as snow." They fled to Scotland with the two brothers of Naoise -Aindle and Ardan - to be together away from the tyrannical Conchobar. On their return the three brothers were slain by mercenaries led by Eoghan, a rival for her hand. Deirdre was forcably returned to old Conchobhar who had ordered the killings. In mourning for Naoise, Deirdre was tormented by the old King who asked her which man she hated most. She named Eoghan, the slayer of Naoise. The King mocked her, saying she was like a heifer between two bulls and had to choose between him and Eoghan for a partner. Deirdre, unable to bear any further torment, dashed her head against the rocks and died. She was buried next to Naoise and the bushes on their graves grew entwined with each other, uniting them in death. |
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