Deirdre

We have read and heard many different variations of this well-known story from the Ulster epic cycle about Deirdre and the sons of Uisneach, with most versions written for children and younger people. Here is a retelling by author and publisher Darach Ó Scolaí which is written for the adult reader as he puts his own spin on the oldest version of Loingeas Mhac Uisnigh.

The author cleverly gives context and background to this story for the modern-day reader who may not know the intricacies of the Ulster epic cycle plots and relationships between characters. For example, we are given the background information on how tensions originally grew between Fearghas and Conchúr which becomes relevant later on in this story. We are also given the background to Deirdre with a powerful start to the story where we meet her mother when she is heavily pregnant. As the wife of Feilimí mac Daill, she is serving visitors to their house when a scream is heard from her womb. A fortune-teller puts their hand on her stomach and makes the ominous prediction that it will be a girl called Deirdre and evil will follow her.

The sinister tone for what is quite a dark story is set from this prediction and from that point on, the reader is never really at ease as to what will become of Deirdre. Sure enough, when she is born the men of Ulster call for her to be killed as they believe she will only bring about harm. However, King Conchúr is adamant to marry her. Deirdre is exiled until many years later, when Deirdre has come of age to be married, she has a vision to marry someone who had skin as white as snow, lips as red as blood and hair as black as the raven. Leabharcham, the wise woman who was caring for Deirdre tells her that the person she has described is Naoise mac Uisnigh. Just as Deirdre is due to marry Conchúr, she meets Naoise and the pair fall in love.

There is excellent movement and energy in this retelling which is greatly enhanced through dialogue. This is especially effective in the section where Deirdre, Naoise and his two brothers flee from Conchúr to Scotland. While they are originally welcomed in Scotland, they soon have to flee again to the Isle of Man. King Conchúr is meanwhile furious to have been left on his own and is out to seek revenge. He sends Fearghas to the exiled couple to agree terms on which they will return.

As Fearghas lays out Conchúr’s terms and plans, Deirdre has more sense to see through him and relays her fears to Naoise and his brothers. However, at their peril, the men don’t listen to her. The character development is excellent, especially on the character of Deirdre, a strong-willed woman who knows what she wants. The rich language and polished storytelling is enhanced even further by the addition of verses of poetry throughout, with a highlight being the love-song that Deirde recites as they leave Scotland. There are echoes of old Irish in the vocabulary and the author stays true to the style of storytelling associated with the Ulster cycle using symbols and themes synonymous with the era – the themes of death, love and revenge being strong throughout.

What adds hugely to this refreshing retelling is the magical illustrations throughout. Artist Anastasia Melnykova has created stunning and atmospheric pictures that match the tone of the story perfectly and enhance the reading experience. Two particular images that stand out are the image on the front cover which shows Deirdre’s mother pregnant at the feast and the stark image of the raven drinking the blood from a freshly killed calf. Between the illustrations and the storytelling, readers will be immersed in this book.