Deirdre of the Sorrows

play by Synge

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July 19, 2026

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"Deirdre of the Sorrows" is an unfinished play by J.M. Synge, a key figure in the Irish literary renaissance. The play dramatizes a tragic love story from early Irish literature, specifically from the Ulster cycle.123

The story centers on Deirdre, whose birth was foretold to bring about the deaths of many men. Despite being raised in seclusion, her beauty captivates King Conor. However, Deirdre falls in love with Noísi, son of Usnech, and they elope. They are eventually lured back to Ireland, leading to the deaths of Noísi and his brothers. In the older versions of the tale, Deirdre takes her own life to escape Conor. Synge's unfinished play, performed posthumously, is a poetic dramatization of this enduring legend.13

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J.M. Synge
His unfinished Deirdre of the Sorrows, a vigorous poetic dramatization of one of the great love stories of Celtic mythology, was performed there in 1910.
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His unfinished Deirdre of the Sorrows, a vigorous poetic dramatization of one of the great love stories of Celtic mythology, was performed there in 1910.
Read More