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<rss xmlns:itunes="http://www.itunes.com/dtds/podcast-1.0.dtd" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:podcast="https://podcastindex.org/namespace/1.0" xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" version="2.0"><channel><title>Deirdre</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/deirdre--7143218</link><description><![CDATA[Delve into the rich tapestry of Irish mythology and tragic romance as "Deirdre" serves as a thematic beacon for this captivating podcast collection. Each episode features a new complete audiobook that explores the profound themes of love, betrayal, and the complexities of fate, reminiscent of Deirdre's own heart-wrenching journey. Listeners are invited to experience a diverse range of narratives that echo the emotional depth and cultural significance of this legendary figure, while also showcasing the vibrant storytelling traditions of Ireland. This is not a single story but a series of unique explorations that illuminate the enduring power of myth and the human condition. With every episode, discover a new book that brings to life the timeless struggles and passions that have resonated through generations, inviting reflection and connection with the past.]]></description><atom:link href="https://www.spreaker.com/show/7143218/episodes/feed" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><language>en</language><category>Books</category><copyright>Copyright Satire Genre</copyright><image><url>https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/7164afaf9210646f264543299a471721.jpg</url><title>Deirdre</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/deirdre--7143218</link></image><lastBuildDate>Thu, 27 Aug 2026 09:25:05 +0000</lastBuildDate><itunes:author>James Stephens</itunes:author><itunes:owner><itunes:name>Satire Genre</itunes:name><itunes:email>spreaker80@podcastlibrary.org</itunes:email></itunes:owner><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/7164afaf9210646f264543299a471721.jpg"/><itunes:subtitle>Delve into the rich tapestry of Irish mythology and tragic romance as "Deirdre" serves as a thematic beacon for this captivating podcast collection. Each episode features a new complete audiobook that explores the profound themes of love, betrayal,...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Delve into the rich tapestry of Irish mythology and tragic romance as "Deirdre" serves as a thematic beacon for this captivating podcast collection. Each episode features a new complete audiobook that explores the profound themes of love, betrayal, and the complexities of fate, reminiscent of Deirdre's own heart-wrenching journey. Listeners are invited to experience a diverse range of narratives that echo the emotional depth and cultural significance of this legendary figure, while also showcasing the vibrant storytelling traditions of Ireland. This is not a single story but a series of unique explorations that illuminate the enduring power of myth and the human condition. With every episode, discover a new book that brings to life the timeless struggles and passions that have resonated through generations, inviting reflection and connection with the past.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:category text="Arts"><itunes:category text="Books"/></itunes:category><itunes:category text="Kids &amp; Family"><itunes:category text="Pets &amp; Animals"/></itunes:category><itunes:category text="Science"><itunes:category text="Nature"/></itunes:category><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><podcast:guid>ce755bef-242b-5871-990e-d91118ab2713</podcast:guid><itunes:type>episodic</itunes:type><item><title>Outa Karel’s Stories South African Folk-Lore Tales-Sanni Metelerkamp</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/outa-karel-s-stories-south-african-folk-lore-tales-sanni-metelerkamp--74634440</link><description><![CDATA[Beautiful, playful young Deirdre, caught in the crosshairs of Ireland's wily, chauvinistic King Conachur, who desires to marry her after his own wife Maeve has escaped his clutches, is one of many prequels to the legend of “The Great Tain”, Ireland's national epic. Sometimes called "The Irish Iliad", this saga of war between rival Irish and Scottish kings, with its many characters, was preserved in oral tradition with many variations, until committed to writing in the Middle Ages. Stephens gives his own interpretation, insights and humor of the Deirdre story as he spins court intrigue, jealousy, subterfuge. Deirdre's innocence, training as a young lady of worth; her escape from Conachur, her love for her husband (murdered at the King's hand), and eventual suicide, are the stuff of Irish legend, riveting throughout, rivaling the romantic tragedy of Romeo and Juliet. (Summary by Michele Fry) List of characters: Conachur mac Nessa - King of Ulster Fergus mac Roy - King of Ulster before Conachur displaced him, married his mother Nessa and became Conachur's step father Felemid - the storyteller Deirdre - daughter of Felemid, raised by Laversham for Conachur Nessa - daughter of Echaid Yellow-Heel, once King of Ulster, mother of Conachur, wife of Cathfa, then Fergus Cathfa - Conachur's father, also poet/seer/magician; Nessa's husband until she left him for Fergus Maeve - daughter of the High King of Ireland, unwilling wife of Conachur, who finally escapes and leaves him lonely, embarrassed and angry Laversham - Conachur's "conversation woman" (confidant), his spy, and Deirdre's foster mother/groomer Naoise - Deirdre's lover and husband, warrior in Conachur’s army, Uisneac's eldest son Ainnle and Ardan - Naoise's younger brothers Uisneac - father of Naoise (Deirdre's husband), Ainnle and Ardan Bricriu - in charge of hospitality, also a poet and troublemaker Fachtna the Mighty - in some legends the son of Og and Nessa's lover; possible father of Conachur, which would make Conachur half mortal/half God Clothru - daughter of the High King of Ireland, wife of Conachur until killed by her sister Maeve Buinne and Iollann, sons of Fergus mac Roy Definitions: featly = nimbly, gracefully findriny = A precious metal often cited in early Irish manuscripts as having a value lower than gold or silver. eric - tribute/penalty/punishment paid in reparation for murder or other major crimes. geasa - obligations or prohibitions, vows, taboos or curses which, if violated, bring dishonor or even death. Conversely, the observing of a geas is empowering.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74634440</guid><pubDate>Thu, 27 Aug 2026 09:03:13 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74634440/outa_karel_s_stories_south_african_folk_lore_tales_sanni_metelerkamp.mp3" length="90559958" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>James Stephens</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Beautiful, playful young Deirdre, caught in the crosshairs of Ireland's wily, chauvinistic King Conachur, who desires to marry her after his own wife Maeve has escaped his clutches, is one of many prequels to the legend of “The Great Tain”, Ireland's...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Beautiful, playful young Deirdre, caught in the crosshairs of Ireland's wily, chauvinistic King Conachur, who desires to marry her after his own wife Maeve has escaped his clutches, is one of many prequels to the legend of “The Great Tain”, Ireland's national epic. Sometimes called "The Irish Iliad", this saga of war between rival Irish and Scottish kings, with its many characters, was preserved in oral tradition with many variations, until committed to writing in the Middle Ages. Stephens gives his own interpretation, insights and humor of the Deirdre story as he spins court intrigue, jealousy, subterfuge. Deirdre's innocence, training as a young lady of worth; her escape from Conachur, her love for her husband (murdered at the King's hand), and eventual suicide, are the stuff of Irish legend, riveting throughout, rivaling the romantic tragedy of Romeo and Juliet. (Summary by Michele Fry) List of characters: Conachur mac Nessa - King of Ulster Fergus mac Roy - King of Ulster before Conachur displaced him, married his mother Nessa and became Conachur's step father Felemid - the storyteller Deirdre - daughter of Felemid, raised by Laversham for Conachur Nessa - daughter of Echaid Yellow-Heel, once King of Ulster, mother of Conachur, wife of Cathfa, then Fergus Cathfa - Conachur's father, also poet/seer/magician; Nessa's husband until she left him for Fergus Maeve - daughter of the High King of Ireland, unwilling wife of Conachur, who finally escapes and leaves him lonely, embarrassed and angry Laversham - Conachur's "conversation woman" (confidant), his spy, and Deirdre's foster mother/groomer Naoise - Deirdre's lover and husband, warrior in Conachur’s army, Uisneac's eldest son Ainnle and Ardan - Naoise's younger brothers Uisneac - father of Naoise (Deirdre's husband), Ainnle and Ardan Bricriu - in charge of hospitality, also a poet and troublemaker Fachtna the Mighty - in some legends the son of Og and Nessa's lover; possible father of Conachur, which would make Conachur half mortal/half God Clothru - daughter of the High King of Ireland, wife of Conachur until killed by her sister Maeve Buinne and Iollann, sons of Fergus mac Roy Definitions: featly = nimbly, gracefully findriny = A precious metal often cited in early Irish manuscripts as having a value lower than gold or silver. eric - tribute/penalty/punishment paid in reparation for murder or other major crimes. geasa - obligations or prohibitions, vows, taboos or curses which, if violated, bring dishonor or even death. Conversely, the observing of a geas is empowering.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>11309</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/7164afaf9210646f264543299a471721.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Maoriland Fairy Tales-Edith Howes</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/maoriland-fairy-tales-edith-howes--74601454</link><description><![CDATA[Beautiful, playful young Deirdre, caught in the crosshairs of Ireland's wily, chauvinistic King Conachur, who desires to marry her after his own wife Maeve has escaped his clutches, is one of many prequels to the legend of “The Great Tain”, Ireland's national epic. Sometimes called "The Irish Iliad", this saga of war between rival Irish and Scottish kings, with its many characters, was preserved in oral tradition with many variations, until committed to writing in the Middle Ages. Stephens gives his own interpretation, insights and humor of the Deirdre story as he spins court intrigue, jealousy, subterfuge. Deirdre's innocence, training as a young lady of worth; her escape from Conachur, her love for her husband (murdered at the King's hand), and eventual suicide, are the stuff of Irish legend, riveting throughout, rivaling the romantic tragedy of Romeo and Juliet. (Summary by Michele Fry) List of characters: Conachur mac Nessa - King of Ulster Fergus mac Roy - King of Ulster before Conachur displaced him, married his mother Nessa and became Conachur's step father Felemid - the storyteller Deirdre - daughter of Felemid, raised by Laversham for Conachur Nessa - daughter of Echaid Yellow-Heel, once King of Ulster, mother of Conachur, wife of Cathfa, then Fergus Cathfa - Conachur's father, also poet/seer/magician; Nessa's husband until she left him for Fergus Maeve - daughter of the High King of Ireland, unwilling wife of Conachur, who finally escapes and leaves him lonely, embarrassed and angry Laversham - Conachur's "conversation woman" (confidant), his spy, and Deirdre's foster mother/groomer Naoise - Deirdre's lover and husband, warrior in Conachur’s army, Uisneac's eldest son Ainnle and Ardan - Naoise's younger brothers Uisneac - father of Naoise (Deirdre's husband), Ainnle and Ardan Bricriu - in charge of hospitality, also a poet and troublemaker Fachtna the Mighty - in some legends the son of Og and Nessa's lover; possible father of Conachur, which would make Conachur half mortal/half God Clothru - daughter of the High King of Ireland, wife of Conachur until killed by her sister Maeve Buinne and Iollann, sons of Fergus mac Roy Definitions: featly = nimbly, gracefully findriny = A precious metal often cited in early Irish manuscripts as having a value lower than gold or silver. eric - tribute/penalty/punishment paid in reparation for murder or other major crimes. geasa - obligations or prohibitions, vows, taboos or curses which, if violated, bring dishonor or even death. Conversely, the observing of a geas is empowering.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74601454</guid><pubDate>Wed, 26 Aug 2026 09:03:25 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74601454/maoriland_fairy_tales_edith_howes.mp3" length="126464081" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>James Stephens</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Beautiful, playful young Deirdre, caught in the crosshairs of Ireland's wily, chauvinistic King Conachur, who desires to marry her after his own wife Maeve has escaped his clutches, is one of many prequels to the legend of “The Great Tain”, Ireland's...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Beautiful, playful young Deirdre, caught in the crosshairs of Ireland's wily, chauvinistic King Conachur, who desires to marry her after his own wife Maeve has escaped his clutches, is one of many prequels to the legend of “The Great Tain”, Ireland's national epic. Sometimes called "The Irish Iliad", this saga of war between rival Irish and Scottish kings, with its many characters, was preserved in oral tradition with many variations, until committed to writing in the Middle Ages. Stephens gives his own interpretation, insights and humor of the Deirdre story as he spins court intrigue, jealousy, subterfuge. Deirdre's innocence, training as a young lady of worth; her escape from Conachur, her love for her husband (murdered at the King's hand), and eventual suicide, are the stuff of Irish legend, riveting throughout, rivaling the romantic tragedy of Romeo and Juliet. (Summary by Michele Fry) List of characters: Conachur mac Nessa - King of Ulster Fergus mac Roy - King of Ulster before Conachur displaced him, married his mother Nessa and became Conachur's step father Felemid - the storyteller Deirdre - daughter of Felemid, raised by Laversham for Conachur Nessa - daughter of Echaid Yellow-Heel, once King of Ulster, mother of Conachur, wife of Cathfa, then Fergus Cathfa - Conachur's father, also poet/seer/magician; Nessa's husband until she left him for Fergus Maeve - daughter of the High King of Ireland, unwilling wife of Conachur, who finally escapes and leaves him lonely, embarrassed and angry Laversham - Conachur's "conversation woman" (confidant), his spy, and Deirdre's foster mother/groomer Naoise - Deirdre's lover and husband, warrior in Conachur’s army, Uisneac's eldest son Ainnle and Ardan - Naoise's younger brothers Uisneac - father of Naoise (Deirdre's husband), Ainnle and Ardan Bricriu - in charge of hospitality, also a poet and troublemaker Fachtna the Mighty - in some legends the son of Og and Nessa's lover; possible father of Conachur, which would make Conachur half mortal/half God Clothru - daughter of the High King of Ireland, wife of Conachur until killed by her sister Maeve Buinne and Iollann, sons of Fergus mac Roy Definitions: featly = nimbly, gracefully findriny = A precious metal often cited in early Irish manuscripts as having a value lower than gold or silver. eric - tribute/penalty/punishment paid in reparation for murder or other major crimes. geasa - obligations or prohibitions, vows, taboos or curses which, if violated, bring dishonor or even death. Conversely, the observing of a geas is empowering.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>15792</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/7164afaf9210646f264543299a471721.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Life and Death of Tom Thumb the Great-Henry Fielding</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/life-and-death-of-tom-thumb-the-great-henry-fielding--74568732</link><description><![CDATA[Beautiful, playful young Deirdre, caught in the crosshairs of Ireland's wily, chauvinistic King Conachur, who desires to marry her after his own wife Maeve has escaped his clutches, is one of many prequels to the legend of “The Great Tain”, Ireland's national epic. Sometimes called "The Irish Iliad", this saga of war between rival Irish and Scottish kings, with its many characters, was preserved in oral tradition with many variations, until committed to writing in the Middle Ages. Stephens gives his own interpretation, insights and humor of the Deirdre story as he spins court intrigue, jealousy, subterfuge. Deirdre's innocence, training as a young lady of worth; her escape from Conachur, her love for her husband (murdered at the King's hand), and eventual suicide, are the stuff of Irish legend, riveting throughout, rivaling the romantic tragedy of Romeo and Juliet. (Summary by Michele Fry) List of characters: Conachur mac Nessa - King of Ulster Fergus mac Roy - King of Ulster before Conachur displaced him, married his mother Nessa and became Conachur's step father Felemid - the storyteller Deirdre - daughter of Felemid, raised by Laversham for Conachur Nessa - daughter of Echaid Yellow-Heel, once King of Ulster, mother of Conachur, wife of Cathfa, then Fergus Cathfa - Conachur's father, also poet/seer/magician; Nessa's husband until she left him for Fergus Maeve - daughter of the High King of Ireland, unwilling wife of Conachur, who finally escapes and leaves him lonely, embarrassed and angry Laversham - Conachur's "conversation woman" (confidant), his spy, and Deirdre's foster mother/groomer Naoise - Deirdre's lover and husband, warrior in Conachur’s army, Uisneac's eldest son Ainnle and Ardan - Naoise's younger brothers Uisneac - father of Naoise (Deirdre's husband), Ainnle and Ardan Bricriu - in charge of hospitality, also a poet and troublemaker Fachtna the Mighty - in some legends the son of Og and Nessa's lover; possible father of Conachur, which would make Conachur half mortal/half God Clothru - daughter of the High King of Ireland, wife of Conachur until killed by her sister Maeve Buinne and Iollann, sons of Fergus mac Roy Definitions: featly = nimbly, gracefully findriny = A precious metal often cited in early Irish manuscripts as having a value lower than gold or silver. eric - tribute/penalty/punishment paid in reparation for murder or other major crimes. geasa - obligations or prohibitions, vows, taboos or curses which, if violated, bring dishonor or even death. Conversely, the observing of a geas is empowering.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74568732</guid><pubDate>Tue, 25 Aug 2026 09:02:58 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74568732/life_and_death_of_tom_thumb_the_great_henry_fielding.mp3" length="38420409" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>James Stephens</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Beautiful, playful young Deirdre, caught in the crosshairs of Ireland's wily, chauvinistic King Conachur, who desires to marry her after his own wife Maeve has escaped his clutches, is one of many prequels to the legend of “The Great Tain”, Ireland's...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Beautiful, playful young Deirdre, caught in the crosshairs of Ireland's wily, chauvinistic King Conachur, who desires to marry her after his own wife Maeve has escaped his clutches, is one of many prequels to the legend of “The Great Tain”, Ireland's national epic. Sometimes called "The Irish Iliad", this saga of war between rival Irish and Scottish kings, with its many characters, was preserved in oral tradition with many variations, until committed to writing in the Middle Ages. Stephens gives his own interpretation, insights and humor of the Deirdre story as he spins court intrigue, jealousy, subterfuge. Deirdre's innocence, training as a young lady of worth; her escape from Conachur, her love for her husband (murdered at the King's hand), and eventual suicide, are the stuff of Irish legend, riveting throughout, rivaling the romantic tragedy of Romeo and Juliet. (Summary by Michele Fry) List of characters: Conachur mac Nessa - King of Ulster Fergus mac Roy - King of Ulster before Conachur displaced him, married his mother Nessa and became Conachur's step father Felemid - the storyteller Deirdre - daughter of Felemid, raised by Laversham for Conachur Nessa - daughter of Echaid Yellow-Heel, once King of Ulster, mother of Conachur, wife of Cathfa, then Fergus Cathfa - Conachur's father, also poet/seer/magician; Nessa's husband until she left him for Fergus Maeve - daughter of the High King of Ireland, unwilling wife of Conachur, who finally escapes and leaves him lonely, embarrassed and angry Laversham - Conachur's "conversation woman" (confidant), his spy, and Deirdre's foster mother/groomer Naoise - Deirdre's lover and husband, warrior in Conachur’s army, Uisneac's eldest son Ainnle and Ardan - Naoise's younger brothers Uisneac - father of Naoise (Deirdre's husband), Ainnle and Ardan Bricriu - in charge of hospitality, also a poet and troublemaker Fachtna the Mighty - in some legends the son of Og and Nessa's lover; possible father of Conachur, which would make Conachur half mortal/half God Clothru - daughter of the High King of Ireland, wife of Conachur until killed by her sister Maeve Buinne and Iollann, sons of Fergus mac Roy Definitions: featly = nimbly, gracefully findriny = A precious metal often cited in early Irish manuscripts as having a value lower than gold or silver. eric - tribute/penalty/punishment paid in reparation for murder or other major crimes. geasa - obligations or prohibitions, vows, taboos or curses which, if violated, bring dishonor or even death. Conversely, the observing of a geas is empowering.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>4797</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/7164afaf9210646f264543299a471721.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Sunbeams-George Wilbur Peck</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/sunbeams-george-wilbur-peck--74537447</link><description><![CDATA[Beautiful, playful young Deirdre, caught in the crosshairs of Ireland's wily, chauvinistic King Conachur, who desires to marry her after his own wife Maeve has escaped his clutches, is one of many prequels to the legend of “The Great Tain”, Ireland's national epic. Sometimes called "The Irish Iliad", this saga of war between rival Irish and Scottish kings, with its many characters, was preserved in oral tradition with many variations, until committed to writing in the Middle Ages. Stephens gives his own interpretation, insights and humor of the Deirdre story as he spins court intrigue, jealousy, subterfuge. Deirdre's innocence, training as a young lady of worth; her escape from Conachur, her love for her husband (murdered at the King's hand), and eventual suicide, are the stuff of Irish legend, riveting throughout, rivaling the romantic tragedy of Romeo and Juliet. (Summary by Michele Fry) List of characters: Conachur mac Nessa - King of Ulster Fergus mac Roy - King of Ulster before Conachur displaced him, married his mother Nessa and became Conachur's step father Felemid - the storyteller Deirdre - daughter of Felemid, raised by Laversham for Conachur Nessa - daughter of Echaid Yellow-Heel, once King of Ulster, mother of Conachur, wife of Cathfa, then Fergus Cathfa - Conachur's father, also poet/seer/magician; Nessa's husband until she left him for Fergus Maeve - daughter of the High King of Ireland, unwilling wife of Conachur, who finally escapes and leaves him lonely, embarrassed and angry Laversham - Conachur's "conversation woman" (confidant), his spy, and Deirdre's foster mother/groomer Naoise - Deirdre's lover and husband, warrior in Conachur’s army, Uisneac's eldest son Ainnle and Ardan - Naoise's younger brothers Uisneac - father of Naoise (Deirdre's husband), Ainnle and Ardan Bricriu - in charge of hospitality, also a poet and troublemaker Fachtna the Mighty - in some legends the son of Og and Nessa's lover; possible father of Conachur, which would make Conachur half mortal/half God Clothru - daughter of the High King of Ireland, wife of Conachur until killed by her sister Maeve Buinne and Iollann, sons of Fergus mac Roy Definitions: featly = nimbly, gracefully findriny = A precious metal often cited in early Irish manuscripts as having a value lower than gold or silver. eric - tribute/penalty/punishment paid in reparation for murder or other major crimes. geasa - obligations or prohibitions, vows, taboos or curses which, if violated, bring dishonor or even death. Conversely, the observing of a geas is empowering.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74537447</guid><pubDate>Mon, 24 Aug 2026 09:09:28 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74537447/sunbeams_george_wilbur_peck.mp3" length="161068975" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>James Stephens</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Beautiful, playful young Deirdre, caught in the crosshairs of Ireland's wily, chauvinistic King Conachur, who desires to marry her after his own wife Maeve has escaped his clutches, is one of many prequels to the legend of “The Great Tain”, Ireland's...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Beautiful, playful young Deirdre, caught in the crosshairs of Ireland's wily, chauvinistic King Conachur, who desires to marry her after his own wife Maeve has escaped his clutches, is one of many prequels to the legend of “The Great Tain”, Ireland's national epic. Sometimes called "The Irish Iliad", this saga of war between rival Irish and Scottish kings, with its many characters, was preserved in oral tradition with many variations, until committed to writing in the Middle Ages. Stephens gives his own interpretation, insights and humor of the Deirdre story as he spins court intrigue, jealousy, subterfuge. Deirdre's innocence, training as a young lady of worth; her escape from Conachur, her love for her husband (murdered at the King's hand), and eventual suicide, are the stuff of Irish legend, riveting throughout, rivaling the romantic tragedy of Romeo and Juliet. (Summary by Michele Fry) List of characters: Conachur mac Nessa - King of Ulster Fergus mac Roy - King of Ulster before Conachur displaced him, married his mother Nessa and became Conachur's step father Felemid - the storyteller Deirdre - daughter of Felemid, raised by Laversham for Conachur Nessa - daughter of Echaid Yellow-Heel, once King of Ulster, mother of Conachur, wife of Cathfa, then Fergus Cathfa - Conachur's father, also poet/seer/magician; Nessa's husband until she left him for Fergus Maeve - daughter of the High King of Ireland, unwilling wife of Conachur, who finally escapes and leaves him lonely, embarrassed and angry Laversham - Conachur's "conversation woman" (confidant), his spy, and Deirdre's foster mother/groomer Naoise - Deirdre's lover and husband, warrior in Conachur’s army, Uisneac's eldest son Ainnle and Ardan - Naoise's younger brothers Uisneac - father of Naoise (Deirdre's husband), Ainnle and Ardan Bricriu - in charge of hospitality, also a poet and troublemaker Fachtna the Mighty - in some legends the son of Og and Nessa's lover; possible father of Conachur, which would make Conachur half mortal/half God Clothru - daughter of the High King of Ireland, wife of Conachur until killed by her sister Maeve Buinne and Iollann, sons of Fergus mac Roy Definitions: featly = nimbly, gracefully findriny = A precious metal often cited in early Irish manuscripts as having a value lower than gold or silver. eric - tribute/penalty/punishment paid in reparation for murder or other major crimes. geasa - obligations or prohibitions, vows, taboos or curses which, if violated, bring dishonor or even death. Conversely, the observing of a geas is empowering.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>20113</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/7164afaf9210646f264543299a471721.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Andrew the Glad (Dramatic Reading)-Maria Thompson Daviess</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/andrew-the-glad-dramatic-reading-maria-thompson-daviess--74505935</link><description><![CDATA[Beautiful, playful young Deirdre, caught in the crosshairs of Ireland's wily, chauvinistic King Conachur, who desires to marry her after his own wife Maeve has escaped his clutches, is one of many prequels to the legend of “The Great Tain”, Ireland's national epic. Sometimes called "The Irish Iliad", this saga of war between rival Irish and Scottish kings, with its many characters, was preserved in oral tradition with many variations, until committed to writing in the Middle Ages. Stephens gives his own interpretation, insights and humor of the Deirdre story as he spins court intrigue, jealousy, subterfuge. Deirdre's innocence, training as a young lady of worth; her escape from Conachur, her love for her husband (murdered at the King's hand), and eventual suicide, are the stuff of Irish legend, riveting throughout, rivaling the romantic tragedy of Romeo and Juliet. (Summary by Michele Fry) List of characters: Conachur mac Nessa - King of Ulster Fergus mac Roy - King of Ulster before Conachur displaced him, married his mother Nessa and became Conachur's step father Felemid - the storyteller Deirdre - daughter of Felemid, raised by Laversham for Conachur Nessa - daughter of Echaid Yellow-Heel, once King of Ulster, mother of Conachur, wife of Cathfa, then Fergus Cathfa - Conachur's father, also poet/seer/magician; Nessa's husband until she left him for Fergus Maeve - daughter of the High King of Ireland, unwilling wife of Conachur, who finally escapes and leaves him lonely, embarrassed and angry Laversham - Conachur's "conversation woman" (confidant), his spy, and Deirdre's foster mother/groomer Naoise - Deirdre's lover and husband, warrior in Conachur’s army, Uisneac's eldest son Ainnle and Ardan - Naoise's younger brothers Uisneac - father of Naoise (Deirdre's husband), Ainnle and Ardan Bricriu - in charge of hospitality, also a poet and troublemaker Fachtna the Mighty - in some legends the son of Og and Nessa's lover; possible father of Conachur, which would make Conachur half mortal/half God Clothru - daughter of the High King of Ireland, wife of Conachur until killed by her sister Maeve Buinne and Iollann, sons of Fergus mac Roy Definitions: featly = nimbly, gracefully findriny = A precious metal often cited in early Irish manuscripts as having a value lower than gold or silver. eric - tribute/penalty/punishment paid in reparation for murder or other major crimes. geasa - obligations or prohibitions, vows, taboos or curses which, if violated, bring dishonor or even death. Conversely, the observing of a geas is empowering.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74505935</guid><pubDate>Sun, 23 Aug 2026 09:08:59 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74505935/andrew_the_glad_dramatic_reading_maria_thompson_daviess.mp3" length="159534245" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>James Stephens</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Beautiful, playful young Deirdre, caught in the crosshairs of Ireland's wily, chauvinistic King Conachur, who desires to marry her after his own wife Maeve has escaped his clutches, is one of many prequels to the legend of “The Great Tain”, Ireland's...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Beautiful, playful young Deirdre, caught in the crosshairs of Ireland's wily, chauvinistic King Conachur, who desires to marry her after his own wife Maeve has escaped his clutches, is one of many prequels to the legend of “The Great Tain”, Ireland's national epic. Sometimes called "The Irish Iliad", this saga of war between rival Irish and Scottish kings, with its many characters, was preserved in oral tradition with many variations, until committed to writing in the Middle Ages. Stephens gives his own interpretation, insights and humor of the Deirdre story as he spins court intrigue, jealousy, subterfuge. Deirdre's innocence, training as a young lady of worth; her escape from Conachur, her love for her husband (murdered at the King's hand), and eventual suicide, are the stuff of Irish legend, riveting throughout, rivaling the romantic tragedy of Romeo and Juliet. (Summary by Michele Fry) List of characters: Conachur mac Nessa - King of Ulster Fergus mac Roy - King of Ulster before Conachur displaced him, married his mother Nessa and became Conachur's step father Felemid - the storyteller Deirdre - daughter of Felemid, raised by Laversham for Conachur Nessa - daughter of Echaid Yellow-Heel, once King of Ulster, mother of Conachur, wife of Cathfa, then Fergus Cathfa - Conachur's father, also poet/seer/magician; Nessa's husband until she left him for Fergus Maeve - daughter of the High King of Ireland, unwilling wife of Conachur, who finally escapes and leaves him lonely, embarrassed and angry Laversham - Conachur's "conversation woman" (confidant), his spy, and Deirdre's foster mother/groomer Naoise - Deirdre's lover and husband, warrior in Conachur’s army, Uisneac's eldest son Ainnle and Ardan - Naoise's younger brothers Uisneac - father of Naoise (Deirdre's husband), Ainnle and Ardan Bricriu - in charge of hospitality, also a poet and troublemaker Fachtna the Mighty - in some legends the son of Og and Nessa's lover; possible father of Conachur, which would make Conachur half mortal/half God Clothru - daughter of the High King of Ireland, wife of Conachur until killed by her sister Maeve Buinne and Iollann, sons of Fergus mac Roy Definitions: featly = nimbly, gracefully findriny = A precious metal often cited in early Irish manuscripts as having a value lower than gold or silver. eric - tribute/penalty/punishment paid in reparation for murder or other major crimes. geasa - obligations or prohibitions, vows, taboos or curses which, if violated, bring dishonor or even death. Conversely, the observing of a geas is empowering.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>19922</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/7164afaf9210646f264543299a471721.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Genji Monogatari (The Tale of Genji)-Murasaki Shikibu</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/genji-monogatari-the-tale-of-genji-murasaki-shikibu--74467382</link><description><![CDATA[Beautiful, playful young Deirdre, caught in the crosshairs of Ireland's wily, chauvinistic King Conachur, who desires to marry her after his own wife Maeve has escaped his clutches, is one of many prequels to the legend of “The Great Tain”, Ireland's national epic. Sometimes called "The Irish Iliad", this saga of war between rival Irish and Scottish kings, with its many characters, was preserved in oral tradition with many variations, until committed to writing in the Middle Ages. Stephens gives his own interpretation, insights and humor of the Deirdre story as he spins court intrigue, jealousy, subterfuge. Deirdre's innocence, training as a young lady of worth; her escape from Conachur, her love for her husband (murdered at the King's hand), and eventual suicide, are the stuff of Irish legend, riveting throughout, rivaling the romantic tragedy of Romeo and Juliet. (Summary by Michele Fry) List of characters: Conachur mac Nessa - King of Ulster Fergus mac Roy - King of Ulster before Conachur displaced him, married his mother Nessa and became Conachur's step father Felemid - the storyteller Deirdre - daughter of Felemid, raised by Laversham for Conachur Nessa - daughter of Echaid Yellow-Heel, once King of Ulster, mother of Conachur, wife of Cathfa, then Fergus Cathfa - Conachur's father, also poet/seer/magician; Nessa's husband until she left him for Fergus Maeve - daughter of the High King of Ireland, unwilling wife of Conachur, who finally escapes and leaves him lonely, embarrassed and angry Laversham - Conachur's "conversation woman" (confidant), his spy, and Deirdre's foster mother/groomer Naoise - Deirdre's lover and husband, warrior in Conachur’s army, Uisneac's eldest son Ainnle and Ardan - Naoise's younger brothers Uisneac - father of Naoise (Deirdre's husband), Ainnle and Ardan Bricriu - in charge of hospitality, also a poet and troublemaker Fachtna the Mighty - in some legends the son of Og and Nessa's lover; possible father of Conachur, which would make Conachur half mortal/half God Clothru - daughter of the High King of Ireland, wife of Conachur until killed by her sister Maeve Buinne and Iollann, sons of Fergus mac Roy Definitions: featly = nimbly, gracefully findriny = A precious metal often cited in early Irish manuscripts as having a value lower than gold or silver. eric - tribute/penalty/punishment paid in reparation for murder or other major crimes. geasa - obligations or prohibitions, vows, taboos or curses which, if violated, bring dishonor or even death. Conversely, the observing of a geas is empowering.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74467382</guid><pubDate>Sat, 22 Aug 2026 09:08:20 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74467382/genji_monogatari_the_tale_of_genji_murasaki_shikibu.mp3" length="255865488" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>James Stephens</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Beautiful, playful young Deirdre, caught in the crosshairs of Ireland's wily, chauvinistic King Conachur, who desires to marry her after his own wife Maeve has escaped his clutches, is one of many prequels to the legend of “The Great Tain”, Ireland's...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Beautiful, playful young Deirdre, caught in the crosshairs of Ireland's wily, chauvinistic King Conachur, who desires to marry her after his own wife Maeve has escaped his clutches, is one of many prequels to the legend of “The Great Tain”, Ireland's national epic. Sometimes called "The Irish Iliad", this saga of war between rival Irish and Scottish kings, with its many characters, was preserved in oral tradition with many variations, until committed to writing in the Middle Ages. Stephens gives his own interpretation, insights and humor of the Deirdre story as he spins court intrigue, jealousy, subterfuge. Deirdre's innocence, training as a young lady of worth; her escape from Conachur, her love for her husband (murdered at the King's hand), and eventual suicide, are the stuff of Irish legend, riveting throughout, rivaling the romantic tragedy of Romeo and Juliet. (Summary by Michele Fry) List of characters: Conachur mac Nessa - King of Ulster Fergus mac Roy - King of Ulster before Conachur displaced him, married his mother Nessa and became Conachur's step father Felemid - the storyteller Deirdre - daughter of Felemid, raised by Laversham for Conachur Nessa - daughter of Echaid Yellow-Heel, once King of Ulster, mother of Conachur, wife of Cathfa, then Fergus Cathfa - Conachur's father, also poet/seer/magician; Nessa's husband until she left him for Fergus Maeve - daughter of the High King of Ireland, unwilling wife of Conachur, who finally escapes and leaves him lonely, embarrassed and angry Laversham - Conachur's "conversation woman" (confidant), his spy, and Deirdre's foster mother/groomer Naoise - Deirdre's lover and husband, warrior in Conachur’s army, Uisneac's eldest son Ainnle and Ardan - Naoise's younger brothers Uisneac - father of Naoise (Deirdre's husband), Ainnle and Ardan Bricriu - in charge of hospitality, also a poet and troublemaker Fachtna the Mighty - in some legends the son of Og and Nessa's lover; possible father of Conachur, which would make Conachur half mortal/half God Clothru - daughter of the High King of Ireland, wife of Conachur until killed by her sister Maeve Buinne and Iollann, sons of Fergus mac Roy Definitions: featly = nimbly, gracefully findriny = A precious metal often cited in early Irish manuscripts as having a value lower than gold or silver. eric - tribute/penalty/punishment paid in reparation for murder or other major crimes. geasa - obligations or prohibitions, vows, taboos or curses which, if violated, bring dishonor or even death. Conversely, the observing of a geas is empowering.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>31951</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/7164afaf9210646f264543299a471721.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Reign of King Edward the Third-William Shakespeare</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/reign-of-king-edward-the-third-william-shakespeare--74434557</link><description><![CDATA[Beautiful, playful young Deirdre, caught in the crosshairs of Ireland's wily, chauvinistic King Conachur, who desires to marry her after his own wife Maeve has escaped his clutches, is one of many prequels to the legend of “The Great Tain”, Ireland's national epic. Sometimes called "The Irish Iliad", this saga of war between rival Irish and Scottish kings, with its many characters, was preserved in oral tradition with many variations, until committed to writing in the Middle Ages. Stephens gives his own interpretation, insights and humor of the Deirdre story as he spins court intrigue, jealousy, subterfuge. Deirdre's innocence, training as a young lady of worth; her escape from Conachur, her love for her husband (murdered at the King's hand), and eventual suicide, are the stuff of Irish legend, riveting throughout, rivaling the romantic tragedy of Romeo and Juliet. (Summary by Michele Fry) List of characters: Conachur mac Nessa - King of Ulster Fergus mac Roy - King of Ulster before Conachur displaced him, married his mother Nessa and became Conachur's step father Felemid - the storyteller Deirdre - daughter of Felemid, raised by Laversham for Conachur Nessa - daughter of Echaid Yellow-Heel, once King of Ulster, mother of Conachur, wife of Cathfa, then Fergus Cathfa - Conachur's father, also poet/seer/magician; Nessa's husband until she left him for Fergus Maeve - daughter of the High King of Ireland, unwilling wife of Conachur, who finally escapes and leaves him lonely, embarrassed and angry Laversham - Conachur's "conversation woman" (confidant), his spy, and Deirdre's foster mother/groomer Naoise - Deirdre's lover and husband, warrior in Conachur’s army, Uisneac's eldest son Ainnle and Ardan - Naoise's younger brothers Uisneac - father of Naoise (Deirdre's husband), Ainnle and Ardan Bricriu - in charge of hospitality, also a poet and troublemaker Fachtna the Mighty - in some legends the son of Og and Nessa's lover; possible father of Conachur, which would make Conachur half mortal/half God Clothru - daughter of the High King of Ireland, wife of Conachur until killed by her sister Maeve Buinne and Iollann, sons of Fergus mac Roy Definitions: featly = nimbly, gracefully findriny = A precious metal often cited in early Irish manuscripts as having a value lower than gold or silver. eric - tribute/penalty/punishment paid in reparation for murder or other major crimes. geasa - obligations or prohibitions, vows, taboos or curses which, if violated, bring dishonor or even death. Conversely, the observing of a geas is empowering.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74434557</guid><pubDate>Fri, 21 Aug 2026 09:08:55 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74434557/reign_of_king_edward_the_third_william_shakespeare.mp3" length="75415780" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>James Stephens</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Beautiful, playful young Deirdre, caught in the crosshairs of Ireland's wily, chauvinistic King Conachur, who desires to marry her after his own wife Maeve has escaped his clutches, is one of many prequels to the legend of “The Great Tain”, Ireland's...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Beautiful, playful young Deirdre, caught in the crosshairs of Ireland's wily, chauvinistic King Conachur, who desires to marry her after his own wife Maeve has escaped his clutches, is one of many prequels to the legend of “The Great Tain”, Ireland's national epic. Sometimes called "The Irish Iliad", this saga of war between rival Irish and Scottish kings, with its many characters, was preserved in oral tradition with many variations, until committed to writing in the Middle Ages. Stephens gives his own interpretation, insights and humor of the Deirdre story as he spins court intrigue, jealousy, subterfuge. Deirdre's innocence, training as a young lady of worth; her escape from Conachur, her love for her husband (murdered at the King's hand), and eventual suicide, are the stuff of Irish legend, riveting throughout, rivaling the romantic tragedy of Romeo and Juliet. (Summary by Michele Fry) List of characters: Conachur mac Nessa - King of Ulster Fergus mac Roy - King of Ulster before Conachur displaced him, married his mother Nessa and became Conachur's step father Felemid - the storyteller Deirdre - daughter of Felemid, raised by Laversham for Conachur Nessa - daughter of Echaid Yellow-Heel, once King of Ulster, mother of Conachur, wife of Cathfa, then Fergus Cathfa - Conachur's father, also poet/seer/magician; Nessa's husband until she left him for Fergus Maeve - daughter of the High King of Ireland, unwilling wife of Conachur, who finally escapes and leaves him lonely, embarrassed and angry Laversham - Conachur's "conversation woman" (confidant), his spy, and Deirdre's foster mother/groomer Naoise - Deirdre's lover and husband, warrior in Conachur’s army, Uisneac's eldest son Ainnle and Ardan - Naoise's younger brothers Uisneac - father of Naoise (Deirdre's husband), Ainnle and Ardan Bricriu - in charge of hospitality, also a poet and troublemaker Fachtna the Mighty - in some legends the son of Og and Nessa's lover; possible father of Conachur, which would make Conachur half mortal/half God Clothru - daughter of the High King of Ireland, wife of Conachur until killed by her sister Maeve Buinne and Iollann, sons of Fergus mac Roy Definitions: featly = nimbly, gracefully findriny = A precious metal often cited in early Irish manuscripts as having a value lower than gold or silver. eric - tribute/penalty/punishment paid in reparation for murder or other major crimes. geasa - obligations or prohibitions, vows, taboos or curses which, if violated, bring dishonor or even death. Conversely, the observing of a geas is empowering.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>9417</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/7164afaf9210646f264543299a471721.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Stone Axe Of Burkamukk-Mary Grant Bruce</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/stone-axe-of-burkamukk-mary-grant-bruce--74393588</link><description><![CDATA[Beautiful, playful young Deirdre, caught in the crosshairs of Ireland's wily, chauvinistic King Conachur, who desires to marry her after his own wife Maeve has escaped his clutches, is one of many prequels to the legend of “The Great Tain”, Ireland's national epic. Sometimes called "The Irish Iliad", this saga of war between rival Irish and Scottish kings, with its many characters, was preserved in oral tradition with many variations, until committed to writing in the Middle Ages. Stephens gives his own interpretation, insights and humor of the Deirdre story as he spins court intrigue, jealousy, subterfuge. Deirdre's innocence, training as a young lady of worth; her escape from Conachur, her love for her husband (murdered at the King's hand), and eventual suicide, are the stuff of Irish legend, riveting throughout, rivaling the romantic tragedy of Romeo and Juliet. (Summary by Michele Fry) List of characters: Conachur mac Nessa - King of Ulster Fergus mac Roy - King of Ulster before Conachur displaced him, married his mother Nessa and became Conachur's step father Felemid - the storyteller Deirdre - daughter of Felemid, raised by Laversham for Conachur Nessa - daughter of Echaid Yellow-Heel, once King of Ulster, mother of Conachur, wife of Cathfa, then Fergus Cathfa - Conachur's father, also poet/seer/magician; Nessa's husband until she left him for Fergus Maeve - daughter of the High King of Ireland, unwilling wife of Conachur, who finally escapes and leaves him lonely, embarrassed and angry Laversham - Conachur's "conversation woman" (confidant), his spy, and Deirdre's foster mother/groomer Naoise - Deirdre's lover and husband, warrior in Conachur’s army, Uisneac's eldest son Ainnle and Ardan - Naoise's younger brothers Uisneac - father of Naoise (Deirdre's husband), Ainnle and Ardan Bricriu - in charge of hospitality, also a poet and troublemaker Fachtna the Mighty - in some legends the son of Og and Nessa's lover; possible father of Conachur, which would make Conachur half mortal/half God Clothru - daughter of the High King of Ireland, wife of Conachur until killed by her sister Maeve Buinne and Iollann, sons of Fergus mac Roy Definitions: featly = nimbly, gracefully findriny = A precious metal often cited in early Irish manuscripts as having a value lower than gold or silver. eric - tribute/penalty/punishment paid in reparation for murder or other major crimes. geasa - obligations or prohibitions, vows, taboos or curses which, if violated, bring dishonor or even death. Conversely, the observing of a geas is empowering.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74393588</guid><pubDate>Thu, 20 Aug 2026 14:21:39 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74393588/stone_axe_of_burkamukk_mary_grant_bruce.mp3" length="200210883" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>James Stephens</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Beautiful, playful young Deirdre, caught in the crosshairs of Ireland's wily, chauvinistic King Conachur, who desires to marry her after his own wife Maeve has escaped his clutches, is one of many prequels to the legend of “The Great Tain”, Ireland's...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Beautiful, playful young Deirdre, caught in the crosshairs of Ireland's wily, chauvinistic King Conachur, who desires to marry her after his own wife Maeve has escaped his clutches, is one of many prequels to the legend of “The Great Tain”, Ireland's national epic. Sometimes called "The Irish Iliad", this saga of war between rival Irish and Scottish kings, with its many characters, was preserved in oral tradition with many variations, until committed to writing in the Middle Ages. Stephens gives his own interpretation, insights and humor of the Deirdre story as he spins court intrigue, jealousy, subterfuge. Deirdre's innocence, training as a young lady of worth; her escape from Conachur, her love for her husband (murdered at the King's hand), and eventual suicide, are the stuff of Irish legend, riveting throughout, rivaling the romantic tragedy of Romeo and Juliet. (Summary by Michele Fry) List of characters: Conachur mac Nessa - King of Ulster Fergus mac Roy - King of Ulster before Conachur displaced him, married his mother Nessa and became Conachur's step father Felemid - the storyteller Deirdre - daughter of Felemid, raised by Laversham for Conachur Nessa - daughter of Echaid Yellow-Heel, once King of Ulster, mother of Conachur, wife of Cathfa, then Fergus Cathfa - Conachur's father, also poet/seer/magician; Nessa's husband until she left him for Fergus Maeve - daughter of the High King of Ireland, unwilling wife of Conachur, who finally escapes and leaves him lonely, embarrassed and angry Laversham - Conachur's "conversation woman" (confidant), his spy, and Deirdre's foster mother/groomer Naoise - Deirdre's lover and husband, warrior in Conachur’s army, Uisneac's eldest son Ainnle and Ardan - Naoise's younger brothers Uisneac - father of Naoise (Deirdre's husband), Ainnle and Ardan Bricriu - in charge of hospitality, also a poet and troublemaker Fachtna the Mighty - in some legends the son of Og and Nessa's lover; possible father of Conachur, which would make Conachur half mortal/half God Clothru - daughter of the High King of Ireland, wife of Conachur until killed by her sister Maeve Buinne and Iollann, sons of Fergus mac Roy Definitions: featly = nimbly, gracefully findriny = A precious metal often cited in early Irish manuscripts as having a value lower than gold or silver. eric - tribute/penalty/punishment paid in reparation for murder or other major crimes. geasa - obligations or prohibitions, vows, taboos or curses which, if violated, bring dishonor or even death. Conversely, the observing of a geas is empowering.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>25001</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/7164afaf9210646f264543299a471721.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>One-Act Play Collection 014-Various</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/one-act-play-collection-014-various--74350599</link><description><![CDATA[Beautiful, playful young Deirdre, caught in the crosshairs of Ireland's wily, chauvinistic King Conachur, who desires to marry her after his own wife Maeve has escaped his clutches, is one of many prequels to the legend of “The Great Tain”, Ireland's national epic. Sometimes called "The Irish Iliad", this saga of war between rival Irish and Scottish kings, with its many characters, was preserved in oral tradition with many variations, until committed to writing in the Middle Ages. Stephens gives his own interpretation, insights and humor of the Deirdre story as he spins court intrigue, jealousy, subterfuge. Deirdre's innocence, training as a young lady of worth; her escape from Conachur, her love for her husband (murdered at the King's hand), and eventual suicide, are the stuff of Irish legend, riveting throughout, rivaling the romantic tragedy of Romeo and Juliet. (Summary by Michele Fry) List of characters: Conachur mac Nessa - King of Ulster Fergus mac Roy - King of Ulster before Conachur displaced him, married his mother Nessa and became Conachur's step father Felemid - the storyteller Deirdre - daughter of Felemid, raised by Laversham for Conachur Nessa - daughter of Echaid Yellow-Heel, once King of Ulster, mother of Conachur, wife of Cathfa, then Fergus Cathfa - Conachur's father, also poet/seer/magician; Nessa's husband until she left him for Fergus Maeve - daughter of the High King of Ireland, unwilling wife of Conachur, who finally escapes and leaves him lonely, embarrassed and angry Laversham - Conachur's "conversation woman" (confidant), his spy, and Deirdre's foster mother/groomer Naoise - Deirdre's lover and husband, warrior in Conachur’s army, Uisneac's eldest son Ainnle and Ardan - Naoise's younger brothers Uisneac - father of Naoise (Deirdre's husband), Ainnle and Ardan Bricriu - in charge of hospitality, also a poet and troublemaker Fachtna the Mighty - in some legends the son of Og and Nessa's lover; possible father of Conachur, which would make Conachur half mortal/half God Clothru - daughter of the High King of Ireland, wife of Conachur until killed by her sister Maeve Buinne and Iollann, sons of Fergus mac Roy Definitions: featly = nimbly, gracefully findriny = A precious metal often cited in early Irish manuscripts as having a value lower than gold or silver. eric - tribute/penalty/punishment paid in reparation for murder or other major crimes. geasa - obligations or prohibitions, vows, taboos or curses which, if violated, bring dishonor or even death. Conversely, the observing of a geas is empowering.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74350599</guid><pubDate>Thu, 20 Aug 2026 01:07:01 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74350599/one_act_play_collection_014_various.mp3" length="163107132" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>James Stephens</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Beautiful, playful young Deirdre, caught in the crosshairs of Ireland's wily, chauvinistic King Conachur, who desires to marry her after his own wife Maeve has escaped his clutches, is one of many prequels to the legend of “The Great Tain”, Ireland's...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Beautiful, playful young Deirdre, caught in the crosshairs of Ireland's wily, chauvinistic King Conachur, who desires to marry her after his own wife Maeve has escaped his clutches, is one of many prequels to the legend of “The Great Tain”, Ireland's national epic. Sometimes called "The Irish Iliad", this saga of war between rival Irish and Scottish kings, with its many characters, was preserved in oral tradition with many variations, until committed to writing in the Middle Ages. Stephens gives his own interpretation, insights and humor of the Deirdre story as he spins court intrigue, jealousy, subterfuge. Deirdre's innocence, training as a young lady of worth; her escape from Conachur, her love for her husband (murdered at the King's hand), and eventual suicide, are the stuff of Irish legend, riveting throughout, rivaling the romantic tragedy of Romeo and Juliet. (Summary by Michele Fry) List of characters: Conachur mac Nessa - King of Ulster Fergus mac Roy - King of Ulster before Conachur displaced him, married his mother Nessa and became Conachur's step father Felemid - the storyteller Deirdre - daughter of Felemid, raised by Laversham for Conachur Nessa - daughter of Echaid Yellow-Heel, once King of Ulster, mother of Conachur, wife of Cathfa, then Fergus Cathfa - Conachur's father, also poet/seer/magician; Nessa's husband until she left him for Fergus Maeve - daughter of the High King of Ireland, unwilling wife of Conachur, who finally escapes and leaves him lonely, embarrassed and angry Laversham - Conachur's "conversation woman" (confidant), his spy, and Deirdre's foster mother/groomer Naoise - Deirdre's lover and husband, warrior in Conachur’s army, Uisneac's eldest son Ainnle and Ardan - Naoise's younger brothers Uisneac - father of Naoise (Deirdre's husband), Ainnle and Ardan Bricriu - in charge of hospitality, also a poet and troublemaker Fachtna the Mighty - in some legends the son of Og and Nessa's lover; possible father of Conachur, which would make Conachur half mortal/half God Clothru - daughter of the High King of Ireland, wife of Conachur until killed by her sister Maeve Buinne and Iollann, sons of Fergus mac Roy Definitions: featly = nimbly, gracefully findriny = A precious metal often cited in early Irish manuscripts as having a value lower than gold or silver. eric - tribute/penalty/punishment paid in reparation for murder or other major crimes. geasa - obligations or prohibitions, vows, taboos or curses which, if violated, bring dishonor or even death. Conversely, the observing of a geas is empowering.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>20367</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/7164afaf9210646f264543299a471721.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Tristram and Iseult &amp; Sohrab and Rustum-Matthew Arnold</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/tristram-and-iseult-sohrab-and-rustum-matthew-arnold--74210778</link><description><![CDATA[Beautiful, playful young Deirdre, caught in the crosshairs of Ireland's wily, chauvinistic King Conachur, who desires to marry her after his own wife Maeve has escaped his clutches, is one of many prequels to the legend of “The Great Tain”, Ireland's national epic. Sometimes called "The Irish Iliad", this saga of war between rival Irish and Scottish kings, with its many characters, was preserved in oral tradition with many variations, until committed to writing in the Middle Ages. Stephens gives his own interpretation, insights and humor of the Deirdre story as he spins court intrigue, jealousy, subterfuge. Deirdre's innocence, training as a young lady of worth; her escape from Conachur, her love for her husband (murdered at the King's hand), and eventual suicide, are the stuff of Irish legend, riveting throughout, rivaling the romantic tragedy of Romeo and Juliet. (Summary by Michele Fry) List of characters: Conachur mac Nessa - King of Ulster Fergus mac Roy - King of Ulster before Conachur displaced him, married his mother Nessa and became Conachur's step father Felemid - the storyteller Deirdre - daughter of Felemid, raised by Laversham for Conachur Nessa - daughter of Echaid Yellow-Heel, once King of Ulster, mother of Conachur, wife of Cathfa, then Fergus Cathfa - Conachur's father, also poet/seer/magician; Nessa's husband until she left him for Fergus Maeve - daughter of the High King of Ireland, unwilling wife of Conachur, who finally escapes and leaves him lonely, embarrassed and angry Laversham - Conachur's "conversation woman" (confidant), his spy, and Deirdre's foster mother/groomer Naoise - Deirdre's lover and husband, warrior in Conachur’s army, Uisneac's eldest son Ainnle and Ardan - Naoise's younger brothers Uisneac - father of Naoise (Deirdre's husband), Ainnle and Ardan Bricriu - in charge of hospitality, also a poet and troublemaker Fachtna the Mighty - in some legends the son of Og and Nessa's lover; possible father of Conachur, which would make Conachur half mortal/half God Clothru - daughter of the High King of Ireland, wife of Conachur until killed by her sister Maeve Buinne and Iollann, sons of Fergus mac Roy Definitions: featly = nimbly, gracefully findriny = A precious metal often cited in early Irish manuscripts as having a value lower than gold or silver. eric - tribute/penalty/punishment paid in reparation for murder or other major crimes. geasa - obligations or prohibitions, vows, taboos or curses which, if violated, bring dishonor or even death. Conversely, the observing of a geas is empowering.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74210778</guid><pubDate>Tue, 18 Aug 2026 09:09:09 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74210778/tristram_and_iseult_sohrab_and_rustum_matthew_arnold.mp3" length="34379249" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>James Stephens</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Beautiful, playful young Deirdre, caught in the crosshairs of Ireland's wily, chauvinistic King Conachur, who desires to marry her after his own wife Maeve has escaped his clutches, is one of many prequels to the legend of “The Great Tain”, Ireland's...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Beautiful, playful young Deirdre, caught in the crosshairs of Ireland's wily, chauvinistic King Conachur, who desires to marry her after his own wife Maeve has escaped his clutches, is one of many prequels to the legend of “The Great Tain”, Ireland's national epic. Sometimes called "The Irish Iliad", this saga of war between rival Irish and Scottish kings, with its many characters, was preserved in oral tradition with many variations, until committed to writing in the Middle Ages. Stephens gives his own interpretation, insights and humor of the Deirdre story as he spins court intrigue, jealousy, subterfuge. Deirdre's innocence, training as a young lady of worth; her escape from Conachur, her love for her husband (murdered at the King's hand), and eventual suicide, are the stuff of Irish legend, riveting throughout, rivaling the romantic tragedy of Romeo and Juliet. (Summary by Michele Fry) List of characters: Conachur mac Nessa - King of Ulster Fergus mac Roy - King of Ulster before Conachur displaced him, married his mother Nessa and became Conachur's step father Felemid - the storyteller Deirdre - daughter of Felemid, raised by Laversham for Conachur Nessa - daughter of Echaid Yellow-Heel, once King of Ulster, mother of Conachur, wife of Cathfa, then Fergus Cathfa - Conachur's father, also poet/seer/magician; Nessa's husband until she left him for Fergus Maeve - daughter of the High King of Ireland, unwilling wife of Conachur, who finally escapes and leaves him lonely, embarrassed and angry Laversham - Conachur's "conversation woman" (confidant), his spy, and Deirdre's foster mother/groomer Naoise - Deirdre's lover and husband, warrior in Conachur’s army, Uisneac's eldest son Ainnle and Ardan - Naoise's younger brothers Uisneac - father of Naoise (Deirdre's husband), Ainnle and Ardan Bricriu - in charge of hospitality, also a poet and troublemaker Fachtna the Mighty - in some legends the son of Og and Nessa's lover; possible father of Conachur, which would make Conachur half mortal/half God Clothru - daughter of the High King of Ireland, wife of Conachur until killed by her sister Maeve Buinne and Iollann, sons of Fergus mac Roy Definitions: featly = nimbly, gracefully findriny = A precious metal often cited in early Irish manuscripts as having a value lower than gold or silver. eric - tribute/penalty/punishment paid in reparation for murder or other major crimes. geasa - obligations or prohibitions, vows, taboos or curses which, if violated, bring dishonor or even death. Conversely, the observing of a geas is empowering.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>4293</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/7164afaf9210646f264543299a471721.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Two Sides To Every Question From A South Australian Standpoint-Maud Jean Franc</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/two-sides-to-every-question-from-a-south-australian-standpoint-maud-jean-franc--74164164</link><description><![CDATA[Beautiful, playful young Deirdre, caught in the crosshairs of Ireland's wily, chauvinistic King Conachur, who desires to marry her after his own wife Maeve has escaped his clutches, is one of many prequels to the legend of “The Great Tain”, Ireland's national epic. Sometimes called "The Irish Iliad", this saga of war between rival Irish and Scottish kings, with its many characters, was preserved in oral tradition with many variations, until committed to writing in the Middle Ages. Stephens gives his own interpretation, insights and humor of the Deirdre story as he spins court intrigue, jealousy, subterfuge. Deirdre's innocence, training as a young lady of worth; her escape from Conachur, her love for her husband (murdered at the King's hand), and eventual suicide, are the stuff of Irish legend, riveting throughout, rivaling the romantic tragedy of Romeo and Juliet. (Summary by Michele Fry) List of characters: Conachur mac Nessa - King of Ulster Fergus mac Roy - King of Ulster before Conachur displaced him, married his mother Nessa and became Conachur's step father Felemid - the storyteller Deirdre - daughter of Felemid, raised by Laversham for Conachur Nessa - daughter of Echaid Yellow-Heel, once King of Ulster, mother of Conachur, wife of Cathfa, then Fergus Cathfa - Conachur's father, also poet/seer/magician; Nessa's husband until she left him for Fergus Maeve - daughter of the High King of Ireland, unwilling wife of Conachur, who finally escapes and leaves him lonely, embarrassed and angry Laversham - Conachur's "conversation woman" (confidant), his spy, and Deirdre's foster mother/groomer Naoise - Deirdre's lover and husband, warrior in Conachur’s army, Uisneac's eldest son Ainnle and Ardan - Naoise's younger brothers Uisneac - father of Naoise (Deirdre's husband), Ainnle and Ardan Bricriu - in charge of hospitality, also a poet and troublemaker Fachtna the Mighty - in some legends the son of Og and Nessa's lover; possible father of Conachur, which would make Conachur half mortal/half God Clothru - daughter of the High King of Ireland, wife of Conachur until killed by her sister Maeve Buinne and Iollann, sons of Fergus mac Roy Definitions: featly = nimbly, gracefully findriny = A precious metal often cited in early Irish manuscripts as having a value lower than gold or silver. eric - tribute/penalty/punishment paid in reparation for murder or other major crimes. geasa - obligations or prohibitions, vows, taboos or curses which, if violated, bring dishonor or even death. Conversely, the observing of a geas is empowering.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74164164</guid><pubDate>Mon, 17 Aug 2026 09:09:22 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74164164/two_sides_to_every_question_from_a_south_australian_standpoint_maud_jean_franc.mp3" length="139546474" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>James Stephens</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Beautiful, playful young Deirdre, caught in the crosshairs of Ireland's wily, chauvinistic King Conachur, who desires to marry her after his own wife Maeve has escaped his clutches, is one of many prequels to the legend of “The Great Tain”, Ireland's...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Beautiful, playful young Deirdre, caught in the crosshairs of Ireland's wily, chauvinistic King Conachur, who desires to marry her after his own wife Maeve has escaped his clutches, is one of many prequels to the legend of “The Great Tain”, Ireland's national epic. Sometimes called "The Irish Iliad", this saga of war between rival Irish and Scottish kings, with its many characters, was preserved in oral tradition with many variations, until committed to writing in the Middle Ages. Stephens gives his own interpretation, insights and humor of the Deirdre story as he spins court intrigue, jealousy, subterfuge. Deirdre's innocence, training as a young lady of worth; her escape from Conachur, her love for her husband (murdered at the King's hand), and eventual suicide, are the stuff of Irish legend, riveting throughout, rivaling the romantic tragedy of Romeo and Juliet. (Summary by Michele Fry) List of characters: Conachur mac Nessa - King of Ulster Fergus mac Roy - King of Ulster before Conachur displaced him, married his mother Nessa and became Conachur's step father Felemid - the storyteller Deirdre - daughter of Felemid, raised by Laversham for Conachur Nessa - daughter of Echaid Yellow-Heel, once King of Ulster, mother of Conachur, wife of Cathfa, then Fergus Cathfa - Conachur's father, also poet/seer/magician; Nessa's husband until she left him for Fergus Maeve - daughter of the High King of Ireland, unwilling wife of Conachur, who finally escapes and leaves him lonely, embarrassed and angry Laversham - Conachur's "conversation woman" (confidant), his spy, and Deirdre's foster mother/groomer Naoise - Deirdre's lover and husband, warrior in Conachur’s army, Uisneac's eldest son Ainnle and Ardan - Naoise's younger brothers Uisneac - father of Naoise (Deirdre's husband), Ainnle and Ardan Bricriu - in charge of hospitality, also a poet and troublemaker Fachtna the Mighty - in some legends the son of Og and Nessa's lover; possible father of Conachur, which would make Conachur half mortal/half God Clothru - daughter of the High King of Ireland, wife of Conachur until killed by her sister Maeve Buinne and Iollann, sons of Fergus mac Roy Definitions: featly = nimbly, gracefully findriny = A precious metal often cited in early Irish manuscripts as having a value lower than gold or silver. eric - tribute/penalty/punishment paid in reparation for murder or other major crimes. geasa - obligations or prohibitions, vows, taboos or curses which, if violated, bring dishonor or even death. Conversely, the observing of a geas is empowering.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>17426</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/7164afaf9210646f264543299a471721.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Faust I-Johann Wolfgang von Goethe</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/faust-i-johann-wolfgang-von-goethe--74119547</link><description><![CDATA[Beautiful, playful young Deirdre, caught in the crosshairs of Ireland's wily, chauvinistic King Conachur, who desires to marry her after his own wife Maeve has escaped his clutches, is one of many prequels to the legend of “The Great Tain”, Ireland's national epic. Sometimes called "The Irish Iliad", this saga of war between rival Irish and Scottish kings, with its many characters, was preserved in oral tradition with many variations, until committed to writing in the Middle Ages. Stephens gives his own interpretation, insights and humor of the Deirdre story as he spins court intrigue, jealousy, subterfuge. Deirdre's innocence, training as a young lady of worth; her escape from Conachur, her love for her husband (murdered at the King's hand), and eventual suicide, are the stuff of Irish legend, riveting throughout, rivaling the romantic tragedy of Romeo and Juliet. (Summary by Michele Fry) List of characters: Conachur mac Nessa - King of Ulster Fergus mac Roy - King of Ulster before Conachur displaced him, married his mother Nessa and became Conachur's step father Felemid - the storyteller Deirdre - daughter of Felemid, raised by Laversham for Conachur Nessa - daughter of Echaid Yellow-Heel, once King of Ulster, mother of Conachur, wife of Cathfa, then Fergus Cathfa - Conachur's father, also poet/seer/magician; Nessa's husband until she left him for Fergus Maeve - daughter of the High King of Ireland, unwilling wife of Conachur, who finally escapes and leaves him lonely, embarrassed and angry Laversham - Conachur's "conversation woman" (confidant), his spy, and Deirdre's foster mother/groomer Naoise - Deirdre's lover and husband, warrior in Conachur’s army, Uisneac's eldest son Ainnle and Ardan - Naoise's younger brothers Uisneac - father of Naoise (Deirdre's husband), Ainnle and Ardan Bricriu - in charge of hospitality, also a poet and troublemaker Fachtna the Mighty - in some legends the son of Og and Nessa's lover; possible father of Conachur, which would make Conachur half mortal/half God Clothru - daughter of the High King of Ireland, wife of Conachur until killed by her sister Maeve Buinne and Iollann, sons of Fergus mac Roy Definitions: featly = nimbly, gracefully findriny = A precious metal often cited in early Irish manuscripts as having a value lower than gold or silver. eric - tribute/penalty/punishment paid in reparation for murder or other major crimes. geasa - obligations or prohibitions, vows, taboos or curses which, if violated, bring dishonor or even death. Conversely, the observing of a geas is empowering.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74119547</guid><pubDate>Sun, 16 Aug 2026 12:02:48 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74119547/faust_i_johann_wolfgang_von_goethe.mp3" length="124462662" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>James Stephens</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Beautiful, playful young Deirdre, caught in the crosshairs of Ireland's wily, chauvinistic King Conachur, who desires to marry her after his own wife Maeve has escaped his clutches, is one of many prequels to the legend of “The Great Tain”, Ireland's...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Beautiful, playful young Deirdre, caught in the crosshairs of Ireland's wily, chauvinistic King Conachur, who desires to marry her after his own wife Maeve has escaped his clutches, is one of many prequels to the legend of “The Great Tain”, Ireland's national epic. Sometimes called "The Irish Iliad", this saga of war between rival Irish and Scottish kings, with its many characters, was preserved in oral tradition with many variations, until committed to writing in the Middle Ages. Stephens gives his own interpretation, insights and humor of the Deirdre story as he spins court intrigue, jealousy, subterfuge. Deirdre's innocence, training as a young lady of worth; her escape from Conachur, her love for her husband (murdered at the King's hand), and eventual suicide, are the stuff of Irish legend, riveting throughout, rivaling the romantic tragedy of Romeo and Juliet. (Summary by Michele Fry) List of characters: Conachur mac Nessa - King of Ulster Fergus mac Roy - King of Ulster before Conachur displaced him, married his mother Nessa and became Conachur's step father Felemid - the storyteller Deirdre - daughter of Felemid, raised by Laversham for Conachur Nessa - daughter of Echaid Yellow-Heel, once King of Ulster, mother of Conachur, wife of Cathfa, then Fergus Cathfa - Conachur's father, also poet/seer/magician; Nessa's husband until she left him for Fergus Maeve - daughter of the High King of Ireland, unwilling wife of Conachur, who finally escapes and leaves him lonely, embarrassed and angry Laversham - Conachur's "conversation woman" (confidant), his spy, and Deirdre's foster mother/groomer Naoise - Deirdre's lover and husband, warrior in Conachur’s army, Uisneac's eldest son Ainnle and Ardan - Naoise's younger brothers Uisneac - father of Naoise (Deirdre's husband), Ainnle and Ardan Bricriu - in charge of hospitality, also a poet and troublemaker Fachtna the Mighty - in some legends the son of Og and Nessa's lover; possible father of Conachur, which would make Conachur half mortal/half God Clothru - daughter of the High King of Ireland, wife of Conachur until killed by her sister Maeve Buinne and Iollann, sons of Fergus mac Roy Definitions: featly = nimbly, gracefully findriny = A precious metal often cited in early Irish manuscripts as having a value lower than gold or silver. eric - tribute/penalty/punishment paid in reparation for murder or other major crimes. geasa - obligations or prohibitions, vows, taboos or curses which, if violated, bring dishonor or even death. Conversely, the observing of a geas is empowering.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>15542</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/7164afaf9210646f264543299a471721.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Crock of Gold-James Stephens</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/crock-of-gold-james-stephens--73399574</link><description><![CDATA[Crock of Gold by James Stephens is a captivating exploration of the interplay between the mundane and the magical, weaving together themes of folklore, philosophy, and the human experience. As it delves into the lives of its characters and their encounters with mythical beings, the narrative invites listeners to reflect on the nature of happiness, wealth, and the quest for meaning. Its rich tapestry of storytelling and lyrical prose resonates with timeless questions about existence and the pursuit of dreams. This enduring classic remains relevant today, offering a profound lens through which to examine our own lives and the choices we make in the pursuit of fulfillment.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73399574</guid><pubDate>Mon, 03 Aug 2026 18:37:34 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/73399574/crock_of_gold_james_stephens.mp3" length="169417277" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>James Stephens</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Crock of Gold by James Stephens is a captivating exploration of the interplay between the mundane and the magical, weaving together themes of folklore, philosophy, and the human experience. As it delves into the lives of its characters and their...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Crock of Gold by James Stephens is a captivating exploration of the interplay between the mundane and the magical, weaving together themes of folklore, philosophy, and the human experience. As it delves into the lives of its characters and their encounters with mythical beings, the narrative invites listeners to reflect on the nature of happiness, wealth, and the quest for meaning. Its rich tapestry of storytelling and lyrical prose resonates with timeless questions about existence and the pursuit of dreams. This enduring classic remains relevant today, offering a profound lens through which to examine our own lives and the choices we make in the pursuit of fulfillment.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>21156</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/7164afaf9210646f264543299a471721.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Deirdre - James Stephens</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/deirdre-james-stephens--72759438</link><description><![CDATA[Beautiful, playful young Deirdre, caught in the crosshairs of Ireland's wily, chauvinistic King Conachur, who desires to marry her after his own wife Maeve has escaped his clutches, is one of many prequels to the legend of “The Great Tain”, Ireland's national epic. Sometimes called "The Irish Iliad", this saga of war between rival Irish and Scottish kings, with its many characters, was preserved in oral tradition with many variations, until committed to writing in the Middle Ages. Stephens gives his own interpretation, insights and humor of the Deirdre story as he spins court intrigue, jealousy, subterfuge. Deirdre's innocence, training as a young lady of worth; her escape from Conachur, her love for her husband (murdered at the King's hand), and eventual suicide, are the stuff of Irish legend, riveting throughout, rivaling the romantic tragedy of Romeo and Juliet. (Summary by Michele Fry) List of characters: Conachur mac Nessa - King of Ulster Fergus mac Roy - King of Ulster before Conachur displaced him, married his mother Nessa and became Conachur's step father Felemid - the storyteller Deirdre - daughter of Felemid, raised by Laversham for Conachur Nessa - daughter of Echaid Yellow-Heel, once King of Ulster, mother of Conachur, wife of Cathfa, then Fergus Cathfa - Conachur's father, also poet/seer/magician; Nessa's husband until she left him for Fergus Maeve - daughter of the High King of Ireland, unwilling wife of Conachur, who finally escapes and leaves him lonely, embarrassed and angry Laversham - Conachur's "conversation woman" (confidant), his spy, and Deirdre's foster mother/groomer Naoise - Deirdre's lover and husband, warrior in Conachur’s army, Uisneac's eldest son Ainnle and Ardan - Naoise's younger brothers Uisneac - father of Naoise (Deirdre's husband), Ainnle and Ardan Bricriu - in charge of hospitality, also a poet and troublemaker Fachtna the Mighty - in some legends the son of Og and Nessa's lover; possible father of Conachur, which would make Conachur half mortal/half God Clothru - daughter of the High King of Ireland, wife of Conachur until killed by her sister Maeve Buinne and Iollann, sons of Fergus mac Roy Definitions: featly = nimbly, gracefully findriny = A precious metal often cited in early Irish manuscripts as having a value lower than gold or silver. eric - tribute/penalty/punishment paid in reparation for murder or other major crimes. geasa - obligations or prohibitions, vows, taboos or curses which, if violated, bring dishonor or even death. Conversely, the observing of a geas is empowering.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72759438</guid><pubDate>Tue, 30 Jun 2026 16:19:49 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/72759438/deirdre_james_stephens.mp3" length="149229853" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>James Stephens</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Beautiful, playful young Deirdre, caught in the crosshairs of Ireland's wily, chauvinistic King Conachur, who desires to marry her after his own wife Maeve has escaped his clutches, is one of many prequels to the legend of “The Great Tain”, Ireland's...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Beautiful, playful young Deirdre, caught in the crosshairs of Ireland's wily, chauvinistic King Conachur, who desires to marry her after his own wife Maeve has escaped his clutches, is one of many prequels to the legend of “The Great Tain”, Ireland's national epic. Sometimes called "The Irish Iliad", this saga of war between rival Irish and Scottish kings, with its many characters, was preserved in oral tradition with many variations, until committed to writing in the Middle Ages. Stephens gives his own interpretation, insights and humor of the Deirdre story as he spins court intrigue, jealousy, subterfuge. Deirdre's innocence, training as a young lady of worth; her escape from Conachur, her love for her husband (murdered at the King's hand), and eventual suicide, are the stuff of Irish legend, riveting throughout, rivaling the romantic tragedy of Romeo and Juliet. (Summary by Michele Fry) List of characters: Conachur mac Nessa - King of Ulster Fergus mac Roy - King of Ulster before Conachur displaced him, married his mother Nessa and became Conachur's step father Felemid - the storyteller Deirdre - daughter of Felemid, raised by Laversham for Conachur Nessa - daughter of Echaid Yellow-Heel, once King of Ulster, mother of Conachur, wife of Cathfa, then Fergus Cathfa - Conachur's father, also poet/seer/magician; Nessa's husband until she left him for Fergus Maeve - daughter of the High King of Ireland, unwilling wife of Conachur, who finally escapes and leaves him lonely, embarrassed and angry Laversham - Conachur's "conversation woman" (confidant), his spy, and Deirdre's foster mother/groomer Naoise - Deirdre's lover and husband, warrior in Conachur’s army, Uisneac's eldest son Ainnle and Ardan - Naoise's younger brothers Uisneac - father of Naoise (Deirdre's husband), Ainnle and Ardan Bricriu - in charge of hospitality, also a poet and troublemaker Fachtna the Mighty - in some legends the son of Og and Nessa's lover; possible father of Conachur, which would make Conachur half mortal/half God Clothru - daughter of the High King of Ireland, wife of Conachur until killed by her sister Maeve Buinne and Iollann, sons of Fergus mac Roy Definitions: featly = nimbly, gracefully findriny = A precious metal often cited in early Irish manuscripts as having a value lower than gold or silver. eric - tribute/penalty/punishment paid in reparation for murder or other major crimes. geasa - obligations or prohibitions, vows, taboos or curses which, if violated, bring dishonor or even death. Conversely, the observing of a geas is empowering.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>18654</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>conachur,deirdre,fergus,king,maeve,naoise,nessa,sagas,stephens,ulster</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/7164afaf9210646f264543299a471721.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item></channel></rss>
