"Deirdre's Lament" genre: Celtic
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	Deirdre's Lament for the Sons of Usnach is a atmospheric, ethereal Celtic musical tale (dated about 1140). The Legend of Deirdre is a traditional Irish tale, at least a thousand years old, containing all the elements of magic, beauty, prophecy, fate, faith, romantic love, brotherly love, war, and transcendent death. Deirdre's great beauty - and fate - is foretold at birth, and ultimately there's no escape. Like Helen of Troy, her beauty provokes war.
	CD: Celtic Shores   Label: Epilogue Credits: Performed by Trio Nocturna - Thomas Dodd
	Story Behind the Song Like other Celtic heroines, Deirdre is a provocative protagonist, able and empowered in both love and war, which are inextricably entwined in Celtic myth. Yet in the end hers is a tragic tale. Destined to marry a king, she nevertheless finds her true love. Inevitably the lovers are exiled, and when at last they return to their homeland, he is slain and she is imprisoned by the very king she was fated to wed. Thus the darker moments fully realize the depths of the epic battle between the forces of destiny and the struggle of the heroes, and finally, the inconsolate sorrow of love lost. Formed in 1992 by harpist Thomas Dodd, Trio Nocturna first rose to cult status for it's 1994 cassette release - "Morphia"; a sought-after relic which is long out of print. In 1995 a new lineup put out "Tears of Light" which retained the ethereal atmosphere of the first demo while adding new depths of melody and a much more overtly Celtic sound. The band recruited New Age superstar Jamii Szmadzinski (known for his work with Shadowfax) to play electronic violin on their 1996 album "Songs of the Celtic Night" which garnered rave reviews in the mainstream media. Lyrics The lions of the hills are gone And I am left alone, alone. Dig the grave both wide and deep For I am ill and fain would sleep. The falcons of the hills are gone And I am left alone, alone. Dig the grave both deep and wide And lay his body by my side. The dragons of the rock, they sleep; A sleep that wakes not while we weep Dig the grave and make it ready And lay on me my true love’s body. Sweet companions, were ye ever Harsh to me your sister, never; Woods and wilds, an misty valleys Were with you as good's a palace. Echo now sleep morn and even; Lark, alone, enchant the heaven; Ardan's lips are scant of breath, Naisi's ongue is cold in death. The lions of the hills are gone, And I am left alone--alone; Dig the grave both wide and deep, For I am ill, and fain would sleep.

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