Irish folk-history plays, first series. The tragedies: Grania; Kincora; Dervorgilla

Irish folk-history plays - is the series of three tragedies written by Lady Gregory, an Irish dramatist, folklorist and theater manager. The book consists of such plays as Grania, Kincora and Devorgilla. The Grania play. Despite the title of the daughter of the King of Ireland, Grania, as a young woman, has no power in her country. Soon she is married off to Finn, a rich and respected warrior who is much older than her, and she is pleased with this. This is what is expected of her. However, when she sees Diarmuid, whom she fell in love with many years ago, Grania's desires change completely. After declaring her love for Diarmuid within earshot of Finn, Grania runs off with Diarmuid, who promises to return her to Finn and remind all of them of his promise once a year. Jealousy soon takes possession of Diarmuid, and he forgets his promise. Grania hopes that she and Diarmuid will be happy, but Finn remains in their minds. When the actions of her rival lovers seem to label her as nothing more than possessions—to be desired or scorned—Grania begins to question the steadfastness of love in a world filled with jealousy and fear of being alone. In the Kincora play, the guardian spirit of the royal family appears to young Brian and offers him undying love and happiness if he turns his back on his duty to Ireland. He refuses the offer. The first act shows Brian many years later. This is an old man who has spent his life in war, but with the belief that peace will be restored. Then Queen Gormleith and her husband Malachi appear. The queen leaves her husband for Brian, a more powerful king, but then betrays him by vowing to give herself to the Danes. Then the spirit that appeared at the opening offers the same promise to Brian's son. He is told that he has one hour left to live, but he heroically refuses the offer anyway. The play ends with Brian and Murrogh contemplating their deaths.