Darthula
James Macpherson's adaptation of the Deirdre story as told in his Poems of Ossian (1760–3). Dar-thula is loved by the elderly Cairbar (Conchobar) when she becomes smitten with the youthful Nathos (Noíse). Dar-thula, Nathos, and his two brothers, Althos (see AINNLE) and Ardan, attempt to flee, but are driven back by a storm. The three brothers, sons of Usnoth (Uisnech), are killed by the pursuing Cairbar, and Dar-thula commits suicide upon the body of Nathos. Credulous commentators gave Dar-thula a Scottish Gaelic etymology, dart-’huile [woman with fine eyes].
