The Song of Deirdra, King Byrge and his Brothers, and Other Ballads

audiobook

The Song of Deirdra, King Byrge and his Brothers, and Other Ballads

by George Borrow

EN·~17 minutes·1 chapter

Chapters

1 total

Transcribed from the 1913 Thomas J. Wise pamphlet by David Price, email ccx074@pglaf.org

17:05

Description

A vivid anthology of ancient‑style ballads invites listeners into a world of misty highlands and restless seas. The opening verses of “The Song of Deirdra” weave a mournful farewell to the beloved hills of Albyn, where chieftains feast and secret loves bloom amid the clash of hunters and the echo of distant war drums. The lyrical voice captures the raw emotions of longing, jealousy, and oath‑bound devotion, setting a tone that feels both timeless and intimate.

In “The Diver,” the drama shifts to a storm‑tossed shoreline where a king’s golden goblet becomes the prize of a perilous test. A young stripling steps forward, daring the swirling whirlpool that has terrified nobles and knights alike, and the narrative builds with vivid descriptions of crashing waves and the roar of the abyss. The ballad’s rhythm and vivid imagery make the listener feel the tension of the dive and the bravery of a heart that chooses honor over safety.

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Details

Language

en

Duration

~17 minutes (16K characters)

Publisher of text edition

Project Gutenberg

Release date

May 15, 2009

Rights

Public domain in the USA.

About the author

George Borrow

George Borrow

1803–1881

Best known for turning restless travel and language learning into vivid books, this 19th-century English writer brought readers into roads, inns, and borderlands across Britain and Europe. His work mixes adventure, autobiography, and a deep fascination with Romani life and with the power of language itself.

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