DIANE EDGECOMB
e-mail: dedge@livingmyth.com

Diane Edgecomb
PO Box 300016 
Boston, MA 02130
http://www.livingmyth.com
617-522-4335

Deirdre of the Sorrows
A Spoken Word CD
Deirdre is a Winner of a Storytelling World Honor's Award

'Deirdre' is Ireland's most beloved romance. In 1899, Douglas Hyde called this legend "the finest and best conceived...of any in the whole range of our literature." In 1905, Celtic author Charles Squire said, "Gaelic romance is summed up in the one word, Deirdre."

Set in a violent landscape of earthen fortresses and tribal conflicts, 'Deirdre of the Sorrows' is said to be based on true events that happened around 1000 BC. Called one of the 'three sorrows' of storytelling by the Irish bards, it was one of three tragic tales that a shenachie (Celtic storyteller) must be able to relate. Over time many versions of this haunting tale have made their way into Celtic storytelling and literature. Most of the adaptations avoided the searing imagery and cultivated a tamer version that prettified the ending. There was only one source that kept the edge of the original - a visceral tension that hovered between sweetness and cruelty. This was 'The Tain' or 'Cattle Raid'- the oldest vernacular epic in Western literature. Diane's version is based solidly on Thomas Kinsella's translation of "The Tain." The presence of the druid, the divine rights of the high king, the harshness of the life and the taboos hidden in the geis (a sworn promise given) are drawn from this version and from Diane's extensive research into the life and world of the pre-Christian Celts.

Released May 2004, 43.18 minutes.
Recomended for Adults; Grades 10 and above.

$15.00 each 
To purchase:
http://www.livingmyth.com
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Pattysaurus
Spoken Word CD contributed by Diane Edgecomb
This CD contains three story selections.



'Pattysaurus' is a humorous fable about sibling rivalry and dinosaur mania, in which Patty becomes so obsessed that she turns into a giant sauropod herself. The song of the wind asks three children to see if they can find the gift of 'The Old Apple Tree' in a lyrical tale about a boy's friendship with his favorite climbing tree. Also included is 'Princess Firefly', a lighthearted adaptation of a Japanese folktale. Princess Firefly sends her suitors on a quest for the light of the stars, promising her love to the one whose light matches her own.
Recorded with Diane Edgecomb, Celtic harper Margot Chamberlain and keyboardist Tom Megan.
Original story and adaptations by Diane Edgecomb, music by Tom Megan and Margot Chamberlain.

Originally Released on cassette June 1996,
Re-released on CD June 2006, 49 minutes.
Recomended for Children aged 4-8.

$15.00 each
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Recordings: New Age Gawain & the Green Knight
Spoken Word Cassette

New Age Gawain is a fanciful modernization of the classic medieval tale 'Sir Gawain and the Green Knight'. As the adventure unfolds, Gawain's quest takes him from the bosom of Arthur's men's group in the fabled halls of the Sheraton Tara to the Legendary Castle of the Green Knight. There he encounters a most unusual triple goddess. These three ladies try his patience and challenge his new age virtue!
Recorded live with Diane Edgecomb and Celtic harper Margot Chamberlain.
Adaptation by Diane Edgecomb, with original music by Tom Megan.

Released June 1996, 47 minutes.
Recomended for Adults and Children aged 12 and up.

$10.00 each

Diane Edgecomb
PO Box 300016
Boston, MA 02130
617-522-4335

http://www.livingmyth.com

Pattysaurus  just released in CD form!
available at  http://www.livingmyth.com
Deirdre of the Sorrows  one of Ireland's classic legends with Diane Edgecomb accompanied by Celtic harper Margot Chamberlain is a winner of a 2005 Storytelling World Honor's Award
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(Created 10/14/06)