Naisi

Family: Ulstermen · Role: son of Usnach and husband of Deirdre · First appears: The Exile of the Sons of Usnach · Book of Leinster Version · Part 1

Naisi was the son of Usnach and, in the Glenn Masain account, one of the children of Ailbhe, reared by Aife and taught by Scathach, Bohvan and Conall Cernach. In the Book of Leinster version, he agreed to take Deirdre with him after she threatened him with shame if he refused, and that night he left Ulster with her, Ainnle, Ardan and their company. They took refuge with the king of Alba, then fled to an island after learning that Alba’s men planned to destroy them.

In Part 2, Naisi and his brothers agreed to return to Erin with Fergus mac Rog as their surety. As they continued toward Emain, Conor’s scheme delayed Fergus, and warriors were charged with killing the sons of Usnach before they could reach the king. At the meadows around Emain, Eogan’s spear struck Naisi; Fiacha tried to shield him but died, and the slaughter left none who escaped the weapons. In the Glenn Masain version, Deirdre gave Naisi three kisses before he was laid in his grave.