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977, Kil dare was devastated by the Danes.
Battle of Tara. -In A. D. 978, Malachy, king of Meath, who was afterwards the monarch Malachy II. , at the head of the forces of Meath, Ulster, and Connaught, gained a great victory over the Danes of Dublin, and their allies, the Danes and Nor wegians of the Orkneys and Isle of Mann, at Tara. Vast numbers were slaughtered on both sides, and many valiant Irish chiefs fell in the thick of the fight, amongst others Brann, the son of Mur rogh, heir to the crown of Leinster, Congalach, prince of Galeng,
two chiefs of Fertulach, and Lachtan, lord of Mourne. The Danish forces were commanded by their tanist, Reginald, son of Aulaf, and five thousand of them, together with Reginald himself,
laid waste by the Danes on Christmas night, and they slew the abbot and fifteen monks, but in the following year is recorded a great slaughter of the Danes who devastated Iona, and 360 of them were slain, through the miracles of God and St. Columkille. In the same year, the Annals of Ulster record a great battle fought at the Isle of Mann, between the son of Harold and the Danes, in which 1000 men were slain.
Battles at Dublin, &c. —In A. D. 988, king Malachy, with his forces, attacked the Danes, and a great battle was fought between them at Dublin, in which a vast number of the Danes were slain, and he besieged their fortress for the space of twenty days, dur ing which time they had no drink but the sea water; he com pelled them to pay him the full tribute he appointed, together with an annual tax of one ounce of gold from each habitation, to be paid on every Christmas eve, for ever. In the sameyear, God frey, son of Harold, lord of the Danes of the isles in Scotland, was slain by the Dalriedians of Ulster, and in this year also Down patrick was plundered and burned by the Danes. In A. D. 988, Derry was devastated by the Danes, and in the same year the Danish forces and the Lagenians laid waste Meath as far as Lough
Commaol, son of Gilli-Arri, and many other nobles of Dublin were
slain. Aulaf, the Danish king of Dublin, in great grief for the Ennell, near Mullingar. In A. D. 992, Ardbraccan, Muinebro
victory gained over his forces at Tara, and the death of his son Reginald, slain in that battle, retired soon after to the monastery of Columkille, at Iona, in the Hebrides, where he died the follow ing year, A. D. 980, in penitence and pilgrimage. He was Aulaf W. , and is called by the Annalists Aulaf Cuaran. He was suc ceededas Danish king of Dublin by his son Gluniarn. In A. D. 988, Gluniarn was killed by one of his own common people, named Colvan, while intoxicated, and he was succeeded by his brother Sitric III. It has been mentioned by mistake at p. 487, that
cain, Donaghpatrick, and other churches in Meath were plun dered by the Danes of Dublin, and they carried off great spoils from the country. In this year, Ivar, a Danish chief, was ex pelled from Dublin, through the intercession of the saints, and in the same year Giolla Cele, the son of Carroll, heir to the crown of Leinster, was slain by the son of Aulaf, the Dane. In A. D. 994, Ivar, a Danish chief, came to Dublin after Sitric, the son of Aulaf, and in this year Donaghpatrick, in Meath, was plundered by the Danes of Dublin, and Murtogh O'Connolly, but God was avenged on them, for they died before the end of a month after their re turn. Reginald, a Danish chief, was slain by the Lagenians, and Ivar having again fled from Dublin, was succeeded by Sitric. In this year king Malachy attacked and defeated the Danes of Dub lin, and carried off from them, by force, two trophies of great value, namely, the golden collar of Tomar, and the sword of Caro
Sitric III. was killed at the battle of Dundalk, A. D. 944, but that Sitric was not king of the Danes, being only the commander of the Danish forces. It appears the Danish kings of Dublin formed marriage alliances with the Irish kings at this time, for it is stated by Keating and others, that Dunflath, daughter of the celebratedMurkertach Mac Neill, prince of Aileach, was married
cond wife of the Danish king Aulaf, and after his death she was married to Brian Boru, as hereafter explained.
Battle of Dublin. —In A. D. 979, king Malachy II. and Eochy, king of Ulidia, marched a powerful army to Dublin, and fought a
fierce battle with the Danes for three days and nights. Having vanquished the Danish forces, they liberated Donal Claon, king of Leinster, and Aidire O'Neill, who were kept as hostages by the Danes, and they likewise set at liberty 2000 persons who were kept as hostages or prisoners by the Danes, and they carried off great spoils and riches. All the race of Hy Niall from the Shan non to the sea were exempted by them, for ever, from paying any tributes or hostages to the Danes; and king Malachy issued a noble proclamation, commanding that “all the Irish who were in servitude and bondage with the Danes, would return to their respective countries in gladness and peace;” and the annalists add that the slavery of the Irish was equal to the Babylonian cap tivity, until Malachy set them free.
In A. D. 981, Kildare was plundered by the Danes of Water ford, under Ivar ; and in A. D. 982, king Malachy, joined by the
forces of Gluniarn, Danish king of Dublin, who was his maternal brother, gained a great victory over Donal Claon, king of Lein ster, and his allies, the Danes of Waterford, under Ivar, and great numbers of them were slain and drowned, together with Giolla
in Antrim, with three ships, but were attacked and defeated, and seven score of them were slain and drowned. In the same year the monastery of St. Columkille, at Iona, in the Hebrides, was
510 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1580.
them. On a certain day the forementioned John with which it was not expedient to have gone a
proceeded to the woods of Aharlo (in Tipperary), in the month of July precisely, with a small force,
lus. According to someaccounts, Malachy slew in single combat one of the Danish champions, from whose neck he took the Torque
long distance, for his foot soldiers numbered less than a hundred shields, and he had only thirteen
and the Dalcassians, under Brian Boru, and four thousand ofthem were slain at the river Suck, on the borders of Roscommon and
or golden collar, which he wore ever after as a trophy of Galway. century. —In victory. Moore, in one of his Melodies, thus alludes to this cir Battles with the Danes in the eleventh
cumstance—
A. D. 1001, Sitric, son of Aulaf, king of the Danes, went with his ships
and laid waste Cill Cleithe and Inis Cumscraidh, and carried off many captives. In the same year, Brian Boru, with the men of Munster, joined by the Lagenians and Danes, marched to Athlone
and subdued the southern Hy Niall and Conacians, and obtained
their hostages, and he afterwards, joined by king Malachy, marched
with those forces to Dundalk, to obtain hostages from Hugh O'Neill, king of Ulster, who was heir apparent to the crown of
Ireland, and son of the late king, Donal O'Neill. In A. D. 1005, Dublin was burned by the people of southern Bregia.
Battle of Draighnein. —In A. D. 1012, the Danes of Dublin plundered Meath and Termon Fechin, but king Malachy led a
great force of the men of Meath into the Danish territories, in Fingall, and burned their possessions as far as the Hill of Howth. Sitric, king of Dublin, and Maolmora, king of Leinster, marched against them, and slew 200 of them, together with Flann, the son
Malachy, and other chiefs. In the same year, Giolla Mochonna, the son of Fogartach, lord of South Bregia, a champion who was the terror of the Danes, died, and it is stated in the Annals of Ulster, by Dr. O'Connor, that he compelled the Danes to draw ploughs and harrows after them, yoked like horses. In this year also a great fleet of the Foreigners came to Munster, and they
burned Cork, but God avenged that wicked deed soon after, for Aulaf, the son of Sitric, lord of the Danes, and other chiefs, with many of their men, were slain by the men of Munster. In the same year, the Four Masters record that there was great warbe tween the Danes and Irish, and king Brian led his forces to Ath Car thinn, and for the space of three months attacked the fortresses of the Danes, and obtained victories over them, and Brian erected many fortresses, as those of Kincora, and others. The Danes and Lagenians made war on Brian, who proceeded with his forces as far as Slieve Margy, in Leix, and he laid waste Leinster as far as Dublin. In A. D. 1013, according to the Annals of Inisfallen, Malachy, king of Meath, having complained to Brian of the devas tations of the Danes and Lagenians, Brian, with a great force, marched against them, and plundered Ossory, and his son, Mur rogh, ravaged Leinster, as far as Glendalough, and the Termon of St. Kevin—took many hostages, and carried off great preys, which he brought to Brian, at Kilmainham, near Dublin, where Brian, with the men of Munster and of Connaught, remained en camped from Lammas to Christmas, without receiving battle from the Danes or Lagenians during that period.
*
“Let Erin remember the days of old
Ere her faithless sons betrayed her, When Malachy wore the collar of gold Which he won from the proud invader. ”
In the year 1810, on digging near the earthen ramparts of the ancient palace at Tara, there were accidentally discovered two of the splendid Torques, or golden collars, worn by the kings and chiefs, which are now deposited in the Museum of the Royal Irish Academy; they are of the purest gold, and of exquisite workman ship, spiral or twisted, of a circular form, and open on one side.
One of these Torques is five feet seven inches in length, and some thing more than twenty-seven ounces in weight, and the other weighs more than twelve ounces. In A. D. 996, Clonard and Kells, in Meath, were devastated by the Danes. In A. D. 997, king Malachy, with the men of Meath, and Brian Boru, with the -men of Munster, led their forces to Dublin, and carried off from the Danes many hostages and great riches. In the same year the Danes plundered Derry, and Ivar, with the Danes, and joined by the Ossorians, devastated Hy Kinsellagh, or Wexford. In A. D. 998, Kildare was plundered by the Danes of Dublin.
Battle of Glenn Mama. - In A. D. 998, the Lagenians having refused to pay the tributes imposed on them by Brian Boru, king of Munster, confederated with the Danes of Dublin, and collected their combined forces under the Danish king, Sitric, Harold, and other chiefs, and the men of Leinster under their king Maolmora Mac Murrogh, and other leaders. Brian Boru, with his son Mur rogh, collected the Dalcassians and other forces of Munster, and aided by the men of Meath, under king Malachy, both armies met and fought a furious battle, in which the Danes and their allies were totally defeated, and, according to Keating and others, no less than five thousand of them were slain, and amongst the Danish chiefs who fell were Harold, the son of Aulaf, and Coilen, the son of Eitigen. The place where this battle was fought, called Glenn Mama, signifying the glen of the mountain pass, was in a valley situated near Dunlavin, on the borders of Wicklow and Dublin. The Four Masters quote, from an ancient bard, a passage on this battle, to the following effect:
“They came to the valley of Mama,
And having no water convenient,
They were forced to drink of the unhealthy pools,
And fought with stones towards the close of the conflict. That victory was obtained by the kings,
Triumphantly, as far as the northern woods;
Dublin, the beautiful, they burned,
And devastated the plain of Leinster. ”
After the victory, Brian and Malachy marched to Dublin, where they remained a week, and took from the Danes great quantities
The Battle of Clontarf–Brian Boroimhe, commonly called
of gold, silver, and other spoils, with many captives. They A. D. 950; he was succeeded by his son Mahon, a celebrated
burned the fortress, and expelled the Danish king, Sitric, the son of Aulaf, but it appears the Danes were permitted again to possess Dublin in the following year, on giving hostages and paying tribute to Brian Boru. In 999, Brian led his forces to the plain of Bregia, towards Tara, joined by the Lagenians, the men of south Connaught, and the Danes of Dublin, whose predatory cavalry marched in the front ranks, but king Malachy attacked them, and they were almost all slain, and Brian was forced to retreat without battle or booty.
Battle of the Suck-In A. D. 999, according to O'Halloran, and others, the Danes were defeated by the men of Connaught,
warrior, who gained many great victories over the Danes of Mun ster. Mahon was slain A. D. 976, according to the Annals of Inisfallen, and his brother Brian then became king of Munster, over which he ruled with great power and prosperity for a long period. About A. D. 1000, Brian entered into a contest for the sovereignty of Ireland, with the monarch Malachy II. whom he ultimately conquered and deposed in A. D. 1002, and marching his victorious forces to Meath, had himself proclaimed monarch of Ireland, at Tara, the residence of the ancient kings, thus trans ferring the sceptre from the race of Hy Niall to the House of Heber. According to the Four Masters, Brian was then in the
Brian Boru, got the surname Boroimhe, or Borumha, which sig
nifies of the Tribute, as the Irish word Boroimhe means tribute of
cows or other cattle, and he derived this appellation of Brian of
the Tributes, from his having compelled the kings of Leinster and
of Tara, and also the Danes, to pay him tributes. Brian was son
of Cinneide, king of Thomond, of the tribe of the Dalcassians, and
race of Heber. Lorcan, king of Munster, died A. D. 942, and Cinneide, son of Lorcan, succeeded as king of Thomond, and died
i
REIGN OF ELIZABETH.
horsemen; the direction he took towards the end rary), and he made a prey in Dubhfhed-Ua-Luig of the day was along the clear stream of the Shan deach (Borrisoleigh) early on the following morning, non, through Moy Ailbhe (Moyaliffe, in Tippe with which he proceeded directly eastward to Cor
76th year of his age, and he reigned as monarch of Ireland twelve years, to his death at Clontarf, A. D. 1014. A sketch of the life of Brian has been already given at p. 147, in the note on Thomond, Brian, for a period of about forty years, waged incessant war with the Danes and their allies, particularly in Leinster and Munster, and, according to the various annalists and historians, he defeated them in more than forty battles, and having reduced the Danes of Leinster and Munster to subjection, he permitted them to reside in the cities of Dublin, Waterford, Limerick, and Cork, for pur poses of commerce, but compelled them to pay him tributes, and it is stated by Keating, O'Halloran, and others, that he levied
annually on the Dames of Limerick 365 pipes of red wine, and 150 pipes of wine, yearly, on the Danes of Dublin. The following account of the Battle of Clontarf has been collected from the
collected from Clare, Limerick, and Tipperary, were commanded by himself in person, and his eldest son Murrogh, aided by his five other sons, Teige, Donogh, Donal, Conor, and Flann; Toriogh, the son of Murrogh, and grandson of Brian Boru, together with
fifteen other valiant young chiefs, nephews and relations of Brian, also fought in this battle. Murrogh, the eldest son of Brian, had the chief command, and though beyond the period of middle life, being in the 63d year of his age, yet he displayed uncommon en ergy, being a man of great bodily strength and distinguished valour, and he slew several of the Danish chieftains in single combat. The Eugenians, or troops of Desmond and Desies, collected from those parts of South Munster, which now form Cork, Kerry and Waterford, were commanded by Cian, or Kian, prince of Desmond, ancestor of the O’Mahonys, who is stated by the Annalists to have exceeded all the men of Erin in stature and beauty. Various other chieftains are mentioned as commanders of the Dalcassians, of the Eugenians, or Desmonians, Desians, &c. , as Mothla O’Felan, prince of Desies, or Waterford; Mac Beotach, prince of Kerry Luachra, ancestor of the O'Conors, lords of Kerry; Scanlan, prince of Lough Lein, or Killarney; Hugh, son of Loughlin, prince of Conagh; Donal, prince of Corcabaiscin, in Clare ; Hugh the Wounder, prince of Ely; Loinseach, prince of Conall Gabhra, in Limerick; Mac Dona gan, prince of Ara, in Tipperary; Cathal, the son of Donnabhain, prince of Carberry, in Cork; Murtogh, prince of Hy Liathain, in Cork; Geibhionach O’Dubhgain, prince of Fermoy, in Cork. The
various Munster clans were led to Clontarf by those chiefs and others, the ancestors of the O'Briens, Mac Carthys, O'Mahonys, O'Conors, O'Carrolls, O'Connells, O'Donoghoes, O'Donovans, Mac Namaras, O’Felans, O'Keeffes, &c. The Connaught forces who came to the aid of Brian, were commanded by Teige O'Conor, king of Connaught ; Maolroona O'Heyne, prince of Aidhne, in Galway, who was brother-in-law of Brian; Teige O'Kelly, prince of Hy Maine, in Galway ; O'Flaherty, ancestor of the lords of West Connaught of that name; Murtogh O'Cadhla, prince of Connamara, and Conor, son of Maolroona, prince of Moylurg, an cestor of the Mac Dermotts of Roscommon; Malachy, king of Meath, came with 1000 men, and according to Keating and O'Halloran, the king of Ulster made an offer of his troops and services, which was declined by Brian, in consequence of some former feuds between them. Flaherty O'Neill was at that time king of Ulster, and though he did not come, some of the Ulster chiefs joined the standard of Brian at Clontarf. O'Carroll, prince of Oirgiall, and Maguire, prince of Fermanagh, who are mentioned as two of the most illustrious of the men of Erin, came with their Ultonian forces, and also Felim O'Neill, a famous warrior, who killed a Danish champion in single combat, and carried off his shield, which was ornamented with silver, and hence he was called Felim of the Silver Shield. Sitric, a prince of Ulster, and a valiant warrior, is mentioned by O'Halloran as having fought on
Annals of Inisfallen, of Ulster, and of the Four Masters; from the
histories of Keating, O'Halloran, &c. , and from some ancient
Irish MSS. in the library of Sir William Betham, and also from the
Icelandic Saga in Johnstone's Celto-Scandinavian, and Celto
Normanic Antiquities, and various other sources. Sitric III.
Danish king of Dublin, having leagued with his relative, Maol
mora Mac Murrogh, king of Leinster, to avenge the various de
feats and disasters they had sustained in their battles with Brian
Boru and king Malachy, and determined, if possible, to acquire
the entire sovereignty of Ireland, they, for this purpose, secretly
dispatched emissaries to collect and combine all the forces they
possibly could, for the invasion of Ireland, amongst the Danes and
Norwegians of Northumberland, and of the Orkney Islands, the
Hebrides, and Isle of Mann, together with auxiliaries from Den
mark, Norway, and Sweden, and also, it is said, from the Nor
mans of France, and some Belgians, with some Britons from Wales
and Cornwall. The Annals of Inisfallen state that Danish forces
came from all the places above-mentioned, and from all parts of
the world where the Danes resided, and the Four Masters men
tion that all the Foreigners of eastern Europe came against Brian
and Malachy. A powerful fleet, with those combined forces of
foreigners, arrived at the bay of Dublin on Palm Sunday, the 18th
of April, A. D. 1014, under the command of Brodar, the Danish
admiral. The entire of these combined foreign forces, together
with the Danes of Dublin, and other parts of Ireland, amounted to
twelve thousand men, and their Irish allies, the Lagenians, under
Maolmora Mac Murrogh, king of Leinster, numbered nine thou
sand, thus making in all 21,000 men, and according to the Annals of
Inisfallen,they amounted to seven Catha or battalions, and each Cath
or battalion, according to the Irish writers, consisted of 3000 men.
The forces from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, were under the
command of two princes, named Carolus Knutus and Andreas,
sons of Sueno, king of Denmark, and a body of 1000 Norwegian
warriors, completely covered with coats of mail, of brass and
iron, was commanded by Carolus and Anrud, two sons of Eric,
king of Norway. The Northmen, from the Orkneys, Hebrides, the side of Brian; he was probably some chief of Danish descent, Isle of Mann, and Northumberland, were commanded by Sigurd,
earl of Orkneys, the son of Lodar, assisted by Brodar, the Danish admiral, Oittir the Black, and other chiefs. The Danes of Dublin and other parts of Ireland, were commanded by Sitric, the Danish king, and two valiant chiefs, named Dolat and Commaol. Their Irish allies, the Lagenians, were commanded by their king, Maol mora; Boadan, prince of West Leinster; the son of Tuathal,
prince of Moy Liffey; the son of Brogarvan, prince of Offaly, and
other chiefs. It is stated by Keating and others, that when Maol mora, king of Leinster, found all his foreign allies assembled, he
sent a herald to Brian Boru, challenging him to battle on the Plains of Clontarf. This custom prevailed amongst the ancient Irish, of selecting a time and place, according to mutual consent,
or the name Sitric might have been taken by some Irish chief from intermarriage with the Danes. The Mormaors, or Great Stewards of Lennox and Marr, came with their forces from Scot land to assist the Irish, as hereafter explained.
Brian's entire army is considered to have amounted to about twenty thousand men, and the combined forces of the Danes and their allies amounted to 21,000, thus making in all nore than 40,000 men engaged on both sides at Clontarf. The Danish forces all assembled at Clontarf, and were formed into three great divi sions; the first, composed of the Danes of Dublin and other parts of Ireland, joined by the 1000 Norwegian warriors clad in coats of mail, was commanded by Sitric, king of Dublin, and the Iarls Dolat, Conmaol, Anrud, and Carolus; the second, composed of the Lagenians, and a battalion of Danes, were under Maolmora, king of Leinster, and his chiefs; and the third body, composed of the foreign auxiliaries from Denmark, from the Orkneys, &c. , was under the command of Brodar, the Danish admiral, and Si gurd, earl of Orkneys. Brian's army was likewise formed into
to decide their contests in a pitched battle. Brian had been some time making preparations to meet this powerful confederacy of foreign and donestic enemies, and having collected his forces, he
was some time encamped, as before stated, on the plains of Kil mainham,near Dublin. The Dalcassians, or troops of Thomond,
512 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1580.
catenadh, and to Ikerrin (in Tipperary). The those Ely O’Fogarty, Hy Luigdeach, Pobal forces of the country in every direction through Droma and Pobal Purcell (all districts Tipperary); which he passed, collected in pursuit of him, viz. , the people those territories deemed great
three divisions, the first composed of the Dalcassians, commanded
mail; the spears were shivered the shock; shields and buck lers were rent asunder, the champions were cloven down, heroes were hacked and hewed pieces, and heaps carnage lay the
by himself in person, his son Murrogh, and other chiefs; the
second body composed of the Conacians under king Teige O'Conor,
and the other chiefs above mentioned; the third division was slain. The brave Murrogh, son Brian, led the van, and the
formed by the Desmonians and Desians, under Kian, and the other chieftains of Desmond. Malachy, king of Meath, with his forces, was appointed to assist the Dalcassians in the first division; and the Ultonians co-operated with the Desmonians in the third divi vision, as did likewise the great Stewards of Lennox and Marr. It does not appear there were any Cavalry engaged on either side at Clontarf; the armies of the ancient Irish were chiefly composed of foot forces, and the Kerns or light infantry of those days were armed with spears, javelins, darts, slings, bows and arrows, and they sometimes flung showers of stones when in want of other weapons; they were extremely swift of foot, active in attacking, and rapid in retreating, and made fierce and irregular onsets into the ranks of their opponents. The Galloglasses or heavy infantry, were select men of great strength and stature, armed with swords and battle-axes, and being more steady and disciplined than the Kerns, stood firmly in their ranks, and bore the brunt of battle. The chief weapons of the Danish warriors were the sword, spear, and battle-axe, and they also had bodies of archers and slingers. A great body of the Danish and Norwegian warriors were, as above stated, clad in armour or coats of mail of brass and iron, and wore iron helmets and breast-plates, and they used large round or oval shields made of wood, bound with hoops of iron, and coloured red. The Standards of the Danes, asbefore described at p. 458, bore
the figure of a Raven, which was the chiefensign on their banners. The Standards of the ancient Irish bore representations of various
trees and animals, as the yew, the mountain ash, the oak, &c. ; of wolf dogs or grey hounds, lions, leopards, deer, &c. ; of weapons, as shields, swords, spears,and battle-axes; of musical instruments, as the Harp, Pipes, &c. Accounts of these banners are given in some of the Ossianic poems, and the bards also mention that the ancient warriors used a banner called Gal-Greine, signifying a Sun-Burst or Sun-Beam, and it bore a representation of the Sun and its rays. The banners were of various colours, green, blue, white, and red, but it appears red was a favourite colour, as Ire land is frequently designated Banba-na-m Bratach Ruadh, that Ireland the Red Banners. O’Brien's Irish Dictionary
the word Concobar, stated that three Lions Rampant were the figures always borne the banners Brian Boru his various battles. few days before the battle Brian detached his son Donogh the head battalion the Munster troops into Lein ster lay waste the territory his enemy Maolmora, but ex pecting that Donogh would back time for the conflict Clontarf, however, Donogh did not return till the day after the battle, which was considered great loss. At sun-rise the morning Good Friday, the 23rd April, Brian, the head his forces, marched from the camp Kilmainham Clontarf, and made animating harangue encouraging his men the encounter against these fierce pirates and Pagans, who had frequently laid waste the country, and ravaged their towns, cities, and churches, with ruthless fury, and holding sword his right hand, and his left crucifix, exhorted them the symbol
the Cross, and reminding them that the day was the anniversary
Christ's Passion, he assured them victory. The royal tent being pitched, Brian's standard was advanced, and the Raven bearing banner the Danes unfurled, fierce battle cries, and shouts
defiance arose either side. The Irish bards raised the Rosg
Catha war-song, and the Scandinavian Skalds recited their
battle odes, and animated their champions the contest. The
brazen-tongued war-trumpets were blown with terrific blasts; the
warriors rushed the eneounter, and the conflict raged on all vanquished. By the Four Masters the conflict thus designated sides with surpassing fury showers arrows and darts darkened Cath Coradh Cluana Tairbh, that is, The Battle Cloutarf
the air, and volleys stones from the slings whizzed through the the Heroes, and they describe “a sanguinary, violent, most ranks; the swords and battle-axes rang the helmets and coats fierce, furious, and unparalleled battle, the like which was not
various Irish chiefs performed prodigies valour, and amongst those Torlogh, son Murrogh, then only the 16th year his age, was particularly distinguished for his prowess and deeds heroism. The battalion 1000 Northmen coats mail, did great execution amongst the Irish during the early part the battle, but being attacked Murrogh, the head his chosen battalions, those steel-clad champions were cloven down, and hewed through their iron helmets and armour the heavy battle axes and strong arms the dauntless and well disciplined Dal cassians, and scarcely one
the fortunes that day. slew single combat Sigurd,
the foreign warriors escaped tell Of the Danish commanders, Murrogh
earl Orkneys, whose scull clove
with one blow
some writers
Sigurd, earl
at Clontarf.
slain Murrogh and Anrud, son the king Norway, seeing
his brother Carolus slain, furiously encountered Murrogh, whose right hand said was swollen, and unable wield the battle axe from incessant exertion during the day, but with his left hand seized Amrud, and shaking him out his coat mail, prostrated and pierced him through the body with his sword, but the Norwegian fell grasped Murrogh's skian dagger, and
his battle-axe Sitric, son
this commander mentioned Lodar, but this mistake, for
some followers into king was guarded only
the opportunity,
wood near Brian's tent, perceived that the few attendants, and taking advantage and his followers rushed into the royal tent;
Orkneys, son
The valiant chiefs Carolus and Commaolwere also
stooped over him plunged heroic Murrogh mortal wound,
morning. curious incident
pions the heat battle, order quench their thirst, and cool their hands swollen from the violent use of the sword and battle axe, frequently retired adjoining spring, and always returned
the conflict with fresh vigour, which the Danes observing, at tacked the guards placed there, and destroyed the fountain
the well still shown Clontarf. The combat Murrogh with Anrud happened the evening, and the Danish forces were that time nearly vanquished, and were soon after put flight
all directions. Brodar, the Danish commander, having fled with
he slew the king with his sword, and the same time cut down youth who attended Brian, and valiantly interposed save the life his royal master; the aged hero, though taken surprise, seized his battle-axe, made brave resistance, and wounded some
his assailants. The assassin, raising his bloody sword aloft ex
claimed, “Let proclaimed from man man, that Brian has
fallen the hand Brodar. ” The Danish chieftain thus endea voured rally his flying forces and renew the contest, but Brian's guards having heard the king's death, returned and rushed Brodar and his followers with great fury, cut them pieces, and having seized Brodar himself, put him death with excruciating torments. The battle had now raged with great fury from morn ing till near sunset, but the Foreigners and their allies were dis comfited and routed on all sides—their ranks broken—their batta lions scattered—their champions cut down—their standard bearers slain, and their Raven-bearing banners trampled the dust; the remnant their forces fled from the field all directions, some
Dublin, and some their ships; the Irish warriors like rush ing torrent pursued the flying Foreigners, and terrific was the uproar and clamour the combatants, amidst the clashing arms, the fierce shouts the victors, and the wild shrieks the
Lodar, was the chieftain slain
his breast, and gave the which died the following
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REIGN OF ELIZABETH.
prize for them to find John with so small a force, their chiefs, the heads clans and towns, and they boldly and fiercely attacked him ; but, were slain that engagement; and John carried
however, the pursuers were defeated, and eighteen
fought before that time. ” The Chronicon Scotorum, says, that “no battle equal to this had been fought in Ireland for many ages.
” After the Danish forces were put to flight, they were pursued, some to Dublin, and others to their ships at Howth, with dreadful carnage, and great numbers of them were drowned, and some hun dreds of the women who accompanied the Danish army were likewise slain and drowned ; king Sitric, with the remnant of his Danish forces and their Leinster allies, fled to Dublin. In the well-contested and sanguinary conflict of Clontarf, many thousands fell on each side, but the accounts of the numbers slain are dif ferent. According to accounts given by Keating, O'Halloran, and others, the Danes and their allies lost about thirteen thousand men; namely, 4000 of the Danes of Dublin and other parts of
off his prey into the dense and solitary woods
latives, the Clan Colman, give account the battle Clon tarf, described follows:—“It impossible for human lan guage describe that battle, nor could less than an angel from heaven adequately relate the terrors that day. We were se parated from the combatants, spectators, greater distance than the breadth ditch and fallow field, the high wind the spring blowing towards where we stood. Not longer than half hour after they commenced the conflict could the com batants distinguished from each other; not even father brother could recognize each other, except their voices, closely were they mingled together. When the warriors engaged and grappled close combat, was dreadful behold how their weapons glittered over their heads, the sun, giving them the
Ireland; 6000 of the Danes, Norwegians, and other foreign auxi appearance numerous flock white seagulls, flying the
liaries; and 3000 of the men of Leinster. The accounts of the
number of Hrian's forces slain, are also various, some making the
number 4000, others 7000, and some state that no less than 11,000
of the Irish were slain. According to the Annals of Ulster 6000
of the Danish forces were slain, but, according to the Annals of
Innisfallen, which are considered the best authority on this sub before they recovered their former brightness. To those who be
air. Our bodies and clothes were all covered over as were with red rain blood, borne from the battle field the wings the
wind; the swords, spears, and battle-axes the combatants were cemented and entangled with clotted blood and locks hair, that they could with difficulty use them, and was long time
ject, there were 13,000 of the Danish forces slain, thus mentioned in the Irish “Torchar tri mile deag do Ghallaibh,” which, in Dr. O'Connor's edition of the Annals, is by some mistake in the figures, made 3012. From a consideration of the different accounts, it appears that at least 10,000 of the Danish forces, and 3000 of their allies, the Lagenians, both making 13,000, and about 7000 of the Irish, under Brian Boru, &c. , fell at Clontarf, the whole thus amounting to 20,000 men slain in that tremendous battle. Maolmora, king of Leinster, with 3000 of his forces, and many of his chiefs, fell in the battle, and almost the Danish commanders were slain, many whom have been above mentioned, and together with these also fell Gilla Cuaran, son Gluniarn, and Dubhgall, son Aulaf, both whom were heirs presumptive the kingship Dublin; Oittir the Black, Suart gar, Grisene, and Aulaf, the son Lagman, were also slain. On the side the Irish fell king Brian, and his heroic son Mur rogh, together with Torlogh, the son Murrogh, and Co nang, nephew Brian, one the heirs the throne Mun ster; and, according some accounts, two three other sons Brian, and many his nephews and relatives were slain. Many the chieftains Munster already mentioned
held the slaughter, spectators, the sight was more terrific than those engaged the battle, which continued from sunrise until the shades evening, when the full tide carried the ships away. ”
The following passages from Mac Pherson's Ossian, his poem Fingal, may quoted descriptive fierce battle, similar that Clontarf:—“As autumn's dark storms, pouring from two echoing hills, towards each other, approach the heroes. As two deep streams from high rocks meet, mix, and roar the plains loud, rough and dark battle met Lochlin and Inisfail; chief mixed his strokes with chief, and man with man—steel clanging
sounded steel—helmets are cleft high—blood bursts and smokes around—strings murmur the polished yew--darts rush along the sky—spears fall like the circles light, which brighten the face night. As the noise the troubled ocean, when roll the waves high—as the last peal the thunder heaven, such
the din of battle—as rushes stream of foam from the dark shady steep Cromla, when the thunder travelling above, and dark-brown night sits half the hill fierce, vast, terrible, rushed the sons Erin. As roll thousand waves against the rocks, Lochlin's host came meets rock thousand waves, Inisfail met Lochlin's spears. ” The royal tent, and
commanders fell, O'Felan, prince Desies the son Brian's head-quarters, are traditionally said have been the
Beatach, prince Kerry Luachra; Scanlan, prince Lough Lein; Geibhionach, prince Fermoy Donal, prince Corca Baisgin; Niall O'Quinn, intimate friend Brian, and many
place now pointed out by the name Conquer Hill, near the sea shore, short distance beyond the present village Clontarf, but
the battle-field extended widely over the adjoining plains, and the pursuing and retreating parties had fierce conflicts along the shore towards Raheny, Baldoyle, and Howth, one side, and the other far the river Tolka, and the place now called Bally bough Bridge, towards Dublin. There are the plains Clon tarf still some remains large earthen mounds, no doubt the sepulchres warriors slain there, and ancient weapons, swords, battle-axes, spear-heads, &c. , have been frequently dug up about the neighbourhood Clontarf. After the battle, the remnant the Danish forces, under Sitric, returned their garrison Dub lin; and though the attempt establish Danish supremacy
Of the Connaught commanders fell Mulroona O'Heyne, Aidhne, and Teige O'Kelly, prince Hy Maine, both
others.
prince
Galway.
recorded.
king Meath, who brought 1000 men Clontarf, withdrew his forces short distance from the field, and remained spectator
Many other chiefs the Irish fell whose names are not stated by some the historians, that Malachy,
the battle, without fighting blow, which unpatriotic conduct said have arisen from resentment against Brian, who had de posed him some years before, and assumed the sovereignty
Ireland, leaving Malachy only king Meath but this circum
stance not mentioned the Four Masters, and Charles O'Conor Ireland received death-blow the victory Clontarf, yet the and others are contrary opinion, and consider the account Danes continued Dublin, Waterford, and other places, and held
Malachy's desertion from the cause his country fabrica considerable power for more than century after that time. The tion altogether improbable therefore impossible now de day after the battle, Kian, prince Desmond, came with the re
terminethis point historical controversy. appears from the
Four Masters that, towards the end the battle, Malachy and
his menattacked the Danes and Lagenians, and slew great num
bers them, together with Maolmora, king Leinster, and many which had made successful expedition into Leinster. Many
chiefs,and that Malachy gained great victory over them the Irish chiefs slain Clontarf, were buried the cemetery
fromthe river Tolka Dublin, the force fighting, and the the ancient abbey Kilmainham, known modern times the strengthand valour of warriors. stated the ancient M. S. name Bully's Acre. The renowned Brian fell the 88th year
calledthe Leabhar Oiris, given Keating, O'Halloran, and his age, and has been always justly celebrated one the others,that Malachy, king Meath, being requested his re greatest the Irish kings, eminent for his valour, wisdom, abilities,
mains the Irish forces, and the wounded, the camp Kil mainham, and the same day, namely, Easter Saturday, Donogh, son Brian Boru, arrived Kilmainham with his battalion,
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514 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1580.
Bealach More of Moy Dala (on the borders of Mac Gillpatrick, and the son of O'Carroll, along Tipperary and Queen’s county), after victory and with a great number of insurgents and depredators,
slaughter. He was there joined by the sons of and parties proceeded
Slieve Bloom, and
patriotism, piety, munificence and patronage learning and the
arts; from the eminence his character, patriot, hero, and
legislator, has been called the Irish Alfred, and by the Four Masters designated “the Augustus Western Europe. ” By
his various victories over the Danes, particularly that Clontarf, gained his energy, valour, and patriotism, freed his country from the Danish yoke, but after his death there came sovereign who could combine the provincial kings, princes, and chiefs, any national confederacy, crush their ruinous discord and dissen sions, with powerful hand. The name Brian has, by Maria nus Scotus, and some the Irish writers, been enrolled the catalogue the saints and martyrs Ireland. Clontarf has been called the Marathon Ireland, but does not appear that any monument has been ever raised the memory Brian the heroes who fell that battle, any triumphal column erected commemorate the victory. Brian foreseeing the probability his death Clontarf, had directed his will that his remains should
buried Armagh, the cathedral which had endowed with large donations cattle and gold. On Holy Saturday, the day after the battle, Brian's body was conveyed solemn procession
the abbey St. Columkille Swords, by the monks that
place, and Easter Sunday from thence the monastery
Kiaman Duleek; the third day the abbey Louth, and
the fourth Armagh, attended Maolmuire, archbishop monk Angouleme France, who wrote his book the beginning
St.
Armagh, and his clergy procession; the body was embalmed,
and the funeral obsequies continued incessantly for twelve days and nights, with great magnificence and solemnity, and the remains
then buried stone coffin the north side the great altar the cathedral Armagh. The bodies Murrogh, son Brian, and his son Torlogh, together with the heads Conang, nephew
Brian, and Mothla O'Felan, prince Desies, were buried the same time the south side of the cathedral. There still re main unpublished many interesting Irish MS. poems and prose compositions the Life and heroic actions Brian Boru, the
Battle Clontarf, &c. , which accounts are given Irish writers. The celebrated Giolla Moducia, abbot can, eminent historian, the twelfth century, logical poem the Christian Kings Ireland, given
volume Dr. O'Conor's Rer. Hib. Scrip. , has verses the following effect:
O'Reilly's Ardbrac his chrono the first Brian Boru
“A raven the sea—a rapid torrent,
Was Brian the brave, over Erin varied fame,
Free from sadness, free from grief, and free from stain, For twelve years deserved prosperity;
To Clontarf the clans direful deeds,
Contending with the warlike chiefs Denmark;
Nearly victorious were the Foreigners,
And they slew Brian Boruma. ”
Mac Liag, who was chief hard Brian Boru, and whom
count given 1015, O'Reilly's Irish Writers, composed
work Brian's battles, with some poems his death, and translation one them given the Irish Penny Journal for January, 1841, commencing with these two verses—
“Where Kincora Brian the Great,
And where the beauty that once was thine,
Oh where are the princes and nobles that sate
At the feast thy halls, and drank the red wine
“Oh, where Kincora are thy valorous lords, Oh, whither thou Hospitable are they gone,
Oh, where are the Dalcassians the golden swords, And where are the warriors that Brian led on ? ”
mentioned have been man majestic stature, highly distinguished for his personal prowess, bravery, and feats arms,
Brian
ac
his various battles; his residence, the palace Kincora, the banks
above mentioned, was the Shannon, near Killaloe, the county Clare; the place was called Irish Ceann Cora,
which signifies the Head the Weir, from one placed there
the Shannon, and there are still seen some remains the great earthen ramparts which surrounded his fortress. Amongst the recollections Brian Born, may mentioned that his Harp
still preserved the Museum Trinity College, Dublin.
Moore commemorates the glories Brian one his beautiful Melodies, commencing thus:--
“Remember the glories Brian the brave, Tho' the days the Hero are o'er,
Tho' lost Momonia, and cold his grave, He returns to Kincora no more.
the field, which the battle, set,
its glory remains victory yet. ”
the eleventh century, shortly after the period the battle Clontarf–“His temporibus Normanni supradicti, quod patres
eorum nunquam perpetrasse ausi sunt, cum innumera classe Hiberniam insulam, quae Irlanda dicitur, ingressi sunt una cum
uxoribus liberis captivis Christianis, quos fecerant sibi servos Irlandis extinctis, ipsi pro ipsis inhabitarent opulentissimam terram, quae xii. civitates, cum amplissimis episcopatibus unum
regem habet, propriam linguam, sed Latinas litteras, quam Patricius Romanus ad fidem convertit,” &c. “In these times the above mentioned Northmen, thing which their fathers never dared do, with an innumerable fleet, invaded the island Hiber nia, which called Ireland, accompanied their wives and chil dren, and the Christian captives whom they had made their slaves, that having exterminated the Irish, they themselves their stead, should inhabit that most wealthy land which has cities, with most ample bishopricks and one king, its own language, but the Latin letters, which country St. Patrick the Roman converted the Christian faith. ” Ademar's Chronicle further stated, that all the North men were slain Ireland, and that crowds their women flying from their pursuers, threw themselves into the sea, and, according Ademar, the battle continued three days.
As already stated, the Mor Maors, Great Stewards of Len nox and Marr, Scotland, came with their forces the aid the Irish Clontarf, which circumstance may thus accounted for—Corc, king Cashel, the fourth century, the tribe the Eugenians Desmond, having been expelled from the sove reignty Munster, retired Albany, Scotland, where married the princess Mongfinna, daughter Feredach, king the Picts, stated O'Flaherty's Ogygia (vol. 286, and vol.
304), whom had three sons, who became possessed extensive territories, and from them were descended the Great
That star It's beam But enough To light
often had poured each sword,
by
The battle
writers, and Lanigan his Ecclesiastical History (vol. iii. quotes the following passage from the Chronicle Ademar,
Clontarf mentioned
some ancient
Lennox and Marr, dignities afterwards held the the Stuarts, some whom were afterwards earls Lennox and Richmond. Muredach, High Steward Lennox, and Donald High Steward Marr, were slain Clon
tarf, fighting the side their relatives the Eugenians Des mond. As already explained the course these notes, the an cient Scottish kings, and the royal house Stuart, were descended from the Irish princes the race Carbry Riada, who con quered Scotland from the Picts, the sixth century; and amongst the Scottish nobility descended from the Milesian Irish, may mentioned the Campbells, dukes Argyle, and many other noble families that name, who, according the Ogygia and the gene alogies Keating, are shown have been branch the Ithian
Stewards royal family
and dukes
foreign 423),
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The Danish account the Battle Clontarf curious, and given the Danish under the designation
extremely Brians
thither came to them the people note Offaly
slept only heaps stones
nothing but the cold water from the palms his hands,
and Leix. John the son
race Munster,
was place for plunder where James was on that mountain, for
chiefs Cork, and other chiefs on Desmond.
Sigurd, the Norwegian, earl
the Orkney Islands, who fought
Sitric was induced go Sigurd, earl Orkneys, length consented,
Scotland and enter into league with
the same descent the O'Driscolls,
Munster, mentioned
powerful the note
Saga, Kormloda said have been the most beautiful women, but having been repudiated by Brian, she conspired against his life,
and endeavoured persuade her son Sitric kill Brian, and
on the side the Danes, and was slain Clontarf, called the Saga Sigurd the Big, being man great size and strength he
was son Lodar Lod ver, earl Orkneys. the latter end the ninth century, 894, the Norwegians, under their Iarls, Sigurd and Thorstein the Red, conquered the Orkneys, Hebrides,
and Isle Mann, together with great part the North Scot land, and they and their descendants, Iarls Earls, held those
make war Brian, which Sigurd condition that Sitric's mother, Kormloda, should marry him, and that Brian was conquered Sigurd himself
the earls Argyle, and the Mac Donalds, lords Amongst the causes which led the battle
Irish historians mention, that Maolmora, king
visit the court Brian Boru, Kincora, he one day was
present while Murrogh, eldest son Brian, was engaged game chess, and Maolmora having advised his antagonist make move, by which Murrogh lost the game, he being pro voked the interference the king Leinster, who was only looker-on, sharply remarked, that Maolmora had given the Danes such good advice Glen Mama they would not have lost that battle. This observation highly incensed Maolmora, who considered himself insulted, the loss the battle Glen Mama, where he was an ally the Danes, was attributed his mis management. The king Leinster immediately quitted Kincora, much enraged, and leagued with the Danes revenged for
esteem the court Brian, and became convert the Chris tian faith. Sigurd, earl Orkneys, according agreement,
REIGN OF ELIZABETH.
515
earth, and drank the limpid stream,
out his shoes;
him seek the aid two famous Danish pirates, Ospak and territories for many centuries. Thorfinn, called the Skull Brodar, who had fleet thirty ships the Isle Mann. Bro
Cleaver, was powerful earl the Orkney Isles, the latter end the tenth century, about 990; and his successor, Sigurd, fought many battles with the Mor Maors, great Stew ards Moray, and other Scottish chiefs who attempted re cover those countries from the Norwegians. This Sigurd was the
dar was induced join Sitric promise similar that made Sigurd, namely, that would give him his mother, Kormloda,
marriage, which Brodar agreed come Dublin with his forces Palm Sunday. said that Brodar had been some time Christian, and was promoted deacon, but having re
earl Orkneys who came Clontarf, and his son, Thorfinn, suc jected the Christian faith, became blasphemer God, and ceeded earl, and conquered great part the North Scot returned the worship his idols; was deeply skilled land; his time, Shakespear's Macbeth, who was Mor Maor magic, and admirably conversant with all the arts war, and Moray, and descendant the Scottish kings Irish race, determined every thing the sword; was man immense
the Isles. Clontarf, the
sailed for Ireland with great forces, accompanied several Iarls and chiefs, Flosi, Gilla, Thorstein, Rafne Raudi, Rafne the Red, &c. , and Palm Sunday the earls came with their entire army Dublin, where Brodar had already arrived with all his forces, thus expressed the Saga, “Iarlinn kom medallan her
sinn Palma degi Dyflinnar, thar var kommin Brodir med allan, her sinn. ” Brodar having applied some magicians know the result the battle, got response, that was fought
Friday, Brian would fall, after gaining the victory, but fought before that day, all those who came against Brian would slain, hence this oracular response decided Brodar fight the battle Friday, the most favourable day for the Danes. After Brian had arrived with all his forces Dublin, they were led out near the city, and both sides prepared for battle, but stated that Brian was averse fight Friday, that day being Good Friday. The Danish forces were commanded by Brodar and Sitric, king Dublin, each wing, and the centre Sigurd, earl Orkneys, whose mother was Andura, daughter Kiarval, Irish king. The names Brian's commanders are different from those given
Leinster, being
observed that Maolmora,
Brian Boru, the sister Brian's wife that time;
husband had been Aulaf, the Danish king Dublin, whom she
ters A. D. 1030, and verse quoted, said that she made right wing the army opposed Brodar; Ospak, the Danish three leaps, the equal which woman ever made before, namely, chief who had joined Brian, led the other wing opposed that Dublin, Tara, and Cashel, thus signifying her three Sitric and famous champion called Kerthialfadr, commanded
the insult had received.
king Leinster, was brother-in-law
Maolmora, named Gorinflaith, was
Flann O'Heyne, prince Hy Fiachra Aidhne, Galway; and appears that rather advanced age married Gormflaith, then widow, whose first
his first wife was Mora, daughter
the Irish accounts, being generally much changed the Danish language. Ulfr Hraeda, famous warrior, who stated have had son, Sitric, who commanded the Danes Clontarf. The been Brian's brother, and was probably the chieftain named death Gorm flaith, Gormlaith, recorded the Four Mas Maolroona O'Heyne, brother-in-law Brian, commanded the
elevations, that when the wife Dublin, and when married
Cashel and of Tara.
Aulaf the Dane, she was queen Brian Boru, she was queen
the centre, and the Standards were carried before him; this chief appears have been Murkertach, Murrogh, son Brian Boru. Both armies commenced the battle with great fury, and Brodar broke through the ranks his opponents, cutting down all those who stood the front lines, and nothing could with stand make impression him—not even the iron weapons. Ulfr having advanced against Brodar, struck him three tremendous
Bardagi, that Brian's Battle, the Niala Saga
landic historians, together with Latin version Johnstone's
Celto-Scandinavian Antiquities, from which the following par blows which prostrated him, and soon recovered his feet,
ticulars have been taken;–Sitric, son Aulaf Quaran, became Panish king Dublin, and Kormloda, who the same Gorm laith the Irish writers, Sitric's mother, and wife Aulaf, had
her secondhusband Brian, king Ireland. According the
fled adjoining wood. Kerthialfadr and earl Sigurd contended fierce combat, and all those who stood the foremost ranks either side, were prostrated the earth, and Kerthialfadr broke
through the earl's forces far the standards, clove down the
the Ice
should become king Ireland. Sitric having concluded his league with Sigurd, who agreed bring all his forces Dublin Palm Sunday, returned Dublin, and his mother, Kormloda, advised
usurped the throne Scotland, and reigned the Southern half the kingdom, while his ally, Thorfinn, ruled over the North.
The kings Norway, and the Norwegian earls, ruled over the Isle Mann and the Hebrides, down the middle the thir
strength, and great stature, and his copious dark hair was
long that reached, flowing locks, down the belt about his
middle. Brodar and Ospak having disagreed, Ospak detached his
forces from Brodar, sailed Ireland, and gave information
Brian the great league formed against him, which Brian col
teenth century, and the fifteenth century over the Orkney Is lands, and formed alliances with the great Scottish chiefs the Highlands and Hebrides, the earls Moray, the earls Marr,
lected his forces prepare for battle. Ospak remained great
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516 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1580.
his cooking utensils were the long rods of the
wood, by which he dressed the flesh meat he took from his enemies. He continued to harass the
standard bearer, and having killed several others who took the standard in succession, earl Sigurd commanded the champion called Rafne Raudi, or Rafne the Red, to carry the standard, but Rafne refused, and cried out “carry the Pest yourself. ” Aimund the Fair was killed, and soon after earl Sigurd himself was slain, being transfixed with a javelin. The Danish forces were routed and slaughtered on all sides, and king Sitric himself was put to flight. Rafne the Red having beenpushed into a river (the Tolka), by the pursuers, imagined, it is said, that he saw the torments of the infernal regions, and that demons endeavoured to snatch him away, on which he exclaimed “O Peter, the Apostle, I, thy dog, will run twice, aye three times to Rome, if you give me the power;” on saying which he was liberated, and crossed the river. This curious incident may be thus explained, that Rafne being pursued and tumbled into the river Tolka by the Irish, they saved his life on his promising to become a Christian, and make a pilgrimage to Rome. In the meantime Brodar perceiving Brian's soldiers in pursuit of the flying Danes, and none left to guard the royal tent, rushed forward with some of his followers from their concealment in the wood, and attacking the king with his sword slew him, and it is said, cut off his head, together with the hand of an attending page, who had stretched it forth to save the king, and he then cried out—“let it be proclaimed from man to man that Brian has fallen by Brodar. ” Immediately on hearing of Brian's death, the soldiers, who were in pursuit of the Danes, returned with Ulfr and Kerthialfadr, and having taken Brodar, they hung him on a tree, and tore out his entrails. It is stated that almost all the Danish forces and their chiefs were slain, and many curious particulars are related in the Saga concerning the battle, amongst others, that Thorstein, one of the Danish chiefs, in his flight stopped to tie the thongs of his shoes, on which he was asked by Kerthialfadr, why he did not run like the rest, he replied “because I will not be able to reach this evening my own home in Iceland, where I have my household gods;” on saying which his life was saved by the Irish, and they took him under their protection. In seven days after Brian's Battle, Rafne the Red caine to Gilla, earl of the Hebrides, and related the death of the earl Sigurd, Brodar, and all the other chiefs, and when asked what had happened his com panions, replied that they had all fallen in the battle except Thorstein, who was saved by the Irish. Various visions, porten tous appearances, and legends, are related in the Saga respecting the fight of Clontarf, which confirm the tremendous defeat of the Northmen, who long remembered the fatal tale of Brian's Battle. A curious ancient poem from the Icelandic Saga, on the Battle of Clontarf, is given in the Orcades, or History of the Orkney Isles, by the Danish historian Thermodus Torfeus, and also in Johnstone's Celto-Scandinavian Antiquities, in Danish and in Latin. In this poem Hilda, the Scandinavian goddess of War and Victory, is represented with her goddesses called Valkyrie, who attended bat tle fields and conveyed the spirits of the heroes slain to the Hall of Odin, as having been seen on the very day of the battle in Caithness in Scotland, by a man named Darraudar; they were all on horseback, riding full speed towards a hill, into a cavern of which they entered, and on looking through an opening in the rocks, he saw twelve gigantic females working at a sort of loom, and weaving a web, and using as their instruments human heads, mangled limbs, swords, spears, arrows, and other weapons, and singing dreadful incantations, which when they had finished they tore the web of War and Victory into twelve pieces, and each taking her portion, they mounted their black steeds, and rode off with rapid speed, six to the north, and six to the south, holding drawn swords in their hands, and they are represented as having come to the field of Clontarf to animate and protect the heroes of the Northmen in the battle. A passagein this poem relative to the death of Brian, is to the following effect —“On the race of Irar (Erin), such a sorrow will fall as can never be forgotten amongst men. ” Gray in his beautiful Ode entitled the Fatal Sisters, has given a spirited paraphrase of this poem, which keeps near the
Butlers, and plunder Ossory from that place, and he afterwards made an incursion into Leix, and plundered and burned the monastery of Leix, on
original, and the following verses particularly refer to the Battle
of Clontarf. The youthful king mentioned in the poem as being saved, was Sitric, king of Dublin, and the king who was killed
was Brian ; the dauntles earl who was slain was Sigurd, earl of Orkneys.
“Now the storm begins to lour,
Haste, the loom of Hell prepare,
Iron-sleet of arrowy shower Hurtles in the darkened air.
“Glittering lances are the loom, Where the dusky warp we strain, Weaving many a Soldier's doom, Orkney's woe, and Randver's bane.
“See the grisly texture grow,
'Tis of human entrails made,
And the weights, that play below,
Each a gasping warrior's head.
“Shafts for shuttles, dipped in gore, Shoot the trembling cords along, Sword that once a monarch bore, Keeps the tissue close and strong.
“Mista, black terrific Maid, Sangrida and Hilda see,
Join the wayward work to aid, 'Tis the woof of victory.
“Ere the ruddy sun be set,
Spears must shiver, javelins sing, Blade with clattering buckler meet, Hauberk crash, and helmet ring.
“Weave the crimson web of war,
Let us go and let us fly,
Where our friends the conflict share, Where they triumph, where they die.
“As the paths of fate we tread,
Wading through the ensanguined field, Gondula and Geira, spread
O'er the youthful King your shield.
“We the reins to slaughter give, Ours to kill, and ours to spare; Spite of danger, he shall live— Weave the crimson web of war.
“Sisters, hence with spurs of speed, Each her thundering falchion wield, Each bestride her sable steed— Hurry, hurry to the field.
“Horror covers all the heath, Clouds of carnage blot the sun, Sisters, weave the web of death;
Sisters, cease, the work is done.
“Low the dauntless Earl is laid, Gored with many a gaping wound ; Fate demandsa nobler head—
Soon a King shall bite the ground.
“Long his loss shall Erin weep, Ne'er again his likeness see; Long her strains in sorrow steep, Strains of Immortality"
the son of the earl of Ormond, namely, Pierce, the
son of James, son of Pierce Roe; he plundered
Port Leix (now Portarlington, in Queen's county),
after having slain some of the guards of the town; he took from them accoutrements, armour, horses,
arms, and much property, but in short he plun
dered seven towns in Leix in one day. He then
proceeded from one territory to another until he
arrived at Glenmalure (in Wicklow), where James
Eustace and the sons of Hugh (the O'Byrnes), the son of John, were, by whom he was well received;
Thomas, son Dublin, died
alogical stock who suffered
hope ex Barry Roe, but, however, God granted him the chieftainship
Barry Maol, and also Barry Roe (Barry Maol,
the Bald Barry, and Barry Ruadh, the Red Barry, were titles borneby twobranchesofthefamily
the Barrys, earls Barrymore, Cork), and not
these alone, but was nominated chief Barry
wards
was hanged
year
imprisonment with the English,
appointed his place, for
one daughter. Two brothers namely the two young sons
had no children but that Bryan Oge, the daughter
the Heads, son Rickard, son Knock Tuagh, was hanged Galway
Ulick Ulick
Conor, son Teige O'Brien, who was up
the 26th May.
the earl Clanrickard, i. e. William
The son
Burke, the son Rickard Saxanach, son
REIGN OF ELIZABETH.
517 Edmond, who was imprisoned
thither came to him the O’Cavanaghs, OKinsel
laghs, O'Byrnes, O'Tooles, and the insurgents of more, after the destruction those whose rightful
the country in general, and it would be too tedious to relate they had spoiled and plundered
the English Leinster and Meath. John and James Eustace proceeded, about the Michaelmas
inheritance was possess that title till that
time; his son, David Barry, was afterwards nomi
nated the Barry by the earl Desmond, and ano
ther son his was, according law, lord Barry Roe.
Mac Gillpatrick, Bryan Oge (Bryan Fitz patrick, baron Ossory), the son Bryan, son John, son Fingin, son Fingin, son Fin
gin name anglicised Florence), son Donal, who was also imprisoned Dublin, died; was
educated from his youth England, and was
versed the manners and customs the Court,
that the Irish wondered his being kept
confinement till his death; his brother Fingin was
O'Conor Faily, Mac Gillpatrick, Bryan,
the son John, were treacherously slain Do nal, son Theobald O'Mulloy.
O’Carroll, William Odhar, the son Fer ganainm, son Mulroona, son John, who was
also confined Dublin, was liberated the Eng lish and the lord justice, and repaired back
his patrimony; was his way home attacked
some the young O'Conors Offaley, who were dissatisfied with his release and deliverance; they therefore put him the sword, and slew him
once, and left his body exposed the claws wolves and ravens; his son, namely, John-an Fhasaigh, the son William Odhar, was nomi mated the O'Carroll.
treasonable crimes. Gerald More Desies, son James, son Ge Barry More, James, the son Richard, son rald the earl, died.
the third day after the execution Torlogh O'Brien, viz. ,
Torlogh was hanged Thursday, and William
Saturday. The manner which this had hap pened William was, that having been joined with his kinsmen the war, and demolishing their towns, we have before stated, became sorry for and went under the protection the English Galway, the month previous his ex ecution, but was only deceived by fictitious story which was conveyed him, and was taken prisoner and hanged; his followers, who surrendered the same protection, were also
hanged.
Forty-five persons were hanged Dublin, for the son Gerald (Fitzgerald) son John, son
that James was Barry Roe, and
the early part
the real gene was man his life much
trouble and affliction; and had pectation even obtaining the title
following,
his country before that, from whom expected relief and assistance; but did not happen
them, being slain and massacred the lord justice, we have already stated, before they had
reached them.
Torlogh, the son Torlogh, son
meet the Italians who had come
A. D. 1581. Donogh, son
The lord Desies (in Waterford), i. e. James,
i. e.
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518 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1581.
Desmond’s camp; and the time
the camp was Sunday morning. The
carried on war and strife against each other, so the valiant chiefs slain that day by the captain,
that they had not a cessation of hostilities, nor a Aghadoe, were Thomas Oge, the only son truce of one month from the commencement of Thomas, son Maurice Duv, son the earl (of
their war to this time, and it is impossible to emu Desmond); Maolmurry, the son Donogh Bac merate, reckon, or relate the evils they had ach, son Maolmurry, son Donogh Mac Swee committed against each other. ney, and Teige, the grandson Dermod, son
John, the son James, son John (Fitzgerald Cormac, from Moylaithimb.
Desmond), marched with force the month The earl of Desmond marched with force in
May eastward across the river Suir, and com the end September, the great plains about pletely plundered the towns the eastern side Cashel, and even into Cashel, and his forces car the Suir, viz. , Ardmaille, and the monastery ried away immense deal sorts property,
Mac Donogh (of the county of Cork), i. e. Owen,
son of Donogh of the Road, son of Donogh Mac Donogh, died in Limerick, while imprisoned there by the English.
Donal of the County, the son of Teige, son of
Cormac Oge, son of Cormac, son of Teige Mac whole night 'till then the captain put the Carthy, tanist of Muskerry, and second in com sword, and slew every person found standing
-
mand of the forces, died.
The English and the Geraldines (of Desmond), fighting until arrived Castlemaine. Among
the earl arrived earl and
those along with him were that time sound sleep and slumber, after having remain state apprehension, and watching the
the passages, and did not cease skirmishing and
Athantsuil (Ardmayle and Athassell, near Cashel,
Tipperary); then returned westward across the Suir, with much prey and booty, but being
pursued and overtaken great and powerful force, vigorously defended himself against them, with his might, and finally gave them defeat,
consisting brass, iron, accoutrements, apparel,
riches, and cattle, and they completely plundered
these countries. While carrying off the booty, they
were pursued very numerous forces from the Third Clonmel, and from Middlethird, and also
force from the borders the Suir, and from which upwards three hundred them were Duniasgaidh Moyaliffe. The earl commanded
slain and drowned. ried off the prey
After this victory, John car
the recesses the woods, where residing, Claonglass and
ambuscade formed the way between
was the habit
Coill More (in the barony Connello, county Limerick, the borders Kerry).
him and the pursuing forces, and when that their pursuers had passed the place
found ambush,
John, the son James, proceeded with another
force, the month June, against Mac Carthy
More, and for the space two three days con tinued preying and plundering the country, from Muskerry Ibh-Rathac (Iveragh, Kerry), and returned with much prey and booty Magh-g- Coinchine (Magonihy, Kerry); the people who beheld them have stated that there never was be
fore much booty collected one place. The earl Desmond remained encamped
justice govern Desmond and Kerry. That captain, with cavalry force, proceeded day and might for the purpose making attack
kill and slaughter them front and rear, that their
Achaidh-da-Eo, (that the Field the Two
Yew Trees, now Aghadoe Kerry), and this
time Saxon captain, namely, captain Siuitse Pobblebrien, county Limerick), they were met (Zouch), was appointed by the queen and the lord
turned them, and they then began
loss that engagement amounted upwards four hundred; and the earl Desmond after this victorious slaughter and overthrow, returned Aherlo with many horses and much booty.
happened that large body bold and mer ciless soldiers marched from Adare (in Limerick), and having formed themselves into two parties, viz. , one water and the other land, they scoured Kenry and along the river Mague, the hope killing capturing some the insurgents; when these two parties met together, the vicinity
Baile-Ui-Cathlain (Ballycahane the barony
there David Oge, the son David (Barry),
the Lake, son Thomas, son John, son Tho mas, son Philip, son the knight, with his forces, and commenced charge and cut them
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REIGN OF ELIZABETH. 519
down, and having circumvented them, he left them Kilfeacle Tipperary), was taken John, in gory, decapitated trunks, with their bodies the son the earl (of Desmond), the fourth hewed to pieces, so that not many escaped from day Christmas, and continued carry away being slaughtered on that spot by David and his for the space two days the brass, iron, accou people. When this news reached the captain of trements, treasure, and corn which he found
that town, he mustered the soldiers of Kilmallock, and marched with an active and fierce force to scour
Kenry, in the hope of meeting some person or per
sons on whom they might wreak their vengence for the slaughter of their people; they proceeded to
Ballycahane, which was one of the towns belonging
to Purcell, who always aided the crown, from the
beginning of the war between the English and the
Geraldines, ’till that time; the captain slew seven
score and ten (150) of women and children, and
of every description of persons that he found both
within and outside that town. That David, whom
we have already mentioned, by whom the captain’s
people were slain, a man who suffered much evil
and injury in the war of the Geraldines with the
Aharlo, and afterwards demolished the town.
The Receiver the Geraldines, Nicholas, the son William, the son Nicholas, was slain
by the soldiers Adare.
Doctor Sanduir died the woods Claonglass,
and was the supporting pillar the Catholic faith, and the chief sustaining protection the
Geraldines the war which they were engaged, and this was not wondered at, for was with
English, happened to proceed in December, with captain Zouch having proceeded from Cork,
a crew of sixteen men, from the borders of Kenry, through Carberry, the monastery Bantry,
in a slender narrow skiff, and rowed along the sent the sons Torlogh, the son Maolmurry,
coast of the Shannon, directly north-westward, son Donogh Mac Sweeny; the son O’Dono
and landed in Iniscattery, where they remained van, and number the chiefs Pobals, and that night. When Torlogh, the son of Teige, son the gentlemen Carberry, plunder the son
of Murrogh, son of Teige Roe, son of Torlogh, the O'Sullivan.