Meredith
Hanmer's " Chronicle of Ireland," p, 182.
O'Hanlon - Lives of the Irish Saints - v4
Murchadh, because it sliail be a palsied driveling dotard ever after.
And thus ch.
impiunsh'p and the world are com- pared with human life, according to intellec-
retreat to Collis—probably the Hill of Howth is meant. See " Calendar of the Carew Manuscripts," eaited by J. S. Brewer, M. A. , and \Vi li an Bullen, Esq.
"** . See Dr. Sylvester O'Halloran's "Gene- ral History of Ireland," vol. ii. , Book xi. , chap, viii. , p. 263.
of
Clontarf," '
Penny Jour-
inet. nphorical Hector of all-victorious Erinn, in religion,
'» See John O'Donovan, on " The Battle
in "The Dublin
'
tual He was the metaphor.
nal, vol. L, No. 17, p. 134.
s" See Alexander M. Sullivan's "
Story
of
and m valour, and in in champion. ship,
generosity, and in munificence. He was
pleasant, affable, intelligent, accomplished Samson of the Hebrews, for promoting the prosperity and freedom oi his fatherland and
Ireland," chap, xiii. , p. 98.
'" . See Dr. Sylvester O'Halloran's " Gene-
ral History of Ireland," vol. ii. , Book xi. , chap, viii. , pp. 263 to 265.
:
''' Tims, it is stated " He was the last of his race, during his own c. ireer and time.
He was the second powerful Hercules, who destroyed and exterminated serpents and monsters out of Erinn ; who searched the lake-, and pools, and caverns of noble-landed Fodhla, whom nu foi tress or fastness in the
man that had true valour in Erinn. It was
he that pledged the word o( a true champ on,
that he would nut retreat one foot before the
whole of the human r. ice, for any reason
whatsoever, but this alone, that lie might die
of his wciunds. He was the last man in woild could resist. He was the Lugh Erinn who was a match for a hundred. He
was the last man who kiled a hundred in a day. His was the last step that true \alour ever took in Erinn. For this is what the historians of the Gaedhil say, tliat seveti like . \lurchadh, would be a match for Mac Sauihain ; and seven like M. ic Samliain a
and
every obst. icle, laid bare every bra\ehead, and exterminated and expelle 1 the loreiyners
and pirates out of Erinn. He was the gate of battle, and the hurdle of conflict, and the
sheltering tree, and the inipregnabie lower, against tile enemies of his fatherland and of
; and seven like
l. ujjh I^giia Lugh
match for
Lngha, a matth fir Conall Cernach seven hke (Jonall Cernach, a m. ntcli fur Lu^h Lamha-fada, the son of Eithlena ; and
hi. , race— his time and duiiny
career. " Jaeijhel Tie CogATjh
his 5<iLLAibli,
;
Lamha-fada, who, like him, sprang over
chap, cvii. , pp. 186 to 189.
'»' See Kcv. I'aul O'Brien's " Disserta-
during
438 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [April 23.
oftheseweapons. Ifsuchwerethecase,wemayassume,thathemusthave divested himself of his shield, to allow his arms full range and swing, in deal-
ing his blows. Perhaps, however, the origin of this report may be assigned to the fact, that his right hand or arm had become swollen and disabled,'93 owing to the constant and repeated personal assaults he had been obliged to give and to receive, during the heat of tliis battle ; so that, he may have been necessitated to shift occasionally the weapon, from his right to his left hand, in order to relieve the muscular strain he was compelled to endure. Not alone have the Muiister historians borne testimony to his prowess, but even the Leinster and Scandinavian chroniclers 's* have stated, that during his despe- rate onset, no less than fifty of his enemies fell by his right hand, and as many more by his left. Furthermore, it is related, that neither shield nor coat of mail was proof against his strokes, which were so vigorous, that he was never obligedvainlytorepeatoneofthem. Eachofhisblowscutthroughthe body, head, or bone of his opponent, if it did not even at once inflict death. Surrounding him were thebraveand active champions of his own household, and these numbered seven score who were the sons of Kings ; the man of smallest patrimonyamongthem,atleast,waslordoveratownland. 'ss Thisnoble body-guard moved behind their leader, in one compact battalion. They fol- lowed him eagerly, actively, and with fierce, fiery valour, as he moved over the plain. Again, the irresistible and matchless phalanx of the Clann Luigh-
dech were always in a line, with their great chieftain. At one period of the battle, it appears, that these troops were obliged to yield ground, before the
inpetuous Norwegians and the piratical Denmarkians,'^* However, this repulse only quickened the blood and raised the spirit of Murchadh to an excessive
degree. With uncontrollable fury, he resolved on retrieving the fortunes of the day. Unceasingly occupied with his hand to hand encounters, the body- guard that surrounded him fought desperately, in the heat of conflict, and they passed thrice victoriously through the enemy's battalions opposed to them. '97 Meanwhile, between the different corps of both armies, a general and an obstinate fight continued. '9^ It would seem, that the Dal Cais "99 and the Eugenian swords were joined together, in one vehement onset against a compact phalanx of Denmarkians, covered with thrice-riveted and powerful protective armour. The burnished shields and embossed targets of the Clann Ludech, met the bright battle-axes of the Danars, in this conflict. '°° The slaughter committed by Morough excited more especially the fury of Carolus and Conmaol. These were two Danes of distinction. ""' They attacked him
tions on the National Customs, and the State Laws of the Ancient Irish," part ii. , chap. i. , p. 531, in General Vallancey's "Collec- tanea de Rebus Hibernicis," vol. i.
'" Hence, it appears, that accounts of this
battle had been written by natives of Lein-
ster ; but, we have not as yet discovered
them, and there is too much reason to fear,
that they have been unfortunately lost. Of
the Scandinavian Chronicl's, the Njal Saga
is the only one we have seen, containing the
account of Bryan's battle, and it is also p. 66. likely, that other Sagas referring to it may
have been lost or
''5 The phrase cjmoca cet> was used, to
signify a barony, or a townland.
'^ See CogA-oh gAechel, He SillAlbh,
chap, cviii. , pp. 188, 189.
'' See il? iii.
'9* See Rev. Paul O'Brien's " Disserta-
tions on the National Customs and State
"" " And they who saw it gleaming there,
And knew who bore it, knelt to swear
That where that sword led, they would dare
To follow and to die. " —Rev. Abraham J. Ryan.
destroyed.
Laws of the Ancient Irish," part ii. , chap- "
i. , p. 529, in Genera! Vallancey's Collec- tanea de Rebus Hibernicis," vol. i.
'9« Their hard, straight swords are no- ticed.
'°°
In the usual style of hyperbole, this
combat is noticed in the CojAXjh g&eohef. Re
5AtU\ibVi, chap, cii. , pp. 178 to 181.
TM' See tlie Dublin copy of the Annals of "
Innisfallen, in Rev. Di'. O'Coiior's Re- rum Hibernicarum Scriptores," tomus ii. ,
April 23. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 429
in conjunction ; but, Murough's might prevailed, and both fell by his sword. "' The Dalcassians had been severely pressed, however, by the Danars, during this engagement; and, this circumstance added fury to the onslauglit of
Murough, the greatness of his soul even rising with the emergencies of dan-
ger. '°3
While the forces of Brian met in this fierce combat,he was guarded by three of
his aids. ^* Prostrate before the crucifix,''°= a cushion was spread under him.
Then he opened a psalter. He began to clasp his hands in prayer, after the battlehadcommenced; and,therewasnoonewithhiminthetent,savehis own attendant, whose name was Latean. *^* Brian said to this attendant, " Watch thou the battle and the combats, while I sing the psalms. " He then sang fifty psalms, he recited fifty prayers, and fifty pater-iiosters. He asked the attendant after that, what were the conditions, in which he found the bat- talions ? The attendant answered, that they were mixed together, and closely confounded. He also said, that each of the warriors had come within the grasp of an opponent. He added, " not louder in my ears could be the echoes of blows from Tomar's Wood, if seven battalions were cutting it down, than are the resounding blows upon heads, and bones, and skulls, on both sides. " Then Bryan asked, what was the condition of Murchadh's standard ;
and the attendant " It is said,
standing,
are around it; many heads are falling, while a multitude of trophies, and spoils,
with heads of foreigners, are along with it. " " That is good news, mdeed," said Bryan. ""^
cited, to heed their interposition. Drawing his spear with great force, its point passed, not only through the body armour but even through the body of Cor- nabliteoc, who fell in the encounter. His men immediately formed a firm circlearoundthebody; andthencommencedoneofthethreemostviolent combats,thattookplaceatCluainTarbh. Notlessthanthricefiftyofhis foes that were there turned at the same time against Dunlang. His men stood bravely by their chief's side, and the opposing bands dealt ardent thrusts and fearful blows, at each other. The foreigners deemed it a point of military honour,torescuethebodyoftheirleader; but,everyoneofthesewhowaited was wounded and beaten, until there remained no interposition between the Irish leader and his rival, who was slain. The gallant defence of the foreigners
procured neither respect nor mercy for their chief; for, by Dunlang and by his warriors, they were driven away, after a fierce contest. Then the head of Cornabliteoc was cut off,"* as the most coveted trophy of a champion's vic- tory, in those times.
The other Irish commanders not only joined their brave followers in ac- tion, but led"^them through all its dangers. In like manner, distinguished as
Meantime, Dunlang O'Hartugan
spared not one of them, that came in his way. He approached Cornabliteoc, andeachofthesesoonbecameroughlyengaged,inafierceassaultofarms. Then, three of the soldiers belonging to Cornabliteoc rushed in front of him, and they made three simultaneous thrusts at Dunlang. However, the indomitable spirit of this chief had been specially roused, and his ardour was too much ex-
•"J See Cogd'oli 5Aet)1iel He JalUiibli,
comment is placed within brackets, by Rev. James Henthorn Tocid, who found it in
chap, cviii. , pp. 188, 189,
lar of History
McGee's "
"• See Thomas
two different
D'Arcy Ireland,
Popu-
Manuscripts.
chap, vi. , p. loi.
•°5 This is still the devotion practised in
our churches on Good Friday.
'"* " From whom," adds the transcribers, "are the O'Lateans, still in Munster. " This
chap, cxiii. , pp. 196 to 199.
"* This seems to have been the chief called
Dolir Ahertegan, in Dr. Meredith Hanmer's " Chronicle of Ireland," p. 185.
»°9 See CogA-oh Saetiheb He jALUaibh,
vol.
i. .
Book
ii. ,
""^ See He Co^aT)! ! jAeDliet,
5*1,^41bh,
and of the Dalcassian banners many
''^ rushed on the host of the and he pirates,
430 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [April 23,
warriors, they found foemen, not less inured to campaigning than themselves. Thoughtheirrespectivedeedsofdaringhavenotbeenallrecorded;'"° yet, can we estimate fairly their exploits, from the nature of the contest in which they were engaged, and because of the fierce passions aroused on both sides. '" Thefightbecameamostdesperateone,anditwasfuriouslycontested. "" Every- where the chiefs and their warriors left sanguinary traces of courage, among the opposing forces. It would seem, that a mere youth—only fifteen years
of age—Toirdhealbhach,
or
Brian Boroime, emulated the example of his renowned ancestors, and of his
chap, civ. , pp. 182 to 185.
="° See John O'Donovan, on "The Batlle
of Clontarf," in " The Dublin Penny Jour-
statement, dreadful must have been the scenes and carnage of tin-, day : but, we are informed, that Maelseachlainn, who resumed themonarchy of Ireland, after the fall of Bryan,
had been
nor could one know his father or brother, even though he were next to him, unless he could recognise his voice, or know the spot on which he stood, and we were all covered over, both faces, arms, heads, hair, and clothes, with red drojis of blood, borne from them on the wings of the wind ! And, should weatiempt toassist them, we could not, for our arms were entangled with the locks of their hair, which were cut off by the swords, and blown towards us by the wind, so that we
were all the time engaged in disentangling ourarms. Anditwaswonderfulthatthose that were in the batile could endure such horror, without becoming distracted. And
2. 2 "
No. 17,
nal," vol. i. .
=" If we can credit the au'. henticity of this
p. 135,
the clan Colmaii, to describethel)altleofCIont. irf. Theseare said to have been his words: "It is impossible for human language to describe it, an ansjel from heaven only could give a correct idea, of the terrors of that day ! We retired to llie distance of a fallow-field from the combat- ants, the high wind of the spring blowing from them towaids us. And we were no longer than half an liour there, when neither of the two armies could discern each other,
"* See George Webbe Dasent's "
requested, by
Story of Burnt Njal," vol. i. Introduction, p. cxc,
Turlough,
brave companions in arms. He fought, on this day, among the veteran war- riors. He survived, until the close of the battle. "3 The raven banner of Earl Sigurd, woven by his mother with magical skill, floated proudly on the field. "'^ Clad in mail, and foremost among his islanders, he dealt wounds and death beneath its folds. ^'s One of the chiefs on the Irish side, who par-
ticularly distinguished himself in the battle, was Tadhg Mor O'Ceallaigh,"'* who is said to have done more towards breaking the power of the foreigners, than any other chieftain, not even excepting Brian himself. He had been thirteen years chief of Hy-Maine; and, he is compared to a wolf-dog con- tending against the foreigners, and when fighting the Danes. For this reason, moreover, he is set down in the family pedigree, as Tadhg Catha Bhriain, or Teige of the Battle of Brian. ''"'
than
they fought from sunrise, until the dusk of the evening, when the full tide carried the
ships away. " See ibid. , pp. 135, 136.
The fight was desperate, the field all bloud, a horse (they say) was sometime to his belly in bloud. "—Dr.
Meredith Hanmer's " Chronicle of Ireland," p, 182.
Never was manifested
for both armies still remembered their former and mutual animosities
on this remarkable day, when they fought with such desperation. "' The battle, as we are told,''? raged from Tulcadh "° to Athcliath. '" One of the
greater intrepidity,
resolution, or —
the son
ofMurchadh, and grandson of
"3 See CosADh jAeohelTle 5<illAibli, chap, ex. , pp. 192, 193.
note.
"S After King Olafs death, Sigurd aban-
doned his fealty to him, and probably, also,
his Christianity. See Laing's "Kings of
Norway," vol. ii. , p. 131.
"''
Jle is also called Teige, Thaddeus, or Timothy O'Kelly, and from this hero, all the septs ol the O'Kellys of Hy-Many are de- scended.
"' See " The Tribes and Customs of Hy-
Many, commonly called O'Kelly's country,"
edited with a Translation and Notes by John
O'Donovan. Additional Notes, A, p. 99.
°''
See Dr. Sylvester O'Halloran's "Gene-
ral History of Ireland," vol. ii. , Book xi. ,
chap, viii. , pp. 263.
"'See the "Chronicum Scotorum,"
edited by William M. Hennessy, pp. 252, 253-
"^ Supposed to be the River Tolka.
"'
Inisfalenses," he is cal—led " Sitrioc mc Lua-
"
dar Jarla Inns h Ore. Rev. Dr. O'Conor's
Now Dublin. "'IntheHarleiancopyofthe"Annales
— perseverance
April 23. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 431
bravest and most celebrated warriors, fighting on the Danish side, was Sitric, the son of Loder. ^" This is only another name for Earl Sigurd of tlie
This valiant leader had a hard battle with Kertliialfad. "^ The latter came on so fast, tliat he laid low all wlio were in the front rank, and he brokethearrayofEarlSigurdrightuptoiiis banner,andtiierewasagaina hard fight. Kerthialfad smote the standard-bearer his death-blow, at once, and so on, one after the other, all who stood near him. ''''« It is stated, that Bryan had observed the Danish commander making great havoc among the Eugenians, during the heat of this battle ; and, therefore, he directed Murrough to hasten and meet him, while charged to check his proceedings if possible. "5 A well, from which the Irish chiefs refreshed themselves during this battle, is even now pointed out, in Castle Avenue, near Clontarf. "* It is still publicly used. ^'' Sigurd was engaged, making a fierce attack on the Dalgais. '*' He observed, that Morough and other chieftains of the Irish army, after maintain- ing the heat of action, for a considerable time, at intervals had retired from the battle still raging with undiminished fury. This happened more than twice, in the earlier portion of the day, but after their return, seemingly
possessed of double vigour,"' the Irish leaders began once more to restore the spirits of their faithful clansmen. This withdrawal they found to be necessary, both to quench their thirst, and to cool their hands, which were greatly swollen, owing to the violent use of their swords and battle-axes. An adjoin- ingspring,'3°overwhichaguardofmen'3> wasplaced,servedtorefreshthe wearied and wounded, who fell out of the fight. To prevent this resource from being available, a great effort was made by the Danes, who soon destroyed the relief it afiforded. 'S' Rejoining his troops and for the last time, Sitrick, the valiant leader of the Orkney men, marshalled his hardy islanders, and with a body of these—Norsemen by descent—he was making a fresh attack on the Dalcassians. In him, Morough recognised a foe, most formidable, and at the head of his troops. Singled out from the rest of his followers, soon a combat hand to hand was engaged in, between that brave Earl and the in- trepidMorough. Thelatterrushedviolentlyagainsthisopponent,andwith drawn sword slashed open the bands, clasps, buckles and buttons, fastening
Sigurd's helmet, and this fell backwards off his head. Then drawing two
"Rerum Hibernicarum Scriptores," tomns i. , pp. 530, 531, in General Vallancey's
Orkneys.
ii. , p. 66. "Collect. mea de Rebus Ilibernicis," vol. i. "^" **
'
Don't bear the banner 1 for all they
See Nials-Saga," cap. clviii. , p. Near the mansion of Mr. Vernon.
603.
"* The following Danish account sue- handsome metal front and inscription,
ceeds: "Then Earl Sigurd called on Thor-
stein, the son of Hal of the Side, to beir
the banner, and Thoistein was just al)out to
lift the banner, but then Asmund the White
de-crtbing it as "Kinj,' Brian's Well. "
'^' He is called Sitric Mac Lodair, in Dr. Sylvester O'Halloran's "General History of Ireland," vol. ii. . Book xi. , chap, viii. , p. 264.
"* See John O'Donovan, on "The Battle ofClontarf," in the "Dublin Penny Jour- nal," vol. i. , No. 17, pp. 134, 135.
'J" Near Clontarf, this well is yet shown by the inhabitants, according to Thomas O'Gormau. This lies close to the new Pro-
testant church, conspicuous along the shore, by its tall spire.
'J' A account of the Battle of Manuscript
said,
who bear it get their death. ' 'Hrafn the
'
Red ! ' called out Earl Sigurd, bear tliou tlie
banner. ' 'Bear thine own devil thyself,' answered H afn. Then the Earl said, "lis fittest that the begiiar should bear the bag ;' and with that he took the banner from the staff and put it under his cluak. A little after, Asmund the White was slain, and then
t—he Earl was
pierced through
witli a
spear. '"
Burnt
George
Webbe
Dascnt's
"
of
Clontarf twelve.
defines
the number to be
Siory Njal," vol. ii. , chap, clvi. , pp. 335, 336.
"i See Kev. Paul O'Brien's " Disserta- tion; on the National Customs, and State Laws of the Ancient Irish," Part ii. , chap.
only
_
"^ It lias been lately re-edified, with a
•" See Dr. Sylvester O'Halloran's "Gene- ral History of Ireland," vol. ii. . Book xi. , chap, viii. , p. 264.
432 'LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [April 23.
strokes across the Earl's exposed neck, he was felled to the ground. '^s Far different was the manner of his death, as related by other Irish authorities, who state, tliat Murchad used a battle-axe during this encounter, and proba- bly in tiiat manner,'S'* practised by the ancient Irish. ^35 The result proved fatal to the valiant Jarl. Murchad's battle-axe, it is said, divided Sitrick's body in two, even through the armour,"^* which all the Danish leaders appear to have worn. The Scanian account states, however, that Sigurd was pierced through with a spear f^i but, the name of his slayer is not given.
One of the most determined and devastating episodes, even of this san-
guinary battle, was the fight maintained against the men of Connaught, by the foreigners of Ath-Cliath ; so that, tiiose engaged in it, on both sides, were nearly all killed. Historians relate, that of the Ui Briuin and Conmaicne, not more than one hundred survived that deadly encounter, with Ferghal Ua Ruairc their leader. The Ui Cendselaigh forces were entirely routed there, and these were afterwards pursued to the battalion of the mail-clad men. Awoodofshelterwasnearthese,andtheUiCendselaighwerein order of battle, with their back towards the coats of mail. After this hard struggle, nine of the household troops of Fergal overtook Dunlang, the son of Tuathal, and killed him ; tlien, Mac an Trin, who was captain of Fergal's household, beheaded him, and he brought the head to Fergal as a trophy, with congratulations on this dearly won triumph. The few of those Conna- cians that were left went then into Brian's battalion, and ranged themselves behind Murchad's standard. After the fall of all their other seventy standards,
and the killing of their chiefs, Fergal's great and prized flag was still kept floating over them. '38
It is stated, that during the forenoon, success favoured the Irish side,^39 until a fresh body of Danes, who were kept in the rear, were ordered to the front, in the afternoon. '•t° These troops came upon the Irish
by surprise ; for, immediately afterwards, they carried slaughter and destruc- tion into the ranks of their opponents. This was asserted by some writers j^'t'
nevertheless, the authority or grounds, on which this statement rests, cannot be easily ascertained. "*- Advantage, however, if gained, cannot have been more
than temporary. During the progress of this engagement, Conaing, King of Des-Mumha,facedMaelmordha,thesonofMurchadh,KingofLeinster. A
=33 See
jAe^TieL lie jAttaibli,
'^n See JaeTjliel, He S^llAibli, CogA-oVi
chap, ci. , pp. 176, 177.
'3! < Jhe Book of Howth tells us, that after
a repulse to Collis, the strangers "returned again to the battle, and so wan the field by very force of fight, and killed both Bren and left his son Morhowe for dead, be-north the stinking stream, lying upon his shield ; to whom came a priest called Segert Ne Fenemy, and asked for his son, which told him that he fled in the beginning of the field under a r—ock that was in the strand beside the field. " " Calendar of the Carew Manu- scripts, preserved in the Archiepiscopal Library at Lambeth," edited by J. S. Brewer, and William BuUen, p. 25.
"" . See Dr. Meredith Hanmer's " Chroni- cle of Ireland," p. 184.
Co5d'oli pp. 194, 195.
'3* Giraldus Cambrensis tells us, that the
Irish held the axe with one hand, not witli
both, the thumb being stretched along the
handle, and directing the blow, from h liich
neither the helmet erected into a cone can
defend the head, nor the iron-mail the rest
of the body. Whence it happens, he add. -;,
in our times, that the whole thigh of a sol-
dier, though ever so well cased in iron-mail,
is cut off by one blow of the axe, the thigh
and the leg falling on one side of the horse,
and the dying body on the other. See
"
Opera," vol. v. , "Topographia Hibernica. " Dist. iii. ,cap. x. ,p. 151. Edition of James F. Dimock, M. A.
'35 Said by Giraldus Cambrensis to have
been —them "a adopted by
"•"
a statement is that romantic account in the Book of Howth.
etOustmannis. " Ibid.
'3* See the Dublin copy of the Annals of
Innisfallen, in Rev. Dr. O'Conor's " Rerum Hibernicarum Scriptores," tomus ii. , p. 66.
''37 See Rev. James Johnstone's "Antiqui- ties Celto-Scandicre," p. 123.
"
Norwagiensibus
the
''' According to Hanmer, the Danes
Proliably,
only
fiercely fought and encountered with the wearie and wounded Irish, and wonne the field. "
authority for such
April 23. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
433
fiercecontestensued. Sixteenmenwerekilled,eachmanrushinginfront of his lord, to save him from some adversary. At last the kings met, and fell uponeachother,whenavindictivecombatwaswagedbetweenthem. This continued, until both of them were slain. ^43 On the Irish side fought the brave Scandinavian admiral, named Ospak. He had gone through all the battle,onhiswing. ^H Ospakhadbeensorewounded,andhelostbothof his sons, ere Sigtrygg retreated before him. It seems doubtful, whether Sigurd, otherwise Sigtric, Jarl of the Orkneys, be here meant, or Sitrick, King of Dublin ; but, most probably, it was the former.
The Monarch's cushion had been re-adjusted under him, and he sang the same number of psalms, of prayers, and of paters, as before. Again, Bryan asked his attendant, what was the condition of their battalions. The attendant answered and said, that there was not living on earth the person, who could distinguish one of the combatants from the other. He added, that the greater part of the hosts, at either side, had fallen, and those who were alive had been so covered with spatterings of blood, on head, body, and vesture, that a father could not even know his son among them, while confusion pre- vailed everywhere. The Monarch asked, what was the condition of Mur- chadh's standard, and the attendant said, that it was far from him, that it passed through the battalions westwards, and that it was still standing. Brian replied, that the men of Erinn should be well, while his flag continued float- ing, because their courage and valour must remain, so long as they could see it borne aloft. ''"
Distinguished among the Scandinavian chiefs, Brodir went through the host of the foe,"** and he felled the foremost who stood there, but no steel 'could bite on his mail. '•7 His actions in the battle seem to have been per- formed, near the wood of Tomar. "<* At length. Wolf the quarrelsome turned to meet him, and thrust thrice so fiercely at him, that Brodir fell at each lunge, and was vvell-nig'i prevented from getting on his feet again ;'<9 but, soon as
ever he found his feet, he fled away into the wood at once.
It is said, that while this great contest lasted, the people of Ath-Cliath were watching from their walls and battlements the various movements of those reaping the harvest of death. The heavy gleaming battle-axes and bright flashing swords were seen by them ;'-° and, accounts have it, that the warriors' hair, which they cut off', was floated by the high wind,"'' even so far as the
position occupied by those spectators. Among them were Sitric, the son of Amhlaibh, or Amlaff, who was married to the daughter of Brian. She then stood beside him, on the battlements of his watch-tower. " Well do the foreigners reap the field," said he, "many is thesheaf they let go from them. " The daughter of Brian, who seems to have been more the partisan of her
father and of his
of the day, that will be seen. ""'"
'" See CosA-oVi jAe-oliel lie jAlLAibli,
chap, cv. , pp. 184, 185. "* "
of Burnt Njal," vol. ii. , chap, civi. , p. J35.
°5° If this be the itself must have true, day
been sunshiny and clear, to enable the Danes of Dublin to see from their walls so far as Clontarf, a distance of at least three or four miles. However, it is very probable, the sightseers couU have safely ventured outside the city gates, and taken post on
°5> This accords, also, with the statement of Maelseachlainn to the Clan Colman.
retreat to Collis—probably the Hill of Howth is meant. See " Calendar of the Carew Manuscripts," eaited by J. S. Brewer, M. A. , and \Vi li an Bullen, Esq.
"** . See Dr. Sylvester O'Halloran's "Gene- ral History of Ireland," vol. ii. , Book xi. , chap, viii. , p. 263.
of
Clontarf," '
Penny Jour-
inet. nphorical Hector of all-victorious Erinn, in religion,
'» See John O'Donovan, on " The Battle
in "The Dublin
'
tual He was the metaphor.
nal, vol. L, No. 17, p. 134.
s" See Alexander M. Sullivan's "
Story
of
and m valour, and in in champion. ship,
generosity, and in munificence. He was
pleasant, affable, intelligent, accomplished Samson of the Hebrews, for promoting the prosperity and freedom oi his fatherland and
Ireland," chap, xiii. , p. 98.
'" . See Dr. Sylvester O'Halloran's " Gene-
ral History of Ireland," vol. ii. , Book xi. , chap, viii. , pp. 263 to 265.
:
''' Tims, it is stated " He was the last of his race, during his own c. ireer and time.
He was the second powerful Hercules, who destroyed and exterminated serpents and monsters out of Erinn ; who searched the lake-, and pools, and caverns of noble-landed Fodhla, whom nu foi tress or fastness in the
man that had true valour in Erinn. It was
he that pledged the word o( a true champ on,
that he would nut retreat one foot before the
whole of the human r. ice, for any reason
whatsoever, but this alone, that lie might die
of his wciunds. He was the last man in woild could resist. He was the Lugh Erinn who was a match for a hundred. He
was the last man who kiled a hundred in a day. His was the last step that true \alour ever took in Erinn. For this is what the historians of the Gaedhil say, tliat seveti like . \lurchadh, would be a match for Mac Sauihain ; and seven like M. ic Samliain a
and
every obst. icle, laid bare every bra\ehead, and exterminated and expelle 1 the loreiyners
and pirates out of Erinn. He was the gate of battle, and the hurdle of conflict, and the
sheltering tree, and the inipregnabie lower, against tile enemies of his fatherland and of
; and seven like
l. ujjh I^giia Lugh
match for
Lngha, a matth fir Conall Cernach seven hke (Jonall Cernach, a m. ntcli fur Lu^h Lamha-fada, the son of Eithlena ; and
hi. , race— his time and duiiny
career. " Jaeijhel Tie CogATjh
his 5<iLLAibli,
;
Lamha-fada, who, like him, sprang over
chap, cvii. , pp. 186 to 189.
'»' See Kcv. I'aul O'Brien's " Disserta-
during
438 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [April 23.
oftheseweapons. Ifsuchwerethecase,wemayassume,thathemusthave divested himself of his shield, to allow his arms full range and swing, in deal-
ing his blows. Perhaps, however, the origin of this report may be assigned to the fact, that his right hand or arm had become swollen and disabled,'93 owing to the constant and repeated personal assaults he had been obliged to give and to receive, during the heat of tliis battle ; so that, he may have been necessitated to shift occasionally the weapon, from his right to his left hand, in order to relieve the muscular strain he was compelled to endure. Not alone have the Muiister historians borne testimony to his prowess, but even the Leinster and Scandinavian chroniclers 's* have stated, that during his despe- rate onset, no less than fifty of his enemies fell by his right hand, and as many more by his left. Furthermore, it is related, that neither shield nor coat of mail was proof against his strokes, which were so vigorous, that he was never obligedvainlytorepeatoneofthem. Eachofhisblowscutthroughthe body, head, or bone of his opponent, if it did not even at once inflict death. Surrounding him were thebraveand active champions of his own household, and these numbered seven score who were the sons of Kings ; the man of smallest patrimonyamongthem,atleast,waslordoveratownland. 'ss Thisnoble body-guard moved behind their leader, in one compact battalion. They fol- lowed him eagerly, actively, and with fierce, fiery valour, as he moved over the plain. Again, the irresistible and matchless phalanx of the Clann Luigh-
dech were always in a line, with their great chieftain. At one period of the battle, it appears, that these troops were obliged to yield ground, before the
inpetuous Norwegians and the piratical Denmarkians,'^* However, this repulse only quickened the blood and raised the spirit of Murchadh to an excessive
degree. With uncontrollable fury, he resolved on retrieving the fortunes of the day. Unceasingly occupied with his hand to hand encounters, the body- guard that surrounded him fought desperately, in the heat of conflict, and they passed thrice victoriously through the enemy's battalions opposed to them. '97 Meanwhile, between the different corps of both armies, a general and an obstinate fight continued. '9^ It would seem, that the Dal Cais "99 and the Eugenian swords were joined together, in one vehement onset against a compact phalanx of Denmarkians, covered with thrice-riveted and powerful protective armour. The burnished shields and embossed targets of the Clann Ludech, met the bright battle-axes of the Danars, in this conflict. '°° The slaughter committed by Morough excited more especially the fury of Carolus and Conmaol. These were two Danes of distinction. ""' They attacked him
tions on the National Customs, and the State Laws of the Ancient Irish," part ii. , chap. i. , p. 531, in General Vallancey's "Collec- tanea de Rebus Hibernicis," vol. i.
'" Hence, it appears, that accounts of this
battle had been written by natives of Lein-
ster ; but, we have not as yet discovered
them, and there is too much reason to fear,
that they have been unfortunately lost. Of
the Scandinavian Chronicl's, the Njal Saga
is the only one we have seen, containing the
account of Bryan's battle, and it is also p. 66. likely, that other Sagas referring to it may
have been lost or
''5 The phrase cjmoca cet> was used, to
signify a barony, or a townland.
'^ See CogA-oh gAechel, He SillAlbh,
chap, cviii. , pp. 188, 189.
'' See il? iii.
'9* See Rev. Paul O'Brien's " Disserta-
tions on the National Customs and State
"" " And they who saw it gleaming there,
And knew who bore it, knelt to swear
That where that sword led, they would dare
To follow and to die. " —Rev. Abraham J. Ryan.
destroyed.
Laws of the Ancient Irish," part ii. , chap- "
i. , p. 529, in Genera! Vallancey's Collec- tanea de Rebus Hibernicis," vol. i.
'9« Their hard, straight swords are no- ticed.
'°°
In the usual style of hyperbole, this
combat is noticed in the CojAXjh g&eohef. Re
5AtU\ibVi, chap, cii. , pp. 178 to 181.
TM' See tlie Dublin copy of the Annals of "
Innisfallen, in Rev. Di'. O'Coiior's Re- rum Hibernicarum Scriptores," tomus ii. ,
April 23. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 429
in conjunction ; but, Murough's might prevailed, and both fell by his sword. "' The Dalcassians had been severely pressed, however, by the Danars, during this engagement; and, this circumstance added fury to the onslauglit of
Murough, the greatness of his soul even rising with the emergencies of dan-
ger. '°3
While the forces of Brian met in this fierce combat,he was guarded by three of
his aids. ^* Prostrate before the crucifix,''°= a cushion was spread under him.
Then he opened a psalter. He began to clasp his hands in prayer, after the battlehadcommenced; and,therewasnoonewithhiminthetent,savehis own attendant, whose name was Latean. *^* Brian said to this attendant, " Watch thou the battle and the combats, while I sing the psalms. " He then sang fifty psalms, he recited fifty prayers, and fifty pater-iiosters. He asked the attendant after that, what were the conditions, in which he found the bat- talions ? The attendant answered, that they were mixed together, and closely confounded. He also said, that each of the warriors had come within the grasp of an opponent. He added, " not louder in my ears could be the echoes of blows from Tomar's Wood, if seven battalions were cutting it down, than are the resounding blows upon heads, and bones, and skulls, on both sides. " Then Bryan asked, what was the condition of Murchadh's standard ;
and the attendant " It is said,
standing,
are around it; many heads are falling, while a multitude of trophies, and spoils,
with heads of foreigners, are along with it. " " That is good news, mdeed," said Bryan. ""^
cited, to heed their interposition. Drawing his spear with great force, its point passed, not only through the body armour but even through the body of Cor- nabliteoc, who fell in the encounter. His men immediately formed a firm circlearoundthebody; andthencommencedoneofthethreemostviolent combats,thattookplaceatCluainTarbh. Notlessthanthricefiftyofhis foes that were there turned at the same time against Dunlang. His men stood bravely by their chief's side, and the opposing bands dealt ardent thrusts and fearful blows, at each other. The foreigners deemed it a point of military honour,torescuethebodyoftheirleader; but,everyoneofthesewhowaited was wounded and beaten, until there remained no interposition between the Irish leader and his rival, who was slain. The gallant defence of the foreigners
procured neither respect nor mercy for their chief; for, by Dunlang and by his warriors, they were driven away, after a fierce contest. Then the head of Cornabliteoc was cut off,"* as the most coveted trophy of a champion's vic- tory, in those times.
The other Irish commanders not only joined their brave followers in ac- tion, but led"^them through all its dangers. In like manner, distinguished as
Meantime, Dunlang O'Hartugan
spared not one of them, that came in his way. He approached Cornabliteoc, andeachofthesesoonbecameroughlyengaged,inafierceassaultofarms. Then, three of the soldiers belonging to Cornabliteoc rushed in front of him, and they made three simultaneous thrusts at Dunlang. However, the indomitable spirit of this chief had been specially roused, and his ardour was too much ex-
•"J See Cogd'oli 5Aet)1iel He JalUiibli,
comment is placed within brackets, by Rev. James Henthorn Tocid, who found it in
chap, cviii. , pp. 188, 189,
lar of History
McGee's "
"• See Thomas
two different
D'Arcy Ireland,
Popu-
Manuscripts.
chap, vi. , p. loi.
•°5 This is still the devotion practised in
our churches on Good Friday.
'"* " From whom," adds the transcribers, "are the O'Lateans, still in Munster. " This
chap, cxiii. , pp. 196 to 199.
"* This seems to have been the chief called
Dolir Ahertegan, in Dr. Meredith Hanmer's " Chronicle of Ireland," p. 185.
»°9 See CogA-oh Saetiheb He jALUaibh,
vol.
i. .
Book
ii. ,
""^ See He Co^aT)! ! jAeDliet,
5*1,^41bh,
and of the Dalcassian banners many
''^ rushed on the host of the and he pirates,
430 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [April 23,
warriors, they found foemen, not less inured to campaigning than themselves. Thoughtheirrespectivedeedsofdaringhavenotbeenallrecorded;'"° yet, can we estimate fairly their exploits, from the nature of the contest in which they were engaged, and because of the fierce passions aroused on both sides. '" Thefightbecameamostdesperateone,anditwasfuriouslycontested. "" Every- where the chiefs and their warriors left sanguinary traces of courage, among the opposing forces. It would seem, that a mere youth—only fifteen years
of age—Toirdhealbhach,
or
Brian Boroime, emulated the example of his renowned ancestors, and of his
chap, civ. , pp. 182 to 185.
="° See John O'Donovan, on "The Batlle
of Clontarf," in " The Dublin Penny Jour-
statement, dreadful must have been the scenes and carnage of tin-, day : but, we are informed, that Maelseachlainn, who resumed themonarchy of Ireland, after the fall of Bryan,
had been
nor could one know his father or brother, even though he were next to him, unless he could recognise his voice, or know the spot on which he stood, and we were all covered over, both faces, arms, heads, hair, and clothes, with red drojis of blood, borne from them on the wings of the wind ! And, should weatiempt toassist them, we could not, for our arms were entangled with the locks of their hair, which were cut off by the swords, and blown towards us by the wind, so that we
were all the time engaged in disentangling ourarms. Anditwaswonderfulthatthose that were in the batile could endure such horror, without becoming distracted. And
2. 2 "
No. 17,
nal," vol. i. .
=" If we can credit the au'. henticity of this
p. 135,
the clan Colmaii, to describethel)altleofCIont. irf. Theseare said to have been his words: "It is impossible for human language to describe it, an ansjel from heaven only could give a correct idea, of the terrors of that day ! We retired to llie distance of a fallow-field from the combat- ants, the high wind of the spring blowing from them towaids us. And we were no longer than half an liour there, when neither of the two armies could discern each other,
"* See George Webbe Dasent's "
requested, by
Story of Burnt Njal," vol. i. Introduction, p. cxc,
Turlough,
brave companions in arms. He fought, on this day, among the veteran war- riors. He survived, until the close of the battle. "3 The raven banner of Earl Sigurd, woven by his mother with magical skill, floated proudly on the field. "'^ Clad in mail, and foremost among his islanders, he dealt wounds and death beneath its folds. ^'s One of the chiefs on the Irish side, who par-
ticularly distinguished himself in the battle, was Tadhg Mor O'Ceallaigh,"'* who is said to have done more towards breaking the power of the foreigners, than any other chieftain, not even excepting Brian himself. He had been thirteen years chief of Hy-Maine; and, he is compared to a wolf-dog con- tending against the foreigners, and when fighting the Danes. For this reason, moreover, he is set down in the family pedigree, as Tadhg Catha Bhriain, or Teige of the Battle of Brian. ''"'
than
they fought from sunrise, until the dusk of the evening, when the full tide carried the
ships away. " See ibid. , pp. 135, 136.
The fight was desperate, the field all bloud, a horse (they say) was sometime to his belly in bloud. "—Dr.
Meredith Hanmer's " Chronicle of Ireland," p, 182.
Never was manifested
for both armies still remembered their former and mutual animosities
on this remarkable day, when they fought with such desperation. "' The battle, as we are told,''? raged from Tulcadh "° to Athcliath. '" One of the
greater intrepidity,
resolution, or —
the son
ofMurchadh, and grandson of
"3 See CosADh jAeohelTle 5<illAibli, chap, ex. , pp. 192, 193.
note.
"S After King Olafs death, Sigurd aban-
doned his fealty to him, and probably, also,
his Christianity. See Laing's "Kings of
Norway," vol. ii. , p. 131.
"''
Jle is also called Teige, Thaddeus, or Timothy O'Kelly, and from this hero, all the septs ol the O'Kellys of Hy-Many are de- scended.
"' See " The Tribes and Customs of Hy-
Many, commonly called O'Kelly's country,"
edited with a Translation and Notes by John
O'Donovan. Additional Notes, A, p. 99.
°''
See Dr. Sylvester O'Halloran's "Gene-
ral History of Ireland," vol. ii. , Book xi. ,
chap, viii. , pp. 263.
"'See the "Chronicum Scotorum,"
edited by William M. Hennessy, pp. 252, 253-
"^ Supposed to be the River Tolka.
"'
Inisfalenses," he is cal—led " Sitrioc mc Lua-
"
dar Jarla Inns h Ore. Rev. Dr. O'Conor's
Now Dublin. "'IntheHarleiancopyofthe"Annales
— perseverance
April 23. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 431
bravest and most celebrated warriors, fighting on the Danish side, was Sitric, the son of Loder. ^" This is only another name for Earl Sigurd of tlie
This valiant leader had a hard battle with Kertliialfad. "^ The latter came on so fast, tliat he laid low all wlio were in the front rank, and he brokethearrayofEarlSigurdrightuptoiiis banner,andtiierewasagaina hard fight. Kerthialfad smote the standard-bearer his death-blow, at once, and so on, one after the other, all who stood near him. ''''« It is stated, that Bryan had observed the Danish commander making great havoc among the Eugenians, during the heat of this battle ; and, therefore, he directed Murrough to hasten and meet him, while charged to check his proceedings if possible. "5 A well, from which the Irish chiefs refreshed themselves during this battle, is even now pointed out, in Castle Avenue, near Clontarf. "* It is still publicly used. ^'' Sigurd was engaged, making a fierce attack on the Dalgais. '*' He observed, that Morough and other chieftains of the Irish army, after maintain- ing the heat of action, for a considerable time, at intervals had retired from the battle still raging with undiminished fury. This happened more than twice, in the earlier portion of the day, but after their return, seemingly
possessed of double vigour,"' the Irish leaders began once more to restore the spirits of their faithful clansmen. This withdrawal they found to be necessary, both to quench their thirst, and to cool their hands, which were greatly swollen, owing to the violent use of their swords and battle-axes. An adjoin- ingspring,'3°overwhichaguardofmen'3> wasplaced,servedtorefreshthe wearied and wounded, who fell out of the fight. To prevent this resource from being available, a great effort was made by the Danes, who soon destroyed the relief it afiforded. 'S' Rejoining his troops and for the last time, Sitrick, the valiant leader of the Orkney men, marshalled his hardy islanders, and with a body of these—Norsemen by descent—he was making a fresh attack on the Dalcassians. In him, Morough recognised a foe, most formidable, and at the head of his troops. Singled out from the rest of his followers, soon a combat hand to hand was engaged in, between that brave Earl and the in- trepidMorough. Thelatterrushedviolentlyagainsthisopponent,andwith drawn sword slashed open the bands, clasps, buckles and buttons, fastening
Sigurd's helmet, and this fell backwards off his head. Then drawing two
"Rerum Hibernicarum Scriptores," tomns i. , pp. 530, 531, in General Vallancey's
Orkneys.
ii. , p. 66. "Collect. mea de Rebus Ilibernicis," vol. i. "^" **
'
Don't bear the banner 1 for all they
See Nials-Saga," cap. clviii. , p. Near the mansion of Mr. Vernon.
603.
"* The following Danish account sue- handsome metal front and inscription,
ceeds: "Then Earl Sigurd called on Thor-
stein, the son of Hal of the Side, to beir
the banner, and Thoistein was just al)out to
lift the banner, but then Asmund the White
de-crtbing it as "Kinj,' Brian's Well. "
'^' He is called Sitric Mac Lodair, in Dr. Sylvester O'Halloran's "General History of Ireland," vol. ii. . Book xi. , chap, viii. , p. 264.
"* See John O'Donovan, on "The Battle ofClontarf," in the "Dublin Penny Jour- nal," vol. i. , No. 17, pp. 134, 135.
'J" Near Clontarf, this well is yet shown by the inhabitants, according to Thomas O'Gormau. This lies close to the new Pro-
testant church, conspicuous along the shore, by its tall spire.
'J' A account of the Battle of Manuscript
said,
who bear it get their death. ' 'Hrafn the
'
Red ! ' called out Earl Sigurd, bear tliou tlie
banner. ' 'Bear thine own devil thyself,' answered H afn. Then the Earl said, "lis fittest that the begiiar should bear the bag ;' and with that he took the banner from the staff and put it under his cluak. A little after, Asmund the White was slain, and then
t—he Earl was
pierced through
witli a
spear. '"
Burnt
George
Webbe
Dascnt's
"
of
Clontarf twelve.
defines
the number to be
Siory Njal," vol. ii. , chap, clvi. , pp. 335, 336.
"i See Kev. Paul O'Brien's " Disserta- tion; on the National Customs, and State Laws of the Ancient Irish," Part ii. , chap.
only
_
"^ It lias been lately re-edified, with a
•" See Dr. Sylvester O'Halloran's "Gene- ral History of Ireland," vol. ii. . Book xi. , chap, viii. , p. 264.
432 'LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [April 23.
strokes across the Earl's exposed neck, he was felled to the ground. '^s Far different was the manner of his death, as related by other Irish authorities, who state, tliat Murchad used a battle-axe during this encounter, and proba- bly in tiiat manner,'S'* practised by the ancient Irish. ^35 The result proved fatal to the valiant Jarl. Murchad's battle-axe, it is said, divided Sitrick's body in two, even through the armour,"^* which all the Danish leaders appear to have worn. The Scanian account states, however, that Sigurd was pierced through with a spear f^i but, the name of his slayer is not given.
One of the most determined and devastating episodes, even of this san-
guinary battle, was the fight maintained against the men of Connaught, by the foreigners of Ath-Cliath ; so that, tiiose engaged in it, on both sides, were nearly all killed. Historians relate, that of the Ui Briuin and Conmaicne, not more than one hundred survived that deadly encounter, with Ferghal Ua Ruairc their leader. The Ui Cendselaigh forces were entirely routed there, and these were afterwards pursued to the battalion of the mail-clad men. Awoodofshelterwasnearthese,andtheUiCendselaighwerein order of battle, with their back towards the coats of mail. After this hard struggle, nine of the household troops of Fergal overtook Dunlang, the son of Tuathal, and killed him ; tlien, Mac an Trin, who was captain of Fergal's household, beheaded him, and he brought the head to Fergal as a trophy, with congratulations on this dearly won triumph. The few of those Conna- cians that were left went then into Brian's battalion, and ranged themselves behind Murchad's standard. After the fall of all their other seventy standards,
and the killing of their chiefs, Fergal's great and prized flag was still kept floating over them. '38
It is stated, that during the forenoon, success favoured the Irish side,^39 until a fresh body of Danes, who were kept in the rear, were ordered to the front, in the afternoon. '•t° These troops came upon the Irish
by surprise ; for, immediately afterwards, they carried slaughter and destruc- tion into the ranks of their opponents. This was asserted by some writers j^'t'
nevertheless, the authority or grounds, on which this statement rests, cannot be easily ascertained. "*- Advantage, however, if gained, cannot have been more
than temporary. During the progress of this engagement, Conaing, King of Des-Mumha,facedMaelmordha,thesonofMurchadh,KingofLeinster. A
=33 See
jAe^TieL lie jAttaibli,
'^n See JaeTjliel, He S^llAibli, CogA-oVi
chap, ci. , pp. 176, 177.
'3! < Jhe Book of Howth tells us, that after
a repulse to Collis, the strangers "returned again to the battle, and so wan the field by very force of fight, and killed both Bren and left his son Morhowe for dead, be-north the stinking stream, lying upon his shield ; to whom came a priest called Segert Ne Fenemy, and asked for his son, which told him that he fled in the beginning of the field under a r—ock that was in the strand beside the field. " " Calendar of the Carew Manu- scripts, preserved in the Archiepiscopal Library at Lambeth," edited by J. S. Brewer, and William BuUen, p. 25.
"" . See Dr. Meredith Hanmer's " Chroni- cle of Ireland," p. 184.
Co5d'oli pp. 194, 195.
'3* Giraldus Cambrensis tells us, that the
Irish held the axe with one hand, not witli
both, the thumb being stretched along the
handle, and directing the blow, from h liich
neither the helmet erected into a cone can
defend the head, nor the iron-mail the rest
of the body. Whence it happens, he add. -;,
in our times, that the whole thigh of a sol-
dier, though ever so well cased in iron-mail,
is cut off by one blow of the axe, the thigh
and the leg falling on one side of the horse,
and the dying body on the other. See
"
Opera," vol. v. , "Topographia Hibernica. " Dist. iii. ,cap. x. ,p. 151. Edition of James F. Dimock, M. A.
'35 Said by Giraldus Cambrensis to have
been —them "a adopted by
"•"
a statement is that romantic account in the Book of Howth.
etOustmannis. " Ibid.
'3* See the Dublin copy of the Annals of
Innisfallen, in Rev. Dr. O'Conor's " Rerum Hibernicarum Scriptores," tomus ii. , p. 66.
''37 See Rev. James Johnstone's "Antiqui- ties Celto-Scandicre," p. 123.
"
Norwagiensibus
the
''' According to Hanmer, the Danes
Proliably,
only
fiercely fought and encountered with the wearie and wounded Irish, and wonne the field. "
authority for such
April 23. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
433
fiercecontestensued. Sixteenmenwerekilled,eachmanrushinginfront of his lord, to save him from some adversary. At last the kings met, and fell uponeachother,whenavindictivecombatwaswagedbetweenthem. This continued, until both of them were slain. ^43 On the Irish side fought the brave Scandinavian admiral, named Ospak. He had gone through all the battle,onhiswing. ^H Ospakhadbeensorewounded,andhelostbothof his sons, ere Sigtrygg retreated before him. It seems doubtful, whether Sigurd, otherwise Sigtric, Jarl of the Orkneys, be here meant, or Sitrick, King of Dublin ; but, most probably, it was the former.
The Monarch's cushion had been re-adjusted under him, and he sang the same number of psalms, of prayers, and of paters, as before. Again, Bryan asked his attendant, what was the condition of their battalions. The attendant answered and said, that there was not living on earth the person, who could distinguish one of the combatants from the other. He added, that the greater part of the hosts, at either side, had fallen, and those who were alive had been so covered with spatterings of blood, on head, body, and vesture, that a father could not even know his son among them, while confusion pre- vailed everywhere. The Monarch asked, what was the condition of Mur- chadh's standard, and the attendant said, that it was far from him, that it passed through the battalions westwards, and that it was still standing. Brian replied, that the men of Erinn should be well, while his flag continued float- ing, because their courage and valour must remain, so long as they could see it borne aloft. ''"
Distinguished among the Scandinavian chiefs, Brodir went through the host of the foe,"** and he felled the foremost who stood there, but no steel 'could bite on his mail. '•7 His actions in the battle seem to have been per- formed, near the wood of Tomar. "<* At length. Wolf the quarrelsome turned to meet him, and thrust thrice so fiercely at him, that Brodir fell at each lunge, and was vvell-nig'i prevented from getting on his feet again ;'<9 but, soon as
ever he found his feet, he fled away into the wood at once.
It is said, that while this great contest lasted, the people of Ath-Cliath were watching from their walls and battlements the various movements of those reaping the harvest of death. The heavy gleaming battle-axes and bright flashing swords were seen by them ;'-° and, accounts have it, that the warriors' hair, which they cut off', was floated by the high wind,"'' even so far as the
position occupied by those spectators. Among them were Sitric, the son of Amhlaibh, or Amlaff, who was married to the daughter of Brian. She then stood beside him, on the battlements of his watch-tower. " Well do the foreigners reap the field," said he, "many is thesheaf they let go from them. " The daughter of Brian, who seems to have been more the partisan of her
father and of his
of the day, that will be seen. ""'"
'" See CosA-oVi jAe-oliel lie jAlLAibli,
chap, cv. , pp. 184, 185. "* "
of Burnt Njal," vol. ii. , chap, civi. , p. J35.
°5° If this be the itself must have true, day
been sunshiny and clear, to enable the Danes of Dublin to see from their walls so far as Clontarf, a distance of at least three or four miles. However, it is very probable, the sightseers couU have safely ventured outside the city gates, and taken post on
°5> This accords, also, with the statement of Maelseachlainn to the Clan Colman.
