" What
"
criedthe He then rose from his pillow, seized his sword, and stood to await the approach of Broder,
they are wounded, pierced tlirough and dis- day should be my successor in the sove- membered ; while tliey are disorganized all reignty, and he is Donnchadh.
"
criedthe He then rose from his pillow, seized his sword, and stood to await the approach of Broder,
they are wounded, pierced tlirough and dis- day should be my successor in the sove- membered ; while tliey are disorganized all reignty, and he is Donnchadh.
O'Hanlon - Lives of the Irish Saints - v4
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.
family
. See Nials-Saga," cap. dviii. , p. 602.
"S See CojaDh jAeDViel. He JillAibVi,
chap, cxiii. , pp. 198, 199. "^ "
602.
'" See
George
Webbe Dasent's " of Story
which enable them might
See Nials-Saga," cap. clviii. , p.
Burnt Njal," vol. ii. , cap. clvi. , p. 335. '•' "
vantage-ground,
clearly to discern all the chief movements of those engaged in that conflict.
602, 603. "*» See
George
Webbe Dasent's "
Story
See Nials-Saga," cap. clviii. , pp.
than of her " At the end husband, cautiously replied,
EI
434 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [April 23.
Wliile Murchadh was otherwise engaged, a valiant son to the King of Lochlann fought among the battalions. This was Anraid, or Anrad, son of Elbric, who furiously directed his assault against the Dalcassians. He made a great slaughter among them, and, wherever he appeared, they opened way
front ranks among his hardy Dalcassians. At length, the violent exertion of his right or sword arm, caused both his hand and arm so much pain, that he was unable to lift them up, for they had become greatly swollen. While in this almost helpless cond-tion, and quite unable to strike with his wonted vigour, Morrough was suddenly attacked by Aurudh, or Anraid. But, closing upon the Dane, the Dalcassian prince threw down his sword, and laying hold of him on the top of the head with the left hand, Murchadh drew Aurudh out of his coat of mail, by pulling it forward over his head. Then both fought a wrestling battle ; but, by superior force or dexterity, Murchadh contrived to throwtheforeignerontheground,whileheremaineduppermost. Leaning
with his breast upon the hilt, for no longer could he use the right arm, Mur- rough pressed upon it, with the whole weight of his body, and thus inflicted a death-wound on his opponent. However, even in his dying state, the fierce Aurudh did not f;ill unavenged. He saw the skeine, or short Irish dagger, which hung by Morrough's side, and with a convulsive grasp, he tore it from the belt. ^55 Then directing its point against Murrough, the dying warrior, at the same instant, inflicted a mortal wound '5^ on the renowned Dalcassian leader. The Lochlann chief expired on the spot ; and, suffering great agony, from the thrust he had received. ^^7 According to other accounts, Morrogh was in the act of stooping to relieve an enemy, when he received from this foe his death-wound. Such a deplorable and tragic disaster, however, had not the effect of turning the fortune of the day, for the Danes and for their allies. '*^ The valiant Miurough after his fall was borne away from the battle-field mortallywounded. -59
The issue of this dreadful day's carnage remained long doubtful ; for, although blood flowed in torrents, there was no sign of yielding on either side. Every man had sufficient work on hands to know only his own adven-
before him. This enraged Murcliadh, when he perceived it.
Then, turning obliquely on the ranks of the mail-clad warriors, he killed fifteen men on his right and fifteen on his left, until he reached the son of Elbric. However, there is a considerable amount of confusion in tiiis narrative, for, the proper name set down signifies "a warrior ;"'S3 while other authorities call him solely, the son of Ebric, and sometimes, the son of Elbric. ^5< As became his high reputation for activity and courage on the battle-field, the proud admiration of his soldiers was the illusrious Morough, who fought bravely, always in the
ts' See Co5dT)li JaeoViet fie jAllaibVi, chap, cviii. , pp. 190, 191.
°=5 In Edward O'Reilly's "Irish-English Dictionary" dnpaio is rendered "a cham- pion," 3ub voce.
"5* The same person is evidently meant, however J and, in the opinion of Dr. Todd, the name ini ended was probably Eohric, or Eric, or perhaps, El:ric.
Murchailh. which fell on the yround, when ii. , p. 67.
and so they mutually killed e. ich other. See iiid. The extravagancies of such accounts are obvious, and do not deserve credence.
'57 See the account of this tragic duel on the field, in th—e Dublin copy of the Annals of Innisfallen. Rev. Dr. (J'Conur's "Rerum Hibernicarum Scrip'ores,'' tomus ii. , p 66.
'ss See Haveity's ''History of Ireland, Ancient and Modern," chap. xiv. p. 148.
»S9 According to the Dublin copy of the Lai bVi, it is stated, that . "Anraid drew his own Annals of Innisfallen, he was tlien in his knife. See pp. 196, 197. sixty-third year. See Rev. Dr. O'Conor's "s' It is staled, he cut open the entrails of "Rerum Hibernicarum Sriptores," tomus
'5S In the Cogd-oh Jieohet ne JaI-
the DalcTssian hero was seized with
'*' See He CogATih ^aeohet
fiintings and shiverings. Yet, strange to say, he was able in this crisis, to cut off his adversary's head,
S'^tVaibh, "'See Rev. Dr. O'Conor's "Rerum
chap, cvi. , pp. 18410 187.
April 23. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 43s
tures, owing to the greatness of his distress, remarks the old chronicler ; and those, who could have had an idea of it, fell there, on either side, so that God alone had full knowledge 01 the deeds and events, which transpired on that field of carnage. '^ The battle, begun at an early hour in the morning, still raged on to the evenmg. ^^' Meantime, the ebb-tide had carried the foreigners' vessels out to sea ; but, when it came to fill and return, many ol their ships came on the flood, and close to land. ^'^ The Irish now prepared for a supreme effort, and made a general attack, on the weakened bands of their enemies. Destitute of leaders, who had exposed their lives to perils while fighting in the foremost ranks, the Danes fell into disorder, and then the issue was soon decided. ^*3 About four o'clock, in the afternoon, the tide of battle seemed inclining to the Irish ; and then, the ranks of their adversaries began to reel. Discomfiture of a decisive character had now become assured.
Everywhere the foreigners saw the field of battle covered with the dead and dying of their own forces ; and, while the number of their surviving warriors was sensibly diminishing, the confidence and elation of the Irish propor- tionally increased. The force of their shock was not any longer to be resisted, by the Danes, and wild confusion ensued through their disordered ranks. =*« The greatest and bravest of their leaders had already fallen, after displaying the most heroic valour, and few were now left to take their places. Soon after the retreat of Sigtrygg,"5 we are told, that flight broke out through all the strangers' host. '**
The last and greatest of Bryan's battles had now been fought, nor was he destined to survive it. If we are to accept the authority of some writers, he had then attained his eighty-eighth year. '*' The circumstances attending his death, however, have been differently related. The northern accounts have it, that when Brodir saw King Bryan's troops chasing the fleers, there were only a few men left by the shieldburg. Then he ruslied out of the wood, where he had been concealed, broke through the shieldburg, and hewed at the king. "** This statement is not inconsistent with the Irish narratives ; and, all authorities seem to be agreed, that Broder was his slayer. The oldest known record of the battle on the Irish side relates, that only one attendant, named Latean, was with the monarch, at this time. His cushion had been re-adjusted under Brian, and he sang, for the third time during that day, fifty psalms, and fifty prayers, and fifty paters ; the fighting having continued all that time. '*9 Another authority has it, that not Lactean, but Laidir,'7° the
HibernicarumScriptores,"tomusii. , Annales Inisfalenses, p. 67.
"5 We are doubtful, whether this be the Eail of Orkney, or the Danish King of Dublin.
'""See George Webbe Dasent's " Story
of Burnt Njal," vol. ii. , chap, clvi. , p. 336. "' See Rev. Dr. O'Conor's "RerumHiber- nicarum Scriptores," tomus ii. , Annales Inis-
falenses, p. 67.
*" See Webbe Dasent's " of George Story
Burnt Njal," vol. ii. chap. clvi. p. 337.
""^ He asked then of the attendant, in what state were the forces. The attendant
*'
chap. cix. , pp. 190, 191.
See Co5AT)h 5iex>1iet He 5<slUtbh,
*3 "Twas set of sun, and freedom blesseri
His pathway down the golden west.
Defea ed now on
The Norsemen s flight was wild and
wide :
Yet oft they turned in broken strife,
Nor yielded even with yielding life ;
But lified oft and oft again
The sword ol faint but desperate
men. "
—^John Augustus Shea's "Clontarf," p. 86. "• "
-See iVLirtin Haverty's History of
Ireland, Ancient and Modem," chap, xiv. , P- 148.
every
side
" They appear to me the same
answered
as if Tomar's Wood was on hre, and as if tlie seven battalions haU been cutting away at its underwood, and at its young shoots, fur a month, leaving its stately trees and its im- mense oaks standing. In such manner are the armies now on either side, the greater part ol them having fallen, while a few brave men and gallant heroes only are still left standing. Their further condition is, that
:
436 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [April 23.
servantofBryan,happenedtobeinattendanceonhisroyalmaster. Observ- ing the confusion sjireading around, and seeing some of the Danes surging
through thelrislihost. he feared, tliat the imperial army must have been defeated, and he was seized with a sudden panic. Hastily entering the tent of Uryan, who was on his knees before the crucifix, his servant requested, °7' that the monarch
"itwasto
or die I came here -p^ but, do you and my other attendants take my horses to Armagh, and communicate my will to the successor of St. Patrick. That I bequeath my soul to God, my body to Armagh, and my blessing to my son Donough. Give two hundred cows to Armagh, along with my body; also, go directly to Swords of St. Columkille, and order them to come for my body to-morrow, so as to conduct it to Duleek of St. Kiaran, and let them convey
it thence to Louth ; whither let Maelmurry, the son of Eochy, Comharb of St. Patrick, come with the family of Armagh, and then convey it to their
would takeahorseandflee. " immediately
No," says Bryan,
conquer
cathedral. "^"
People
coming
us," "Greennaked
of Clontarf, in the vol. i. . No. 17, p. 135.
°'' According to the CojA'oh Jacohet He SAlbdibh, the attendant Latean then
:
said " Woe is me, if thou wouMst take my
advice, thou oughtest to mount thy horse, and we should go to the camp, and remain there among the servants ; since every one, who escapes this battle, should come to us, and around us will they rally. Besides, the battalions are now mixed together in con- fusion ; while a party of the loreigners have rejected the idea of retreating to the sea, and we know not who may approach us where we now are. " See chap, cxiii. , pp. 200, 201.
"
"" See John O'Donovan, on the Battle of "
»'= The
relates this closing scene somewhat differently, and as follows: " O God thou said
Co5At)1i SAeohel
tie
SAllaibh,
people
are
they
Bryan.
blue,
! boy," retreat becomes us not, and I my-
"Alas I" said " are the Brian, they
Bryan,
self know that I shall not leave this place alive. What could it profit me if I did ? For Aibhell, of Craig Laiih, came to me last night, and she told me, that I should be killed on this
that the first of my sons I should see on this
foreign- ers in armour, and it is not to do good they come. " While he was saying this, the Monarch arose, stepped ofT the cushion, and unsheathed his sword. Brodar passed him by,anddidnotnoticehim. Oneofthethree,
day
;
she told moreover, me,
are towards said the servant.
" What
"
criedthe He then rose from his pillow, seized his sword, and stood to await the approach of Broder,
they are wounded, pierced tlirough and dis- day should be my successor in the sove- membered ; while tliey are disorganized all reignty, and he is Donnchadh. Go thou,
? " asked
servant. " They are the Danes in armour," said Bryan. "'<
sortof are people
they
Bryan.
people,"
round, like the grinding of a mill, turning the wrong way ; but, the foreigners are now defeated, and Murchadh's standard lias fallen. " "That is sad news," said Brien ; "
Laidean, take these steeds with thee, and receive my blessing : carry out my will after
my death, viz. , my body and my soul to God
and to St. Patrick, that 1 am to be carried on my word, the honour and valour of to Ard-macha ; and my blessing to Donn-
Erinn fell, when that standard fell ; and, in- deed, Erir. n has fallen now ; for, never shall there appear henceforth a champion, com- parable to that champion. And what avails it me to survive this day, or that I should obtain the sovereignty of the world, after the fall of Muichadh, and Conaing, and the other nobles of the Dal Cais. " See CogAnh Jderohel tie JilbAibVi, chap, cxiii. , p. 198 to 201.
=7"' See John O'Donovan, on the Battle
chadh, for discharging my last bequests after me, viz. , twelve score of cows to be given to the Comharba of Patrick and lo the society at Ard-macha ; and iis own proper dues to Gill da Lua, as also to the chaichesof Mumbain, their dues. Donncliadh knows, that I have not wealth of gold or silver ; but, he is to pay them, in return for my blessing, and for his succeeding me. Go this night to Sord, and desire them to come early on to-morrow for my body, and to convey it thence to Damh- liag, of Cianan, and then let them carry it thence to Lughmhagh ; thence let ,Mael- Muire Mac Eochadha, Comharba of Patrick, and the society of Ard-macha. come to meet me at Lughmhagh. " See chap, cxiii. , pp. 200 10 203.
'
Dublin Penny Journal,"
Clontarf, in the Dublin Penny Journal," vol. i. . No. 17, p. 135.
'''* While tliey were engaged in this con-
versation, according to anotliei" account, the
attendant perceived a party of foreigners ap- proaching them. Earl Brodar was there, and two warriors along with him. "There are people coming towards us here," said the
attendant. '" Woe
whowere —andwhohadbeeninBrian's there,
what manner of
"A stark naked people," replied the attendant.
service, said
" said "this
is
? " said
Cing, Cing,"
he,
me,
April 23. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS 437
with some of his followers. The monarch saw no part of him without armour, except Ills eyes and his feet. Then Bryan raised his hand, and gave him a blow, with which he cut otf the left leg from the knee, and the right from the ankle ; but, Broder's axe met the head of Bryan, and fractured it. ^73 He fell mortally wounded, and almost immediately gave up the ghost. The northern accountstates,tliattheladTakt'? *threwhisarmintheway. Amiraculous incidentisthenrecorded. Thestroketookitoff,andtheking'shead,like- wise ; but, the king's blood came on the lad's stump, and the stump was healed by it, on the spot. Then Brodir called out, with a loud voice^" Now let man tell man, that Brodir felled Brian. "'"
This Danish version regarding his death, as found in the NialsSaga, is in part
probable; other statements, however, are unreliable. ''* It is added, on the
same authority, that the ferocious pirate was then hemmed in by Brian's re-
turnedguardsandcapturedalive. Somemenranafterthose,thatwerechas-
ing the fieers, and they were told, that King Brian had fallen. Tlien, both
Wolf the quarrelsome and Kerthialfad turned back straight way ; they closed
a ring round Brodir and his men, and threw Ijranches of trees on them. '? ' The
Irish soldiers took a savage vengeance for the death of their king, who but
fortheirownneglectshouldhavebeensafe. '^ ImmediatelyadjoiningCon-
quer Hill is the level, known as Bryan Boroimhe's Field,'*' and where it is
said the brave old warrior fell '*' on the battle-plain, while he was already
rejoicing and thanking the Almighty for the splendid victory he had gained. '*^ Near it are some remarkable moats. These are popularly supposed to repre-
sent the funereal pyres, heaped over tlie slain, and shortly after this great ,battle had been decided. '*'* However, we believe, that at the time of his
'" See
George
Webbe Dasent's "
Story
of
probable,
tlie human remains of several,
"
^fo, no, but Priest, Priest,"
him, and he did not die before they were all
is the King. "
said Br(xlar, it is not he, but a noble priest. " By no means," said the soldier, " th. at is the great king, Brian. " Brodar then turned round and appeared with a bright gleaming and trusty battle-axe in his hai^d, having its handle set in the miildle. When Brian saw Brodar, he gazed at him, and then gave him a stroke with his sword, which cut off his leftlegat the knee, and his right legat thefoot. The foreigner dealt Brian a stroke, which clef: his head utterly ; but, Brian killed tl)e second man that was witli Brotlar, and they boih fell mutually by each other. See Co54T)h Jaeohei tie 5<vlUaibh, chap, cxiv. , pp. 202, 203.
'" With all the fury of a dying warrior, it is stated, in another version, that Brian beheaded l! ro<ler, and killed a second Dane, by whom he wai, attacked ; but this seems to have been a misconception of the original nat raior's meaning, which is somewhat con- fused.
''' It seems, as if he were a new person in- troduced at this sceneof the Monarch's death. Probably, by Takt, the northern writer uncersiood ladg, or Teigue, a well-known Iri>ii name.
— Webbe Dasent's George
Burnt Njal,' vol. ii. , chap, civi. , p. 337. "
who were killed on ihe <lay of ihat great bat-
tle, must be found, with perhaps some
ancient armorial objects of the highest in-
terest to anliquaries.
'"' In the <Jnndta locha C^, or Annals of Lough C4, edited by William M. Hennessy,
''"* See Martin Haverty's History oflre-
Und, Ancientand Modern,''chap. xiv. , p 148. '" Wolf the quarrelsome cut open Urodir'i belly, and led him round and round the trunk of a tree, and so wound all his entrails out of
"
drawn out of him.
"StoryofBruntNjal,"vol. ii. , chap,clvi. , P- 337- This no doubt, is a Northern fic- tion.
'^ "
See Haverty's History of Ireland,
Ancient and Modern," chap, xiv. , p. 149.
'*' A great excavation, near Conquer Hill, is now filled with water, to the depth of several feet, owing tothecircumstanceof earth having been formerly taken away to make bricks ; and, therefore, that place is now
known by the name of the Brick Fields.
'*' An old woman over eighty years of age in 1883, but of excellent and retentive me- mory, a native of Cloniarf—where her ance—
tors resided for several past generations was able to show that spot, where the Mon- arch Bryan fell, according to her father's version of the local tradition.
^' Many of the people maintain, that Con- quer Hill was the spot where Bryan was murdered—they do not say killed—because his death, was one by assassination.
'** Hitherto, no scientific antiquarian at-
tempt has been made, to explore the inner
and middle parts of those unquestionably ar- tificial structures ; but, it appears to be quite
s-
438 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [April 23.
death, the monarch was not so near the sea-shore ; but rather, that his post was in the camp, not far from Tomar's Wood, and according to some Irish accounts,='5 Brian and Conaing were killed, at the rear of the army, not ex- pecting an attack. ''^' Thus, on the field of battle, in the act of prayer, on the day of our Lord's Crucifixion, fell the Christian king, in the cause of native land and of Holy Cross. Many elegies have been detlicated to his memory, and not the least noble of these strains belong to his enemies. In death, as in life, he was still Brian "of the Tributes. "'^?
Towards the end, and after they had killed Bryan Boroimhe, the Danes or Ostmen recovered their spirits,'** and rushing upon the Irish, became upper- most, in the opinion of Sir James Ware ;'*' and, this seems not wholly impro- bable, if we accept the truth of that statement, regarding the colloquy between Bryan and his attendant Latean, towards the close of this engagement. '9o Due north from the village of Clontarf, and quite near the present sea-road, at Dollymount strand, a low, but lengthened druim, or ridge of ground, rises neartheinnerroad-wall. Thisiscalled,atthepresenttim—e,ConquerHill;
and, popular belief has it, that here some of the Danes and probably a strong body,—made a last determined stand, towards the closing of the day's battle, while the other divisions of their army were in great disorder. This action may have been intended to cover a retreat to their ships, riding at
we have the following statement : —" The supreme king, i. e. , Brian, son of Cean- eidigh, and Conaing, son of Donncuan, were behind the battalions, chaunting their psalms, and performing prayers, when a vehement, furious, Danmarkian escaped from the battle, avoiding death, until lie came to the place where the king was. As soon as the Dan-
marl<ian perceived the king unguarded, he unsheathed his sword, and beheaded the
nessed and best men was put in battle, in the vanguard and foremost afore their horse- men a good distance, that they should break the force of their enemies, which was all afootandhadnohorsemen. Theleftwing was kerne and men with slings, spears, stones, and shields, all naked men, for on that side was a great wood, be-north the
Stinking Stream, the which the king fearing the Normans would take that way to Dub- linge. The Normans and Danes, that see- ing, divided them in this order, and staid at Clontarff till their men was parted in three parts. In the first battle tliey placed their best men on the left wing, as nigh these as they might, against the King's horsemen, which they doubled most, and fearing that the horsemen would compass them about. These horsemen were the force of the King's army. This woward went foremost, and fouglit with the main batile of the King's, and by reason of the slimy and deep ground towards the sea, the horsemen did iiotliing,
"The causes that the field was
lost. First, the haste that Bren the King
made to the field, and did not tarry till his
friends came to liis aid, as his sons and King's horsemen should get away behind otliers, which came three days after the field
with 7,000 men. This great haste and worse
speed may be an example to all men. Ano-
ther cause was the field was lost, after tlie
Normans landed five days, the Danes and
Normans made haste to come to Doubling,
to win the town ; and fearing that, Bren
made as mucli ha^te and provision to |>revent
that as he mii;ht, and came with the force
he had against them, and placed his men in
this order. The horsemen was |iut on the
right hand of his woward as niijh the sea as
might be, thinking that their enemies should
not go to their ships backward. The har-
supreme king of Erinn, and he beheaded Conaing likewise ; and he himself fell in the mutual wounding of that fight. " See vol i. . pp. 12, 13.
-^ See Rev. Dr. ©'Conor's " Rerum Hibernicarum Scriptores," tomus ii. , Annales Buellani, p. 17.
=^' See Thomas D'Arcy McGee's " His-
tory of Ireland," Book ii. , chap, vi. , pp. loi, 102.
'** Their own traditions have converted the Irish into a complete ScanJmavian victory. The following account is from the Book of
Howth —
;
there afore as their ill-fortune placed
being
was. The second battle of the Normans was
all spearmen afoot, meaning thereliy, if the
their woward. that they slioiild be a wall or surance to their back. The third battle was their cross-bows and slings, wliich met so tlie kerne that tliey could do little aid to the King. And also the King's horsemen stood him in no stead. By reason thereof the King lost the field a—nd his life, and 11,000 men and his son. "
''Calendar of the Carew
Manuscripts, preserved in the Archiepiscopal Library at Lambeth," pp. 26, 27.
"*' See "l)e Hibernia et Antiquitatibus Ejus," &c. , cap xNiv. , p. 114.
^See C05. it)li 5j. et>heL lie SAllAibh, chap, cxiii. , pp. 200, 201.
April 23. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 439
anchor, on a full tide, and drawn up close to the sea-shore. At length, how- ever, the Danes gave way on every side, nor was it even possible for them to seek safety in their flight. They could only turn towards the city, or to the sea,'5i \yhere they endeavoured to reach their vessels. These were now their chief means for effecting escape. But, as on this memorable day, a high wind prevailed, especially if it blew from the east or north—as often happens at the spring-lime ol the year—with the tide and billows surging towards the sea-shore, it must have added greatly to those difficulties, experienced by the Danes, in reaching their vessels. Confusion became general throughout the foreigners' army, and their scattered bands rushed territied, in every direc- tion. Numbers of them had been totally dispersed and disbanded, nor were they able to effect a retreat, under favourable conditions. ^'' The Irish sea and its ship-lined strand could not ensure any great protection, for their utterly routed and demoralized army; nor could the mariners on guard afford any considerable assistance, to those wading or swimmmg through the water, vengeiul pursuers flushed with victory pressing on their rear. Several perished miserably, and their bodies were covered by the wild waves along the shore, or were carried out to sea. Then it was, that Brian's daughter, and the wife of Amhlaibh's son, looking from Ath Cliath, said
" It appears to me, that the foreigners have gained their inheritance. " " What meanest
thou, O woman ? " returned Amhlaibh's son. " The foreigners are going into
"
the sea, their natural inheritance," said she ;
I wonder is it heat, that is
upon them ; but, they tarry not to be milked, if it be. " The son of
Amhlaibh, her husband, filled with indignation, then gave her a blow. ^'SJ
Towards the close of that great decisive battle, the troops of Brian made a lodgment, at the head of Dubhgall's Bridge. This movement cut off" retreat for the Leinstermen and Scandinavians, towards a wood, which was on the other side. '9'« Unable to make a further rally,"'' many of the surviving foreigners fled to their vessels, and then took an eternal farewell of the coasts around that country, where they had experienced such disastrous reverses. Less hopeful even were the Leinster forces of escape, as these must fly towards Dublin, and being hardly able to break through the opposing lines of Munstermen. Moreover, the Dalcassians and men of Connaught, with
their surviving chieftains, pressed closely upon the fugitives. Filled with exasperation, owing to the death of Bryan, and to their own great losses on the
field ol battle, no quarter was given. Notwithstandmg the cries of the van- guislied for mercy, these were closely pursued, and slain, in great numbers. Hundreds of dead bodies lay in heaps along the sea-shore, while great num- bers were drowned in the sea. 's* While some of the routed Danes fled to their shipsnearthestrand,andwerepursuedbythevictoriousarmy; othersfound
it more practic. ible or necessary, to seek refuge within the gates of Uublin,"^' where a lar^e Northman force was doubtle! . s kept in reserve, and where the greater number of tlie citizens naturally sympathized with their cause. Towards
* See Martin Haverty's "History of k Ireland, Ancient and Modem," cliap. xiv. ,
p. 148.
'*' " Thor-tein Hall of the Side's son stood
still, while all the oihers fled, and tied his
shoe-string. Then Kertliialfad asked, why he '
Thorsten, I can't gel h. me to-night, since I ''s See Ferd. Warner's "History of Ire- am at home out in Iceland. ' Kerthiallad land, " vol. i. , Book x. . p. 440.
ran not as tlie others. Because,' said situated, between the I'olka and Dublin. '
gave him ptface. "—George Webbe Dasents
°»^ See Cos^-oh 5<ie-oheL Re 5<iLLAib1i, chap, cix. , pp. 190 to 193.
*>' lalloran's " Gene- See Dr. Sylvester O' I
ral History of Ireland," vol. ii. , Book ix. .
"
Story of Burnt Njal," vol. ii , chap, clvi. ,
p. 336. Also, see pp. t)03, 604.
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.
family
. See Nials-Saga," cap. dviii. , p. 602.
"S See CojaDh jAeDViel. He JillAibVi,
chap, cxiii. , pp. 198, 199. "^ "
602.
'" See
George
Webbe Dasent's " of Story
which enable them might
See Nials-Saga," cap. clviii. , p.
Burnt Njal," vol. ii. , cap. clvi. , p. 335. '•' "
vantage-ground,
clearly to discern all the chief movements of those engaged in that conflict.
602, 603. "*» See
George
Webbe Dasent's "
Story
See Nials-Saga," cap. clviii. , pp.
than of her " At the end husband, cautiously replied,
EI
434 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [April 23.
Wliile Murchadh was otherwise engaged, a valiant son to the King of Lochlann fought among the battalions. This was Anraid, or Anrad, son of Elbric, who furiously directed his assault against the Dalcassians. He made a great slaughter among them, and, wherever he appeared, they opened way
front ranks among his hardy Dalcassians. At length, the violent exertion of his right or sword arm, caused both his hand and arm so much pain, that he was unable to lift them up, for they had become greatly swollen. While in this almost helpless cond-tion, and quite unable to strike with his wonted vigour, Morrough was suddenly attacked by Aurudh, or Anraid. But, closing upon the Dane, the Dalcassian prince threw down his sword, and laying hold of him on the top of the head with the left hand, Murchadh drew Aurudh out of his coat of mail, by pulling it forward over his head. Then both fought a wrestling battle ; but, by superior force or dexterity, Murchadh contrived to throwtheforeignerontheground,whileheremaineduppermost. Leaning
with his breast upon the hilt, for no longer could he use the right arm, Mur- rough pressed upon it, with the whole weight of his body, and thus inflicted a death-wound on his opponent. However, even in his dying state, the fierce Aurudh did not f;ill unavenged. He saw the skeine, or short Irish dagger, which hung by Morrough's side, and with a convulsive grasp, he tore it from the belt. ^55 Then directing its point against Murrough, the dying warrior, at the same instant, inflicted a mortal wound '5^ on the renowned Dalcassian leader. The Lochlann chief expired on the spot ; and, suffering great agony, from the thrust he had received. ^^7 According to other accounts, Morrogh was in the act of stooping to relieve an enemy, when he received from this foe his death-wound. Such a deplorable and tragic disaster, however, had not the effect of turning the fortune of the day, for the Danes and for their allies. '*^ The valiant Miurough after his fall was borne away from the battle-field mortallywounded. -59
The issue of this dreadful day's carnage remained long doubtful ; for, although blood flowed in torrents, there was no sign of yielding on either side. Every man had sufficient work on hands to know only his own adven-
before him. This enraged Murcliadh, when he perceived it.
Then, turning obliquely on the ranks of the mail-clad warriors, he killed fifteen men on his right and fifteen on his left, until he reached the son of Elbric. However, there is a considerable amount of confusion in tiiis narrative, for, the proper name set down signifies "a warrior ;"'S3 while other authorities call him solely, the son of Ebric, and sometimes, the son of Elbric. ^5< As became his high reputation for activity and courage on the battle-field, the proud admiration of his soldiers was the illusrious Morough, who fought bravely, always in the
ts' See Co5dT)li JaeoViet fie jAllaibVi, chap, cviii. , pp. 190, 191.
°=5 In Edward O'Reilly's "Irish-English Dictionary" dnpaio is rendered "a cham- pion," 3ub voce.
"5* The same person is evidently meant, however J and, in the opinion of Dr. Todd, the name ini ended was probably Eohric, or Eric, or perhaps, El:ric.
Murchailh. which fell on the yround, when ii. , p. 67.
and so they mutually killed e. ich other. See iiid. The extravagancies of such accounts are obvious, and do not deserve credence.
'57 See the account of this tragic duel on the field, in th—e Dublin copy of the Annals of Innisfallen. Rev. Dr. (J'Conur's "Rerum Hibernicarum Scrip'ores,'' tomus ii. , p 66.
'ss See Haveity's ''History of Ireland, Ancient and Modern," chap. xiv. p. 148.
»S9 According to the Dublin copy of the Lai bVi, it is stated, that . "Anraid drew his own Annals of Innisfallen, he was tlien in his knife. See pp. 196, 197. sixty-third year. See Rev. Dr. O'Conor's "s' It is staled, he cut open the entrails of "Rerum Hibernicarum Sriptores," tomus
'5S In the Cogd-oh Jieohet ne JaI-
the DalcTssian hero was seized with
'*' See He CogATih ^aeohet
fiintings and shiverings. Yet, strange to say, he was able in this crisis, to cut off his adversary's head,
S'^tVaibh, "'See Rev. Dr. O'Conor's "Rerum
chap, cvi. , pp. 18410 187.
April 23. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 43s
tures, owing to the greatness of his distress, remarks the old chronicler ; and those, who could have had an idea of it, fell there, on either side, so that God alone had full knowledge 01 the deeds and events, which transpired on that field of carnage. '^ The battle, begun at an early hour in the morning, still raged on to the evenmg. ^^' Meantime, the ebb-tide had carried the foreigners' vessels out to sea ; but, when it came to fill and return, many ol their ships came on the flood, and close to land. ^'^ The Irish now prepared for a supreme effort, and made a general attack, on the weakened bands of their enemies. Destitute of leaders, who had exposed their lives to perils while fighting in the foremost ranks, the Danes fell into disorder, and then the issue was soon decided. ^*3 About four o'clock, in the afternoon, the tide of battle seemed inclining to the Irish ; and then, the ranks of their adversaries began to reel. Discomfiture of a decisive character had now become assured.
Everywhere the foreigners saw the field of battle covered with the dead and dying of their own forces ; and, while the number of their surviving warriors was sensibly diminishing, the confidence and elation of the Irish propor- tionally increased. The force of their shock was not any longer to be resisted, by the Danes, and wild confusion ensued through their disordered ranks. =*« The greatest and bravest of their leaders had already fallen, after displaying the most heroic valour, and few were now left to take their places. Soon after the retreat of Sigtrygg,"5 we are told, that flight broke out through all the strangers' host. '**
The last and greatest of Bryan's battles had now been fought, nor was he destined to survive it. If we are to accept the authority of some writers, he had then attained his eighty-eighth year. '*' The circumstances attending his death, however, have been differently related. The northern accounts have it, that when Brodir saw King Bryan's troops chasing the fleers, there were only a few men left by the shieldburg. Then he ruslied out of the wood, where he had been concealed, broke through the shieldburg, and hewed at the king. "** This statement is not inconsistent with the Irish narratives ; and, all authorities seem to be agreed, that Broder was his slayer. The oldest known record of the battle on the Irish side relates, that only one attendant, named Latean, was with the monarch, at this time. His cushion had been re-adjusted under Brian, and he sang, for the third time during that day, fifty psalms, and fifty prayers, and fifty paters ; the fighting having continued all that time. '*9 Another authority has it, that not Lactean, but Laidir,'7° the
HibernicarumScriptores,"tomusii. , Annales Inisfalenses, p. 67.
"5 We are doubtful, whether this be the Eail of Orkney, or the Danish King of Dublin.
'""See George Webbe Dasent's " Story
of Burnt Njal," vol. ii. , chap, clvi. , p. 336. "' See Rev. Dr. O'Conor's "RerumHiber- nicarum Scriptores," tomus ii. , Annales Inis-
falenses, p. 67.
*" See Webbe Dasent's " of George Story
Burnt Njal," vol. ii. chap. clvi. p. 337.
""^ He asked then of the attendant, in what state were the forces. The attendant
*'
chap. cix. , pp. 190, 191.
See Co5AT)h 5iex>1iet He 5<slUtbh,
*3 "Twas set of sun, and freedom blesseri
His pathway down the golden west.
Defea ed now on
The Norsemen s flight was wild and
wide :
Yet oft they turned in broken strife,
Nor yielded even with yielding life ;
But lified oft and oft again
The sword ol faint but desperate
men. "
—^John Augustus Shea's "Clontarf," p. 86. "• "
-See iVLirtin Haverty's History of
Ireland, Ancient and Modem," chap, xiv. , P- 148.
every
side
" They appear to me the same
answered
as if Tomar's Wood was on hre, and as if tlie seven battalions haU been cutting away at its underwood, and at its young shoots, fur a month, leaving its stately trees and its im- mense oaks standing. In such manner are the armies now on either side, the greater part ol them having fallen, while a few brave men and gallant heroes only are still left standing. Their further condition is, that
:
436 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [April 23.
servantofBryan,happenedtobeinattendanceonhisroyalmaster. Observ- ing the confusion sjireading around, and seeing some of the Danes surging
through thelrislihost. he feared, tliat the imperial army must have been defeated, and he was seized with a sudden panic. Hastily entering the tent of Uryan, who was on his knees before the crucifix, his servant requested, °7' that the monarch
"itwasto
or die I came here -p^ but, do you and my other attendants take my horses to Armagh, and communicate my will to the successor of St. Patrick. That I bequeath my soul to God, my body to Armagh, and my blessing to my son Donough. Give two hundred cows to Armagh, along with my body; also, go directly to Swords of St. Columkille, and order them to come for my body to-morrow, so as to conduct it to Duleek of St. Kiaran, and let them convey
it thence to Louth ; whither let Maelmurry, the son of Eochy, Comharb of St. Patrick, come with the family of Armagh, and then convey it to their
would takeahorseandflee. " immediately
No," says Bryan,
conquer
cathedral. "^"
People
coming
us," "Greennaked
of Clontarf, in the vol. i. . No. 17, p. 135.
°'' According to the CojA'oh Jacohet He SAlbdibh, the attendant Latean then
:
said " Woe is me, if thou wouMst take my
advice, thou oughtest to mount thy horse, and we should go to the camp, and remain there among the servants ; since every one, who escapes this battle, should come to us, and around us will they rally. Besides, the battalions are now mixed together in con- fusion ; while a party of the loreigners have rejected the idea of retreating to the sea, and we know not who may approach us where we now are. " See chap, cxiii. , pp. 200, 201.
"
"" See John O'Donovan, on the Battle of "
»'= The
relates this closing scene somewhat differently, and as follows: " O God thou said
Co5At)1i SAeohel
tie
SAllaibh,
people
are
they
Bryan.
blue,
! boy," retreat becomes us not, and I my-
"Alas I" said " are the Brian, they
Bryan,
self know that I shall not leave this place alive. What could it profit me if I did ? For Aibhell, of Craig Laiih, came to me last night, and she told me, that I should be killed on this
that the first of my sons I should see on this
foreign- ers in armour, and it is not to do good they come. " While he was saying this, the Monarch arose, stepped ofT the cushion, and unsheathed his sword. Brodar passed him by,anddidnotnoticehim. Oneofthethree,
day
;
she told moreover, me,
are towards said the servant.
" What
"
criedthe He then rose from his pillow, seized his sword, and stood to await the approach of Broder,
they are wounded, pierced tlirough and dis- day should be my successor in the sove- membered ; while tliey are disorganized all reignty, and he is Donnchadh. Go thou,
? " asked
servant. " They are the Danes in armour," said Bryan. "'<
sortof are people
they
Bryan.
people,"
round, like the grinding of a mill, turning the wrong way ; but, the foreigners are now defeated, and Murchadh's standard lias fallen. " "That is sad news," said Brien ; "
Laidean, take these steeds with thee, and receive my blessing : carry out my will after
my death, viz. , my body and my soul to God
and to St. Patrick, that 1 am to be carried on my word, the honour and valour of to Ard-macha ; and my blessing to Donn-
Erinn fell, when that standard fell ; and, in- deed, Erir. n has fallen now ; for, never shall there appear henceforth a champion, com- parable to that champion. And what avails it me to survive this day, or that I should obtain the sovereignty of the world, after the fall of Muichadh, and Conaing, and the other nobles of the Dal Cais. " See CogAnh Jderohel tie JilbAibVi, chap, cxiii. , p. 198 to 201.
=7"' See John O'Donovan, on the Battle
chadh, for discharging my last bequests after me, viz. , twelve score of cows to be given to the Comharba of Patrick and lo the society at Ard-macha ; and iis own proper dues to Gill da Lua, as also to the chaichesof Mumbain, their dues. Donncliadh knows, that I have not wealth of gold or silver ; but, he is to pay them, in return for my blessing, and for his succeeding me. Go this night to Sord, and desire them to come early on to-morrow for my body, and to convey it thence to Damh- liag, of Cianan, and then let them carry it thence to Lughmhagh ; thence let ,Mael- Muire Mac Eochadha, Comharba of Patrick, and the society of Ard-macha. come to meet me at Lughmhagh. " See chap, cxiii. , pp. 200 10 203.
'
Dublin Penny Journal,"
Clontarf, in the Dublin Penny Journal," vol. i. . No. 17, p. 135.
'''* While tliey were engaged in this con-
versation, according to anotliei" account, the
attendant perceived a party of foreigners ap- proaching them. Earl Brodar was there, and two warriors along with him. "There are people coming towards us here," said the
attendant. '" Woe
whowere —andwhohadbeeninBrian's there,
what manner of
"A stark naked people," replied the attendant.
service, said
" said "this
is
? " said
Cing, Cing,"
he,
me,
April 23. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS 437
with some of his followers. The monarch saw no part of him without armour, except Ills eyes and his feet. Then Bryan raised his hand, and gave him a blow, with which he cut otf the left leg from the knee, and the right from the ankle ; but, Broder's axe met the head of Bryan, and fractured it. ^73 He fell mortally wounded, and almost immediately gave up the ghost. The northern accountstates,tliattheladTakt'? *threwhisarmintheway. Amiraculous incidentisthenrecorded. Thestroketookitoff,andtheking'shead,like- wise ; but, the king's blood came on the lad's stump, and the stump was healed by it, on the spot. Then Brodir called out, with a loud voice^" Now let man tell man, that Brodir felled Brian. "'"
This Danish version regarding his death, as found in the NialsSaga, is in part
probable; other statements, however, are unreliable. ''* It is added, on the
same authority, that the ferocious pirate was then hemmed in by Brian's re-
turnedguardsandcapturedalive. Somemenranafterthose,thatwerechas-
ing the fieers, and they were told, that King Brian had fallen. Tlien, both
Wolf the quarrelsome and Kerthialfad turned back straight way ; they closed
a ring round Brodir and his men, and threw Ijranches of trees on them. '? ' The
Irish soldiers took a savage vengeance for the death of their king, who but
fortheirownneglectshouldhavebeensafe. '^ ImmediatelyadjoiningCon-
quer Hill is the level, known as Bryan Boroimhe's Field,'*' and where it is
said the brave old warrior fell '*' on the battle-plain, while he was already
rejoicing and thanking the Almighty for the splendid victory he had gained. '*^ Near it are some remarkable moats. These are popularly supposed to repre-
sent the funereal pyres, heaped over tlie slain, and shortly after this great ,battle had been decided. '*'* However, we believe, that at the time of his
'" See
George
Webbe Dasent's "
Story
of
probable,
tlie human remains of several,
"
^fo, no, but Priest, Priest,"
him, and he did not die before they were all
is the King. "
said Br(xlar, it is not he, but a noble priest. " By no means," said the soldier, " th. at is the great king, Brian. " Brodar then turned round and appeared with a bright gleaming and trusty battle-axe in his hai^d, having its handle set in the miildle. When Brian saw Brodar, he gazed at him, and then gave him a stroke with his sword, which cut off his leftlegat the knee, and his right legat thefoot. The foreigner dealt Brian a stroke, which clef: his head utterly ; but, Brian killed tl)e second man that was witli Brotlar, and they boih fell mutually by each other. See Co54T)h Jaeohei tie 5<vlUaibh, chap, cxiv. , pp. 202, 203.
'" With all the fury of a dying warrior, it is stated, in another version, that Brian beheaded l! ro<ler, and killed a second Dane, by whom he wai, attacked ; but this seems to have been a misconception of the original nat raior's meaning, which is somewhat con- fused.
''' It seems, as if he were a new person in- troduced at this sceneof the Monarch's death. Probably, by Takt, the northern writer uncersiood ladg, or Teigue, a well-known Iri>ii name.
— Webbe Dasent's George
Burnt Njal,' vol. ii. , chap, civi. , p. 337. "
who were killed on ihe <lay of ihat great bat-
tle, must be found, with perhaps some
ancient armorial objects of the highest in-
terest to anliquaries.
'"' In the <Jnndta locha C^, or Annals of Lough C4, edited by William M. Hennessy,
''"* See Martin Haverty's History oflre-
Und, Ancientand Modern,''chap. xiv. , p 148. '" Wolf the quarrelsome cut open Urodir'i belly, and led him round and round the trunk of a tree, and so wound all his entrails out of
"
drawn out of him.
"StoryofBruntNjal,"vol. ii. , chap,clvi. , P- 337- This no doubt, is a Northern fic- tion.
'^ "
See Haverty's History of Ireland,
Ancient and Modern," chap, xiv. , p. 149.
'*' A great excavation, near Conquer Hill, is now filled with water, to the depth of several feet, owing tothecircumstanceof earth having been formerly taken away to make bricks ; and, therefore, that place is now
known by the name of the Brick Fields.
'*' An old woman over eighty years of age in 1883, but of excellent and retentive me- mory, a native of Cloniarf—where her ance—
tors resided for several past generations was able to show that spot, where the Mon- arch Bryan fell, according to her father's version of the local tradition.
^' Many of the people maintain, that Con- quer Hill was the spot where Bryan was murdered—they do not say killed—because his death, was one by assassination.
'** Hitherto, no scientific antiquarian at-
tempt has been made, to explore the inner
and middle parts of those unquestionably ar- tificial structures ; but, it appears to be quite
s-
438 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [April 23.
death, the monarch was not so near the sea-shore ; but rather, that his post was in the camp, not far from Tomar's Wood, and according to some Irish accounts,='5 Brian and Conaing were killed, at the rear of the army, not ex- pecting an attack. ''^' Thus, on the field of battle, in the act of prayer, on the day of our Lord's Crucifixion, fell the Christian king, in the cause of native land and of Holy Cross. Many elegies have been detlicated to his memory, and not the least noble of these strains belong to his enemies. In death, as in life, he was still Brian "of the Tributes. "'^?
Towards the end, and after they had killed Bryan Boroimhe, the Danes or Ostmen recovered their spirits,'** and rushing upon the Irish, became upper- most, in the opinion of Sir James Ware ;'*' and, this seems not wholly impro- bable, if we accept the truth of that statement, regarding the colloquy between Bryan and his attendant Latean, towards the close of this engagement. '9o Due north from the village of Clontarf, and quite near the present sea-road, at Dollymount strand, a low, but lengthened druim, or ridge of ground, rises neartheinnerroad-wall. Thisiscalled,atthepresenttim—e,ConquerHill;
and, popular belief has it, that here some of the Danes and probably a strong body,—made a last determined stand, towards the closing of the day's battle, while the other divisions of their army were in great disorder. This action may have been intended to cover a retreat to their ships, riding at
we have the following statement : —" The supreme king, i. e. , Brian, son of Cean- eidigh, and Conaing, son of Donncuan, were behind the battalions, chaunting their psalms, and performing prayers, when a vehement, furious, Danmarkian escaped from the battle, avoiding death, until lie came to the place where the king was. As soon as the Dan-
marl<ian perceived the king unguarded, he unsheathed his sword, and beheaded the
nessed and best men was put in battle, in the vanguard and foremost afore their horse- men a good distance, that they should break the force of their enemies, which was all afootandhadnohorsemen. Theleftwing was kerne and men with slings, spears, stones, and shields, all naked men, for on that side was a great wood, be-north the
Stinking Stream, the which the king fearing the Normans would take that way to Dub- linge. The Normans and Danes, that see- ing, divided them in this order, and staid at Clontarff till their men was parted in three parts. In the first battle tliey placed their best men on the left wing, as nigh these as they might, against the King's horsemen, which they doubled most, and fearing that the horsemen would compass them about. These horsemen were the force of the King's army. This woward went foremost, and fouglit with the main batile of the King's, and by reason of the slimy and deep ground towards the sea, the horsemen did iiotliing,
"The causes that the field was
lost. First, the haste that Bren the King
made to the field, and did not tarry till his
friends came to liis aid, as his sons and King's horsemen should get away behind otliers, which came three days after the field
with 7,000 men. This great haste and worse
speed may be an example to all men. Ano-
ther cause was the field was lost, after tlie
Normans landed five days, the Danes and
Normans made haste to come to Doubling,
to win the town ; and fearing that, Bren
made as mucli ha^te and provision to |>revent
that as he mii;ht, and came with the force
he had against them, and placed his men in
this order. The horsemen was |iut on the
right hand of his woward as niijh the sea as
might be, thinking that their enemies should
not go to their ships backward. The har-
supreme king of Erinn, and he beheaded Conaing likewise ; and he himself fell in the mutual wounding of that fight. " See vol i. . pp. 12, 13.
-^ See Rev. Dr. ©'Conor's " Rerum Hibernicarum Scriptores," tomus ii. , Annales Buellani, p. 17.
=^' See Thomas D'Arcy McGee's " His-
tory of Ireland," Book ii. , chap, vi. , pp. loi, 102.
'** Their own traditions have converted the Irish into a complete ScanJmavian victory. The following account is from the Book of
Howth —
;
there afore as their ill-fortune placed
being
was. The second battle of the Normans was
all spearmen afoot, meaning thereliy, if the
their woward. that they slioiild be a wall or surance to their back. The third battle was their cross-bows and slings, wliich met so tlie kerne that tliey could do little aid to the King. And also the King's horsemen stood him in no stead. By reason thereof the King lost the field a—nd his life, and 11,000 men and his son. "
''Calendar of the Carew
Manuscripts, preserved in the Archiepiscopal Library at Lambeth," pp. 26, 27.
"*' See "l)e Hibernia et Antiquitatibus Ejus," &c. , cap xNiv. , p. 114.
^See C05. it)li 5j. et>heL lie SAllAibh, chap, cxiii. , pp. 200, 201.
April 23. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 439
anchor, on a full tide, and drawn up close to the sea-shore. At length, how- ever, the Danes gave way on every side, nor was it even possible for them to seek safety in their flight. They could only turn towards the city, or to the sea,'5i \yhere they endeavoured to reach their vessels. These were now their chief means for effecting escape. But, as on this memorable day, a high wind prevailed, especially if it blew from the east or north—as often happens at the spring-lime ol the year—with the tide and billows surging towards the sea-shore, it must have added greatly to those difficulties, experienced by the Danes, in reaching their vessels. Confusion became general throughout the foreigners' army, and their scattered bands rushed territied, in every direc- tion. Numbers of them had been totally dispersed and disbanded, nor were they able to effect a retreat, under favourable conditions. ^'' The Irish sea and its ship-lined strand could not ensure any great protection, for their utterly routed and demoralized army; nor could the mariners on guard afford any considerable assistance, to those wading or swimmmg through the water, vengeiul pursuers flushed with victory pressing on their rear. Several perished miserably, and their bodies were covered by the wild waves along the shore, or were carried out to sea. Then it was, that Brian's daughter, and the wife of Amhlaibh's son, looking from Ath Cliath, said
" It appears to me, that the foreigners have gained their inheritance. " " What meanest
thou, O woman ? " returned Amhlaibh's son. " The foreigners are going into
"
the sea, their natural inheritance," said she ;
I wonder is it heat, that is
upon them ; but, they tarry not to be milked, if it be. " The son of
Amhlaibh, her husband, filled with indignation, then gave her a blow. ^'SJ
Towards the close of that great decisive battle, the troops of Brian made a lodgment, at the head of Dubhgall's Bridge. This movement cut off" retreat for the Leinstermen and Scandinavians, towards a wood, which was on the other side. '9'« Unable to make a further rally,"'' many of the surviving foreigners fled to their vessels, and then took an eternal farewell of the coasts around that country, where they had experienced such disastrous reverses. Less hopeful even were the Leinster forces of escape, as these must fly towards Dublin, and being hardly able to break through the opposing lines of Munstermen. Moreover, the Dalcassians and men of Connaught, with
their surviving chieftains, pressed closely upon the fugitives. Filled with exasperation, owing to the death of Bryan, and to their own great losses on the
field ol battle, no quarter was given. Notwithstandmg the cries of the van- guislied for mercy, these were closely pursued, and slain, in great numbers. Hundreds of dead bodies lay in heaps along the sea-shore, while great num- bers were drowned in the sea. 's* While some of the routed Danes fled to their shipsnearthestrand,andwerepursuedbythevictoriousarmy; othersfound
it more practic. ible or necessary, to seek refuge within the gates of Uublin,"^' where a lar^e Northman force was doubtle! . s kept in reserve, and where the greater number of tlie citizens naturally sympathized with their cause. Towards
* See Martin Haverty's "History of k Ireland, Ancient and Modem," cliap. xiv. ,
p. 148.
'*' " Thor-tein Hall of the Side's son stood
still, while all the oihers fled, and tied his
shoe-string. Then Kertliialfad asked, why he '
Thorsten, I can't gel h. me to-night, since I ''s See Ferd. Warner's "History of Ire- am at home out in Iceland. ' Kerthiallad land, " vol. i. , Book x. . p. 440.
ran not as tlie others. Because,' said situated, between the I'olka and Dublin. '
gave him ptface. "—George Webbe Dasents
°»^ See Cos^-oh 5<ie-oheL Re 5<iLLAib1i, chap, cix. , pp. 190 to 193.
*>' lalloran's " Gene- See Dr. Sylvester O' I
ral History of Ireland," vol. ii. , Book ix. .
"
Story of Burnt Njal," vol. ii , chap, clvi. ,
p. 336. Also, see pp. t)03, 604.
