Meredith
Hanmer's " Chroni- cle of Ireland," p.
O'Hanlon - Lives of the Irish Saints - v4
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.
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.
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.
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.
