He was
pleasant, affable, intelligent, accomplished Samson of the Hebrews, for promoting the prosperity and freedom oi his fatherland and
Ireland," chap, xiii.
pleasant, affable, intelligent, accomplished Samson of the Hebrews, for promoting the prosperity and freedom oi his fatherland and
Ireland," chap, xiii.
O'Hanlon - Lives of the Irish Saints - v4
See "Proceedings of the Royal
Irish Academy," vol. vii. , p. 496.
'» According to Dr. Sylvester O'Hallo- ran, the battle commenced "at eight in the
him to solve this problem :
morning. "—"General History
of
Ireland," vol. ii. , Book xi. , chap, viii. , p. 263.
'" It is probable, that this wood, near
Portarlington, was one ol the disputed border frontiers. It will be seen, moreover, that the trees home from this wood are said to have immediately occasoned that breach between Bryan lloroimba and Maclmordha, the King of Leiiistcr.
'" When his counsel was rejected, Domh- nail, son of Emm, said to Murcha'l, "thy countenance is bad, O royal champion, although thy courage is great. " Murchad answeied, he h. id cause for that, because many a false heio would leave his share of the battle to him, at the onl of the day. The son of Emin s. ii I, tliat his own share ot it should not lie le;t to Murchad, and he truly fulliUed that promise.
424 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINIS. [April 23.
this great solemnity of Good Friday, when the dread sacrifice and atonement of Christ should have been reHgiously celebrated in the churches, and, when the din of arms was least in unison, with the commemoration of his death. So com- pact were the battalions on both sides, and in such regular order, that we are told, a four horse chariot could run over the heads of the soldiers standing in line. '*'
In all previous engagements, he had fought with fewer forces than in this battle, which was destined to crown Bryan with a glory, which only then cul- minated. '' All depended on force of action and unity of effort, for either side, while courage was signally manifested, by the opposing leaders and by their warriors. At tliis very critical moment, if we are to credit the account con- tained in the Cath-Chluana-Tarbh, and followed by the Munster writers, finding favourable opportunity for being revenged on Bryan, who had humbled him in so many previous contests, Maelseachlain retired suddenly from the scene of action, and withdrew his thousand Meathians to a distance from the field of battle. There he remained, as is stated, an inactive and inglorious spectator, while waiting the long deferred issue, during the whole time of the engage- ment, without desiring to join either of the contending armies. Were this a real defection from the national cause, it must have greatly disconcerted the Irish monarch's army, and their men should be very much disheartened, with
a fear of treachery towards their commander-in-chief; as probably, Bryan's soldiers were unequal in numbers, when compared with thoseof the enemy. '*^ The Munster narratives will have it, th;;t Morough showed great courage,
notwithstanding, under the depressing circumstance, and at a juncture least expected. With singular presence of mind, he inflamed the ardour of his troops, and appealed to those brave spirits, who waited the onset. Crying out
to his brave Dalcassians, that this was the time to distinguish themselves, as they should have the unrivalled glory of vanquishing that formidable body of the enemy opposed to them, the illustrious Irish leader placed himself in the van, and marched forward to begin the encounter. However, these pre- judiced statements, so derogatory to the honour and fame of Maelseachlainn, are not deserving just credence, since they rest on no trustworthy historic re- ference ; while, it is positively stated, that the King of Meath signally distin- guished himself by hard fighting, and especially, towards the close of this most obstinate battle. '*' The truth seems to be, that Maelseachlainn and his forces had been placed as a reserve, near the field, so that their services might be available, to support any weakened or disordered column, to guard the rear of Murrough's active combatants, or to secure a safe retreat, in case of
disaster. Thisarrangementwasnotonlyconsistentwithsoundgeneralship; but, it seems to have been a matter, commending itself especially to the mili-
tary discretion and experience of Morough. We are told, '7° moreover, that " a tall man of armes,"''' in the beginning of the battle fled away, fearing the hardiness of the Danes and Norwegians, and that he went to Donogli Mac Brian,thebrotherofMorough,whowascomingwithforcestothefield. That
paring the valour and combat of both par- ties. "
'"^See CojA'oli Jie-oheL Re jAllAtbh, chap, xcix. , pp. 172, 173.
the Danes and Leinsternien. If any suspi- cion of treacheiy or misconduct on the part
of Maelseachlainn prevailed among the Irish, after the battle of Clontarf, it is not at all
likely,
the supreme monarch of Ireland, consequent on the deaths of Brian Boroimhe, and of his
heir-apparent Morough, both of whom fell gloriously on the field.
'J" By Dr. Meredith Hanmer, in his
'? See Elias
" Histoire de
that he should have been elected as
Regnault's I'Irlande," liv. i. , chap, vi. , p. 78.
"^ See Dr. Sylvester O'Halloran's " Gene- ral History of Ireland," vol. ii. . Book xi. , chap, viii. , p. 263.
'^It must be observed, that before and after the battle of Clontarf, Maelseachlainn was steady and consistent, in his enmity to
" 'He
Chronicle 01 Ireland," pp. 184, 185.
is called "a Priest's
sonne," by
April 23. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 425
traitor, it is said, persuaded Donough to retreat, saying further, that there was nohopeofgoodsuccesstobeobtainedinthisfield. "'' Whethersuchastory
has relation or not, with the suspicion of Maelseachlainn's treachery, may
be questioned ; but, it does not seem to rest on any very ancient authority. In their battles of old, mail armour was used by the Irish ;'" and, although
no special allusion is made to it on the day of Clontarf, we can hardly doujjt, that the chiefs, at least, wore it, as a defence, and as a mark of distinction. The
Dal Cais, however, as we are informed, wore long, white, handsome and well-
adjustedshirts,withlongcomfortablevests. Overtheseweremany-coloured
and well-shaped tunics. They carried glittering spears,"'^ well-riveted and
shaped, with handles of white hazel ; as also, sharp darts, thick set with
bright nails, to be cast at the enemy. They bore large, bright and variegated
shields, with bosses of brass, and elegant chains of , bronzes, '75 which were
fastenedtothesidesofclansmen. Besides,theywieldedstrong,broadand
sharp Lochlann axes,''* glittering and gracefully shaped. They had well-
tempered, sharp-pointed, keen-edged, straight and bright-sided swords. "'?
These latter weapons were especially borne by the leaders, as also, by the royal
knights and chiefs; while the men of distinction wore golden-crested helmets,
set with brilliants and precious stones. ''^ The battalions of the Tuadh-
mumhain -'. nd of the Desmumhain appear to have been ranged side by side,
at the first onset, which was made by the Irish, under the leadership of Mur-
chadh. These held the central and advanced position. On his right, Dun-
lang O'Hartugan,'" a young hero of uncommon beauty, impetuous, strong, graceful, active and courageous, drew onwards and towards his leader. The
Dalcassians, deemed to have been the elite of Bryan's forces, closely engaged the division of Northern foes opposed to them, and wielded their battle-axes,
swords and daggers, with astonishing vigour. But, the vi-kings and chieftains of the period, deemed to be champions among their followers and clansmen,
were eager to distinguish themselves, by feats of single combat and with adver- saries, who had the ambition to engage with them. Thus, the night before the
Hanmer, who has very incorrectly related this story, if— as seems probable— he bor- rowed it from " The Book of Howth. " See "Calendar oftheCarew Manuscripts, pre-, served in the Archiepiscopal Library at Laml)eth," edited by J. . S. Brewer, M. A. , ana William Bullen, Esq. , pp. 25, 26. Lon- don, 1871, royal 8vo.
of stones about him,—as it pleased the Com- "
manilers 10 direct. llanmer's "Chronicle
of Ireland," pp. 184, 185.
'" See Dr. John O'LJonovan's Introduc-
"
tion and Notes to the Battle of Magh
Rath," edited for the Irish Archaeological
Society.
'* It is added, that they were "em-
poisoned," which, if true, affords a sad re- flection on the inhumanity of warfare in Ire- land, at the period.
'" . Most probably, to prevent them from falling off the arms of their bearers on the day of battle.
'* These were for cutting and maiming
the close well-fastened coats of mail opposed to them.
'" We are told, moreover, that they were used for hacking and mutilating skulls and bodies.
"''That such was the style of ornament —falsely called barbaric— of that period, and of centuries previous in Irel. nnd, maybe plainly demonstrated, from antique
speci-
mens, still preserved in our Museums,
'" Murchadh recognised him and made three springs to meet him. He kissed Dun-
:
lang, and welcomed him, saying " O
youth ! it was long until ihou earnest to us : great must be the love and attachment of some woman for thee, which has induced thee to abandon me, and to abandon Brian, and Conaing. and Donnchadh, as also the nobles of Dal Cais in like manner, and the deliijhts of Erinn, until this d;iy. " "Alas, O King," s. iid Dunlan;;, " the delight that I have abandoTied for thee is greater, if thou didst but know it, namely, life without death, without cold, without thirst, without hunger, without decay ; beyond any d-light of earth's delights to nie, until the judgment ; and, if I had not pledged my word to thee, I should not have come here : moreover, it is fated
''' Then we are informed
being taken, confessed the whole treason, andforpunshment, was carried to the winde gates, twelve miles from Dublin, set alive standing in the ground with a great heape
:
" This man
426 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [April 23.
'^
battle, the Northman chief, named Plait, had boasted, that there was not a
man in Erinn, who was able to fight him. This boast had reached the ears of the brave Domhnall, son of Einiin, high steward of Alban, who was ranged
on Bryan's side. It so happened, that both were arrayed in opposing ranks, and each of them remembered the challenge of the eve before, so that when the morning came the opportunity for a duel was afforded. Then, Plait came forth from the battalion of his men in armour, and he called out three different times, " Faras Domhnall," which meant, " Where is Domh- nall? " Domhnall answered and said, "Here thou reptile. " They fought then, in presence of their respective warriors, and each of them endeavoured to slaughter tlie other. After a desperate struggle, a fatal termination of the contest for both chiefs resulted. Their dead bodies fell on tlie plain, with the sword of each champion through the heart of the other ; while the hair of each was grasped in the clenched hand of his adversary. This combat of
was engaged in, at the first opening of the battle. '^'
the
When the wings fell on one another'^'
—
pair
the battle commenced—there was a very hard fight. theIrisharmyfoughtunderthecommandoftheConnaughtKing. Thesebrave soldiershastenedtoengagetheDanesofLeinsterandtheirinsularlevies. Other
accounts state, that the men of Connaught advanced towards the foreigners of Ath-Cliath, and that they attacked each other. The person, stationed on
the flank of the pirates' battalions was Dunnall, or Dunlang, son to Tuathal, of with ten hundred men armed for battle. On the flank of
forme to die on that day thou shall die. "
" Shall I receive deaih this day, then? " said lang,
"
Cornalbliteoc to me ; and, if I can
Murchadh. "Thou shah receive it indeed," said Uunl. ing, "and Brian, and Conaing, shall receive it, wiih almost all the nobles of
do more, tliou shall have my furlher aid. "
"Thai, Duiilang, is a service, indeed, if Ihou didst bul know il," was the reply of Mur-
which we may assume to be soon after
'^3
The second division of
——
King Liphe,
Brian's forces, and against these their equal in numbers and in might were Ferghail Ua Ruairc, Domhnall, son of Raghallach, and Gilla-na-Noemh, son to Domhnall O'Ferghail, with the nobles of the Ui Briuin and Conmaicni. These opponents attacked each other, detaching themselves from the great bodyofthearmy. Thedistanceofabow-shotintervenedbetweenthemand the other warriors, on the north side of the main forces. These combatants began to stab and hew each other, with great violence. The rival parties were about equally matched in arms, in vesture, and in appearance. And none of the combatants paid attention to any mischance that happened at Cluain-Tarbh, on that day, excepting the evil and contention, which were mutually occasioned, in tlieir own particular quarter. '*<
The troops of South Munster, arrayed under their respective chieftains, are saidtohaveattackedMaehnordhaandhisdegenerateLagenians. Theim- petuosity of the Irish was irresistible ;'*5 and, if we are to credit one
the Laighin. " "Leave them," said Dun-
Eriim, and To;rdhelbhach Ihy son. " "This chadh. -See CogdTjVi 5<set5liellle5<il,tiiibh, is not good encouragement for fighting," chap, xcvi. i. , pp. 170 to 173.
said Murchadh, " and if we had such news, '* He was a valiant champion of the we would not have ti'ld il to tliee ; hut, foreigners, and son to the King of Loch- howevL-r, often was I ofiered in hills and in lainn.
mansions, this world and these gifts ;
'"
See CogdiDh s«et>heL lie jAlldibh,
fairy
"
"What man," said Dunlang, wouldst
thou choose to be kept off ihee this day? " "There are yonder," said Murchadh, "six- teen men, who are capiains of Heels, and every one of them is a man to combat a hun- dred, on sea . md on land; besides Broior, and Cornalbliteoc, and Maelmordha, and also
I never abandoned for one niyht my chap, c, pp. 174 to 177.
yet,
country nor my inheritance for them. "
'" "
See Nials-Saga," cap. clviii. , p.
602.
"^^ See George Webbe Dasent's "Story
of Burnt Njal," vol. il, chap. clvi. ,pp. 334, 335.
'*• See C054T)h Sie'ohet Tie jAlUiibl'
chap, ci. , pp. 176, 177.
'"5 " SeeAlexanderM. Sullivan's Storyof
April 23. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 427
account,'** in the early part of this day, they carried all before them, so as even to drive the enemy from his position on the field. '*' However, soon after the engagement commenced, it raged with great fierceness and fury all along the line of battle. The situation of the ground, being then probably more clear of trees than at present, admitted of no ambuscades, and none could have been used ; spears, battle-axes, and swords were in the hands of strongmen,whofoughtbreasttobreast. Thevictorsinonerank,frequently fell victims in the next;'** there could bene retreating, on either side, until the battle ended. The commanders were chiefs of high renown, and while individually performing prodigies of valour, their soldiers were insjjired with heroic courage by their example. '*9 From the number of prime quality that fell on both sides, and from certain details of the engagement, we may almost infer, that the chiefs in every part of the field sought their equals in station, among the opposing ranks, and attacked each other in single combat,? 9° where one or both paid the forfeit of life, in a deadly encounter.
On this day, prodigies of valour were performed by the Irish commander- in-chief, Morough, and his deeds of prowess have been specially commemo- rated. '»' High-soundingaretheepithetsandextravaganttheeulogiesapplied to him, by the ancient chronicler ; but, while indulgiug in more than Homeric flights of fancy, the encomium degenerates, too frequently, into pedantic and
extravagant rhapsodies. ''* During the progress of this desperate struggle, we are informed, that Murc—hadh wielded two swords, one in the right and
which theotherinthelefthand amodeoffighting, couldonlybeexercised,
by a man of powerful strength, and by one admirably well trained, in the use
Ireland," chap, xiii. , p. 98.
'8« That in the " Book of Howth. "
*' It is said, the Danes were obliged to
seven like Lugh Lamha, a match for Hector, the son of Priam. Such are the degrees and variations of illustrious championship from the beginning of the world ; and there was no illustrious championship previous to Hec- tor, because it was only an inlant till his time, nnd w. is not fit for action, nor shall there be after . Murchadh, because it sliail be a palsied driveling dotard ever after. And thus ch. impiunsh'p and the world are com- pared with human life, according to intellec-
retreat to Collis—probably the Hill of Howth is meant. See " Calendar of the Carew Manuscripts," eaited by J. S. Brewer, M. A. , and \Vi li an Bullen, Esq.
"** . See Dr. Sylvester O'Halloran's "Gene- ral History of Ireland," vol. ii. , Book xi. , chap, viii. , p. 263.
of
Clontarf," '
Penny Jour-
inet. nphorical Hector of all-victorious Erinn, in religion,
'» See John O'Donovan, on " The Battle
in "The Dublin
'
tual He was the metaphor.
nal, vol. L, No. 17, p. 134.
s" See Alexander M. Sullivan's "
Story
of
and m valour, and in in champion. ship,
generosity, and in munificence.
He was
pleasant, affable, intelligent, accomplished Samson of the Hebrews, for promoting the prosperity and freedom oi his fatherland and
Ireland," chap, xiii. , p. 98.
'" . See Dr. Sylvester O'Halloran's " Gene-
ral History of Ireland," vol. ii. , Book xi. , chap, viii. , pp. 263 to 265.
:
''' Tims, it is stated " He was the last of his race, during his own c. ireer and time.
He was the second powerful Hercules, who destroyed and exterminated serpents and monsters out of Erinn ; who searched the lake-, and pools, and caverns of noble-landed Fodhla, whom nu foi tress or fastness in the
man that had true valour in Erinn. It was
he that pledged the word o( a true champ on,
that he would nut retreat one foot before the
whole of the human r. ice, for any reason
whatsoever, but this alone, that lie might die
of his wciunds. He was the last man in woild could resist. He was the Lugh Erinn who was a match for a hundred. He
was the last man who kiled a hundred in a day. His was the last step that true \alour ever took in Erinn. For this is what the historians of the Gaedhil say, tliat seveti like . \lurchadh, would be a match for Mac Sauihain ; and seven like M. ic Samliain a
and
every obst. icle, laid bare every bra\ehead, and exterminated and expelle 1 the loreiyners
and pirates out of Erinn. He was the gate of battle, and the hurdle of conflict, and the
sheltering tree, and the inipregnabie lower, against tile enemies of his fatherland and of
; and seven like
l. ujjh I^giia Lugh
match for
Lngha, a matth fir Conall Cernach seven hke (Jonall Cernach, a m. ntcli fur Lu^h Lamha-fada, the son of Eithlena ; and
hi. , race— his time and duiiny
career. " Jaeijhel Tie CogATjh
his 5<iLLAibli,
;
Lamha-fada, who, like him, sprang over
chap, cvii. , pp. 186 to 189.
'»' See Kcv. I'aul O'Brien's " Disserta-
during
438 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [April 23.
oftheseweapons. Ifsuchwerethecase,wemayassume,thathemusthave divested himself of his shield, to allow his arms full range and swing, in deal-
ing his blows. Perhaps, however, the origin of this report may be assigned to the fact, that his right hand or arm had become swollen and disabled,'93 owing to the constant and repeated personal assaults he had been obliged to give and to receive, during the heat of tliis battle ; so that, he may have been necessitated to shift occasionally the weapon, from his right to his left hand, in order to relieve the muscular strain he was compelled to endure. Not alone have the Muiister historians borne testimony to his prowess, but even the Leinster and Scandinavian chroniclers 's* have stated, that during his despe- rate onset, no less than fifty of his enemies fell by his right hand, and as many more by his left. Furthermore, it is related, that neither shield nor coat of mail was proof against his strokes, which were so vigorous, that he was never obligedvainlytorepeatoneofthem. Eachofhisblowscutthroughthe body, head, or bone of his opponent, if it did not even at once inflict death. Surrounding him were thebraveand active champions of his own household, and these numbered seven score who were the sons of Kings ; the man of smallest patrimonyamongthem,atleast,waslordoveratownland. 'ss Thisnoble body-guard moved behind their leader, in one compact battalion. They fol- lowed him eagerly, actively, and with fierce, fiery valour, as he moved over the plain. Again, the irresistible and matchless phalanx of the Clann Luigh-
dech were always in a line, with their great chieftain. At one period of the battle, it appears, that these troops were obliged to yield ground, before the
inpetuous Norwegians and the piratical Denmarkians,'^* However, this repulse only quickened the blood and raised the spirit of Murchadh to an excessive
degree. With uncontrollable fury, he resolved on retrieving the fortunes of the day. Unceasingly occupied with his hand to hand encounters, the body- guard that surrounded him fought desperately, in the heat of conflict, and they passed thrice victoriously through the enemy's battalions opposed to them. '97 Meanwhile, between the different corps of both armies, a general and an obstinate fight continued. '9^ It would seem, that the Dal Cais "99 and the Eugenian swords were joined together, in one vehement onset against a compact phalanx of Denmarkians, covered with thrice-riveted and powerful protective armour. The burnished shields and embossed targets of the Clann Ludech, met the bright battle-axes of the Danars, in this conflict. '°° The slaughter committed by Morough excited more especially the fury of Carolus and Conmaol. These were two Danes of distinction. ""' They attacked him
tions on the National Customs, and the State Laws of the Ancient Irish," part ii. , chap. i. , p. 531, in General Vallancey's "Collec- tanea de Rebus Hibernicis," vol. i.
'" Hence, it appears, that accounts of this
battle had been written by natives of Lein-
ster ; but, we have not as yet discovered
them, and there is too much reason to fear,
that they have been unfortunately lost. Of
the Scandinavian Chronicl's, the Njal Saga
is the only one we have seen, containing the
account of Bryan's battle, and it is also p. 66. likely, that other Sagas referring to it may
have been lost or
''5 The phrase cjmoca cet> was used, to
signify a barony, or a townland.
'^ See CogA-oh gAechel, He SillAlbh,
chap, cviii. , pp. 188, 189.
'' See il? iii.
'9* See Rev. Paul O'Brien's " Disserta-
tions on the National Customs and State
"" " And they who saw it gleaming there,
And knew who bore it, knelt to swear
That where that sword led, they would dare
To follow and to die. " —Rev. Abraham J. Ryan.
destroyed.
Laws of the Ancient Irish," part ii. , chap- "
i. , p. 529, in Genera! Vallancey's Collec- tanea de Rebus Hibernicis," vol. i.
'9« Their hard, straight swords are no- ticed.
'°°
In the usual style of hyperbole, this
combat is noticed in the CojAXjh g&eohef. Re
5AtU\ibVi, chap, cii. , pp. 178 to 181.
TM' See tlie Dublin copy of the Annals of "
Innisfallen, in Rev. Di'. O'Coiior's Re- rum Hibernicarum Scriptores," tomus ii. ,
April 23. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 429
in conjunction ; but, Murough's might prevailed, and both fell by his sword. "' The Dalcassians had been severely pressed, however, by the Danars, during this engagement; and, this circumstance added fury to the onslauglit of
Murough, the greatness of his soul even rising with the emergencies of dan-
ger. '°3
While the forces of Brian met in this fierce combat,he was guarded by three of
his aids. ^* Prostrate before the crucifix,''°= a cushion was spread under him.
Then he opened a psalter. He began to clasp his hands in prayer, after the battlehadcommenced; and,therewasnoonewithhiminthetent,savehis own attendant, whose name was Latean. *^* Brian said to this attendant, " Watch thou the battle and the combats, while I sing the psalms. " He then sang fifty psalms, he recited fifty prayers, and fifty pater-iiosters. He asked the attendant after that, what were the conditions, in which he found the bat- talions ? The attendant answered, that they were mixed together, and closely confounded. He also said, that each of the warriors had come within the grasp of an opponent. He added, " not louder in my ears could be the echoes of blows from Tomar's Wood, if seven battalions were cutting it down, than are the resounding blows upon heads, and bones, and skulls, on both sides. " Then Bryan asked, what was the condition of Murchadh's standard ;
and the attendant " It is said,
standing,
are around it; many heads are falling, while a multitude of trophies, and spoils,
with heads of foreigners, are along with it. " " That is good news, mdeed," said Bryan. ""^
cited, to heed their interposition. Drawing his spear with great force, its point passed, not only through the body armour but even through the body of Cor- nabliteoc, who fell in the encounter. His men immediately formed a firm circlearoundthebody; andthencommencedoneofthethreemostviolent combats,thattookplaceatCluainTarbh. Notlessthanthricefiftyofhis foes that were there turned at the same time against Dunlang. His men stood bravely by their chief's side, and the opposing bands dealt ardent thrusts and fearful blows, at each other. The foreigners deemed it a point of military honour,torescuethebodyoftheirleader; but,everyoneofthesewhowaited was wounded and beaten, until there remained no interposition between the Irish leader and his rival, who was slain. The gallant defence of the foreigners
procured neither respect nor mercy for their chief; for, by Dunlang and by his warriors, they were driven away, after a fierce contest. Then the head of Cornabliteoc was cut off,"* as the most coveted trophy of a champion's vic- tory, in those times.
The other Irish commanders not only joined their brave followers in ac- tion, but led"^them through all its dangers. In like manner, distinguished as
Meantime, Dunlang O'Hartugan
spared not one of them, that came in his way. He approached Cornabliteoc, andeachofthesesoonbecameroughlyengaged,inafierceassaultofarms. Then, three of the soldiers belonging to Cornabliteoc rushed in front of him, and they made three simultaneous thrusts at Dunlang. However, the indomitable spirit of this chief had been specially roused, and his ardour was too much ex-
•"J See Cogd'oli 5Aet)1iel He JalUiibli,
comment is placed within brackets, by Rev. James Henthorn Tocid, who found it in
chap, cviii. , pp. 188, 189,
lar of History
McGee's "
"• See Thomas
two different
D'Arcy Ireland,
Popu-
Manuscripts.
chap, vi. , p. loi.
•°5 This is still the devotion practised in
our churches on Good Friday.
'"* " From whom," adds the transcribers, "are the O'Lateans, still in Munster. " This
chap, cxiii. , pp. 196 to 199.
"* This seems to have been the chief called
Dolir Ahertegan, in Dr. Meredith Hanmer's " Chronicle of Ireland," p. 185.
»°9 See CogA-oh Saetiheb He jALUaibh,
vol.
i. .
Book
ii. ,
""^ See He Co^aT)! ! jAeDliet,
5*1,^41bh,
and of the Dalcassian banners many
''^ rushed on the host of the and he pirates,
430 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [April 23,
warriors, they found foemen, not less inured to campaigning than themselves. Thoughtheirrespectivedeedsofdaringhavenotbeenallrecorded;'"° yet, can we estimate fairly their exploits, from the nature of the contest in which they were engaged, and because of the fierce passions aroused on both sides. '" Thefightbecameamostdesperateone,anditwasfuriouslycontested. "" Every- where the chiefs and their warriors left sanguinary traces of courage, among the opposing forces. It would seem, that a mere youth—only fifteen years
of age—Toirdhealbhach,
or
Brian Boroime, emulated the example of his renowned ancestors, and of his
chap, civ. , pp. 182 to 185.
="° See John O'Donovan, on "The Batlle
of Clontarf," in " The Dublin Penny Jour-
statement, dreadful must have been the scenes and carnage of tin-, day : but, we are informed, that Maelseachlainn, who resumed themonarchy of Ireland, after the fall of Bryan,
had been
nor could one know his father or brother, even though he were next to him, unless he could recognise his voice, or know the spot on which he stood, and we were all covered over, both faces, arms, heads, hair, and clothes, with red drojis of blood, borne from them on the wings of the wind ! And, should weatiempt toassist them, we could not, for our arms were entangled with the locks of their hair, which were cut off by the swords, and blown towards us by the wind, so that we
were all the time engaged in disentangling ourarms. Anditwaswonderfulthatthose that were in the batile could endure such horror, without becoming distracted. And
2. 2 "
No. 17,
nal," vol. i. .
=" If we can credit the au'. henticity of this
p. 135,
the clan Colmaii, to describethel)altleofCIont. irf. Theseare said to have been his words: "It is impossible for human language to describe it, an ansjel from heaven only could give a correct idea, of the terrors of that day ! We retired to llie distance of a fallow-field from the combat- ants, the high wind of the spring blowing from them towaids us. And we were no longer than half an liour there, when neither of the two armies could discern each other,
"* See George Webbe Dasent's "
requested, by
Story of Burnt Njal," vol. i. Introduction, p. cxc,
Turlough,
brave companions in arms. He fought, on this day, among the veteran war- riors. He survived, until the close of the battle. "3 The raven banner of Earl Sigurd, woven by his mother with magical skill, floated proudly on the field. "'^ Clad in mail, and foremost among his islanders, he dealt wounds and death beneath its folds. ^'s One of the chiefs on the Irish side, who par-
ticularly distinguished himself in the battle, was Tadhg Mor O'Ceallaigh,"'* who is said to have done more towards breaking the power of the foreigners, than any other chieftain, not even excepting Brian himself. He had been thirteen years chief of Hy-Maine; and, he is compared to a wolf-dog con- tending against the foreigners, and when fighting the Danes. For this reason, moreover, he is set down in the family pedigree, as Tadhg Catha Bhriain, or Teige of the Battle of Brian. ''"'
than
they fought from sunrise, until the dusk of the evening, when the full tide carried the
ships away. " See ibid. , pp. 135, 136.
The fight was desperate, the field all bloud, a horse (they say) was sometime to his belly in bloud. "—Dr. Meredith Hanmer's " Chronicle of Ireland," p, 182.
Never was manifested
for both armies still remembered their former and mutual animosities
on this remarkable day, when they fought with such desperation. "' The battle, as we are told,''? raged from Tulcadh "° to Athcliath. '" One of the
greater intrepidity,
resolution, or —
the son
ofMurchadh, and grandson of
"3 See CosADh jAeohelTle 5<illAibli, chap, ex. , pp. 192, 193.
note.
"S After King Olafs death, Sigurd aban-
doned his fealty to him, and probably, also,
his Christianity. See Laing's "Kings of
Norway," vol. ii. , p. 131.
"''
Jle is also called Teige, Thaddeus, or Timothy O'Kelly, and from this hero, all the septs ol the O'Kellys of Hy-Many are de- scended.
"' See " The Tribes and Customs of Hy-
Many, commonly called O'Kelly's country,"
edited with a Translation and Notes by John
O'Donovan. Additional Notes, A, p. 99.
°''
See Dr. Sylvester O'Halloran's "Gene-
ral History of Ireland," vol. ii. , Book xi. ,
chap, viii. , pp. 263.
"'See the "Chronicum Scotorum,"
edited by William M. Hennessy, pp.
Irish Academy," vol. vii. , p. 496.
'» According to Dr. Sylvester O'Hallo- ran, the battle commenced "at eight in the
him to solve this problem :
morning. "—"General History
of
Ireland," vol. ii. , Book xi. , chap, viii. , p. 263.
'" It is probable, that this wood, near
Portarlington, was one ol the disputed border frontiers. It will be seen, moreover, that the trees home from this wood are said to have immediately occasoned that breach between Bryan lloroimba and Maclmordha, the King of Leiiistcr.
'" When his counsel was rejected, Domh- nail, son of Emm, said to Murcha'l, "thy countenance is bad, O royal champion, although thy courage is great. " Murchad answeied, he h. id cause for that, because many a false heio would leave his share of the battle to him, at the onl of the day. The son of Emin s. ii I, tliat his own share ot it should not lie le;t to Murchad, and he truly fulliUed that promise.
424 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINIS. [April 23.
this great solemnity of Good Friday, when the dread sacrifice and atonement of Christ should have been reHgiously celebrated in the churches, and, when the din of arms was least in unison, with the commemoration of his death. So com- pact were the battalions on both sides, and in such regular order, that we are told, a four horse chariot could run over the heads of the soldiers standing in line. '*'
In all previous engagements, he had fought with fewer forces than in this battle, which was destined to crown Bryan with a glory, which only then cul- minated. '' All depended on force of action and unity of effort, for either side, while courage was signally manifested, by the opposing leaders and by their warriors. At tliis very critical moment, if we are to credit the account con- tained in the Cath-Chluana-Tarbh, and followed by the Munster writers, finding favourable opportunity for being revenged on Bryan, who had humbled him in so many previous contests, Maelseachlain retired suddenly from the scene of action, and withdrew his thousand Meathians to a distance from the field of battle. There he remained, as is stated, an inactive and inglorious spectator, while waiting the long deferred issue, during the whole time of the engage- ment, without desiring to join either of the contending armies. Were this a real defection from the national cause, it must have greatly disconcerted the Irish monarch's army, and their men should be very much disheartened, with
a fear of treachery towards their commander-in-chief; as probably, Bryan's soldiers were unequal in numbers, when compared with thoseof the enemy. '*^ The Munster narratives will have it, th;;t Morough showed great courage,
notwithstanding, under the depressing circumstance, and at a juncture least expected. With singular presence of mind, he inflamed the ardour of his troops, and appealed to those brave spirits, who waited the onset. Crying out
to his brave Dalcassians, that this was the time to distinguish themselves, as they should have the unrivalled glory of vanquishing that formidable body of the enemy opposed to them, the illustrious Irish leader placed himself in the van, and marched forward to begin the encounter. However, these pre- judiced statements, so derogatory to the honour and fame of Maelseachlainn, are not deserving just credence, since they rest on no trustworthy historic re- ference ; while, it is positively stated, that the King of Meath signally distin- guished himself by hard fighting, and especially, towards the close of this most obstinate battle. '*' The truth seems to be, that Maelseachlainn and his forces had been placed as a reserve, near the field, so that their services might be available, to support any weakened or disordered column, to guard the rear of Murrough's active combatants, or to secure a safe retreat, in case of
disaster. Thisarrangementwasnotonlyconsistentwithsoundgeneralship; but, it seems to have been a matter, commending itself especially to the mili-
tary discretion and experience of Morough. We are told, '7° moreover, that " a tall man of armes,"''' in the beginning of the battle fled away, fearing the hardiness of the Danes and Norwegians, and that he went to Donogli Mac Brian,thebrotherofMorough,whowascomingwithforcestothefield. That
paring the valour and combat of both par- ties. "
'"^See CojA'oli Jie-oheL Re jAllAtbh, chap, xcix. , pp. 172, 173.
the Danes and Leinsternien. If any suspi- cion of treacheiy or misconduct on the part
of Maelseachlainn prevailed among the Irish, after the battle of Clontarf, it is not at all
likely,
the supreme monarch of Ireland, consequent on the deaths of Brian Boroimhe, and of his
heir-apparent Morough, both of whom fell gloriously on the field.
'J" By Dr. Meredith Hanmer, in his
'? See Elias
" Histoire de
that he should have been elected as
Regnault's I'Irlande," liv. i. , chap, vi. , p. 78.
"^ See Dr. Sylvester O'Halloran's " Gene- ral History of Ireland," vol. ii. . Book xi. , chap, viii. , p. 263.
'^It must be observed, that before and after the battle of Clontarf, Maelseachlainn was steady and consistent, in his enmity to
" 'He
Chronicle 01 Ireland," pp. 184, 185.
is called "a Priest's
sonne," by
April 23. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 425
traitor, it is said, persuaded Donough to retreat, saying further, that there was nohopeofgoodsuccesstobeobtainedinthisfield. "'' Whethersuchastory
has relation or not, with the suspicion of Maelseachlainn's treachery, may
be questioned ; but, it does not seem to rest on any very ancient authority. In their battles of old, mail armour was used by the Irish ;'" and, although
no special allusion is made to it on the day of Clontarf, we can hardly doujjt, that the chiefs, at least, wore it, as a defence, and as a mark of distinction. The
Dal Cais, however, as we are informed, wore long, white, handsome and well-
adjustedshirts,withlongcomfortablevests. Overtheseweremany-coloured
and well-shaped tunics. They carried glittering spears,"'^ well-riveted and
shaped, with handles of white hazel ; as also, sharp darts, thick set with
bright nails, to be cast at the enemy. They bore large, bright and variegated
shields, with bosses of brass, and elegant chains of , bronzes, '75 which were
fastenedtothesidesofclansmen. Besides,theywieldedstrong,broadand
sharp Lochlann axes,''* glittering and gracefully shaped. They had well-
tempered, sharp-pointed, keen-edged, straight and bright-sided swords. "'?
These latter weapons were especially borne by the leaders, as also, by the royal
knights and chiefs; while the men of distinction wore golden-crested helmets,
set with brilliants and precious stones. ''^ The battalions of the Tuadh-
mumhain -'. nd of the Desmumhain appear to have been ranged side by side,
at the first onset, which was made by the Irish, under the leadership of Mur-
chadh. These held the central and advanced position. On his right, Dun-
lang O'Hartugan,'" a young hero of uncommon beauty, impetuous, strong, graceful, active and courageous, drew onwards and towards his leader. The
Dalcassians, deemed to have been the elite of Bryan's forces, closely engaged the division of Northern foes opposed to them, and wielded their battle-axes,
swords and daggers, with astonishing vigour. But, the vi-kings and chieftains of the period, deemed to be champions among their followers and clansmen,
were eager to distinguish themselves, by feats of single combat and with adver- saries, who had the ambition to engage with them. Thus, the night before the
Hanmer, who has very incorrectly related this story, if— as seems probable— he bor- rowed it from " The Book of Howth. " See "Calendar oftheCarew Manuscripts, pre-, served in the Archiepiscopal Library at Laml)eth," edited by J. . S. Brewer, M. A. , ana William Bullen, Esq. , pp. 25, 26. Lon- don, 1871, royal 8vo.
of stones about him,—as it pleased the Com- "
manilers 10 direct. llanmer's "Chronicle
of Ireland," pp. 184, 185.
'" See Dr. John O'LJonovan's Introduc-
"
tion and Notes to the Battle of Magh
Rath," edited for the Irish Archaeological
Society.
'* It is added, that they were "em-
poisoned," which, if true, affords a sad re- flection on the inhumanity of warfare in Ire- land, at the period.
'" . Most probably, to prevent them from falling off the arms of their bearers on the day of battle.
'* These were for cutting and maiming
the close well-fastened coats of mail opposed to them.
'" We are told, moreover, that they were used for hacking and mutilating skulls and bodies.
"''That such was the style of ornament —falsely called barbaric— of that period, and of centuries previous in Irel. nnd, maybe plainly demonstrated, from antique
speci-
mens, still preserved in our Museums,
'" Murchadh recognised him and made three springs to meet him. He kissed Dun-
:
lang, and welcomed him, saying " O
youth ! it was long until ihou earnest to us : great must be the love and attachment of some woman for thee, which has induced thee to abandon me, and to abandon Brian, and Conaing. and Donnchadh, as also the nobles of Dal Cais in like manner, and the deliijhts of Erinn, until this d;iy. " "Alas, O King," s. iid Dunlan;;, " the delight that I have abandoTied for thee is greater, if thou didst but know it, namely, life without death, without cold, without thirst, without hunger, without decay ; beyond any d-light of earth's delights to nie, until the judgment ; and, if I had not pledged my word to thee, I should not have come here : moreover, it is fated
''' Then we are informed
being taken, confessed the whole treason, andforpunshment, was carried to the winde gates, twelve miles from Dublin, set alive standing in the ground with a great heape
:
" This man
426 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [April 23.
'^
battle, the Northman chief, named Plait, had boasted, that there was not a
man in Erinn, who was able to fight him. This boast had reached the ears of the brave Domhnall, son of Einiin, high steward of Alban, who was ranged
on Bryan's side. It so happened, that both were arrayed in opposing ranks, and each of them remembered the challenge of the eve before, so that when the morning came the opportunity for a duel was afforded. Then, Plait came forth from the battalion of his men in armour, and he called out three different times, " Faras Domhnall," which meant, " Where is Domh- nall? " Domhnall answered and said, "Here thou reptile. " They fought then, in presence of their respective warriors, and each of them endeavoured to slaughter tlie other. After a desperate struggle, a fatal termination of the contest for both chiefs resulted. Their dead bodies fell on tlie plain, with the sword of each champion through the heart of the other ; while the hair of each was grasped in the clenched hand of his adversary. This combat of
was engaged in, at the first opening of the battle. '^'
the
When the wings fell on one another'^'
—
pair
the battle commenced—there was a very hard fight. theIrisharmyfoughtunderthecommandoftheConnaughtKing. Thesebrave soldiershastenedtoengagetheDanesofLeinsterandtheirinsularlevies. Other
accounts state, that the men of Connaught advanced towards the foreigners of Ath-Cliath, and that they attacked each other. The person, stationed on
the flank of the pirates' battalions was Dunnall, or Dunlang, son to Tuathal, of with ten hundred men armed for battle. On the flank of
forme to die on that day thou shall die. "
" Shall I receive deaih this day, then? " said lang,
"
Cornalbliteoc to me ; and, if I can
Murchadh. "Thou shah receive it indeed," said Uunl. ing, "and Brian, and Conaing, shall receive it, wiih almost all the nobles of
do more, tliou shall have my furlher aid. "
"Thai, Duiilang, is a service, indeed, if Ihou didst bul know il," was the reply of Mur-
which we may assume to be soon after
'^3
The second division of
——
King Liphe,
Brian's forces, and against these their equal in numbers and in might were Ferghail Ua Ruairc, Domhnall, son of Raghallach, and Gilla-na-Noemh, son to Domhnall O'Ferghail, with the nobles of the Ui Briuin and Conmaicni. These opponents attacked each other, detaching themselves from the great bodyofthearmy. Thedistanceofabow-shotintervenedbetweenthemand the other warriors, on the north side of the main forces. These combatants began to stab and hew each other, with great violence. The rival parties were about equally matched in arms, in vesture, and in appearance. And none of the combatants paid attention to any mischance that happened at Cluain-Tarbh, on that day, excepting the evil and contention, which were mutually occasioned, in tlieir own particular quarter. '*<
The troops of South Munster, arrayed under their respective chieftains, are saidtohaveattackedMaehnordhaandhisdegenerateLagenians. Theim- petuosity of the Irish was irresistible ;'*5 and, if we are to credit one
the Laighin. " "Leave them," said Dun-
Eriim, and To;rdhelbhach Ihy son. " "This chadh. -See CogdTjVi 5<set5liellle5<il,tiiibh, is not good encouragement for fighting," chap, xcvi. i. , pp. 170 to 173.
said Murchadh, " and if we had such news, '* He was a valiant champion of the we would not have ti'ld il to tliee ; hut, foreigners, and son to the King of Loch- howevL-r, often was I ofiered in hills and in lainn.
mansions, this world and these gifts ;
'"
See CogdiDh s«et>heL lie jAlldibh,
fairy
"
"What man," said Dunlang, wouldst
thou choose to be kept off ihee this day? " "There are yonder," said Murchadh, "six- teen men, who are capiains of Heels, and every one of them is a man to combat a hun- dred, on sea . md on land; besides Broior, and Cornalbliteoc, and Maelmordha, and also
I never abandoned for one niyht my chap, c, pp. 174 to 177.
yet,
country nor my inheritance for them. "
'" "
See Nials-Saga," cap. clviii. , p.
602.
"^^ See George Webbe Dasent's "Story
of Burnt Njal," vol. il, chap. clvi. ,pp. 334, 335.
'*• See C054T)h Sie'ohet Tie jAlUiibl'
chap, ci. , pp. 176, 177.
'"5 " SeeAlexanderM. Sullivan's Storyof
April 23. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 427
account,'** in the early part of this day, they carried all before them, so as even to drive the enemy from his position on the field. '*' However, soon after the engagement commenced, it raged with great fierceness and fury all along the line of battle. The situation of the ground, being then probably more clear of trees than at present, admitted of no ambuscades, and none could have been used ; spears, battle-axes, and swords were in the hands of strongmen,whofoughtbreasttobreast. Thevictorsinonerank,frequently fell victims in the next;'** there could bene retreating, on either side, until the battle ended. The commanders were chiefs of high renown, and while individually performing prodigies of valour, their soldiers were insjjired with heroic courage by their example. '*9 From the number of prime quality that fell on both sides, and from certain details of the engagement, we may almost infer, that the chiefs in every part of the field sought their equals in station, among the opposing ranks, and attacked each other in single combat,? 9° where one or both paid the forfeit of life, in a deadly encounter.
On this day, prodigies of valour were performed by the Irish commander- in-chief, Morough, and his deeds of prowess have been specially commemo- rated. '»' High-soundingaretheepithetsandextravaganttheeulogiesapplied to him, by the ancient chronicler ; but, while indulgiug in more than Homeric flights of fancy, the encomium degenerates, too frequently, into pedantic and
extravagant rhapsodies. ''* During the progress of this desperate struggle, we are informed, that Murc—hadh wielded two swords, one in the right and
which theotherinthelefthand amodeoffighting, couldonlybeexercised,
by a man of powerful strength, and by one admirably well trained, in the use
Ireland," chap, xiii. , p. 98.
'8« That in the " Book of Howth. "
*' It is said, the Danes were obliged to
seven like Lugh Lamha, a match for Hector, the son of Priam. Such are the degrees and variations of illustrious championship from the beginning of the world ; and there was no illustrious championship previous to Hec- tor, because it was only an inlant till his time, nnd w. is not fit for action, nor shall there be after . Murchadh, because it sliail be a palsied driveling dotard ever after. And thus ch. impiunsh'p and the world are com- pared with human life, according to intellec-
retreat to Collis—probably the Hill of Howth is meant. See " Calendar of the Carew Manuscripts," eaited by J. S. Brewer, M. A. , and \Vi li an Bullen, Esq.
"** . See Dr. Sylvester O'Halloran's "Gene- ral History of Ireland," vol. ii. , Book xi. , chap, viii. , p. 263.
of
Clontarf," '
Penny Jour-
inet. nphorical Hector of all-victorious Erinn, in religion,
'» See John O'Donovan, on " The Battle
in "The Dublin
'
tual He was the metaphor.
nal, vol. L, No. 17, p. 134.
s" See Alexander M. Sullivan's "
Story
of
and m valour, and in in champion. ship,
generosity, and in munificence.
He was
pleasant, affable, intelligent, accomplished Samson of the Hebrews, for promoting the prosperity and freedom oi his fatherland and
Ireland," chap, xiii. , p. 98.
'" . See Dr. Sylvester O'Halloran's " Gene-
ral History of Ireland," vol. ii. , Book xi. , chap, viii. , pp. 263 to 265.
:
''' Tims, it is stated " He was the last of his race, during his own c. ireer and time.
He was the second powerful Hercules, who destroyed and exterminated serpents and monsters out of Erinn ; who searched the lake-, and pools, and caverns of noble-landed Fodhla, whom nu foi tress or fastness in the
man that had true valour in Erinn. It was
he that pledged the word o( a true champ on,
that he would nut retreat one foot before the
whole of the human r. ice, for any reason
whatsoever, but this alone, that lie might die
of his wciunds. He was the last man in woild could resist. He was the Lugh Erinn who was a match for a hundred. He
was the last man who kiled a hundred in a day. His was the last step that true \alour ever took in Erinn. For this is what the historians of the Gaedhil say, tliat seveti like . \lurchadh, would be a match for Mac Sauihain ; and seven like M. ic Samliain a
and
every obst. icle, laid bare every bra\ehead, and exterminated and expelle 1 the loreiyners
and pirates out of Erinn. He was the gate of battle, and the hurdle of conflict, and the
sheltering tree, and the inipregnabie lower, against tile enemies of his fatherland and of
; and seven like
l. ujjh I^giia Lugh
match for
Lngha, a matth fir Conall Cernach seven hke (Jonall Cernach, a m. ntcli fur Lu^h Lamha-fada, the son of Eithlena ; and
hi. , race— his time and duiiny
career. " Jaeijhel Tie CogATjh
his 5<iLLAibli,
;
Lamha-fada, who, like him, sprang over
chap, cvii. , pp. 186 to 189.
'»' See Kcv. I'aul O'Brien's " Disserta-
during
438 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [April 23.
oftheseweapons. Ifsuchwerethecase,wemayassume,thathemusthave divested himself of his shield, to allow his arms full range and swing, in deal-
ing his blows. Perhaps, however, the origin of this report may be assigned to the fact, that his right hand or arm had become swollen and disabled,'93 owing to the constant and repeated personal assaults he had been obliged to give and to receive, during the heat of tliis battle ; so that, he may have been necessitated to shift occasionally the weapon, from his right to his left hand, in order to relieve the muscular strain he was compelled to endure. Not alone have the Muiister historians borne testimony to his prowess, but even the Leinster and Scandinavian chroniclers 's* have stated, that during his despe- rate onset, no less than fifty of his enemies fell by his right hand, and as many more by his left. Furthermore, it is related, that neither shield nor coat of mail was proof against his strokes, which were so vigorous, that he was never obligedvainlytorepeatoneofthem. Eachofhisblowscutthroughthe body, head, or bone of his opponent, if it did not even at once inflict death. Surrounding him were thebraveand active champions of his own household, and these numbered seven score who were the sons of Kings ; the man of smallest patrimonyamongthem,atleast,waslordoveratownland. 'ss Thisnoble body-guard moved behind their leader, in one compact battalion. They fol- lowed him eagerly, actively, and with fierce, fiery valour, as he moved over the plain. Again, the irresistible and matchless phalanx of the Clann Luigh-
dech were always in a line, with their great chieftain. At one period of the battle, it appears, that these troops were obliged to yield ground, before the
inpetuous Norwegians and the piratical Denmarkians,'^* However, this repulse only quickened the blood and raised the spirit of Murchadh to an excessive
degree. With uncontrollable fury, he resolved on retrieving the fortunes of the day. Unceasingly occupied with his hand to hand encounters, the body- guard that surrounded him fought desperately, in the heat of conflict, and they passed thrice victoriously through the enemy's battalions opposed to them. '97 Meanwhile, between the different corps of both armies, a general and an obstinate fight continued. '9^ It would seem, that the Dal Cais "99 and the Eugenian swords were joined together, in one vehement onset against a compact phalanx of Denmarkians, covered with thrice-riveted and powerful protective armour. The burnished shields and embossed targets of the Clann Ludech, met the bright battle-axes of the Danars, in this conflict. '°° The slaughter committed by Morough excited more especially the fury of Carolus and Conmaol. These were two Danes of distinction. ""' They attacked him
tions on the National Customs, and the State Laws of the Ancient Irish," part ii. , chap. i. , p. 531, in General Vallancey's "Collec- tanea de Rebus Hibernicis," vol. i.
'" Hence, it appears, that accounts of this
battle had been written by natives of Lein-
ster ; but, we have not as yet discovered
them, and there is too much reason to fear,
that they have been unfortunately lost. Of
the Scandinavian Chronicl's, the Njal Saga
is the only one we have seen, containing the
account of Bryan's battle, and it is also p. 66. likely, that other Sagas referring to it may
have been lost or
''5 The phrase cjmoca cet> was used, to
signify a barony, or a townland.
'^ See CogA-oh gAechel, He SillAlbh,
chap, cviii. , pp. 188, 189.
'' See il? iii.
'9* See Rev. Paul O'Brien's " Disserta-
tions on the National Customs and State
"" " And they who saw it gleaming there,
And knew who bore it, knelt to swear
That where that sword led, they would dare
To follow and to die. " —Rev. Abraham J. Ryan.
destroyed.
Laws of the Ancient Irish," part ii. , chap- "
i. , p. 529, in Genera! Vallancey's Collec- tanea de Rebus Hibernicis," vol. i.
'9« Their hard, straight swords are no- ticed.
'°°
In the usual style of hyperbole, this
combat is noticed in the CojAXjh g&eohef. Re
5AtU\ibVi, chap, cii. , pp. 178 to 181.
TM' See tlie Dublin copy of the Annals of "
Innisfallen, in Rev. Di'. O'Coiior's Re- rum Hibernicarum Scriptores," tomus ii. ,
April 23. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 429
in conjunction ; but, Murough's might prevailed, and both fell by his sword. "' The Dalcassians had been severely pressed, however, by the Danars, during this engagement; and, this circumstance added fury to the onslauglit of
Murough, the greatness of his soul even rising with the emergencies of dan-
ger. '°3
While the forces of Brian met in this fierce combat,he was guarded by three of
his aids. ^* Prostrate before the crucifix,''°= a cushion was spread under him.
Then he opened a psalter. He began to clasp his hands in prayer, after the battlehadcommenced; and,therewasnoonewithhiminthetent,savehis own attendant, whose name was Latean. *^* Brian said to this attendant, " Watch thou the battle and the combats, while I sing the psalms. " He then sang fifty psalms, he recited fifty prayers, and fifty pater-iiosters. He asked the attendant after that, what were the conditions, in which he found the bat- talions ? The attendant answered, that they were mixed together, and closely confounded. He also said, that each of the warriors had come within the grasp of an opponent. He added, " not louder in my ears could be the echoes of blows from Tomar's Wood, if seven battalions were cutting it down, than are the resounding blows upon heads, and bones, and skulls, on both sides. " Then Bryan asked, what was the condition of Murchadh's standard ;
and the attendant " It is said,
standing,
are around it; many heads are falling, while a multitude of trophies, and spoils,
with heads of foreigners, are along with it. " " That is good news, mdeed," said Bryan. ""^
cited, to heed their interposition. Drawing his spear with great force, its point passed, not only through the body armour but even through the body of Cor- nabliteoc, who fell in the encounter. His men immediately formed a firm circlearoundthebody; andthencommencedoneofthethreemostviolent combats,thattookplaceatCluainTarbh. Notlessthanthricefiftyofhis foes that were there turned at the same time against Dunlang. His men stood bravely by their chief's side, and the opposing bands dealt ardent thrusts and fearful blows, at each other. The foreigners deemed it a point of military honour,torescuethebodyoftheirleader; but,everyoneofthesewhowaited was wounded and beaten, until there remained no interposition between the Irish leader and his rival, who was slain. The gallant defence of the foreigners
procured neither respect nor mercy for their chief; for, by Dunlang and by his warriors, they were driven away, after a fierce contest. Then the head of Cornabliteoc was cut off,"* as the most coveted trophy of a champion's vic- tory, in those times.
The other Irish commanders not only joined their brave followers in ac- tion, but led"^them through all its dangers. In like manner, distinguished as
Meantime, Dunlang O'Hartugan
spared not one of them, that came in his way. He approached Cornabliteoc, andeachofthesesoonbecameroughlyengaged,inafierceassaultofarms. Then, three of the soldiers belonging to Cornabliteoc rushed in front of him, and they made three simultaneous thrusts at Dunlang. However, the indomitable spirit of this chief had been specially roused, and his ardour was too much ex-
•"J See Cogd'oli 5Aet)1iel He JalUiibli,
comment is placed within brackets, by Rev. James Henthorn Tocid, who found it in
chap, cviii. , pp. 188, 189,
lar of History
McGee's "
"• See Thomas
two different
D'Arcy Ireland,
Popu-
Manuscripts.
chap, vi. , p. loi.
•°5 This is still the devotion practised in
our churches on Good Friday.
'"* " From whom," adds the transcribers, "are the O'Lateans, still in Munster. " This
chap, cxiii. , pp. 196 to 199.
"* This seems to have been the chief called
Dolir Ahertegan, in Dr. Meredith Hanmer's " Chronicle of Ireland," p. 185.
»°9 See CogA-oh Saetiheb He jALUaibh,
vol.
i. .
Book
ii. ,
""^ See He Co^aT)! ! jAeDliet,
5*1,^41bh,
and of the Dalcassian banners many
''^ rushed on the host of the and he pirates,
430 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [April 23,
warriors, they found foemen, not less inured to campaigning than themselves. Thoughtheirrespectivedeedsofdaringhavenotbeenallrecorded;'"° yet, can we estimate fairly their exploits, from the nature of the contest in which they were engaged, and because of the fierce passions aroused on both sides. '" Thefightbecameamostdesperateone,anditwasfuriouslycontested. "" Every- where the chiefs and their warriors left sanguinary traces of courage, among the opposing forces. It would seem, that a mere youth—only fifteen years
of age—Toirdhealbhach,
or
Brian Boroime, emulated the example of his renowned ancestors, and of his
chap, civ. , pp. 182 to 185.
="° See John O'Donovan, on "The Batlle
of Clontarf," in " The Dublin Penny Jour-
statement, dreadful must have been the scenes and carnage of tin-, day : but, we are informed, that Maelseachlainn, who resumed themonarchy of Ireland, after the fall of Bryan,
had been
nor could one know his father or brother, even though he were next to him, unless he could recognise his voice, or know the spot on which he stood, and we were all covered over, both faces, arms, heads, hair, and clothes, with red drojis of blood, borne from them on the wings of the wind ! And, should weatiempt toassist them, we could not, for our arms were entangled with the locks of their hair, which were cut off by the swords, and blown towards us by the wind, so that we
were all the time engaged in disentangling ourarms. Anditwaswonderfulthatthose that were in the batile could endure such horror, without becoming distracted. And
2. 2 "
No. 17,
nal," vol. i. .
=" If we can credit the au'. henticity of this
p. 135,
the clan Colmaii, to describethel)altleofCIont. irf. Theseare said to have been his words: "It is impossible for human language to describe it, an ansjel from heaven only could give a correct idea, of the terrors of that day ! We retired to llie distance of a fallow-field from the combat- ants, the high wind of the spring blowing from them towaids us. And we were no longer than half an liour there, when neither of the two armies could discern each other,
"* See George Webbe Dasent's "
requested, by
Story of Burnt Njal," vol. i. Introduction, p. cxc,
Turlough,
brave companions in arms. He fought, on this day, among the veteran war- riors. He survived, until the close of the battle. "3 The raven banner of Earl Sigurd, woven by his mother with magical skill, floated proudly on the field. "'^ Clad in mail, and foremost among his islanders, he dealt wounds and death beneath its folds. ^'s One of the chiefs on the Irish side, who par-
ticularly distinguished himself in the battle, was Tadhg Mor O'Ceallaigh,"'* who is said to have done more towards breaking the power of the foreigners, than any other chieftain, not even excepting Brian himself. He had been thirteen years chief of Hy-Maine; and, he is compared to a wolf-dog con- tending against the foreigners, and when fighting the Danes. For this reason, moreover, he is set down in the family pedigree, as Tadhg Catha Bhriain, or Teige of the Battle of Brian. ''"'
than
they fought from sunrise, until the dusk of the evening, when the full tide carried the
ships away. " See ibid. , pp. 135, 136.
The fight was desperate, the field all bloud, a horse (they say) was sometime to his belly in bloud. "—Dr. Meredith Hanmer's " Chronicle of Ireland," p, 182.
Never was manifested
for both armies still remembered their former and mutual animosities
on this remarkable day, when they fought with such desperation. "' The battle, as we are told,''? raged from Tulcadh "° to Athcliath. '" One of the
greater intrepidity,
resolution, or —
the son
ofMurchadh, and grandson of
"3 See CosADh jAeohelTle 5<illAibli, chap, ex. , pp. 192, 193.
note.
"S After King Olafs death, Sigurd aban-
doned his fealty to him, and probably, also,
his Christianity. See Laing's "Kings of
Norway," vol. ii. , p. 131.
"''
Jle is also called Teige, Thaddeus, or Timothy O'Kelly, and from this hero, all the septs ol the O'Kellys of Hy-Many are de- scended.
"' See " The Tribes and Customs of Hy-
Many, commonly called O'Kelly's country,"
edited with a Translation and Notes by John
O'Donovan. Additional Notes, A, p. 99.
°''
See Dr. Sylvester O'Halloran's "Gene-
ral History of Ireland," vol. ii. , Book xi. ,
chap, viii. , pp. 263.
"'See the "Chronicum Scotorum,"
edited by William M. Hennessy, pp.
