No More Learning

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459
Mahon, the son of Torlogh Mantagh, son of rously slain by his own companions and kinsmen in Donogh, son of Donal, son of Torlogh Meith his own residence at Aircin, on Aran (Aran island (O’Brien, see note at A. D. 1560), was treache off the coast of Galway). When the nobles of
Witchcraft. —The Scandinavians worshipped goddesses called Normas or Normies, and the Fates, or fatal sisters, and the doctrine of witchcraft extensively prevailed amongst them, hence Milton
alludes to this subject in his Paradise Lost, when describing Sin and her attendant demons:
“Nor uglier follow the night-hag when called, In secret riding through the air she comes, Lured by the smell of infant blood to dance
With Lapland witches, while the labouring moon
Eclipses at their charms. ”
In the Anthologia Hibernica for June, 1794, is given a very curious account of witchcraft in Denmark, in the Pagan times, taken from the Icelandic Saga. A hag named Heida, who was famous for her skill in magic, divination, and witchcraft, went at tended in state by thirty men servants, and was waited on by fifteen
young women; in the Rauga Saga is given an account of another celebrated witch named Thorbiorga, who, together with her nine sisters, were all professional witches, and famous for their prognos tications and knowledge of futurity; they frequented public assemblies and entertainments, when invited, for purposes of divi nation. Thorkil, a Danish earl, in order to know when a famine and plague which prevailed would cease, sent for Thorbiorga to
tell the time; on her arrival she was dressed in a gown of green
cloth, closely buttoned from top to bottom, about her neck was a
string of glass beads, and her head was covered with the skin of a
black lamb, lined with that of a white cat; her shoes were calf
skin, with the hair on, tied with thongs and fastened with brass
buttons; on her hands were gloves made of the skin of a white
cat, with the fur inward ; about her waist she wore a Hunlandic
girdle, at which hung a bag containing her magical instruments,
and she supported herself on a staff ornamented with many knobs
of brass; on her entrance the whole company rose and saluted her,
and earl Thorkil advancing, took her by the hand, and conducted
her to the seat prepared for her, on which was a cushion of hen's
feathers; after some ceremony, and refreshments set before her,
Thorkil, humbly approaching the prophetess, requested to know
the future event; she replied, that next day she would fully
satisfy him, and on the morrow, having put her instruments of di
vination in order, she cominanded Godreda, one of her maidens, to
sing the magical song called Wardlokur, or the words of fortune,
which she sung with so clear and sweet a voice as delighted the
company, and particularly the prophetess, who declared that she
then knew many things respecting the famine and sickness of
which she was ignorant before, and that these calamities would be
of short duration. The term applied to witches by Danish been constructed the Damans the early ages. The terms
and also Druideacht, the latter word signifying Druidism; a witch was termed Beann-Buidseach, and a wizard Draoidh, that
Druid, and sometimes Fiosaiche, which meant fortune teller. The doctrines witchcraft, wizards, warlocks, and weird
sisters were very prevalent former times Scotland, which copious and very curious accounts are given Sir Walter Scott's Letters Witchcraft and Demonology, and still more admirable and vivid descriptions witches and their incantations are given
Shakspeare's Macbeth. Ireland, particularly Ulster, the belief witchcraft extensively prevailed former times, and, already stated these Annals, Act against witchcraft was passed the Irish Parliament held Dublin D. 1585, the reign Elizabeth. The Evil Eye, called the Irish Beim-sul, signifying stroke the eye, belief connected with witchcraft, was former times very prevalent Ireland, well Scot
land and England, and was believed that certain wizards, witches, and evil-minded persons, had the power injuring, even causing the death cattle, horses, and even human beings, especially children, their malignant looks. This belief also ex tensively prevails amongst the Turks and Arabs, and various countries Europe; Italy called Mal Occhio. was also
“Nescio quis tenerosocculus mihi fascinat agnos. ”
superstition amongst the Greeks and Romans; the Greeks was termed Baskania, and by the Romans Fascinatio, and thus Virgil alludes passage where the shepherd laments that his tender lambs were bewitched
The doctrines witchcraft were very prevalent among the Romans, and Canidia, famous witch, celebrated Horace; the term Saga, signifying wise woman, sorceress, was applied
witch the Latin language; and the English the name de rived from the Saxon Wice, which also signifies wise. Fairyism has been much connected with the Danes Ireland, the tradi tions the people, who consider the Danes have erected the circular earthen ramparts raths, called forts, and that the fairies were left there by the Danes guard their treasures until their return Ireland, which expected take place some future time. The opinion that the Danes erected all the raths erroneous, for though they Inay have built many them, yet most these ramparts were constructed the ancient Irish, centuries before
the Danes came Ireland. the traditions
Tuath De Danan and Fairyism were connected,
has been given 379 these notes; and
from the similarity the names, the Danes and Damansmay have been confounded with each other, and some the raths may have
the people, the
which account probable that,
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460 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1565.
Galway received intelligence of that act, they went from their houses, and they betook themselves
to take revenge for the crime on the people who their boats and set out sea, and where they
committed the treachery, whom they forced to
gone Ireland, sang his compositions for one the kings there,
who offered him present two ships, but his treasurer told him that the rewards always given poets were gold rings, swords,
clothes, &c. , which were then presented him next went the Orkney Islands, where got from one the Iarls present silver axe. Several the kings and chieftains Denmark and Norway were themselves Skalds, and composed war songs, &c. ; the Skalds were mostly natives Iceland, and, from the
landed was Cuan Ruis, the territory
the twelfth century, not less than two hundred them, their art, are recorded. These Bards were, other the early ages, the annalists these countries, and
We made the torrents blood flow,
For the yellow-footed birds and beasts prey; There the hard steel sounded the helmets, The entire ocean was one wound,
And the Raven waded the blood of the slain.
“We hewed with swords—in my twentieth year, Then we raised our spears high,
And gained renown every land:
At the port Dwina, the east (at the Baltic), Eight earls have we conquered
Then did we supply the Eagle
With plentiful feast that slaughter;
The warriors fell, and the warm stream Of wounds flowed into the ocean waves.
“We hacked with swords—against Heiden's queen (in Sweden), And sent hosts Helsingians the hall Odin;
To Iva's mouth we steered our ships—
The entire waters were one wound,
And the earth was red with the warm stream Then did the weapon deeply bite,
The sword rung on the coats mail, And quickly clove the shields asunder.
“We fought with swords—none fled that day
Till amidst his ships Herraudus fell (in Sweden); No braver Iarl than he battle
Did e'er with his galleys plough the sea; his long ships, where'er sailed,
At every time the valiant chief
With cheerful heart to the conflict came.
“We smote with swords—then did the hosts drop their shields, When the spear flew the breasts heroes, Norway); And the battle-axe hacked near Scarfia's rocks (in
Bloody was the buckler battle,
Before Rafno the king was slain;
From the heads warriors, streams, Flowed the warm blood down their armour.
“We hewed with swords—on Ullar's plain (Upsal), Loud roared the spears ere King Eistein fell;
We traversed the fields, gleaming gold,
To fight the land the prostrate foe;
The lance pierced the painted shields,
And from the brain, through the wounded neck, The stream flowed in the shock of helmets.
“We hacked with swords—at Indero's Isle (Drontheim), The crows could then make ample feast,
And Fala's wolves had full banquet; Difficult was defend the heroes:
At the rising sun saw the darts pierce, And the bow shoot forth the iron arrows.
“We fought with swords—at Born Holm (in Denmark) Stained were our shields with gore;
There we firmly grasped our spears,
Bucklers were broken by clouds darts, The arrows flew from the bows elm
the carnage Volnir fell,
There was no braver king than he Then the wild beast enjoyed his prey.
“We smote with swords—in Flanders' land (Belgium), Fierce was the fight ere king Freyr fell
Then was Hilda highly rejoiced,
The hard blue weapons, reeking with blood,
seventh
eminent
nations
their prose historical compositions were called Saga, which signi fies Stories. The most celebrated the Icelandic Sagas are those
Snorro Sturleson, whose great work
the Chronicle
Laing, and published 1844; and also partly translated into Latin, Johnstone's Celto-Scandinavian Antiquities.
The Mythology the Scandinavians was creed admirably adapted for warriors, inculcated courage and contempt ofdeath
the highest virtues, and the heroes who fell battle were for ever honoured and entertained with magnificent banquets the Hall
eminent writer the thirteenth century, the Norwegian kings, styled Heimskringla,
the Kings, has been translated into English
early youth Towards the east, the Bay Eyra (Elsinore),
“We smote with swords—when
Odin. Their doctrines led riors rushed into the thick mitted suicide, haste
such contempt death that many war
battle, anxious fall, and several com enter their Elysium, and join the glories Valhalla. The composition called the Death-song Lodbrog gives strong but faithful picture the fierce and warlike spirit
the Northmen. the sea kings
from the kings
Ragnar Lodbrog was one the most famous was son Sivard, king Denmark, and descend Norway; Ragnar became king Denmark,
and having fitted out large fleets, made many expeditions,
Vikingir Sea king, along the coast the Baltic and German Ocean, and, during victorious career thirty years, frequently invaded France, England, Scotland, and Ireland, about the middle
the ninth century; and during one have spent entire year Dublin.
his expeditions stated About 865, Ragnar Northumberland, where
invaded England, and landed his forces
fought great battle with Ella, king the Northumbrian
Saxons, which, after performing prodigies valour, Lodbrog
was length vanquished superior numbers, and being taken
prisoner, he was treated with great barbarity, thrown into dun
geon, and closed there with number vipers, by which
was bitten death. Together with his fame sea king, Rag nar was also Skald, and composed many war songs. Johnstone,
author the Celto-Scandinavian Antiquities, has given from the Icelandic Saga, Danish and Latin, with free English version, composition styled Lodbrokar Quida, signifying the Epicedium,
Death-Song Lodbrog, which was supposed have been reci ted him while under the torments death the dungeon. This composition considered have been the war song this Corsair king, enumerating his various victories, which the two
three last verses were added after his death, said, by his wife Aslauga, who was great poetess. The following literal translation the death song Lodbrog, from the Danish and the Latin version Olaus Wormius, which given Blair's Disser tations, prefixed Ossian's Poems, and this translation also partly taken from Johnstone, each stanza the Danish commen
ces thus: Hiuggom vermed hiaurvi, which, the Latin version variously rendered, Pugnavimus ensibus, concidimus ensibus and secuimus ensibus, and signifies according Mallet, We fought with swords, We cut with swords, We hewed with swords, &c. ;
hence, these variations have been given
the present translation.
“We fought with swords—when first
We came and slew the mighty monster; Then obtained my Thora, and was called The warrior who had transfixed the Dragon With my sword surpassing brightness;
And Lodbrokar was thenceforward named.
Gothland (Sweden)
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REIGN OF ELIZABETH.
Western Corcabaiscinn (probably Kilrush, in O'Neill, John, the son
461
Con, son Con,
Clare). Donal, the son of Conor O’Brien, hav son Henry, gave the sons
ing been informed of this, proceeded with Scotland, i. e. Alexander, the son John possible despatch them, and succeeded taking Cathanach, namely, James, Angus, and Sorley, the greater portion them prisoners, whom great overthrow, which Angus was slain, and brought with him, bound close chains, Moy James wounded and taken prisoner, and died Glae, the south Corcomroe, order that their year after the mortification his wounds;
sorrow and sufferings might the greater view his death was very much lamented, and was the place where they had perpetrated the crime; man distinguished for hospitality, feats arms,
hanged some them, and burned others, their evil deeds deserved.
Cut their way through the golden mail;
The direful sword, days old,
Gave the wolves plenteous prey;
Long did the virgin mourn that morning's slaughter.
“We hewed with swords—and saw fall
Of our adversaries many hundreds
Amidst their ships, promontory England;
For six days continued the contest
At length we vanquished our insolent foes,
At the rising sun they were subdued battle, And beneath our weapons Valdiofer fell.
liberality, conviviality, generosity, and bestowing gifts, and there was not his equal amongst the
“We smote with swords—the sons Endil
“We hacked with swords—at Bertha-ford (Perth) rain blood from our weapons ran,
“We hewed with swords—oft have seen
The fair-haired lover the maiden fall,
And the widows’ wooer early morn;
Ere king Aurun fell Ila's Bay (Hebrides),
Shields were smashed and chieftains slain, Pleasing was the sight, when the attending maid Hands the goblets round warm wine.
“We hacked with swords—in early morn, the South, Leinster's Isle,
With three kings the strife arms;
Few with joy escaped that conflict,
And many were booty beasts prey; The hawk and wolf tore the mangled slain, Erin's blood was shed streams,
And copious flowed into the deep.
“We fought with swords—and shields were riven By strokes weapons raised high;
Then were the spears resounding heard
On Hilda's mail golden colour;
Future ages shall admire the plain,
On Anglesey's Isle, where we met our adversary. We strode warriors battle array
Our wounding spears, dyed blood,
Were hurled swift the dragon's flight,
Near the promontory along the river.
“We smote with swords—amongst men
What youth fairer than advancing Far amidst the tempest javelins,
And falls o'erwhelmed adverse wounds; And these escape not human woe
Who never seek the field war;
But 'tis hard excite the coward's heart
To the strife swords and deeds valour.
“We hewed with swords—that esteem An equal contest, man man,
Lifeless bodies became prey hawks; The bow twanged, and the keen darts Quickly pierced through the coats mail; Our swords, sharp the viper's poison,
Were smeared with gore from gashing wounds.
“We fought with swords—at Hadninga's harbour (Orkney Isles) High towered our crests fierce encounter;
Then might the warriors seen,
Who with baneful weapons shattered the shields,
And clove the helmets the clash arms; Delightful my heart was the sight,
As sat state near my blooming bride.
“We smote with swords—in Northumbria's land storm blows descended our shields,
Till the lifeless bodies fell the earth, And none that morning needed
To rouse the rueful sport Hilda; Helmets were cleft by keen swords, Delightful me had welcomed
youthful widow the highest seat.
“We hewed with swords—in the Sudreyan Isles (Hebrides),
Cut for wolves plenteousprey.
For seven days, Scaia's fight (Isle Red were our ships with reeking gore,
As 'twere damsels carried wine; Amidst the din clashing arms
Full oft were Skogul's bucklers rent, By Skiold's warriors that battle
Sky);
Mac Donnell
Herthiof himself was forced fly,
And Rogvalder fell amidst the shower
The kites were grieved for the death
The breaker helmets the strife
Who from his bow-string shot the unerring darts.
“We hacked with swords—piled heaps lay the slain,
Glad was the falcon's kindred the shout And the wolf and eagle enjoyed their prey. In the stern shock of swords and shields
Fell valiant Marstein, Erin's king,
And the hungry crows had feast prepared That day Vedra-flord (Waterford).
battle,
“We fought with swords—and hosts Have seen fall early dawn, Slaughtered amidst the din arms;
heroes
my son; Egil slew Agnar, the undaunted youth;
“We hacked with swords—but unerring fate Experience shows await
And none their destiny can evade.
ne'er believed that Ella
Would have ended my days, when led
The sharp sword pierced the heart
On Hamdi's buckler the spears resounded, While our banners glittered the sun.
arms; their friend,
swords,
When chief meets chief, nor yields Such was the warrior's pride days Ever brave the battle's whirlwind Should be the admirer the fair.
combat— old;
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“We hacked with swords—in one-and-fifty battles Have we raised our spears in distant lands;
From my earliest youth I learned the task,
To tinge my sword with hostile blood,
o o
“We smote with swords—ah! soon would come Aslauga's sons with burning brands,
And wage fierce battle against my foes,
Did they but know their father's doom,
His vitals gnawed by venomous vipers; I for my offspring sought a mother,
Whose blood would give them valiant hearts.
“We hewed with swords—soon shall my crown Devolve to my succeeding heirs;
The adder's poison menaceslife,
The viper now penetrates my heart;
But still to my spirit the thought yields joy, That Odin's spear shall soon pierce Ella;
My sons shall come with swelling rage,
And full avenge their father's fate;
Those noble minded youths most sure
Will peace reject with utmost scorn.
! o t
462 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1565.
Clan Donnell of Ireland or of Scotland at that chief historiographer to O’Donnell, a man time, and his own people would not hesitate to in poetry and chronicles, the sustaining p give his weight in gold could he be thereby house of hospitality for learned men, st ransomed; many others were also slain in that and the noble sons of literature in the neigh
-
battle of Glen Taisi (probably Glentask, in the parish of Dunluce, county of Antrim), who are not recorded.
Murrogh, the son of Donal, son of Roderick O'Flaherty, was drowned.
O'Clery, i. e. Teige Cam, the son of Tuathal,
My conquering ships into his harbours,
When I strewed his land with heaps of slain, And for wild beasts made plenteous prey, Along the bays of the Scottish shores.
“We fought with swords—still I delight When I think of the banquets prepared
By the father of Balder to regale the brave; There we shall copiously drink of ale,
countries, died on the 20th day of Octob
fine advanced age, after having gained the
over the world and the devil, and he was
in the Franciscan monastery of Doneg very great honour and solemnity.
to the Danish historians, made conquests amongst th
Norwegians, Saxons, Russians, English, Irish, and
he had by his three wives thirteen sons, many of who
kings. It appears from Thorkelin's Fragments of Iceland
that the sons and descendants of the renowned Ragnar w
warriors; his son Biorn became king of Sweden; an named Sigurd, was king of Denmark, and a third, called
became king of Norway; the famous Harold Harfager, the Fair-haired, the first king of all Norway in the nin was also a descendant of Lodbrog. Sigurd, king of De of Ragnar, married Blea, daughter of Ella, king of No land, by whom he had a son named Knut or Canute. G Knut, exceeded all men in strength and stature; he bec Denmark, and married Thyra, daughter of Edward the of England; she was called Denmark's delight, and he two sons mamedKnut and Harold ; Knut excelled beauty of features and form, and he was called Denma Knut and Harold often invaded England, and also came and attacked Dublin, where, as hereafter shown, Knut w the death of Gorm his son, Harold, succeeded as king o and was the first of his nation who was converted to th faith in the tenth century. Sueno, or Sweyn, grandson and Canute, son of Sweyn, kings of Denmark and No became kings of England. Many of the descendants Lodbrog, as hereafter shown, also became Danish kings umbria, and kings of the Danes of Dublin.
The Danes in England. —During the ninth and tent the Danes and Norwegians, with great fleets and powe frequently invaded England, ravaged the greater p country, and plundered and burned towns, cities, a
churches. They continued their devastations for near turies, in the reigns of Egbert, Ethelwolf, Ethelbald, Alfred, Edward, Athelstan, Edmond, Edred, Edgar Edmund Ironside, and other Anglo-Saxon kings, with fought innumerable fierce and bloody battles; and the to effect settlements and conquer many parts, particula umbria and other northern territories of England, wh and Norwegian kings ruled for a long period; and the their power over the greater part of the north of Engla kingdoms of the Heptarchy, called Northumbria, Deira and Mercia. Their chief leaders, in the conquest of No were Hingvar, or Ivar, Hubba, and Halfdan, sons of Ragnar Lodbrog, who invaded and conquered that co took it from the Saxon kings, to avenge the death of by Ella, king of Northumbria, as related in the above p nald, Sitric, and Niel, or Nigel, who were grandsons Lodbrog, and several princes their descendants, as God and Sitric, became in succession kings of the Northumb and many of these Danish kings of Northumbria we kings of the Danes of Dublin, as hereafter explained. and Norwegians called Northmen levied immense cont the Anglo-Saxon kings, and compelled them to pay a g tax or tribute denominated Dame-geld, consisting of a sum of gold and silver, amounting to more than thirty pounds a year, an enormous sum in those times, and e twenty times the amount at the present day. In the the tenth century, in the time of Ethelred II. , comm
Out of cups which are formed of the sculls of foes, As we joyously enter the palace of Fiolner,
No grief is felt there by departed heroes,
No faultering words of fear shall I utter,
As I enter the joyful Halls of Odin.
And no king my equal have I ever met; The goddesses will give me welcome—
I resign my life without a sigh.
“Now cease our song—the goddesses come
And invite me home to the Hall of Odin ; Happy there, on a high-raised throne, Seated with gods, I shall quaff my ale. The hours of my life have passed away, And in joyous laughter shall I die. ”
The first verse of this composition requires some explanation;
the dragon, serpent, or monster, mentioned as having been slain in
Gothland by Ragnar, was a fierce champion who had killed many people in Sweden, but was slain in single combat by Ragnar, who
was covered with a kind of armour made of the skins of animals, hence he was surnamed Lodbrog, which signifies, according to the Latin translation, hirsuta bracca, or hairy trowsers; and on killing this fierce chief, Ragnar obtained as his bride Thora, the daughter of Heraudus, king of Sweden, and he became himself king of Denmark. Ragnar in his various expeditions, according
==
o
Donegal), and Tem his horsemen, without
Hugh Duv (O’Donnell), died Maguire, John, the son Cuchonacht, son Bryan, son
the 22nd July. Cuchonacht, son
REIGN OF ELIZABETH. 463
A. D. 1566.
lord sense and personal figure, warrior bra very and valour, severe and fierce against his ene *DONNELL, i. e. Cal mies, mild and amicable his friends, without ex vach, the son of Manus, tolling boasting the greatest goodness per son of Hugh Duv, son formed, person who was not supposed would of Hugh Roe, son of die after that manner, but rather that would re Niall Garv, son of Tor venge the wrongs his race; his brother Hugh,
oV\
beginning winter, on Mary, the daughter Manus, son Hugh the 26th November, Duv, son Hugh Roe O'Donnell, the wife Ma on the open road be gennis, died the 8th October.
tween Bally Aghaidh Rose, the daughter Maguire, i. e. Cucho chaoin (probably Bally nacht, the Coarb, the wife Hugh Buighe, son aghan,barony Raphoe
Wine, the son Manus O'Donnell, was inaugurated his from his horse in the Successor.
logh
of the
plerath,
stumble orjolt, without starting fright, after his Thomas Maguire, died the 29th September,
the midst
return from England that year; that Calvach was
Philip, son the lord justice's army, after had been expel
the Unready, who reigned from 979 1013, the Danes and Norwegians made frequent incursions, and extended their power over the greater part England, and levied immense tributes, which accounts are given Turner and Speed, who state that,
down the middle the thirteenth century, and the fifteenth century, over the Orkney Islands.
The Normans. —The following sketch the history the Normans has been collected from the Saga Snorro, Laing's 980, they received £10,000; 993, £16,000; the Heimskringla, and Johnstone's Celto-Scandinavian Antiquities, year 1000, they got £24,000; 1006, £36,000; and the Speed's Annals, Turner's Anglo-Saxons, Thierry's Norman Con
year 1010, they levied less than £48,000. 1011, ac
cording Speed, the Danes under Thorkil attacked Canterbury,
took Alphegus, the archbishop, prisoner, and slew 900 monks
with vast number citizens; and states, that all more piratical depredations, was expelled from Norway king Harold than 43,000 persons were slain this massacre. The archbishop Harfager. Rollo retired with his ships Denmark, and after refusing give them ransom £3,000, they stoned him wards the Orkneys and Hebrides, and was joined many death Greenwich. 1013, Sueno, Sweyn, king Danish and Norwegian warriors; they attacked England, but, Denmark, invaded England with immense forces, defeated the unable make any settlement there, after several attempts, being
Saxons, and king Ethelred being forced fly into Normandy, Sweyn became king all the Northern half the kingdom, but dying England, A. D. 1014, was succeeded his son Knut
Canute; after various contests with the valiant Saxon king, Edmond Ironside, they agreed divide the kingdom between them, Canute reigning the north, and Edmond the south; but
opposed king Alfred, they set sail for France, overran great part that country, and finally Rollo, the head thirty thousand Danish and Norwegian warriors, compelled Charles the Simple, king France, cede them the principality Neustria, which from these Nordmen, Northmen, Normands, Normans, got the name Normandy. This event took place the beginning the tenth century, 911 and Rollo received
the death Edmond Ironside, 1017, Canute, then the 22nd
year his age, became king all England, and also Denmark his principality, and obtained marriage Gisella, daughter
and Norway; afterwards appointed his son Sweyn king
Denmark, and another son, Horda Knut, king Norway; Canute
became one the most celebrated kings Europe that age,
and was styled Canute the Great on his death, 1035, he was
king Charles France, condition that and his followers should adopt the Christian faith, with which terms the Norwegian chief complied, and and his people became Christians. This valiant chief was man great strength and stature, and such
size that horse could carry him, hence, always went foot, was called Rolf Gaunger, that Rolf the Walker. Rolf Rollo and his descendants, dukes of Normandy, ruled over Danish king England; was succeeded by the Saxon kings that province from the tenth the thirteenth century; and the
succeeded king England by his son Harold Harefoot, who
died 1039, and was succeeded by his brother Horda Knut, Hardicanute, king Norway, who died 1041, and was the last
‘Edward the Confessor and Harold. the year 1066, Harold Hardrada, king Norway, invaded England with large fleet and powerful forces, for the recovery the kingdom, but, great battle Stamford Bridge, was defeated and slain by the Saxons under king Harold but the same year the Normans France, who were originally Danes and Norwegians, defeated and slew the Saxon king Harold, and became masters England under William the Conqueror.
eleventh century, William, duke Normandy, conquered England. Many the most eminent noble families France were Norman descent; and the eleventh and twelfth centuries, the Normans France, under counts William Bras-de-fer Iron arm, Robert and Roger Guiscard, and other warlike leaders, conquered great part Southern Italy the ancient Apulia, now part the kingdom Naples, and also Sicily; and they and their descendants became dukes Apulia and Calabria, princes
Capua and kings Sicily, and ruled over those countries with great glory for more than century. the eleventh century, Count Bohemond, son Robert Guiscard, the Norman conqueror
Apulia, with his cousin Tanered, two the most famous warriors the Crusades, after various victories the East
In Scotland, the Norwegians, the ninth and tenth centuries, made many settlements, and conquered the Orkney Islands and the
Hebrides, and likewise the Isle part the northern counties kings and Iarls ruled over the Isle
Mann, together with the greater Scotland; and the Norwegian Mann, and the Hebrides
quest, and various other sources. the latter end the ninth century, Rolf Rollo, Norwegian Iarl, according Snorro, sprung from the ancient kings Norway, having committed many
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obtain, on account of the number of learned men
founded the kingdom of Antioch, over which his descendants ruled as princes for a long period. During the Crusades, the
Norman nobility of France and England furnished a vast number of valiant warriors who gained great victories over the Saracens in Syria; amongst others, Richard Coeur de Lion, or the Lion-hearted King of England, was one of the most renowned warriors who led their forces to the Holy Land, and by his valour won the great battle of Ascalon, and other victories in Palestine. The Norman nobles of England and France likewise produced many of the most valiant champions amongst the Knights Templars, the knights of St. John of Jerusalem, of Malta, and of Rhodes, famous in those ages in the East, for their defence of the Holy Land and other parts of Christendom, against the Turks and Saracens.
The Anglo-Normans. —About the middle of the eleventh cen tury the Norman dukes of France claimed the crown of England, and in A. D. 1066, William, duke of Normandy, a descendant of Rollo, collected a powerful fleet consisting, according to Turner and others, of more than a thousand sail, for the invasion of England; he landed with an immensearmy at Pevensey in Sussex, on the 28th of September, and on Saturday, the 14th of October, fought the great battle near Hastings, in which the Anglo-Saxons, under Harold their king, were totally vanquished. In this battle six thousand of the Normans, and about sixty thousand of the Saxons, were slain; or, according to Speed, nearly sixty-eight thousand of the English fell. Harold himself, the last Saxon king of England, while valiantly fighting under his own standard, was killed by the shot of an arrow in the eye, which pierced his brain. The victory of Hastings, won by the valour of the duke of Normandy, thus transferred in one battle, and in a single day, the Anglo-Saxon sceptre to the Normans of France, and their duke became king of England under the title of William the Conqueror. The descen dants of William reigned for many centuries as kings of England ; and even to modern times, collateral branches, imbued with some of the Norman blood, have reigned as kings and queens of England ; and the descendants of the old Norman nobility form many of the most powerful families of the aristocracy of Great Britain and . Ireland to the present day.
Norman architecture. —The Normans and Anglo-Normans were equally eminent in the arts as in war, and introduced the style denominated Norman architecture, of which there are still many magnificent and beautiful specimens, such as ruins and remains of castles, cathedrals, churches, abbeys, &c. , in France, England, Ireland, and Scotland.
conquered England, became masters of a great part of the country
O’Rourke, i. e. Hugh Buighe, the son of Bryan
villes, barons of Dowth, in Meath; the de Nangles, barons o Navan; the de Prestons, viscounts of Gormanstown; the d Flemings, barons of Slane; the Tyrrells, barons of Castleknock
the Dillons, earls of Roscommon and barons of Kilkenny West, i Westmeath; the de Berminghams, barons of Athenry, in Galway and earls of Louth ; the Taaffes, earls of Carlingford and baron
of Ballymote, in Sligo; the Talbots, barons of Malahide and earl of Shrewsbury, Waterford, and Wexford; the St. Laurences, earl of Howth; the Sarsfields, viscounts of Kilmallock, in Limerick and earls of Lucan, in Dublin; the Plunkets, earls of Fingal barons of Louth and barons of Dunsaney, are of Danish descen There were many other families of note besides those above men tioned of Anglo-Norman descent in various parts of Ireland, as th Devereuxes, Darcy's, D'Altons, Tuites, Petits, Delamers, Dexeters Barretts, Cusacks, Cruises, Cantwells, Cogans, Nagles, Prender gasts, Stantons, deVerdons, de Gernons, Fitzsimons, Fitz-Henrys, de Bathes, Bellews, the le Bruns or Browns, de Peppards, de l Hoyde, de Phepocs, de Husseys, Keatings, Fitzstephens, de Mon morencys, de Rochforts, Purcells, &c.
As hereafter shewn, Danish and Norwegian kings ruled ove Dublin and some other parts of Ireland for more than three hun dred years, from the ninth to the twelfth century; and the Anglo Normans, the descendants of the Normans of France of Danish an Norwegian origin, afterwards becamepossessedof the greater par of Ireland ; therefore it appears from the foregoing accounts tha in the ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth centuries, the warlike Danes and Norwegians, and their descendants, the valiant No mans of France conquered England and the greater part of Ire land and Scotland, a great part of France, part of Italy, with Sicily, and also Antioch in Asia.
The Damesin Ireland. —The terms Lochlann, Lochlinn, Loch luinn, and Crioch Lochluinn, were applied by the Irish writer to Scandinavia or the countries comprising Denmark, Sweden and Norway; the word Lochlann according to O'Brien, in hi Irish Dictionary, is derived from the Irish Loch, a lake, and th Germano-Celtic lann, which means land ; hence the word Lochlann signifies a Land of Lakes, a term applicable to those countrie about the Baltic, which abound in great lakes and inlets of th sea. A Dane or Norwegian was called by the Irish Lochlanach signifying a Lake-lander, or person from the land of lakes; in th plural Lochlanaigh, or Lake-landers. According to others th name Lochlonnach, in the plural Lochlonnaigh, was applied to th
Danes and Norwegians, and derived from Loch, a Lake, and lonn strong, hence signifying powerful, or strong at sea, as they alway
came with great fleets. A distinction was made by the Irish between the Danes and Norwegians, from the colour of their hai and complexion; the Danes, according to Duald Mac Firbis an others, being denominated Dubh-Lochlonnaigh, signifying Black Lake-landers, being chiefly dark-haired ; and the Norwegian
464 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1566.
-
led from his country by O’Neill; he was an intel and strangers entertained by him, and the amplitude ligent, skilful, and bountiful lord, and he would be of his gifts and presents; Cuchonacht, his brother no dishonour to the greatest government he could was appointed his successor.
In Ireland the descendants of the Normans of France who
in the latter end of the twelfth and beginning of the thirteenth
century, under Richard de Clare, earl of Pembroke, commonly
called Strongbow, and his followers, denominated Strongbow
nians, and they still form many of the most powerful families of
the Anglo-Irish nobility. The principal families of the Anglo Fionn-Lochlonnaigh, or White Lake-landers, being mostly of Normans in Ireland were the de Clares, earls of Pembroke, and
their successors the Marshalls, earls of Pembroke and lords of
Leinster; the Fitzgeralds, earls of Desmond, earls of Kildare, and
dukes of Leinster, the de Burgos or Burkes, lords of Connaught,
earls of Ulster, earls of Clanrickard, earls of Mayo, &c. ; the
Butlers, earls of Ormond, &c. &c. ; the de Laceys, lords of
Meath and earls of Ulster, and the de Mortimers, their suc
cessors; the de Courcys, earls of Ulster and barons of Kinsale;
the de Carews, earls of Cork and barons of Idrone, in Carlow;
the Fitzmaurices, earls of Kerry; the Graces of Kilkenny, ba
rons of Courtstown; the le Poers of Waterford, earls of Tyrone
and barons of Decies; the de Barrys of Cork, earls of Barry
more; the de Roches of Cork, viscounts of Fermoy ; the de Veseys,
lords of Kildare; the Fitz-Eustaces, barons of Portlester and were likewise called by the Irish Geinte, signifying Gentiles o
Baltinglas; the de Nugents, barons of Delvin and earls of West Pagans, and the distinction was madeas usual Dubh-Gheinte, o meath; the de Barnwalls, barons of Trimlestown; the de Neter Dark Gentiles, meaning the Danes, and Fionn-Gheinte, or Fai
fair complexion, with fair or reddish hair. Gall, according t O’Brien, originally signifying a Gaul, was a term applied by th Irish to various foreign nations, as the Gauls, English, Danes, &c. while they call themselves Gael; and the name Gaill, signifying strangers or foreigners, was very generally applied to the Dane and Norwegians by Irish writers; and they also madethe distinc tion between them, designating the Danes by the term Dubh Ghaill, or Dark-haired Foreigners, and the Norwegians as Fionn Ghaill, or Fair-haired Foreigners; and hence, according to some was derived the name of the territory near Dublin called Finga from the Fionn-Ghaill, or Fingallians, who were Norwegians; but the word is sometimes given by the Irish writers Fine-Gall which signifies the Foreign People. The Danes and Norwegian
Ballach, was slain at Ballintogher, by the Connal
hans, because they considered that the son of the daughter of Manus O’Donnell, namely, Bryan
na-Murtha, the son of Bryan, son of Owen, was entitled to the lordship of Brefney.
REIGN OF ELIZABETH. 465
Mac Carthy Riavach, i. e. Fingin, the son of haired Gentiles, signifying Norwegians. They were also often and fought several combats with the Irish warriors Segathus and
mentioned by the name of Danar, signifying a Danish man, in the plural Danair, or Dainfhir, and latinised Dani. By various writers the Danes and Norwegians were designated Northmen, and Norsemen, and sometimes Normans, but incorrectly, as the
Suidanus; difficult ascertain who king Uglet Huglet
was, the Irish name having been changed the Danish writers; but might have been Eogain, Ugaine, Ugaire, ancient names
Irish kings. stated Hanmer's Chronicle, from Saxo, that some the troops the celebrated Fenian warriors Ireland, the third century, were partly composed Danish champions;
latter term was only applicable to the Normans of France, and
hence the word Northmen, as well as Normans, has been latinized
Normanni. The name Ostmen, or Eastmen, was also generally and appears that many Danish and Norwegian warriors, the
applied to the Danes and Norwegians, and latiuised Ostmanni by various writers.
Erpeditions and Foreign Alliances of the Irish Kings. —It
appears from the old historians, that the Irish had intercourse with
the Danes and Norwegians in very remote times, and accounts are
given of alliances between the Irish kings and those of Lochlann.
According to the ancient annalists, and the Psalter of Cashel,
quoted by Keating, O'Flaherty, and O'Halloran, Lughaidh Riabh
dearg, monarch of Ireland in the first century, was married to
Dervorgal, daughter of the king of Lochlann, or Denmark ; and
Tuathal Teachtmar, monarch of Ireland in the second century, also attacked Sicily, and having proceeded Gaul, was married was married to Bania, daughter of the king of Denmark and Fin Caesair, daughter the king the Gauls, Labradh Loing land; and Feilimidh Reachtmar, or Felim theLegislator, monarch seach, Lavra the Ships, called by O'Flaherty Lauradius Na of Ireland, son of king Tuathal, was married to Ughna or Una, valis, grandson king Hugony, having been exiled from Ireland, daughter of the king of Denmark, by whom he had a son, Conn
Cead Cathach, or Con of the Hundred Battles, a celebrated monarch
of Ireland in the second century. Cormac Cas, king of Munster
in the third century, was married to Oriund, daughter of the king
of Denmark, by whom he had a son named Mogha Corb, who
became king of Munster, and was a famous warrior; he invaded
Denmark with a powerful force to support his maternal uncles in a
contest for the crown of that country, and after gaining some
great victories, he succeeded in placing his uncles, Osna and Airid,
on the throne of Denmark; these were probably Frotho and Har Gauls, who, about that time, invaded Greece and Asia Minor old, who were kings of Denmark about that time. Saxo Gram with powerful forces. During the Punic wars the Irish are sup
maticus, and other Danish historians of the twelfth century, state
that some of the Danish kings invaded Ireland at a very remote
period, and these accounts are likewise given by various writers
quoted at pp. 55 to 60 in Hanmer's Chronicle, and also mentioned
by Johannes Meursius, in his History of Denmark, in which works
it is stated, that in the reign of Augustus Caesar, a short time
before the Christian era, Fridelf, or Fridelinus, king of Denmark, and Britons their wars with the Romans.
At Crim came to Ireland with his forces, and took Dublin ; but the Danes
were soon after attacked and defeated by the king of Leinster, and forced to fly from Ireland. Frotho III. king of Denmark, son of Fridelin, next invaded Ireland, according to Saxo, fought battles
with two Irish kings, whom he calls Cepo, and Chervill, and com pelled them to give him tribute; Conaire Crimthan, and Cairbre
Ceann-Cait, were the monarchs of Ireland in the first century, about this period, and one of them may have been the king mentioned by Saxo under the name of Cepo, and several of the petty kings were named Cearbhail, or Carroll. Some of the Irish annalists mention that Concovar Mac Nesa, the celebrated king of Ulster in the beginning of the first century, defeated the Danes who came to Ulster under the command of Daval, son of the king of Lochlann, in a battle at Enagh Macha, a district sup posed to have been situated in the territory of Armagh or Tyrone. Various kings of Denmark, as Fridelf I. and II. , and Frotho II. , and III. , are stated the Danish historians have invaded Britain and Ireland the first century, and likewise Frotho IV. ,
the History Denmark by Meursius, which the following passage, speaking the conquests king Frotho various coun tries: “Eodem modo Hiberniam recepit, quaejam denuo desci verat Ugleto rege caeso, Dufflino urbe capta, pro tributo dene gato, maximum thesaurum inde reportavit. ”—“In like manner
won Ireland, which second time ravaged and having slain
king Huglet, and taken the city Dublin for refusing tribute,
took from thence immense treasure. ” Saxo states that Frotho the foreign expeditions the Irish princes about this period, may sent with his forces two famous champions named Haco and Star mentioned that Eogan More, Mogha Nuadhat, famous cater, who were men immense strength and gigantic stature, king Munster the second century, who went Spain and
third and fourth centuries, fought the great battles Gaura
and Knoc Ingin, Meath, which have been described pp. 267, 436, these notes.
From the accounts the ancient annalists and historians, appears that the Irish kings the early ages made many military expeditions into foreign countries. Ugaine Mor, Hugony the Great, called O'Flaherty Hugonius Magnus, who was monarch
Ireland about three centuries before the Christian era, and co temporary with Alexander the Great, stated have sailed with fleet into the Mediterranean, landed his forces Africa, and
attained high military command the armies Gaul, and brought Ireland body Gaulish troops, consisting 2,200 men, with whom he recovered the kingdom and became monarch
located this Gaulish colony Leinster, about the place after. wards called Wexford, stated pp. 217, 219, these notes. Aengus, grandson Lavra, became monarch Ireland about 280 years before the Christian era; and according the Book Reigns, quoted O'Halloran, said have led his forces into Greece, and was considered that was alliance with the
posed have sent auxiliary troops their Celtic brethren, the Gauls, who, alliance with the Carthaginians under Hannibal,
fought against the Roman armies Spain and Italy. Conaire More, Conary the Great, and Crimthann the Heroic, both monarchs of Ireland about the commencement of the Christian era, made expeditions Britain and Gaul, and assisted the Picts
thann mentioned the Annals the Four Masters having
been slain his fortress,
Binn Eadair, now the Hill
those expeditions, which
amongst other things splendid war chariot, gilded and highly ornamented, and golden-hilted swords, and shields, embossed with silver, table studded with three hundred brilliant gems, pair greyhounds coupled with splendid silver chain, estimated
worth one hundred Cumal, three hundred cows, together with great quantity other precious articles. Tacitus, his
Life Agricola, states, that one the Irish princes who had been expelled from his own country waited Agricola, who was then the Roman general Britain, and stated that the country could
subdued one the Roman legions, with few auxiliaries. This Irish prince was probably Tuathal Teachtmar, who was about that time Albany, Caledonia, having beenexiled from Ireland
called Dun-Crimthainn, which was Howth, after his return from one
brought Ireland various spoils,
the death his father, Fiacha Finnoladh, monarch
who had been slain during the revolt the Firbolg tribes
nanght. Tuathal afterwards became monarch Ireland,
first year his reign placed the Four Masters; and Agricola, with the Roman legions, carried the war against the Caledonians about 75, 80, the period coincides chronolo gically with the time Tuathal was exile North Britain, and might naturally expected apply the Romans for aid recover his sovereignty heir the Irish nonarchy. Amongst
Ireland, Con and the
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466 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1566.
Donal, son of Fingin, son of Donal, died; a man O'Madden, Malachy Modardha, the son who had no regard for the affairs of this world, Malachy, son Breasal, died; was learned and took no thought for wealth substance. Latin and Irish, and the most inoffensive the
married Beara, Spanish princess, who was daughter Heber, Saxons; Thule grew warm with the blood the Picts, and icy
king North Spain, the country afterwards called Castile; Eogan returned Ireland with powerful force Spanish auxi liaries, and fought the great battle Moylena, where was slain,
Ireland wept over the heaps her Scots slain. ”
Foreign invasions from the fourth the eighth century. —An
account has been already given from 436 440, various invasions the Picts, Britons, Anglo-Saxons, and Franks, particularly Ulster, and many great battles fought between those invaders and the natives from the fourth the eighth century. According the Welsh Chronicles, quoted by Hanmer
these notes. The celebrated Red-Branch the first century, and the famous Fenian the second and third centuries, are men tioned have made expeditions Britain, and allies the Picts, Caledonians, and Britons, fought against the Roman legions with great bravery and Cormac, the celebrated monarch Ire land the third century, made descents into Gaul and Britain, and
assisted the natives against the Roman power.
descendant the kings Munster, the race
Ireland the third century, also mentioned
loran, and others, having invaded Gaul and Britain, broken through the Roman Wall, and the head the Irish, Picts, and Britons, fought against the Roman armies. The celebrated Carausius, Menapian, who the third century became Roman emperor Britain, considered by Ussher, Ware, Camden, and other anti quaries, have been Irish chieftain, native Menapia, which was the ancient name Wexford, explained 218 and called by the Roman writers citizen Menapia. He was man extraordinary military abilities and bravery, trained from his youth naval expeditions, and having entered the Ro man army Britain the reign the emperors Diocletian and Maximian, was appointed commander-in-chief their fleets the northern seas, bring under subjection the Franks, Saxons, and Scandinavians, who attacked the Roman settlements Gaul and Britain. Carausius having conquered these pirates, at
described 245 knights Ulster, warriors Leinster,
tained such power and popularity that 288
the Purple, and declared himself Roman emperor
having defeated the forces the emperor Maximian
val engagements, Maximian was forced acknowledge him
his associate the empire; but after reign about seven years, Carausius was slain by Alectus, who became chief commander Britain. There are still extant some coins Carausius empe ror, and from the specimens them given Speed's Annals, the head Carausius shows strongly marked Irish features. The re nowned monarch Niall the Nine Hostages made many military expeditions into Gaul and Britain, the latter end the fourth century, and had many conflicts with the Roman armies; was slain, before stated, Gaul, the banks the Loire, and his nephew, the heroic Dathi, the last Pagan monarch Ireland,
many other curious particulars this subject are mentioned by Hanmer.
Danish Invasions the eighth and ninth centuries. —The Northmen who invaded Ireland were, according the opinions Ussher, Ware, and others, mixture Danes, Norwegians, and Swedes, with Finlanders, Frisians, Livonians, Esthonians, Cour landians and Saxons, from the countries about the Baltic, and from parts Russia, Prussia, Germany, and Holland. The first invasions of the Northmen occurred the latter end of the eighth century, when they also invaded the Orkneys, He brides, and other parts Scotland, and plundered the celebrated monastery St. Columkille Iona, and massacred the monks.
794, according the Annals Ulster, the churches Rachrain, now the Island Raghlinn, off the coast Antrim, were burned, and horribly devastated, and reduced desolation by the Gentiles; and 797 they destroyed the monastery Holm Patrick, St. Patrick's Island, near Skerries, off the coast
Dublin; they also took preys cattle from the country, and the sacred shrine St. Dochonna was broken them, and they carried off great spoils along the sea coasts Ireland and Albany. The Danes and Norwegians, these notices, are called Geinte,
Roman legions; having carried his victorious arms through Gaul,
tioned 793, the Four Masters. appears that the Norwegians were the chief pirates who committed these depreda tions, but they were also accompanied by some Danes. A. D. 801, according the Annals Ulster, Iona the Hebrides was burned the Gentiles Northmen, which mentioned by the Four Masters the year 797. Various other accounts the in vasions the Northmen, the beginning the ninth century, are given Keating, O'Halloran, Ware, the Four Masters, the Annals
Ulster and Innisfallen, from which works the following no tices are taken 807 the Northmen invaded West Mun ster, but were defeated near Lough Lene, Kerry, Art, son Cathal, king Munster; and about the same time they also landed Connaught, and laid waste Inis Murray and Roscom mon. these incursions they laid waste the country, and des troyed the abbeys and churches. 813 they again invaded Munster, but were defeated with great slaughter, and pursued their ships Feiim, son Crimthan, king Munster. A. D. 811 the Northmen Gentiles, according the Annals Ulster, were slaughtered several parts Ireland, and 812, according
Ware, the Damesinvaded Ireland with great fleet. A. D. 815, according some accounts, Thorgis Turgesius, called king Norway, first invaded Ireland with powerful forces, and ravaged many parts the country; and 819 the Gaill Foreign
Picts and the Scots Ireland, the latter end century, says,
“Totam cum Scotus Iernem,
Movit infesto spumavit remige Tethys. ”
the fourth
“Maduerunt Saxone fuso Orcades, Incaluit Pictorum sanguine Thule, Scotorum cumulos flewit glacialis Ierne. ”
“The Orkney islands were moistened with the gore
slaughtered
the foot the Alps. An account the notes the Irish colonies called
was killed by lightning
has been given 415,
Dalriedians, who settled
the sixth century, and having conquered the Picts and Caledo nians, became kings Scotland. Various passages from the Roman poets refer the invasions Britain the Irish Scots, and their contests with the Roman legions. Claudian, speaking
the battles the Roman general Stilico with the Britons and
Albany Scotland from the third
“When the Scot moved all Ireland against us, and the ocean foamed with his hostile oars. ” Claudian also, when celebrating the victories the Roman general Theodosius against the Picts, Britons, and Irish, the fourth century, has the following pas sage
Crimthan III. , Heber, monarch
pp. 99, 101, the renowned Arthur, king Britain, and Uther Pendragon, with fifteen thousand warriors, invaded Ireland the beginning the sixth century, and fought various battles with the king Leinster, named Giolla More; this was Colman More,
Keating, O'Hal
king Leinster, who, according
vince for 30 years the beginning
More, his turn, invaded Britain,
men, and fought several battles with the forces king Arthur and Uther Pendragon. the latter end the sixth century, about
assumed Britain, and several na
the beginning the fifth century led his forces into Britain, broke
through the wall Severus, and fought many battles with the that Gentiles Pagans, and the same attacks are also men
586, according Hanmer's Chronicle (p. 134), wherein quotes Dowling's Annals Ireland, Grace's Annals Kil
Keating, governed that pro the sixth century. Giolla said, with fifteen thousand
kenny, and other works, Gurmund Norway, the head fleet
Gurmundus, son the king
pirates, Danes, Norwegians, Britain and Ireland, and having
Saxons, &c. , ravaged the coasts
overrun Leinster, he made his son, Burchard, duke of Leinster;
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REIGN OF ELIZABETH. 467
chiefs of Ireland in his time, the defender of his poor, of the weak and destitute; and he was suc land and territory against the invasion of neigh ceeded by Donal, the son of John O'Madden.
bours, the pillar of protection of women, of the
ers, according to the Four Masters, laid waste Edair, now Howth,
Pierce Butler, the son of Edmond, lord of the
Brefney. All the churches, monasteries, and colleges Ireland
and carried off captives many women, and they also devastated
were repeatedly ravaged during many years by these Foreigners Beg Erin in Wexford. In A. D. 823, the famous monastery of under Turgesius. 840 the Northmen also erected
Bangor was destroyed by the Northmen, who scattered the relics of St. Congal, carried off his shrine, and massacred 900 monks; but Muredach, king of Ulster, attacked and defeated them in a great battle, in which 1200 were slain, and the remnant of them fled to their ships. In A. D. 827 the Northmen landed at Newry, but were defeated in a fierce battle by Lethlobar, son of Loingseach, prince of Dalaradia, now the county of Down, and part of Antrim ; and the Annals of Ulster record a remarkable circumstance in the
same year, namely, the slaughter of an immense number of large swine by these Foreigners at Ard-Cianachta, which formed part of the present county of Derry.
The Battle of Tailtean. —About A. D. 826, the tribe called Gailonaghs, who were probably of Firbolg origin, and very nume
rous in Leinster and Meath, leagued with the Danes; but Conco var, or Conor, then monarch of Ireland, and Murtogh, son of
Eogan, king of Ulster, collected their forces, and defeated the Gailonaghs and their allies, in a great battle fought on the plains of Tailtean in Meath.
strong fortress Linduachaill, now Magheralin, near Moira,
the county Down. 844 Turgesius plundered Armagh,
and expelled the primate Forannan, and all the ecclesiastics and students, then amounting several thousands, and the primate
was afterwards taken prisoner, and carried offin their ships Limerick, together with all his relics and attendants.
Battle Casan Line. —About 844 the Northmen were defeated by the Ultonians, under king Niall Caille, and 700 them slain Casan Line, near Lough Neagh, and the river La gan, the borders Down and Antrim.
Battle of Carn Brammit. —In 845, according the
Battle of Dromconia. -About A. D. 830 the Lagenians, under
Lorean their king, defeated the Northmen in a great battle at
Drom Conla, in Leinster. A. D. 831 the Northmen landed with bishop Emly, and Lorcan king Leinster, which 1200 the
great forces at Waterford, and laid waste many parts of Munster, Cork, Limerick, &c. , and also the city of Lismore, and its famous college, abbey, and churches. In the Four Masters, at A. D. 829, the first devastation of Armagh by the Northmen is mentioned to
have taken place.
Battle of Derry. —According to the Four Masters, at A. D. 832,
Foreigners were slain, together with Tomar Tomrar, tanist earl the king Lochlann.
Battle of Dun Maeltuile. —In the same year the Eugenians Cashel defeated the Foreigners Dun Mael tuile, and slew 500 them and Olchobar, king Cashel, attacked the fortress Cork, then possession the Foreigners; and about this time the forces the Northmen were defeated with great slaughter Hy Figinte, the borders Limerick and Kerry. has been stated that king Olchobar himself was slain one these battles
Munster, but that mistake, did not die till 850, according Ware and Lanigan the Bishops Euly.
Niall Caille, monarch of Ireland, and Murtogh, gained a great vic tory over the Foreigners at Derry, and great numbersof them were
slain; and in this and the following year, these invaders laid waste Ferns, Glendalough, Slane, and many other churches, and also
Mungret, and many of the churches of Munster.
In A. D. 836 Turgesius, after having gone to Norway and Den
mark, returned to Ireland with powerful forces, and a fleet of 120
ships, 60 of which entered the Boyne, landed their troops near
Drogheda, and laid waste many parts of Meath; the other 60
ships sailed up the Liffey, and landed their forces at Dublin.
With these combined Danes and Norwegians, Turgesius traversed
many parts of Ireland, ravaged and laid waste the country, plun
dered and burned the churches and monasteries, and had various
conflicts with the Irish forces. In this year is recorded a terrific
battle with the Northmen at Invear-na-m Barc, or the Harbour nals Ulster. Turgesius succeeded establishing his power
great extent Ireland for period about thirty years, and exercised over the natives tremendous. tyranny. He had fleets stationed the great lakes throughout Ireland, Loughs Neagh, Strangford, Foyle, Swilly, and Erne, Ulster, Lough Corrib, Connaught, Lough Ree, the Shannon, Meath, and Lough Dearg Thomond and his forces, proceeding from their ships,
ravaged all parts the adjacent territories. He said have erected throughout Ireland vast number those circular earthen ramparts raths, commonly called forts and Danes' raths, where
he kept his troops encamped, and from which they issued out plunder the towns, churches, and country. stated Keating and others that had chiefs stationed all parts the kingdom, and his soldiers quartered the inhabitants, over whom they ex
ercised the greatest insolence and oppression, plundered and con sumed all their property, cattle, corn, provisions, &c. , and
of the ships, against the Hy Niall of Meath, from the Shannon to the sea, in which the Foreigners were victorious.
Battle of Glasgleann. —Malachy, king of Meath, and the La genians, in A. D. 836, defeated the Northmen in a great battle at Glasgleann, in which 1700 of them were slain; and according to the Four Masters the Foreigners were slaughtered in the same year at Easroe, now Ballyshamnon ; and, according to Keating, they were also defeated in a great battle at Moy Ith, near Raphoe, in Donegal. About the same time the Northmen were defeated with great slaughter by the people of Cianachta, and Saxolb their general was slain. In A. D. 837, the Conacians were defeated in a great battle by the Northmen. In A. D. 839 Armagh and its churches, &c. , were burned by the Danes. -
The Northmen in Dublin. —According to the Four Masters the Northmen first took possession of Dublin in A. D. 836; Tur gesius was then their commander; and in A. D. 840 he and his Norwegians erected a strong fortress at Dublin, on the hill where Dublin Castle now stands; they sent out their forces from thence, and plundered various parts of Ireland, and burned many churches and monasteries, as those of Clonmacnoise, Clonard, Ard-braccan, Duleek, Clonfert, Kildare, Glendalough, Ferns, Lismore, Emly,
&c. , and also the churches of Ulster, as Armagh, Downpatrick, Louth, Clones, Devenish, and the churches Lough Erne and
family Ireland yearly tri not punctually paid, had the punishment, and hence this tax
Four Masters, Carroll, son Dunghall, prince the Foreigners Dublin great battle
Ossory, defeated Carn Brammit,
which 1200 them were slain; and Malachy defeated them great battle, were slain.
846 the monarch which 700 them
Battle of Sciathneachtain. —A. D. 846, the Danes and Nor wegians were defeated great battle Sciathneachtan Desies, on the borders Tipperary and Waterford, by the men Munster, and the Lagenians, commanded by Olchobar, king Cashel and
D. 846, the Northmen were defeated Tigernach, prince Loch Gabhair Meath, great battle Daire Disirt Dachon
na, which 240 them were slain, or, according the Annals Ulster, 1200.
Death Turgesius. -This celebrated Norwegian king, who was
called by the Irish writers Tuirghes, was, according the Four Masters, taken prisoner 843, and drowned Loch Uair, through
the miracles God, Kiaran, and other saints. This event re ferred, by Ussher and others, D. 848, and 844 the An
imposed every house head
bute one ounce gold, which
defaulter's nose slit cut off
was termed by the Irish Airgiod Srona, that is, Nose Money. They destroyed the towns, colleges, and monasteries, massacred many thousands the monks and clergy, and introduced their own Pagan priests and idols; they banished killed the Bards and Brehons, burned their books, and destroyed the various works
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468 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1566.
district of Clonmel, died; he was a man who possess or procure one penny of the property of
obtained the title and inheritance of his estate without contention or battle, a person who did not
the church by right of Pope or Prince; and he was succeeded by his son Theobald.
of art. It seems surprising that Turgesius could for so long a pe
riod have established his power, and maintained his authority in
the heart of the kingdom, but it appears from the many fierce bat
tles fought, and the vast numbers slain on both sides, that during
the time of Turgesius he had powerful forces of Danes and Norwe
gians under his command, probably not less than one hundred thou
sand fighting men; besides, it is to be observed that the Irish
kings and chiefs never made any combined effort, or entered into a
confederacy to expel those foreigners, being continually engaged in
civil war and discord amongst themselves, and many of them also
entered into alliance with the foreign enemies; whereas, if they
had acted in concert, they could have easily annihilated the power
of the Northmen, for the Irish were equal in bravery, and far su
perior in forces to those foreigners, though it must be admitted
that the Danish and Norwegian warriors were not easily vanquished,
for they had from the northern nations, from time to time, very
great and well-disciplined forces; besides, it is to be remarked,
that these valiant and warlike Northmen, in the tenth and eleventh
centuries, subdued the powerful Anglo-Saxon kings of the Hep
tarchy, and became masters of England. Turgesius sometimes
resided in his fortress at Dublin, and, according to some accounts,
also at Tara, but he had his chief fortress and residence, called
Dun Turgheis, or the Fort of Turgesius, situated on a high
hill near Lough Lene and Castlepollard, in Westmeath, within
about two miles of the Ben, or Great Hill of Fore; the hill on
which was erected the fortress of Turgesius, forms on one side a
high precipitous rock, so that his stronghold was almost inaccessi
ble and impregnable; some of the earthen ramparts still remain,
and to this day the story of Turgesius is told in the traditions of
the people. The kings of Meath at that time had their chief resi
dence also in Westmeath, at Dun-na-Sciath, or the Fortress of the
Shields, on the banks of Lough Ainnin, now Lough Ennell, near English made Olave, and latinised Olaus and Aulavus by the Mullingar; and at this time Malachy was king of Meath, a prince
of the Southern Hy Niall, who in A. D. 846, according to Ogygia,
became monarch of Ireland. Turgesius, it is said, in the insolence
of his power, made to king Malachy the dishonorable proposal of
demanding his daughter Melcha as a concubine; the king, indig
nant at the demand, resolved to rid his country of the tyrant, but
pretending to agree to the proposal, he by a well-concerted strata
gem got introduced to Turgesius fifteen valiant and well-armed
youths, disguised as females, who made Turgesius prisoner, and Fochla, the northern part Meath, and vast number them
opened the gates of his fortress to the forces of Malachy, who massacred all the Danish guards, carried off Turgesius himself bound in chains, and drowned him, according to the Four Masters,
were slaughtered.
856, according the Annals
and the Annals of Ulster, in a lake called Loch Uair, now sup
posed to be Lough Hoyle, in Westmeath, or, according to others,
he was drowned in Lough Ainnin, now Lough Ennell, near Mullin Ossory, and Ivar,
gar; on the death of Turgesius the Irish made a general and simul
taneous rising throughout Ireland, and massacred vast numbers of the Northmen.