Áed Find facts for kids
Áed Find (pronounced "AYD FIND"), also known as Áed mac Echdach, was an important king in early Scotland. He ruled a kingdom called Dál Riata from around 732 AD until his death in 778 AD. Dál Riata covered parts of modern-day western Scotland and a bit of Ireland. Áed was part of a royal family line known as Cenél nGabráin.
Some old family records say that Áed was the great-grandfather of Kenneth MacAlpin. Kenneth MacAlpin is often seen as the very first king of a united Scotland. This connection would mean Áed's son, Eochaid, and his grandson, Alpín, were also part of this important family line.
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Áed Find: King of Dál Riata
Áed Find was a powerful leader of the Dál Riata kingdom. This ancient kingdom was located in what is now western Scotland and parts of County Antrim in Ireland. Áed was the son of Eochaid mac Echdach. His family line came from a famous king named Domnall Brecc.
A Battle in Fortriu
The Annals of Ulster are old historical records. They mention a battle in 768 AD. This battle took place in a place called Fortriu. It was fought between Áed and another king named Cináed. This Cináed was most likely Ciniod I, the king of the Picts. The Picts were another powerful group in ancient Scotland.
The End of His Reign
Áed Find died in 778 AD. This event is also recorded in the Annals of Ulster. After Áed's death, his brother, Fergus mac Echdach, likely became the next king of Dál Riata.
The Laws of Áed
The "Laws of Áed Eochaid's son" are mentioned in an old document. This document is called the Chronicle of the Kings of Alba. It talks about these laws during the time of Donald MacAlpin. Donald MacAlpin was supposedly Áed's great-grandson. The chronicle says that the Gaels, with their king, created these laws. They made them in a place called Forteviot. We do not know exactly what these laws were about. However, they were important rules for the kingdom.
In Fiction
Áed Find appears as a character in the video game Crusader Kings II. He is playable in the game's "Charlemagne" expansion. In the game, he is shown as an independent duke. His son Eochaid and brother Fergus are also characters in his court. In the game, Áed's kingdom is often quickly taken over by the neighboring Pictland.
