Érimón Facts for Kids

"Heremon" redirects here. For the genus of insect, see Heremon (planthopper).

The Red Lion of Heremon.

Érimón (also known as Heremon) was a legendary High King of Ireland. He was the son of Míl Espáine, a famous leader. According to old Irish stories, Érimón was one of the chieftains who led the Milesians to invade Ireland. They took over the island from the Tuatha Dé Danann, who were magical people. Érimón then became one of the first Milesian High Kings of Ireland.

Background Story
Becoming High King
Family Life
The Red Lion of Heremon
See also

Background Story

Before coming to Ireland, Érimón and his older brother, Éber Donn, ruled Spain together. Their great-uncle, Íth, visited Ireland peacefully. He had seen the island from a tall tower built by his father, Breoghan. But Íth was killed by the three kings of the Tuatha Dé Danann.

To get revenge, the Milesians launched a big invasion. Érimón and Éber Donn led this attack. They won a major battle against the Tuatha Dé Danann at Tailtiu. Sadly, Éber Donn was killed during this time. After this, the High Kingship was split. Érimón ruled the northern part of Ireland, and his younger brother, Éber Finn, ruled the south.

Becoming High King

Just one year after the big battle, Éber Finn wasn't happy with his share of the land. He fought his brother Érimón at a place called Airgetros. Éber Finn lost the battle and was killed.

After this, Érimón became the only ruler of Ireland. He built his main capital at Ráth Oinn. This place is now known as Rathdown Castle on the east coast, near modern Greystones. Érimón then chose kings to rule the four main parts of Ireland:

He gave Leinster to Crimthann Sciathbél.
Munster was given to the four sons of Éber Finn.
Connacht went to Ún and Étan.
And Ulster was given to Eber mac Ír.

During his rule, a group of people called the Cruithne also settled in Ireland. Érimón ruled for about 14 to 17 more years. He died at Airgetros. His sons, Muimne, Luigne, and Laigne, then ruled Ireland together.

Historians like Geoffrey Keating believe Érimón ruled around 1287 to 1272 BC. The Annals of the Four Masters suggest his reign was from 1700 to 1684 BC.

Family Life

Érimón had two wives. His first wife, Odba, was the mother of his sons Muimne, Luigne, and Laigne. He left her in Spain when he came to Ireland. His second wife was Tea. She came with him to Ireland and was the mother of his son, Íriel Fáid.

Tea died in Ireland and was buried at a famous place now known as the Hill of Tara. The old Irish name for Tara, Temair, is thought to mean "Tea's Wall" or "Tea's Mound."

Through his son, Íriel Fáid, Érimón became the ancestor of many important Irish families. These families, called Heremonians, were very powerful in parts of Ireland like Connacht, Leinster, and Ulster. Some well-known groups that came from Érimón include the Uí Néill, Dalcassians, and the Laighin.

The Red Lion of Heremon

The Red Lion of Heremon is a special symbol. It appears in Irish heraldry and Scottish heraldry. Heraldry is the study of coats of arms and symbols used by families and groups. The Red Lion is often seen on the coats of arms of many families who say they are descendants of Érimón.