Bárid mac Ímair facts for kids

Bárid mac Ímar was an important Viking leader in the 800s. He was known as the King of Dublin, a powerful Viking settlement in Ireland. Bárid was the son of Ímar, another famous Viking ruler. He belonged to a strong Viking family called the Uí Ímair. This family played a big role in the history of Ireland and the surrounding islands. Bárid ruled Dublin from 873 until his death in 881.

Bárid's Early Adventures

Bárid first appears in old Irish records around the year 867. These records, called the Fragmentary Annals of Ireland, tell us about his life.

A Viking Leader in Connacht

In 867, Bárid was a "Jarl," which is a Viking title like an Earl or a chief. He was in a place called Lochlann, which was a Viking area. Along with another Jarl named Háimar, Bárid was surprised by warriors from Connacht, a region in Ireland. This shows that even powerful Vikings faced challenges.

Raids and Alliances

Bárid is mentioned again in 872. He led raids on areas like Moylurg and the islands of Lough Ree in Ireland. These raids were a common way for Viking leaders to gain wealth and power. The records also say that Bárid helped raise a son of Áed Findliath. Áed was a very important Irish king. This "fosterage" was a way for Viking and Irish leaders to build strong ties. It helped them work together or at least avoid constant fighting. Bárid might have wanted to connect with the Irish ruling families.

Becoming King of Dublin

Bárid became King of Dublin after his father, Ímar, died in 873. This was a big moment for him.

A Show of Strength

In 873, the Annals of Inisfallen describe a major event. Bárid led a large fleet of ships from Dublin. They sailed west and raided Ciarraige Luachra, even exploring caves there. This raid was likely a way for Bárid to show his power. It proved he was a strong leader, ready to take over after his father. Some records suggest Bárid might have ruled Dublin with his cousin, Oistin, for a short time.

Facing Challenges and Battles

Bárid's rule wasn't always peaceful. He faced challenges from other Viking leaders.

Conflict with Halfdan Ragnarsson

In 875, Bárid's cousin Oistin was killed by a Viking named "Albann." Many historians believe Albann was Halfdan Ragnarsson. Halfdan was a famous Viking leader, possibly a brother of Bárid's father, Ímar. Halfdan might have wanted to take control of Dublin for himself. However, he didn't succeed at first.

Halfdan tried again in 877. He fought against an army of "fair foreigners" at the Battle of Strangford Lough. Bárid led these "fair foreigners." Bárid was wounded in this battle and was said to be lame, or limping, afterward. Halfdan was killed in this battle, which was a big victory for Bárid.

Bárid's Death

Bárid's story ends in 881. Old records like the Annals of Ulster say he was killed and burned in Dublin. This happened shortly after he raided a place called Duleek. The records say his death was a miracle linked to Saint Cianán.

Bárid's Family

Bárid came from a very important Viking family. His father was Ímar, who was King of Dublin until 873. Some people think Ímar was the famous Ivar the Boneless. Bárid had two known brothers: Sichfrith, who died in 888, and Sitriuc, who died in 896.

Bárid had a son named Uathmarán. Uathmarán had an Irish name, which might show that Bárid wanted his family to fit in with the Irish people. Bárid might also have been the father of Eloir mac Báirid, who died in 891. It's sometimes hard to be sure about family trees from so long ago, as records can be unclear.