Battle of Epiphany facts for kids

The Battle of Epiphany was an important sea battle that happened a long time ago, in 1156. It was fought between two powerful leaders: Godred Olafsson, who was the King of the Isles, and Somhairle MacGillebride (Somerled), who was the King of Kintyre, Argyll, and Lorne. The battle took place off the coast of Islay, Scotland.

What Led to the Battle?

Before the battle, the King of the Isles was Olafr Godredsson. Sadly, he was killed in 1153 by his nephews. After his death, his son Godred became the new king.

However, Godred ruled very strictly, and some of his important chiefs were not happy with him.

Somerled, who had married Olafr's daughter Raghnailt, was asked by some of these unhappy chiefs to help. They wanted to remove Godred from power and make Somerled's own son, Dubgall mac Somairle, the new king. Somerled agreed to this plan.

He started getting ready for a big fight. He built 80 ships, which were like the Norse longships. These ships were called birlinns and nyvaigs. The nyvaig was special because it was one of the first ships to have a steering rudder at the very back. Somerled knew that controlling the sea was super important, just like the Norse people had done when they took over the Isles.

How the Battle Unfolded

Somerled's son, Dubgall, and one of the chiefs, Thornfinn, sailed around the Isles. They were trying to get people to support Dubgall as the next king.

King Godred soon found out about their plan. He quickly gathered his own fleet of ships and sailed out to attack them.

The two fleets, Godred's and Somerled's, met near Islay. The battle happened during the night of Epiphany, either on January 5–6 or January 12, 1156. It was a very fierce fight that lasted into the next day.

Neither side could win, so it was a stand-off. Because of this, Godred and Somerled decided to stop fighting and talk things over. Historians think the battle probably happened in the narrow Sound of Islay.

What Happened After the Battle?

After their discussions, Godred and Somerled reached an agreement. They decided to divide the Kingdom of the Isles.

Godred gave Somerled control over the southern islands, including Mull, Jura, and Islay. Godred kept the Outer Hebrides, Skye, and the Isle of Man for himself.

A historical record called The Chronicle of Mann and the Sudreys said that because of this battle, "thus was the Kingdom of the Isles ruined." This meant the kingdom was split up and changed forever.