Blácaire mac Gofraid facts for kids

Blácaire mac Gofraid (also known as Blákári Guðrøðsson) was a powerful Viking leader. He ruled the Viking kingdom of Dublin in the 10th century. He became king in 939 after his brother, Amlaíb mac Gofraid, left Dublin to rule in Northumbria (part of England).

In his early years as king, Blácaire led attacks on important Christian places like Clonmacnoise and Armagh. But Irish groups from Leinster attacked Dublin many times in 943 and 944. These attacks led to Dublin being taken over and looted. A year later, in 945, Blácaire lost his position as King of Dublin. His cousin, Amlaíb Cuarán, took his place. Amlaíb had also ruled in Northumbria but was forced out in 944.

Amlaíb then teamed up with Congalach Cnogba, a powerful Irish king from Brega. They fought together against another Irish group, the Northern Uí Néill, in 947. They lost this battle, and many Dubliners were killed. That same year, Blácaire managed to become king of Dublin again. He ended the alliance with Congalach. In 948, Vikings raided Congalach's lands. This led to a big battle where Blácaire was killed. After Blácaire's death, Amlaíb went back to England. His brother, Gofraid mac Sitriuc, became the new king in Dublin.

Who Was Blácaire mac Gofraid?

Blácaire mac Gofraid was a key figure among the Norse-Gaels. These were people of mixed Viking and Irish heritage. He was part of the Uí Ímair dynasty, a very important Viking family. This family ruled many areas in Ireland and Britain.

Blácaire's First Time as King

Blácaire first appears in history around 940. He came to Dublin to take control after his brother Amlaíb left. Some historians think that Amlaíb's departure made Irish kings in Leinster feel strong enough to challenge Dublin's power.

In 942, Blácaire led a raid on Clonmacnoise. This was a very important Christian site in Meath. The next year, 943, he attacked Armagh. He defeated an army of the Northern Uí Néill and killed their king, Muirchertach mac Néill, near Ardee.

That same year, Lorcán mac Fáelán, the king of Leinster, attacked the Vikings in Dublin. Lorcán won the battle but was killed during the fight. In 944, Lorcán's successor, Bran Fionn mac Máelmórda, joined forces with Congalach Cnogba. They launched another attack on Dublin. The Vikings of Dublin were defeated, and the city was sacked. This means it was looted and damaged.

Losing and Regaining Power

After Dublin was sacked, Blácaire was removed from power in 945. His cousin, Amlaíb Cuarán, became the new ruler. Blácaire might have been replaced because he couldn't protect the city. Amlaíb had been king in Northumbria but was driven out by King Edmund I of England in 944.

Amlaíb teamed up with Congalach. From 945, they fought against Ruaidrí ua Canannáin. In 947, they fought a battle where Ruaidrí won. Many Vikings from Dublin were killed. After this defeat, Blácaire was able to take back control of Dublin. Amlaíb lost his power.

Blácaire's Final Battle

In 948, Vikings launched raids into Congalach's lands. This led to a battle between the Dubliners and Congalach's forces. Blácaire was killed in this fight. Many Dubliners were also killed or captured.

After Blácaire's death, Amlaíb Cuarán returned to power. He quickly went back to England to try and reclaim the kingship of Northumbria. Meanwhile, Blácaire's brother, Gofraid mac Sitriuc, became the new king in Dublin.

Blácaire's Family

Blácaire's father was Gofraid ua Ímair. Gofraid was king of Dublin from 921 to 934. He also briefly ruled Northumbria in 927. Gofraid was known as "ua Ímair," which means "grandson of Ímar."

Ímar, possibly the famous Ivar the Boneless, founded the Uí Ímair family. He was one of the first kings of Dublin in the mid-800s. Blácaire had several brothers. One was Amlaíb, who was king of both Dublin and Northumbria. Another brother was Ragnall mac Gofraid, who ruled Northumbria in 943 and 944.

Family Tree