Bridei I facts for kids
Bridei son of Maelchon was a powerful king of the Picts, a group of people who lived in what is now Scotland long ago. He ruled from about 554 to 584. Historians believe his main home was near Loch Ness. He might have been a Christian, but the old records are not very clear.
Bridei died around 586. Some think he died in a battle. After him, Gartnait son of Domelch became king.
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Who Was King Bridei?
Bridei son of Maelchon was a king of the Picts until his death around 584–586. His name is also written as Brude son of Melcho or Bruide son of Maelchú in old Irish writings.
The first time Bridei is mentioned is in old Irish records called the Irish annals. Around 558 to 560, the Annals of Ulster talk about "the migration before Máelchú's son, king Bruide." This means people moved away because of King Bridei. Another record, the Annals of Tigernach, says "the flight of the Scots before Bruide son of Máelchú" in 558. This shows he was a strong leader.
Was Bridei the Son of a Famous King?
One historian, John Morris, suggested that Bridei was the son of Maelgwn Gwynedd. Maelgwn Gwynedd was a very strong king from North Wales. However, many historians do not agree with this idea. They say Morris's book is not a reliable source for history.
Bridei died in the 580s. He might have died fighting other Pictish groups in an area called Circinn. This area is thought to be where Mearns is today. After Bridei, the old lists of kings, called the Pictish Chronicle, say that Gartnait son of Domelch became the next king.
King Bridei and Saint Columba
Bridei is mentioned in a famous book called Life of Saint Columba, written by Adomnán. This book says Bridei was one of the most important kings in Scotland at that time.
Adomnán's book does not clearly say if Bridei was already a Christian. It also doesn't say if Saint Columba converted him to Christianity. However, some discoveries at Portmahomack give us clues. Archaeologists found signs of a Christian community there from around 550. This suggests that Bridei might have already been a Christian, or that Saint Columba did convert him.
Other Kings at the Time
Bridei was not the only person called "king of the Picts" during his lifetime. For example, Galam, who was also called "king of the Picts," died in 580. This was four years before Bridei's own death.
Adomnán's book also mentions that the "under-king of Orkney" visited Bridei's court. This means Bridei was powerful enough to have other smaller kings visit him. The Annals of Ulster also record two trips to Orkney during Bridei's rule, in 580 and 581. This shows his influence reached far.
Where Did King Bridei Live?
The exact location of King Bridei's main home is not fully known. Adomnán's book says that after leaving the royal court, Saint Columba went to the River Ness. It also says the court was on top of a steep rock.
Because of this, some people think Bridei's main home was at Craig Phadrig. This place is west of the modern city of Inverness and looks over the Beauly Firth. However, digging at Craig Phadrig showed that its walls were not in good condition during Bridei's time. So, it might not have been a strong royal fortress then. Bridei's kingdom might have been in the area later known as Fortriu.
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