Caittil Find facts for kids

Caittil Find was a leader of a group known as the Norse-Gaels. These were people who had both Norse (Viking) and Gaelic (Irish or Scottish) backgrounds. He is remembered for being defeated in a battle in 857 CE.

Some historians believe that Caittil Find might be the same person as Ketill Flatnose. Ketill Flatnose was a famous Norse sea-king, which means he was a powerful Viking leader who often sailed and fought at sea. He was known to have strong connections to the Hebrides islands in Scotland and to Olaf the White. However, not all historians agree that Caittil Find and Ketill Flatnose were the same person.

The Battle of 857 CE

Ancient Irish records, known as the Annals of Ulster, tell us about Caittil Find's defeat. In 857 CE, he was defeated in a battle in the lands of Munster, which is a region in Ireland.

Caittil Find and his Norse-Gaels were defeated by two other powerful leaders: Ímar and Amlaíb. Amlaíb is also known as Olaf the White.

What's in a Name?

The name "Caittil" might be a Gaelic version of the Old Norse name "Ketill." "Ketill" was a common name during this time. It's not completely clear if the Gaelic "Caittil" definitely comes from the Norse "Ketill."

Caittil Find's second name, "Find," means "white" or "fair." This is different from "Flatnose," which was Ketill's byname. This difference in names is one reason why some historians doubt they are the same person.

Different Views

The old stories from Iceland that talk about Ketill Flatnose don't mention him being active in Ireland. This makes it harder to believe he was Caittil Find. Also, Ketill Flatnose was the father-in-law of Olaf the White. But Caittil Find is recorded as battling Amlaíb (Olaf the White), which seems unusual if they were related by marriage.

Some historians have suggested that Caittil Find might have been active in Wales before he came to Ireland.