Eógan mac Muiredaig facts for kids

Eógan mac Muiredaig was a king who lived in the 700s. Some old Scottish writings say he ruled the kingdom of Dál Riata around the 730s.

Who Was Eógan mac Muiredaig?

Eógan was likely the son of another king named Muiredach mac Ainbcellaig. This means Eógan belonged to a powerful family group called the Cenél Loairn. They were one of the main families that ruled Dál Riata.

Dál Riata: An Ancient Kingdom

Dál Riata was an old kingdom that covered parts of what is now western Scotland and northern Ireland. It was an important place in early medieval times. Kings like Eógan ruled different parts of this kingdom.

Eógan's Time as King

Not all old records mention Eógan. Some important Irish history books, called "annals," don't list him. Also, an old poem about Scottish kings, the Duan Albanach, skips from his father Muiredach straight to a later king, Áed Find.

However, other old writings do mention Eógan. The Chronicle of the Kings of Dál Riata says he became king after his father. He is also listed in the king-list found in the Chronicle of Melrose. These sources help us know he was likely a real ruler.

A Kingdom Under Threat

Eógan's time as king was difficult for Dál Riata. The kingdom was being attacked by the Picts. The Picts were another powerful group of people who lived in what is now Scotland. Their strong leader was a king named Óengus mac Fergusa.

Óengus mac Fergusa led his Pictish armies to invade and conquer Dál Riata. This was a major event that changed the history of the region.

What Happened After Eógan?

After Eógan's rule, the records become unclear. We don't know who became king right after him. The next king mentioned in history is Áed Find. He was from a different family group, the Cenél nGabráin. Áed Find appeared in the records about 30 years after Eógan's time. This suggests a big change happened in Dál Riata during this period.