Eóghan of Argyll facts for kids

Eóghan's name as it appears on an old book called Codex Frisianus.

Eóghan MacDubhghaill (also known as Ewan MacDougall or Ewan of Argyll) was an important Scottish leader in the 1200s. He was a nobleman, which means he came from a powerful family. He was also a skilled warrior. Eóghan was called "King of the Isles" and "Lord of Argyll." These titles meant he ruled over many islands and a part of mainland Scotland.

Eóghan was the son of Donnchadh. His family had been powerful for a long time. They were descendants of a famous leader named Somhairle.

Eóghan's Claim to the Isles

In 1248, a king named Haraldr Óláfsson died. He had been the King of the Isles. After his death, the King of Norway, Hákon Hákonarson, chose Eóghan to be the new King of the Isles. This was a very important title.

However, Eóghan did not keep this title for long. Within a year, another relative, Dubhghall mac Ruaidhrí, became the King of the Isles instead.

Challenges with Scotland

Eóghan's new title caused problems with Scotland. In 1249, King Alexander II of Scotland was unhappy. Eóghan had promised loyalty to the King of Norway. King Alexander II wanted Eóghan to stop supporting Norway.

Eóghan refused to change his loyalty. So, King Alexander II led an army against him. Sadly, King Alexander II became sick during this trip and died. Even though the Scottish king died, Eóghan lost control of his lands in Argyll for a while.

Seeking Power in Norway

In 1250, Eóghan tried to become the ruler of the Isle of Man. But the people living there forced him to leave. After this, he traveled all the way to Norway. He hoped that the Norwegian king would officially recognize him as King of the Isles. This attempt was not successful.

By 1255, Eóghan had made a deal with King Henry III of England. This deal helped Eóghan get his lands in Lorne back. He also agreed to be fully loyal to the King of Scotland again.

Loyalty to Scotland

In 1263, the King of Norway, Hákon, launched a military campaign against Scotland. Even though Eóghan had once been appointed by Hákon, he chose to stay loyal to Scotland. He refused to help the Norwegian king.

Hákon's forces were defeated at a big battle called the Battle of Largs. After this defeat, Eóghan was officially recognized as the ruler of the Isles once more. He was last mentioned in historical records in 1268.

Eóghan's Family

Eóghan had a son named Alasdair. Alasdair followed in his father's footsteps. He became the next Lord of Argyll.

Eóghan also had a daughter named Maria. She lived until 1302. Maria married four times in her life. Her husbands included Magnús Óláfsson, who was also a King of Mann and the Isles, and Maol Íosa II, an Earl of Strathearn.