Findláech of Moray facts for kids

Findláech mac Ruaidrí (died 1020) was an important ruler in the north of modern-day Scotland. He governed a region called Moray from some time before 1014 until his death in 1020.

Findláech's Early Years as a Ruler

Historians believe Findláech was a ruler even before 1014. This idea comes from an old story called the Orkneyinga saga. The saga tells us that before a big battle called the Battle of Clontarf, a powerful leader named Jarl Sigurd of Orkney fought against the Scots. Findláech, also known as Jarl Finnlekr, led the Scots in this fight.

The Raven Banner

The Orkneyinga saga also mentions an Irish princess named Eithne. She made a special banner for Jarl Sigurd. This banner had a raven on it. The story says that Jarl Sigurd later took this banner to the Battle of Clontarf, where he was killed. If these stories are true, it means Findláech was a ruler quite a bit before 1014.

Findláech's Famous Son

Findláech is most famous today for being the father of Mac Bethad. Mac Bethad became very well known because of William Shakespeare's famous play, Macbeth. An Irish historian named Marianus Scotus even called Mac Bethad simply MacFindlaeg, which means "son of Findláech."

King or Mormaer?

When Findláech died in 1020, different old records described him in different ways. The Annals of Tigernach called him the Mormaer of Moray. A mormaer was a powerful regional ruler, like a great lord. However, the Annals of Ulster called him the King of Alba. Alba was the old name for Scotland.

A Divided Kingdom?

At that time, the official King of Alba was Máel Coluim mac Cináeda. He was from a different royal family. This difference in titles suggests that Findláech, as the ruler of Moray, might have challenged Máel Coluim for the throne of Alba. It seems neither of them fully won, which might have meant the kingdom was somewhat divided for a time.

How Findláech Died

Findláech died in 1020. The Annals of Ulster states that he was killed by his own people. The records do not say why this happened. However, it is thought that his nephew, Máel Coluim mac Máil Brigti, might have been involved. The Annals of Tigernach specifically says that the sons of Máel Brigte were responsible. Máel Coluim and Gille Coemgáin were the only known sons. Both of them later became rulers of Moray, so they benefited from Findláech's death.