Gillebríghde Albanach facts for kids
Gillebríghde Albanach was a Scottish poet and a brave crusader who lived and worked between about 1200 and 1230. He was famous for his poems and for joining a big religious journey called the Crusades. Gillebríghde traveled with another Scottish Gael named Muireadhach Albanach. They joined the Fifth Crusade, reaching a city called Acre in 1218 or 1219. From there, they followed the main Crusader army through southern Cyprus to Damietta. He might have stayed on crusade until 1224 or even longer.
When Gillebríghde wasn't on crusade, he spent most of his life working as a poet in Ireland. All his poems that praise important people were written for Irish leaders. We know he was Scottish because he wrote about Scotland as "duthchas damh," which means "my native place" or "my heritage." He also called it "dom thír," meaning "my country." About seven of his poems are still around today. Five of these are poems that praise people, and two are about his time on crusade.
Poems Praising Important People
Gillebríghde wrote poems called "panegyrics" to praise important people. The ones we still have were written for two powerful Irish leaders. One was Donnchadh Cairbreach Ó Briain (who died in 1242), the King of Thomond. The other was Cathal Croibhdhearg Ó Conchubhair (who died in 1224), the King of Connaught. These poems helped show how important and respected these kings were.
- "Aisling ad-chonnarc ó chianaibh" ("A vision I saw some time ago") - This poem was written for Donnchadh Cairbreach Ó Briain.
- "Fada Dhamh druim re hÉirinn" ("Long am I with my back towards Ireland") - This poem was written for Cathal Croibhdhearg Ó Conchubhair.
- "Sgían mo charad ar mo chliú" ("My friend's knife at my left side") - This poem was written for Donnchadh Cairbreach Ó Briain.
- "Tabhraid chugam cruit mo ríogh" ("Bring me my king's harp") - This poem was written for Donnchadh Cairbreach Ó Briain.
- "Tháining an Craobhdhearg go Cruachan" ("The Red Hand has come to Cruachan") - This poem was written for Cathal Croibhdhearg Ó Conchubhair.
Poems About the Crusades
Gillebríghde also wrote poems about his experiences during the Crusades. These poems give us a glimpse into what it was like to be a crusader in the early 1200s. They show his feelings and thoughts about his long journey and the battles he might have seen.
- "A ghilli gabhus an stiúir" ("O Lad who takes the helm") - This poem likely talks about the journey by sea during the crusade.
- "A Mhuireadhaigh, meil do sgín ("Muireadhach, sharpen your knife") - This poem is addressed to his fellow crusader, Muireadhach Albanach, and might be about preparing for battle.
