Glúniairn facts for kids

Glúniairn (died 989) was a Norse-Gael king of Dublin in the 900s. His name means "Iron-knee" in the Old Norse language. He belonged to a powerful family called the Uí Ímair. This family ruled over many areas in Great Britain and Ireland that had been settled by Norse people.

Becoming King of Dublin

Glúniairn was the son of Amlaíb Cuarán, who was also a king of Dublin. In 980, Glúniairn's father lost a major battle at Tara. After this defeat, Amlaíb gave up his kingship. He then went to Iona, where he likely became a monk and later died.

The city of Dublin was then taken by Máel Sechnaill mac Domnaill. Máel Sechnaill was the High King of Ireland. Interestingly, Glúniairn and Máel Sechnaill were half-brothers. They shared the same mother, Dúnlaith. Máel Sechnaill chose Glúniairn to rule Dublin. Glúniairn became a "client king," meaning he ruled Dublin but was loyal to Máel Sechnaill. Máel Sechnaill also freed many important prisoners from Dublin. One of these was Domnall Clóen, the King of Leinster.

Battles and Challenges

Glúniairn likely received a lot of help from his half-brother, Máel Sechnaill. This support helped him become king. However, not everyone was happy with the new setup.

In 983, Domnall Clóen and Ivar of Waterford fought against Máel Sechnaill and Glúniairn. Domnall Clóen and Ivar won this battle. Many people died, including Ivar's son, Gilla Pátraic. After the battle, Máel Sechnaill's army attacked areas in Leinster. Glúniairn's men attacked the church at Glendalough.

Glúniairn's Death

Glúniairn died in 989. The old Irish records suggest he was killed. Historians believe his death was likely due to fighting among different groups in Dublin.

After Glúniairn's death, Máel Sechnaill quickly attacked Dublin. He easily overcame any resistance. Máel Sechnaill then demanded a payment called eraic. This was a type of payment in early Irish law. It was similar to a "wergild," which was paid to the family of someone who had been killed. Máel Sechnaill kept one-third of this payment for himself. This was the amount a ruler would typically take for enforcing such a payment. It is not fully clear who became king of Dublin after Glúniairn. It might have been his half-brother Sigtrygg Silkbeard or his rival, Ivar of Waterford.

Family and Descendants

Glúniairn had at least one full sister named Ragnhild. She married a son of Congalach Cnogba.

Glúniairn also had sons. One son, Gilla Ciaráin, died in 1014 at the Battle of Clontarf. Another son, possibly named Sitriuc, killed Gofraid (son of Sigtrygg Silkbeard) in Wales in 1036. This son might have been the father of Gofraid. This Gofraid ruled the Isle of Man around 1070. He is said to have given safety to Godred Crovan. Gofraid had a son named Fingal. Fingal also ruled the Isle of Man and died in 1079. Some historians believe that Macc Congail, who ruled the kingdom of the Rhinns, was Fingal's son.