Hector Odhar Maclean facts for kids

Hector Odhar Maclean (died 1496) was an important leader, known as the 9th Chief of Clan Maclean. His name in Scottish Gaelic was Eachann Odhar Maclean, and he was also called Hector Maclean the Swarthy. He became chief around 1472 after his father, Lachlan Og Maclean, passed away.

Hector's Early Life and Role

Hector was the son of Lachlan Og Maclean. People called him 'Hector Maclean the Swarthy' or 'Eachuinn ni num-bristion'. These names showed he was brave and a strong leader. He lived during a time when there was a lot of fighting and changes in Scotland.

The Lord of the Isles' Troubles

During Hector's time, the Lord of the Isles, John of Islay, Earl of Ross, faced many problems. His son, Angus Og Macdonald, was a very strong and rebellious person. Angus decided to challenge his own father's power.

In 1476, John of Islay gave up some of his lands to the King of Scotland. He also gave large areas of land to clans like the MacLeans, MacLeods, and MacNeills. This made Angus even more determined to fight for what he believed was his family's land.

The Battle of Bloody Bay

Angus gathered many clans who were part of Clan Donald. He openly rebelled against his father and the King. The King sent armies to stop Angus, but they were not successful.

Hector Odhar Maclean chose to support John of Islay, the Lord of the Isles. He led his own clan in battle. A huge naval battle took place in 1482 near Tobermory. This battle is now known as the Battle of Bloody Bay. It was a very fierce fight with many losses on both sides.

In the end, Angus Og Macdonald won the battle. He managed to capture both his father, John of Islay, and Hector Odhar Maclean. This victory made Angus very powerful and gave him control over many lands. Hector Odhar Maclean died in 1496.

Hector's Family

Hector Odhar Maclean had children, including:

• Lachlan Maclean, 10th Clan Chief: Lachlan was Hector's son. He became the next Chief of Clan Maclean after his father passed away in 1496.

Stories of Hector's Sons

There is a story about two of Hector Odhar's other sons. It is said that these two sons fought against their father in a battle and lost. Because of this, the rules of their clan meant they had to leave the Western Isles. They also had to drop the "Mac" from their name, which means "son of." This was a way to show they were no longer part of the clan in the same way.

One son is said to have moved east, perhaps to cities like Edinburgh or Glasgow. The other son traveled very far south, all the way to Cornwall in England. This story shows how serious clan rules could be in those times.