List of legendary kings of Pictland facts for kids
These monarchs are listed in the Pictish chronicles, which are old records made during the time of King Kenneth II (who ruled from 971 to 995). These kings are usually thought of as legendary or mythical, meaning they might not have been real people, or their stories have become legends over time. This list goes up to a king named Vipoig. For kings who ruled after Vipoig, you can look at the List of kings of the Picts.
Contents
Meet the Legendary Pictish Kings
Cruithne and His Seven Sons
According to the old stories, "Cruithne the son of Cinge, who was the father of the Picts living on this island, ruled for 100 years." He had seven sons, and their names were Fib, Fidach, Floclaid, Fortrenn, Got, Ce, and Circinn.
Here's a quick look at how long Cruithne and his sons supposedly ruled:
- Cruithne ruled the land of the Picts for 135 years.
- Fib ruled the area known as Fife for 24 years.
- Fidach ruled for 40 years.
- Floclaid ruled Atholl for 30 years.
- Fortren ruled Perth for 70 years.
- Cait ruled Caithness for 12 years.
- Ce ruled for 15 years.
- Circin ruled Mearns for 40 years.
Early Pictish Rulers
Before the group of kings known as the Brudes, there were other legendary rulers of the Picts. Here are some of them and how long they are said to have ruled:
| Name | Ruled for |
|---|---|
| Gede olgudach | 80 years |
| Denbecan | 100 years |
| Olfinecta | 60 years |
| Guidid gaed brechach | 50 years |
| Gest gurcich | 40 years |
| Wurgest | 30 years |
The Mysterious Brudes
The Pictish Chronicles mention a king called "Brude bont." The stories say that from him, 30 kings named Brude ruled Ireland and Albany (an old name for parts of Scotland) for 150 years. Brude bont himself ruled for 48 years.
This means that Brude bont ruled for 48 years. The other 28 or 29 Brudes ruled for the remaining 102 years. It's a bit confusing because the chronicles say there were 30 Brudes, but only 28 or 29 names are listed. After the Brudes, a king named Gilgidi is said to have ruled for 150 years.
More Legendary Kings
After the Brudes, other legendary kings are mentioned in the Pictish records. Here are some of them:
| Name | Ruled for |
|---|---|
| Gilgidi | 150 years |
| Tharain | 100 years |
| Morleo | 15 years |
| Deocliunon | 40 years |
| Cimoiod (son of Arcois) | 7 years |
| Deoord | 50 years |
| Bliesbltituth | 5 years |
| Dectotric (brother of Diu) | 40 years |
| Usconbuts | 30 years |
| Carvorst | 40 years |
| Deo Ardivois | 20 years |
| Vist | 50 years |
| Ru | 100 years |
The Shift to Real History
Just before the first confirmed king, there were a couple more legendary rulers:
| Name | Ruled for | Years Ruled |
|---|---|---|
| Gartnait loc | 9 years | 296-305 AD |
| Breth (son of Buthut) | 7 years | 305-312 AD |
Vipoig is considered the first king of the Picts whose rule is confirmed by historical evidence. He ruled from 312 to 342 AD. After him, Canutulachama became king. If you want to learn more about the actual kings of the Picts, you can check out the List of kings of the Picts.
