Máel Coluim of Moray facts for kids
Máel Coluim mac Máil Brigti was an important ruler in early Scottish history. He was the King or Mormaer of Moray from about 1020 to 1029. A Mormaer was a powerful regional ruler, similar to a duke or an earl. His name tells us he was the son of a man named Máel Brigte.
Like the ruler before him, Findláech mac Ruaidrí, some old writings called Máel Coluim mac Máil Brigti a "King of Scotland." This can be a bit confusing because another powerful ruler, Máel Coluim II, was also called "King of Scotland" at the same time.
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Who Was Máel Coluim?
Máel Coluim mac Máil Brigti was a significant figure in the region of Moray, which is in northern Scotland. He ruled this area during a time when different parts of Scotland had their own powerful leaders. These leaders often had a lot of control over their lands.
A Tale of Two Kings
It can be tricky for historians to understand this period because two different rulers shared the name Máel Coluim. One was Máel Coluim mac Máil Brigti, the Mormaer of Moray. The other was Máel Coluim II, who was the King of the larger Scottish kingdom.
The Orkneyinga Saga, an old Norse story, mentions a "Máel Coluim, king of Scotland." This story says that Thorfinn Sigurdsson, Earl of Orkney was the grandson of this king. For a long time, people thought this meant Máel Coluim II. However, some historians now think it might have been Máel Coluim mac Máil Brigti from Moray. This shows how important he was, even if he wasn't the main King of Scotland.
His Time as Ruler
Máel Coluim mac Máil Brigti ruled Moray for about nine years. His time as ruler was from 1020 until his death in 1029. During this period, Moray was an important region with its own strong leaders.
How We Know About Him
Most of what we know about Máel Coluim mac Máil Brigti comes from old historical records. One important source is the Annals of Tigernach. These are old Irish historical notes that recorded important events year by year.
In the year 1029, the Annals of Tigernach recorded his death. They wrote: "Mael Colaim mac Mael-Brighdi mac Ruaidrí, rí Alban mortuus est." This means "Máel Coluim, son of Máel Brigte, son of Ruadrí, King of Scotland, dies." The full name, "mac Mael-Brighdi," was very helpful. It made it clear that they were talking about him, not the other King Máel Coluim II.
His Family and Successors
After Máel Coluim mac Máil Brigti died, his brother, Gille Coemgáin, took over as the ruler of Moray. This was a common way for power to pass down in those times.
There was also a person named Domnall mac Máil Coluim. He was called "son of the King of Scotland." The Annals of Ulster recorded his death in 1085. Historians are not sure if Domnall was a son of Máel Coluim mac Máil Brigti or of Máel Coluim mac Donnchada (Malcolm III).
