Mairtine facts for kids
The Mairtine were an important ancient group of people who lived in Munster, Ireland, a very long time ago. By the time written history began, they seemed to have disappeared from Ireland's political scene. They are famous because their old capital city, Medón Mairtine, later became a very important church center for another powerful group called the Eóganachta in a place now known as Emly.
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Mairtine and Ancient Legends
Some old Irish stories mention a person named Mairtine mac Sithcheann. The historian Geoffrey Keating wrote about him in his book History of Ireland. This Mairtine was part of a very old family tree.
"Eochaidh Apthach, who was a great-great-great-great-grandson of Mairtine, ruled Ireland for one year. He was called Eochaidh Apthach because many people died during his time from a plague or disease each month. The name 'Apthach' means 'fatal'."
This story suggests that Mairtine mac Sithcheann was a distant relative of Breogán, a legendary king from Spain. Breogán's grandson, Míl Espáine, is said to be the ancestor of the first Goidelic people who settled in Ireland.
However, it's not clearly stated that this Mairtine was the person the Mairtine people were named after. Also, the Mairtine people are often linked to the Fir Bolg, who were another group of people living in Ireland before the Gaels arrived.
Medón Mairtine: The Heart of the Mairtine Land
The name Medón Mairtine means middle of the Mairtine nation. This tells us that the modern-day town of Emly in County Tipperary was likely the main capital of the Mairtine tribe.
Emly is located west of Tipperary town, which is west of Cashel. Cashel was once the home of the kings of Munster. This location suggests that Emly was roughly in the geographic center of Munster, making it a good place for a capital.
One expert, Nollaig Ó Muraíle, has even suggested that some of the Mairtine might have lived as far away as Connacht, though this is just a small possibility.
Who Were the Mairtine?
Historians have different ideas about where the Mairtine people came from. One old story, found in the Book of Lecan, says the Mairtine were forced to leave the north of Ireland. They then settled in an area that later became known as Dál gCais.
After some battles, the different groups in Ireland might have moved around. This could have helped form a group of tribes called the Eóghanacht, which is mentioned in old books like the Book of Munster. Irish myths also tell of a big battle in 123 AD that supposedly divided Ireland into two parts.
The Mairtine are often connected with other ancient groups like the Erainn, Benntraige, Ulaidhe, and the Eóghanachta. Some old poems and traditions say they were part of the mythical Domnainn or the Fir Bolg tribes.
Mairtine in Ancient Records
The Annals of the Four Masters are a collection of old Irish historical records. They mention the Mairtine in a few places.
For example, they record that a king named Angus Olmucahda defeated the Mairtine in several battles. These battles took place in areas like Cuirce and Sliabh Cailge, within the territory of Corcu Baiscind. This area is now part of County Clare.
Mairtine Leaders
Some old stories mention kings and important people connected to the Mairtine:
- In a story called Acallamh na Senórach, three sons of the king of the Mairtine of Munster are named: Luath, Indell, and Eoghan.
- Dáire Cerbba, a famous ruler from Munster, is said to have been king of Medón Mairtine in an epic tale called Forbhais Droma Dámhgháire. He was an ancestor of important families like the Uí Fidgenti and Uí Liatháin.
Old Poems and Legends
The Metrical Dindshenchas is a collection of old Irish poems that describe famous places. One passage mentions the Mairtine: "The three active Red Wolves of the Martine quenched the sturdy strength of the famous man: they took his head from him, whatever came of it." This might be a poetic way of referring to Luath, Indell, and Eoghan, the three sons of the Mairtine king mentioned in Acallamh na Senórach.
More Information
- DOI: Onomasticon Goedelicum (M) by Edmund Hogan
- Mumu by Dennis Walsh
