Matad, Earl of Atholl facts for kids
Matad of Atholl was an important leader in Scotland during the 1100s. He held the title of Mormaer of Atholl, which was like being a powerful local ruler or earl. He was in charge of the Atholl area from around the 1130s until sometime between 1153 and 1159.
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Who Was Matad of Atholl?
Matad was a significant figure in Scottish history. He was the son of Máel Muire of Atholl. According to an old Norse story called the Orkneyinga saga, Máel Muire was the son of King Donnchad I. This means Matad was related to the Scottish royal family through his grandfather, King Duncan I. His great-uncle was King Máel Coluim III.
It's believed that Matad inherited his important position as Mormaer from his father. This was a common way for powerful titles to be passed down in those times.
What Was a Mormaer?
A Mormaer was a very important person in early Scotland. It was a title similar to an Earl. A Mormaer was a powerful regional ruler. They managed a large area of land called a Mormaerdom. They were often related to the royal family.
Matad's Important Marriage
Mormaer Matad is most famous for being the father of Harald Maddadsson. Harald later became a very important Earl himself.
Matad married a woman named Margaret. She was the daughter of Haakon Paulsson. Haakon was an Earl of Orkney. His father was Thorfinn the Mighty.
Through this marriage, Matad's son Harald was able to become the Earl of Orkney around 1139. This shows how important marriages were for gaining power and land in those days.
Other Names for Matad
In the Orkneyinga saga, Matad is called Maddadr. Some historians also use this name.
He also appears in old official documents from the time of King David I. In these documents, he is called Madeth Comes and Maddoc Comes. The word Comes means "Earl" or "Mormaer." Other names that came from his original name include Madach and Maddad.
His Later Years
Matad of Atholl passed away sometime between 1151 and 1161. After his death, another one of his sons, Máel Coluim, took over his important role as Mormaer of Atholl.
