Muirchertach mac Néill facts for kids

Muirchertach mac Néill (died 26 February 943) was a powerful Irish king. He was known as Muirchertach of the Leather Cloaks (Old Irish: Muirchertach na Cochall Craicinn). He ruled as the King of Ailech, a very important kingdom in ancient Ireland.

Family and Background

Muirchertach came from a very important family called the Cenél nEógain. This family was a major branch of the northern Uí Néill, one of the most powerful groups in Ireland. His father, Niall Glúndub, was a High King of Ireland. Both of Muirchertach's grandfathers, Áed Finnliath and Flann Sinna, had also been High Kings. This meant Muirchertach came from a long line of powerful rulers.

His wife was Dubhdara ingen Cellaig. She was the daughter of Cellach mac Cerbaill, who was a king in Osraige.

The Story of Melkorka

There's an interesting story about a woman named Melkorka Mýrkjartansdóttir. Her story is told in an old Icelandic book called the Laxdæla saga. Melkorka claimed that she was Muirchertach's daughter. She was sold to an Icelandic leader named Höskuldur Dala-Kollsson. They had a son named Ólafur “Pái” Höskuldsson. Ólafur grew up to be a very successful leader in Iceland. He is one of the main characters in the Laxdæla saga.

Early Life and Becoming King

Muirchertach's father, Niall Glúndub, was killed in a big battle on 14 September 919. This battle was against the Norse-Gaels, who were Vikings living in Ireland, near Dublin. Many other Irish kings also died in that battle.

After his father's death, Muirchertach's uncle, Donnchad Donn mac Flainn, became the new High King of Ireland. At the same time, Muirchertach became the King of Ailech. This was a big step for him, making him a powerful leader in his own right.

Muirchertach's Time as King

Muirchertach was a strong and brave leader. He even married Flann, who was the daughter of the High King Donnchad. However, Muirchertach and Donnchad often had disagreements. Records show they had conflicts in 927, 929, and 938.

Demonstrating Power

Their disagreements became more serious in 941, after Flann, Muirchertach's wife, had died the year before. Muirchertach showed his power by leading raids into other kingdoms. He raided Mide, Osraige, and Munster. During these raids, he even took the king of Munster, Cellachán Caisil, as a hostage. This showed everyone how strong Muirchertach was and that the High King Donnchad's power was limited.

Muirchertach was also known for his military skills. In 924, he defeated a group of Norsemen near Newry.

His Final Battle

Muirchertach was a true warrior. He died in battle in 943. He was fighting against Blácaire mac Gofrith, who was the King of Dublin at the time.

After his death, an old Irish record called the Annals of Ulster praised him greatly. It called him "the Hector of the western world." Hector was a famous hero from ancient Greek stories, known for his bravery. The record also called Muirchertach the "heir designate of Ireland," meaning he was seen as the person who should have become the next High King.

Muirchertach's son, Domnall ua Néill, did not become High King right after his father's death. However, Domnall eventually became High King of Ireland in 956, after the death of Donnchad's successor, Congalach Cnogba.

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