Máel Ísu I (bishop of the Scots) facts for kids

Máel Ísu I was a church leader who lived around the middle of the 900s. He is believed to have been the third Bishop of a place called Cennrígmonaid, which is now known as St Andrews in Scotland.

Máel Ísu I is mentioned in old lists of bishops written by historians in the 1400s. These historians, Walter Bower and Andrew of Wyntoun, called him "Malisius" or "Malice." They said he took over from another bishop named Fothad I and served as bishop for eight years.

When Did Máel Ísu Serve?

Historians believe Máel Ísu I was a bishop between the years 955 and 963. This timeline is based on a few ideas:

• His predecessor, Fothad I, might have left the bishop position in 955.
• Máel Ísu I would have become bishop right after that.
• He would have served for eight years, as the old lists suggest.

What Do We Know About His Name?

The names "Malisius" and "Malice" found in the old records are very similar to a common Scottish name from that time: Máel Ísu. This name means "tonsured one of Jesus." A "tonsured one" was someone whose hair was cut in a special way to show they were dedicated to religious life.

It's important to know that Máel Ísu I is not the same person as "Bishop Máel Brigte." Máel Brigte is mentioned in a very old document from the early 1000s called the Chronicle of the Kings of Alba. This other bishop, Máel Brigte, passed away sometime between 966 and 971, which is a different time period.

Who Succeeded Máel Ísu?

After Máel Ísu I, the bishop lists say that Cellach II became the next Bishop of Cennrígmonaid.

See also

• Máel Brigte