Niall of the Nine Hostages facts for kids

The symbol of the Uí Néill family, the Red Hand of Ulster.

Niall Noígíallach (say: NEE-uhl NOY-gee-uh-lakh), also known as Niall of the Nine Hostages, was a famous Irish king. His name in Old Irish means "having nine hostages." He is considered a legendary figure, but also partly historical.

Niall was the ancestor of the powerful Uí Néill families. These families ruled much of Ireland from the 500s to the 900s. He was the grandson of another famous king, Conn of the Hundred Battles. Old Irish records say Niall ruled in the late 300s and early 400s. However, some modern historians think he lived a bit later, around the mid-400s.

Was Niall a Real King?

Many historians believe Niall was a real person. This is because his sons and grandsons became very important. But old Irish records don't say much about him. Some records say he died before 382, while others say 411. Later records suggest his rule was from 379 to 405.

However, the records show his sons were active between 429 and 516. This is a very long time for one generation! Because of this, experts like Kathleen Hughes think Niall must have died later, around the mid-400s. This would make the timeline for his sons more realistic.

Niall is often listed as a High King of Ireland. But the idea of a single "High King" ruling all of Ireland didn't really happen until the 800s. Niall's importance grew over time because his family became so powerful.

Some historians believe Niall and his sons broke up the old kingdom of Ulster. They created new kingdoms like Tír Chonaill and Tír Eoghain. Old stories also suggest Niall led raids on Britain. He might have even died during one of these raids.

One theory suggests Niall's family might have come from a seafaring group called the Veneti. These people were from modern-day France. Some of them may have moved to Ireland. They became known as the Connachta, named after a leader called Conn. Niall later led the Connachta in the 400s.

Niall's Life in Legends

Most of what we know about Niall comes from old stories and legends. These were written long after he lived. They are not historical facts, but they tell us how people remembered him.

His Early Life Story

One legend tells about Niall's birth. His father was Eochaid Mugmedón, the High King. Eochaid had four sons with his first wife, Mongfind. He had a fifth son, Niall, with his second wife, Cairenn.

Mongfind was very jealous of Cairenn. While Cairenn was pregnant with Niall, Mongfind made her do hard work. She hoped Cairenn would lose the baby. Cairenn gave birth while getting water. She was so scared of Mongfind that she left the baby on the ground. A poet named Torna found the baby and raised him. When Niall grew up, he returned to Tara and helped his mother.

It's unlikely Niall's mother was a Saxon, as the story says. But her name, Cairenn, might come from a Latin name. This could mean she was from Roman Britain. Mongfind is also seen as a magical figure in some stories. People even prayed to her on Samhain eve.

How He Became King

Mongfind wanted one of her sons to be the next king. So, Eochaid asked a wise man, Sithchenn, to choose. Sithchenn put the brothers in a burning workshop. He told them to save what they could.

Niall came out carrying an anvil, showing his strength. His brothers saved other things, like a sledgehammer or bellows. Sithchenn decided Niall was the best choice. But Mongfind still didn't agree.

Later, Sithchenn sent the brothers hunting. Each brother looked for water and found a well. A scary old hag guarded the well. She demanded a kiss for water. Only Niall kissed her properly. She then turned into a beautiful maiden. She was the "Sovereignty of Ireland," meaning the spirit of the land itself. She promised Niall the kingship for many generations.

This story, where a hero meets a "loathly lady" who turns beautiful, is common in myths worldwide.

Another story says that after Eochaid died, Mongfind's brother, Crimthann, became king. While Crimthann was away, Mongfind's sons took over Ireland. Crimthann came back to fight. Mongfind pretended to make peace. She held a feast and gave Crimthann a poisoned drink. Crimthann made her drink it too, and they both died. Niall then became High King.

While Niall was High King, his brothers became local kings. His brother Brión ruled Connacht. But another brother, Fiachrae, fought him. Niall's family also fought against the king of Munster.

Niall's Death

Old records say Niall fought against Énnae Cennsalach, the king of Leinster. This was over a tax called the bórama, which was a tribute of cows. Énna's son, Eochaid, is named as Niall's killer in all stories.

All sources agree Niall died outside Ireland. Some say Eochaid killed him in the English Channel. Others say Niall was attacking Brittany when it happened. One story says Niall led raids on Roman Britain. During one of these raids, Saint Patrick and his sisters were captured.

In the legend "The Death of Niall of the Nine Hostages," Eochaid and Niall become enemies. Niall banishes Eochaid to Scotland. The story then gets confusing. Niall is said to fight in Europe, even near the Alps. Suddenly, he is in Scotland, where Eochaid shoots him with an arrow from across a valley. Another version says Eochaid shot Niall from across the Loire river in Europe.

Niall's men carried his body home, fighting seven battles along the way. His foster-father, Torna, died of sadness. Niall is said to be buried at Faughan Hill in County Meath. His nephew, Nath Í, became king after him.

Historians think Niall's death probably happened during a raid on Roman Britain. Over time, the memory of Romans in Britain faded. So, the stories might have moved his fights with the Roman Empire to mainland Europe.

His Family and Descendants

Niall is said to have had two wives. With them, he had eight sons. These sons are the ancestors of the many Uí Néill families. These include the northern Uí Néill, like the Cenél nEógain and Cenél Conaill. They also include the southern Uí Néill, like the Clann Cholmáin.

Many famous people are said to be descendants of Niall. These include Saint Columba, the Kings of Ailech, and the Kings of Tir Eogain. Some Scottish clans, like Clan Maclachlan and Clan MacNeil, also claim to be related to Niall's family.

Modern DNA tests are being done on some of these family lines. These tests show that not all of the families claiming descent from Niall are directly related through male lines within his timeframe.

Why "Nine Hostages"?

There are different ideas about how Niall got his nickname, "Noígíallach" or "Nine Hostages."

One legend says he took five hostages from the five provinces of Ireland. He also took one each from Scotland, the Saxons, the Britons, and the Franks. This makes nine hostages in total.

Another idea is that the nine hostages came from the kingdom of the Airgialla. This was a smaller kingdom that the Uí Néill had conquered in Ulster. The old Irish law book, Lebor na gCeart, says that the Airgialla's only duty to the King of Ireland was to give him nine hostages.

Family Tree

Bold names show a High King of Ireland.

See also

In Spanish: Niall de los nueve rehenes para niños