Oistin mac Amlaíb facts for kids

Oistin mac Amlaíb (also known as Eysteinn Óláfsson) was a leader from the 800s. He was either Norse (from Scandinavia) or Norse-Gael (a mix of Norse and Irish/Scottish culture). Some people think he was a King of Dublin. He was the son of Amlaíb Conung and the nephew of Ímar. Ímar started a powerful family known as the Uí Ímair dynasty. Some historians believe Oistin might be the same person as Thorstein the Red, a famous character from old Norse stories called sagas.

Who was Oistin mac Amlaíb?

The first time Oistin might be mentioned is in an old book called Cogad Gáedel re Gallaib. It describes an event in 873. Bárid mac Ímair and an unnamed son of Amlaíb Conung raided caves in a place called Ciarraige. This unnamed son was probably Oistin.

Historians think this raid was a way to show strength. It happened soon after the death of Ímar. Bárid likely became the King of Dublin after Ímar. Even though Oistin is not called a king in old records, some believe he and Bárid ruled together. They might have been co-kings after Ímar's death.

The only time Oistin is named in old records is in the Annals of Ulster in 875. It says:

Oistín son of Amlaíb, king of the Norsemen, was deceitfully killed by Albann.

"Albann" is generally believed to be Halfdan Ragnarsson. Halfdan was supposedly the son of the legendary Viking Ragnar Lodbrok. Some experts think Halfdan was a brother of Amlaíb, Ímar, and Auisle. This would make him Oistin's uncle. If Halfdan and Oistin were indeed family, it might explain their conflict. It could have been a fight for control of the kingdom.

Was Oistin the same as Thorstein the Red?

Some people have suggested that Oistin is the same person as Thorstein the Red. Thorstein is a character in the Norse sagas, which are old stories. However, this idea has some problems.

Thorstein is said to have died in Scotland after taking over much of the country. But Oistin was killed in Ireland in 875 by Albann (Halfdan). These are different places and different ways to die.

Also, Oistin's father Amlaíb is sometimes thought to be Olaf the White. Olaf was a Viking sea-king also mentioned in the sagas. He is named as Thorstein the Red's father. Sagas are not always perfectly true history. But the people in them might be based on real individuals.

To try and make sense of this, some have suggested that Oistin and Thorstein were brothers. This would explain why their father, Amlaíb/Olaf, is the same. But it would also explain why they died in different places.