Ottir facts for kids

Earl Ottir (also known as Ottir the Black) was a powerful leader, called a jarl, among the Norse people in Britain and Ireland during the early 900s. A jarl was a high-ranking chief or nobleman, similar to an earl. Many people believe he founded the settlement of Veðrafjǫrðr, which we now call Waterford, in the year 914.

From 917 until his death in 918, Ottir worked closely with a very strong ruler named Ragnall ua Ímair. Even though they were close allies, it's not known if they were related.

Ottir's Time in Ireland

Ottir is especially known for his raids and conquests in the area of Munster in Ireland. An old story called the Cogad Gáedel re Gallaib says that Ottir raided there with Ragnall. This story also connects them to the Viking settlement of Cork. Their main base for these activities was Waterford Harbour. The same story later says that Ottir conquered the eastern part of Munster from his base in Waterford.

Ottir's Adventures in Britain

Earl Ottir also had an important role in Britain.

Raids in Wales

The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, a historical record from England, tells us about Ottir in the year 918 (which was actually 917). It says that a large Viking fleet came from Brittany, led by two jarls, Ohtor (Ottir) and Hroald. They sailed around the west coast until they reached the mouth of the River Severn. From there, they raided many places along the coast of Wales.

During these raids, they captured a bishop named Cameleac. King Edward later paid 40 pounds to get the bishop back. After this, the Viking army tried to raid a place called Archenfield. However, they were met by soldiers from Hereford and Gloucester. These soldiers fought the Vikings and defeated them. Jarl Hroald was killed, along with Ottir's brother and many other Vikings. The remaining Vikings were trapped and had to promise to leave King Edward's lands.

Death in Battle

Ottir died in battle in 918, fighting against Constantine II of Scotland, who was the King of Scotland. He might have joined forces with Ragnall ua Ímair and others, or he might have led his own separate attack.

The Annals of the Four Masters, another historical record, states that Ottir and other foreigners went from Loch Dachaech to Scotland. There, Constantine, the son of Aedh, fought them. Ottir was killed, and many other foreigners died with him.

The Annals of Ulster gives more details. It says that Ragnall, Ottir, and another jarl named Gragabai left Ireland and went to fight the Scottish people. The Scots met them near the River Tyne. The Vikings split into four groups, with Ragnall leading a hidden group. The Scots attacked three of the Viking groups and killed many, including Ottir and Gragabai. But then Ragnall's hidden group attacked the Scots from behind. This battle is known as the Battle of Corbridge.

See also

• Cotter family
• Ohthere of Hålogaland