Sichfrith mac Ímair facts for kids

Sichfrith mac Ímair (also known as Sigfred Ivarsson) was a Viking king who ruled Dublin in the 800s. He was the son of a powerful Viking leader named Ímar. Sichfrith was part of a famous Viking family called the Uí Ímair.

Becoming King of Dublin

Sichfrith became the King of Dublin in 881. He took over after his brother, Bárid, died. Bárid passed away in Dublin after attacking a church in a place called Duleek. Some stories say that a saint caused his death.

Viking Conflicts in Ireland

While Sichfrith was king, two different groups of Vikings were fighting in Ireland. One group was called the "fair foreigners." They had lived in Ireland for a longer time. The other group was the "dark foreigners," who were newer arrivals.

Sichfrith and his family were seen as leaders of the "dark foreigners." The "fair foreigners" were sometimes allied with Irish kings. In 883, the "fair foreigners" had a victory. They killed a son of Auisle, who was related to Sichfrith's family.

Sichfrith's time as king ended in 888. He was killed by a relative. After his death, his brother, Sitriuc mac Ímair, became the new King of Dublin.

Sichfrith's Family Tree

Sichfrith was a son of Ímar. He had at least two brothers: Bárid, who was king before him, and Sitriuc, who became king after him.

Some historians believe that Ímar, Sichfrith's father, was the same person as Ivar the Boneless. Ivar the Boneless was a very famous Viking leader. He commanded a huge army called the Great Heathen Army. This army invaded parts of England in 865.

According to old legends, Ivar the Boneless was one of the sons of the legendary Viking hero, Ragnar Lodbrok. His brothers were said to include Björn Ironside, Halfdan Ragnarsson, Sigurd Snake-in-the-Eye, and Ubba.

Sichfrith's family had at least five grandsons. These included Ragnall, Ímar, Sitric Cáech, Amlaíb, and Gofraid. However, it's not known which of Sichfrith's children were their parents.