Talorgan son of Eanfrith facts for kids

Talorgan son of Eanfrith (Old Irish: Talorcan mac Enfret) was a king of the Picts. He ruled from 653 to 657. During his time as king, he was like a "puppet king" under the powerful Northumbrian king Oswiu. This means that even though Talorgan was king, King Oswiu had a lot of control over his decisions.

Who Was Talorgan?

Talorgan was the son of a man named Eanfrith of Bernicia. Eanfrith had to leave his home and live among the Picts around the year 616. This happened after his own father, King Æthelfrith of Bernicia, was killed.

His Family Background

Talorgan's mother was likely a very important Pictish princess. She might have been the sister of the king who ruled before Talorgan, Talorg son of Uuid. The name "Talorgan" means "Little Talorg." This suggests a family connection to the previous king.

Talorgan might have become king because of his mother's royal Pictish family. However, his rule was also likely due to the fact that he was the nephew of King Oswiu. At that time, Oswiu was a very strong ruler in Northumbria. Oswiu probably made Talorgan king over the southern Picts. This was part of Oswiu's plan to expand his power and control over northern Britain.

Becoming King

Talorgan became king in 653. He likely had his main power base in the southern Pictish lands. These lands were south of a mountain range called the Mounth. This area was probably also the home of the king who ruled before him, Talorg.

Important Events During His Rule

In the year after he became king, Talorgan won an important battle.

The Battle of Strathyre

In 654, Talorgan defeated and killed Dúnchad mac Conaing. Dúnchad was the king of the Dál Riata. This battle happened at a place called Strathyre. Winning this battle might have been a traditional "inaugural raid." This was a common way for new kings to show their strength and mark the start of their rule against their enemies.

The End of His Reign

Talorgan died in 657. After his death, King Oswiu of Northumbria may have launched an attack against the Picts. A writer named Bede suggested that Oswiu took control of "the greater part of the Picts" in 658. This happened shortly after Talorgan's death.