Taran mac Ainftech facts for kids

Taran son of Ainftech was a King of the Picts from 693 to 697. The Picts were an ancient group of people who lived in what is now Scotland. Taran's name is similar to Taranis, a thunder-god from ancient Gaul (a region in Europe).

Who Was Taran?

Taran ruled the Picts for about four years. He became king in 693 and his reign ended in 697. We know about him mostly from old lists of Pictish kings. These lists are like historical records that tell us who ruled and for how long.

His Family Background

Taran's father was named Ainftech. However, his father's name appears in different ways in various old documents. This makes it a bit tricky for historians to be completely sure about his family.

Some old records suggest that Taran might have been related to other important Pictish rulers. One list even hints that he could have been the brother of King Nechtan m. Der-Ilei. If this is true, it would mean Taran's mother was a Pictish princess named Der-Ilei. However, these old records can sometimes be confusing or have mistakes.

How Long Did He Rule?

Most of the king lists say Taran ruled for four years. This is supported by important documents like the Poppleton manuscript. A few other lists say he ruled for fourteen years, but historians think this might be a mistake in copying the numbers.

After Taran, another king named Bruide took over. Bruide was the son of Dargart and Der-Ilei. We don't know exactly why Taran stopped being king or what happened to him right away.

What Happened to Taran?

Old Irish records, called the Irish annals, give us some clues about Taran. They mention that someone named Ainfthech was killed, who might have been Taran's father.

The annals also say that Taran was removed from power in 696. Then, in 698, it was reported that "Tarachin went to Ireland." This suggests that after he was no longer king, Taran left Scotland and went to Ireland.