The Real History
With many clans vying to rule Ireland, the Irish High King Boru set out to seize power and unify the island.
For the Love of Power
In an effort to suppress a revolt by neighboring clans, King Boru married a notorious and oft-married Viking named Gormlaith. When Lady G encouraged her brother to rebel against King Boru, the bond of marriage took on new meaning. The king's new wife was imprisoned for treason.
In an effort to suppress a revolt by neighboring clans, King Boru married a notorious and oft-married Viking named Gormlaith. When Lady G encouraged her brother to rebel against King Boru, the bond of marriage took on new meaning. The king's new wife was imprisoned for treason.
The Failed Ruse of 1014
Determined to punish those who opposed his rule, King Boru assembled his army and engaged in a series of raids. Meanwhile, Viking led forces, hoping to dupe the Irish led soldiers, sent word that they had retreated in their longships. But, the Irish weren't so easily fooled.
Determined to punish those who opposed his rule, King Boru assembled his army and engaged in a series of raids. Meanwhile, Viking led forces, hoping to dupe the Irish led soldiers, sent word that they had retreated in their longships. But, the Irish weren't so easily fooled.
Adding Insult to Injury
As with many battles, combat began with the swapping of personal insults. The fighting ensued for days, with brief pauses for rest. Although the Vikings levied some weighty blows, they were ultimately trounced by the Irish troops. Fearing for his life, a Viking leader named Brodir retreated into the woods. With fading morale and leadership, most Viking troops fled in their longships, some even swam to safety.
As with many battles, combat began with the swapping of personal insults. The fighting ensued for days, with brief pauses for rest. Although the Vikings levied some weighty blows, they were ultimately trounced by the Irish troops. Fearing for his life, a Viking leader named Brodir retreated into the woods. With fading morale and leadership, most Viking troops fled in their longships, some even swam to safety.
A Sacrifice on Good Friday
Carrying a sword in one hand and the cross in the other, King Boru led his men to victory. In a surprising twist of fate, the king, kneeling in the woods to pray, was slain by the sly and cunning Brodir. Thousands of Irish and Viking soldiers died in the Battle of Clontarf. The bravest of these men, King Boru, nobly gave his life on Good Friday in The Battle of Clontarf.
Carrying a sword in one hand and the cross in the other, King Boru led his men to victory. In a surprising twist of fate, the king, kneeling in the woods to pray, was slain by the sly and cunning Brodir. Thousands of Irish and Viking soldiers died in the Battle of Clontarf. The bravest of these men, King Boru, nobly gave his life on Good Friday in The Battle of Clontarf.
