The Memory of the Norse in Ireland in Middle Irish Dynastic Narratives

Abstract

Three dynastic propaganda narratives written to valorise the ancestor of a Gaelic patron feature a complicated career against, and at times alongside, Norse speakers operating in Ireland. These are the Cerball of Osraige saga c. 1030 embedded in the Fragmentary Annals of Ireland, written for Donnchad mac Gilla Pátraic; Cogadh Gáedhel re Gallaibh c. 1100, most likely written for Muircheartach Ua Briain; and the Cathréim Chellacháin Chaisil c. 1130, written for Cormac Mac Carthaigh. These narratives are written in Middle Irish and organised in a chronological fashion to emulate annals and appear authoritative, though their precise relationship to annalistic history material is debatable and probably demonstrate poetic reaches for literary appeal and dramatic tension. This thesis explores several key themes concerning the depiction of the Norse found in all three texts. The language of the sources is analysed for word-level understanding of contemporary opinions by Gaels concerning the Norse operating in Ireland. The first chapter covers specific names and terminology for Norse speakers in Middle Irish, including but not limited to Danair, Lochlannaigh, geinte, gall, and Northmannus. Norse towns in Ireland are considered, specifically Dublin, Limerick, and Waterford, and towns in general, as well as the literary treatment of fleets and trade. One chapter covers the roles of Norse and Gaelic women, following specific named characters and in general; and also differing forms of Gaelic versus Norse masculinity. The final thematic chapter covers miscellaneous issues arising from religious and cultural differences between Irish- and Norse-speaking communities in Ireland, and supernatural and miraculous events in the sources. Overall, the treatment of Norse figures is as complicated and nuanced as any Gaelic figure in these texts. While villains are antagonised, Irish speakers who cross the narratives’ heroes are also shown as deplorable, and the Norse allies are given respect and humanity. The Norse in Ireland are depicted as different and foreign from the Gaels, but they are able to communicate, reason, make military and marriage alliances, and otherwise function as people. These dynastic propaganda tales may have inaccurate historicity for the ninth and tenth centuries they depict, but they are valuable windows into contemporary Gaelic opinions at the time of their composition in the eleventh and early twelfth centuries.