‘Doomed to Die’

Brian Boru was born somewhere in the middle of the tenth century. He was reputed to be 76 when he died so this would give a birth date of AD 938.

Brian was the youngest son of Cinnéide, a minor king. After his father’s death his brother, Mahon became king of Thomond and then of all Munster. Brian spent most of his early life fighting against the Vikings, even quarrelling with his brother and living as an outlaw in Corcomroe (now, north-west Clare).

Brian became king after Mahon’s death and was eventually to hold the office of high king of all Ireland. He was known as the Emperor of the Scots (Scots meant Irish, then)

Read &Write:

1. Chapter 1 Why did Brian Boru send for help from Malcolm of Scotland?

2. Chapter 1 Who was Malcolm’s wife?

3. Chapter 1 How many cows were given as tribute to Brian Boru by Kilfenora?

4. Chapter 2 What was the name of Brian’s eldest son?

5. Chapter 2 Why did Murrough want his father Brian to stay at home.

6. Chapter 2 Why did Brian feel that it was necessary for him to go to the battle?

Imagine…! (choose one)

1 That you were Brian Boru’s daughter. Describe your journey to Scotland (probably aged about fourteen years) and your meeting with your future husband.

2. Try to imagine what the queen says to Lochlann’s sister, Nessa. Write the letter as she would have written it.

3. Imagine you are Malcolm of Scotland. Write down your thoughts. Should you help Brian Boru?