Irish Kings and High-kingsIrish Kings and High-Kings is an analysis of the nature of early Irish kingship, using annalistic and genealogical material to interpret Irish saga and legend.Professor Byrne examines the unique blend of pagan tribalism and Christian monasticism which characterises the political landscape of early Ireland, exploring the nature of the traditional Five Fifths of Ireland, the mythology of Tara, and the growth of the high-kingship of Ireland. Numerous maps and genealogical tables illustrate the development of the great over-kingships of Ulster, Leinster and Connacht, and Cashel. The confrontation of St Patrick with the Irish kings, the relations between St Colum Cille and his royal cousins, and the ecclesiastical politics of Armagh, Kildare and Clonmacnoise are described and analysed. More than twenty years after its original publication, Irish Kings and High-Kings remains unsurpassed as an overview of this central issue in Irish history. In a new introduction to this edition, Professor Byrne updates his conclusions in the light of further researches, and provides a comprehensive bibliography of new work in the field. -- |
Contents
The Irish Concept of Kingship | 7 |
King and People | 18 |
Kings and HighKings | 40 |
11 other sections not shown
Common terms and phrases
abbot Adomnán Áed mac Ailill Airgialla Airthir ancestor annalistic Annals of Ulster Armagh battle Brega Bréifne Brian Bóruma Celtic Cenél Conaill Cenél nEógain church Ciarraige Clann Cholmáin Clonmacnoise Coirpre Colmán Conall Conchobar Corc Corco Crimthann Cruthin Dál Cais Dál Fiatach Dál nAraidi Dál Riata death Déisi descendants Domnall Donnchad Dublin dynasty Echach eighth century Eochaid Eógan Eóganacht Feidlimid mac fifth century genealogical Guaire high-king high-kingship Kildare king of Cashel king of Connacht king of Leinster king of Munster king of Tara king of Uí kingdom kingship Laigin later Léin Leth Cuinn Lóeguire mac Áedo mac Máele Máel Máelsechnaill Mide Mór Muirchertach Muiredach Muman Múscraige Niall Óengus Osraige over-king Patrick pedigree poem province regnal lists royal saga seventh century Síl slain Sláine Southern Uí Néill Tírechán tract tradition tribal tribes tuath Ua Briain Uí Briúin Uí Cheinnselaig Uí Dúnlainge Uí Fiachrach Uí Maine Ulaid