Máel Sechnaill II: The High King Upended by Brian Boru
The Irish History Podcast: Ancient Ireland, Celtic Culture, Vikings, Kings, Rebellions, Famine, Revolution, Independence, and the History of IrelandShow Notes
We examine how Máel Sechnaill II navigated the turbulent politics of early‑first century Ireland, from his decisive 980 victory over the Dublin king to the shifting alliances with Brian Boru and the fallout of the 1014 Clontarf battle. Using annalistic accounts, royal charters and contemporary commentary, we tease out what the surviving evidence tells us about kingship, tribute and patronage in a fractured island. The episode also looks at how later mythologising has coloured our view of this key period. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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