Báetán mac Muirchertaig

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Báetán mac Muirchertaig (died 571)[1] also Baetán Bríge was an Irish king who is included in some lists as a High King of Ireland. He was the son of Muirchertach mac Muiredaig (died 532), also considered a high king.[2] He was a member of the Cenél nEógain branch of the northern Uí Néill. He ruled in Ailech from 565-571.[3]

The high kingship of Ireland rotated between the Cenél nEógain and Cenél Conaill branches in the late 6th century.[4]. Báetán ruled jointly with his nephew Eochaid mac Domnaill (died 571) from 568.[5] The middle irish king lists have misplaced their reign putting it earlier than the annalistic tradition but other king lists have them in the correct order.[6] They are also omitted from the earliest list of Kings of Tara, the Baile Chuind (The Ecstasy of Conn), a late 7th century irish poem. It is possible that the Ulaid king, Báetán mac Cairill (died 579), was the actual high king at this time.[7]

In 571 the two kings were defeated and slain by Crónán mac Tigernaig, king of the Ciannachta of Glenn Geimin (Glengiven in modern County Londonderry).[8]

Báetán's son, Colmán Rímid (died 602), was also high king of Ireland.

[edit] Notes

  1. ^ all dates per The Chronology of the Irish Annals, Daniel P. McCarthy
  2. ^ T.M. Charles-Edwards, Early Christian Ireland, Appendix V
  3. ^ he is given a reign of 6 years in the Laud Synchronisms
  4. ^ Charles-Edwards, pg.494-495
  5. ^ they are given a reign of three years in the Book of Leinster and one year in the Laud Synchronisms.
  6. ^ Charles-Edwards, pg.484-487
  7. ^ Francis J.Byrne, Irish Kings and High-Kings, pg.114
  8. ^ Annals of Ulster AU 572.1; Annals of Tigernach AT 571.1

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