Contrasting Irish and Norse accounts of Sigtryggr Silkiskegg, a tenth and eleventh century king of Dublin
“Contrasting Irish and Norse accounts of Sigtryggr Silkiskegg, a tenth and eleventh century king of Dublin”
Brian Ó Broin
William Paterson University, NJ
Saltair Saíochta, Sanasaíochta Agus Seanchais: A Festschrift for Gearoid Mac Eoin, eds. Dónall Ó Baoill, Donncha Ó hAodha & Nollaig Ó Muraíle (Four Courts Press, 2013)
Abstract
Several of the Irish annals refer to the foreigners in the Dublin area, but it seems to be only in the early tenth century that the settlement's influence is recognized through its raiders being referred to as Gaill Átha Cliath. We can assume that Dublin had been a trading post of the Uí Ímair dynasty for some time, however and that most of its rulers from Ívarr the Boneless on, were of the same bloodline.
Gunnlaugs Saga Ormstungu recounts the love-travails of an Icelandic poet, and his journeys through Scandinavia and the British Isles in search of fame. He meets two kings while travelling, Aethrelred of England (Æþelred the Unready) and Sigtryggr Silkiskegg of Dublin.
The Irish view of Sigtryggr and his family is no more flattering than the Norse one. In the Irish tradition, Sigtryggr did not even participate in the battle of Clontarf, preferring instead to watch the action from the walls of Dublin. Cogadh Gaedhel re Gallaibh presents him arguing with his Irish wife as he watches the battle from the walls of Dublin.
Sigtryggr was a rich king, but not overpowerful, and unsuccessful in war. His proximity to both the Norse and the Irish made him an easy butt for poets and storytellers in later years. An important ally because of his mercenaries, he became the ally of none in posterity.
Labels: aethelstan, Dublin, gunnlaug, Ireland, Medieval, norse, olaf cuarán, old norse, sigtryggr silkiskegg, silkenbeard, sitric, vikings
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