Amlaíb Cuarán (Sitricsson) Sigtryggsson (abt. 920 - 981)

Born about 0920 in England

Descendants

Died 0981 at about age 61 in Iona, Inner Hebrides, Argyle and Bute, Scotland

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Biography

Disambiguation

Grandfather and Grandson have the same name and are easily confused. They should NOT be merged!:

• Amlaib Cuaran mac Sitric (926-981) -- grandfather. Old Norse name *Olaf Sitricsson, born 926, No parents currently linked. Married Dunflaeth and Gormflaeth.
• Amlaib mac Sitric (1000-1034) -- grandson. Old Norse name Óláfr Sihtricson, born 1000 to Sihtic Olafsson and Slani Ingen Brian

Name and Parents

Olav Sigtryggsson Kvaran; Norrøn konge i dublin

Olaf Sihtricsson Cuaran; Norse king of Dublin

The name of this Danish adventurer of the Uí Ímair can be found in many forms; Óláfr Sigtryggsson; Olaf Sihtricsson; Amlaíb Cuarán (Irish) or Óláfr kváran (Norse) ^{[1] [2] [3]}

His father Sitric Cáech (Sytrygg) was king of York (Jorvik) and ruled the old Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Deira, a region in northern England between the river Tees and the Humber Estuary. ^[4] Olaf Sihtricsson was born sometime before the sudden death of his father King Sigtrygg about 927 ^[5][6] Olaf Guthfrithson succeeded Sitric Cáech (Sytrygg) as ruler of York.

927 Loss of York

In 927, the Anglo-Saxon King Æthelstan took York from the Danes, and forced the submission of Constantine King of Scotland.

Olaf Sihtricsson took refuge in Scotland and Ireland, before joining a combined force led by Constantine and Owen, King of Strathclyde and Olaf Guthfrithson (now king in Dublin), in a renewed campaign against Æthelstan.

In 937, the men of Wessex led by Athelstan defeated the combined armies of Amlaíb Mac Gofrith, Norse King of Dublin; Constantine II, King of Scots; and Owen, King of Strathclyde. ^{[7] [8]} The Icelandic Egil's Saga is rich with stories of this time, describing how 'Alfred the Great had deprived all tributary kings of name and power; they were now called earls, who had before been kings or princes. This was maintained throughout his lifetime and his son Edward's. But Athelstan came young to the kingdom, and of him they stood less in awe. Wherefore many now were disloyal who had before been faithful subjects.' ^[9]

Olaf Sihtricsson returned to Ireland with his cousin Olaf Guthfrithson; The Annals of the Four Masters record that in 938, “Amhlaeibh Cuaran went to "Cair-Abroc” (caer = a stronghold somewhere) and his cousin "Blacaire Mac Gofradha" was in Dublin. ^[10]

Following Aethelstan’s death in 940, Olaf Sihtricsson and Olaf Guthfrithson returned to regain Daria. Edmund, now King of Wessex, entered into a treaty with the Danes of Northumbria and Daria. Olaf Sihtricsson and his cousin Rægnald (Ragnall son of Gofraid) jointly rule York; only to be forced out again by King Edmund. ^[11] (Historical records of the events between 940 and 943 do not always make it clear whether it is Amlaíb mac Gofrith (Olaf Guthfrithson) or Amlaíb Cuarán (Olaf Sihtricsson) who is mentioned)

In 943, the Annals of the Four Masters tells us that "Blacaire, one of the chiefs of the foreigners, was expelled from Dublin; and Amhlaeibh" (Olaf Sihtricsson aka Amlaíb) "remained after him there." ^{[12] [13]} In Dublin, Olaf Sihtricsson allied with Congalach Cnogba, king of Brega and the Southern Uí Néill and combined their forces against the Northern Uí Néill. Blácaire was able to regain the kingship from Olaf Sihtricsson, reversed the alliance with Congalach, and raided into Congalach's lands in 948 - which lead to a battle between the Dubliners and the Southern Uí Néill. Blácaire was killed. With Dublin back in his hands, Olaf Sihtricsson left his brother Gofraid Mac Sitriuc (Guthfrith) to rule Dublin, and turned his attention again to England.

He returned to York once more in 949, expelling Erik Haraldsson "Blodøks/Blood-axe", but was driven out in turn by Erik in 952, when he returned to Dublin to take over from his brother Gofraid (Guthfrith). ^[3]

Olaf Sihtricsson ruled Northumbria (940-44) jointly with his cousin Olaf Gothfrithson, and also King of Jorvik (York) (941-43) ^{[3] [14]}

Olaf Gothfrithson died in 941. The peace between the Danes and the English did not last, and in 944 Olaf Sihtricsson was driven from Northumbria, returning to Ireland where, in the years 943 - 944 the Danish settlement at Dublin was under repeated attack by the Irish of Leinster. Olaf Sihtricsson replaced his cousin Blácaire mac Gofraid as king of Dublin.

In 949, he again returned to England and ruled as King of Northumbria & Jorvik (York)

In 952, he was forced out of Northumbria again and returned to Ireland, and again ruled as King of Dublin

The Annals of the Four Masters record in 962 that "A victory was gained over Amlaeibh, son of Sitric, by the Osraighi, i.e. at Inis-Teoc (Kilkenny) where many of the foreigners were slain, together with Batbarr, son of Nira." ^[15] In 965, "Muireadhach, son of Faelan, Abbot of Cill-dara, and royal heir of Leinster, was slain by Amhlaeibh, lord of the foreigners, and by Cearbhall, son of Lorcan." ^[16]

In 975, "Muircheartach, son of Domhnall Ua Neill, and Conghalach, son of Domhnall, son of Conghalach, two heirs to the monarchy of Ireland, were slain by Amhlaeibh, son of Sitric." ^[17] An in 978 "the battle of Teamhair…gained by Maelseachlainn, son of Domhnall, over the foreigners of Ath-cliath and of the Islands, and over the sons of Amhlaeibh in particular", where "Ragnhall son of Amhlaeibh heir to the sovereignty of the foreigners” was killed, adding that "after this Amhlaeibh went across the sea and died at l-Coluim-Cille" (Iona) ^[3]

In 980, the Danes of Dublin were defeated by Irish forces led by Máel Sechnaill of the Uí Néill; King of Mide & High King of Tara in the Battle of Tara ^[18]

Death

The Annals of Tigernach record that “Olaf son of Sitric high-king over the Foreigners of Dublin” died in Iona in [978/79] after being defeated by “Mael-Sechnaill the Great”.

He is thought to have died in retirement at Iona about 981.

Marriages

He married after 952 as her second husband, ---, widow of DOMNALL, daughter of ---. Her marriages are confirmed by the Annals of Tigernach which record that “MaelSechnaill son of Domnall and Glún iarainn (Ironknee) son of Olaf, son of MaelSechnail´s mother” defeated “Domnall Clóen, son of Lorcán, and Imar of Waterford” in 981/82 ^[3]

He married Gormlaith daughter of Murchad MacFinn King of Leinster & his wife --- She married secondly Brian Boru, and thirdly, as his [third] wife, Maelsechnaill King of Ireland. The Annals of Tigernach record the death in 1030 of “Gormlaith, daughter of Murchad son of Fland” mother of “Sitric son of Olaf king of the Foreigners and of Donnchad son of Brian king of Munster.” The Annals of the Four Masters record the death in 1030 of “Gormlaith daughter of Murchadh son of Finn, mother of the king of the foreigners Sitric, Donnchadh son of Brian king of Munster, and Conchobhar son of Maeleachlainn king of Teamhair”. ^[3]

Issue

Olaf & his [first] wife had [two] children: ^[3]

1. 1. [SIHTRIC (-after 967). The Annals of the Four Masters record in 967 that “Ceanannas was plundered by Sitric, son of Amhlaeibh, lord of the foreigners, and by Murchadh, son of Finn, king of Leinster; but Domhnall Ua Neill king of Ireland overtook and defeated them”[1282]. It is unlikely that this passage refers to Sihtric King of Dublin, son of Olaf, who is named below. King Sihtric´s death is recorded in 1042, which appears inconsistent with his participation in a battle fought in 967. It is therefore probable that this Sihtric was an older son of King Olaf who died soon after 967. Another possibility is that there is an error in the text and that "Sitric son of Amhlaebh" should read "Amhlaebh son of Sitric".]
2. 2. RÆGNALD (-killed in battle Temair [978/80]). The Annals of Ulster record the death in 980 of "Ragnall son of Amlaíb" at the battle of Temair[1283]. The Annals of the Four Masters record that “Ragnhall son of Amhlaeibh heir to the sovereignty of the foreigners” was killed in 978 in “the battle of Teamhair”[1284]. The Annals of Tigernach record that “Ragnall, son of Olaf, crownprince of the Foreigners” was killed in battle by “Mael Sechnaill the Great, son of Domnall, son of Donnchad, son of Fland” at “Tara” in [978/79][1285].

Olaf & his [second] wife had one child:

1. 3. --- “Glun iaraind/Iron knee” (-murdered [987/89]). The Annals of Tigernach record that “MaelSechnaill son of Domnall and Glún iarainn (Ironknee) son of Olaf, son of MaelSechnail´s mother” defeated “Domnall Clóen, son of Lorcán, and Imar of Waterford” in [981/82][1286]. The Annals of the Four Masters record that in 982 “Maelseachlainn son of Domhnall and Gluniairn son of Amhlaeibh” defeated “Domhnall Claen and Imhar of Port-Lairge” in which “Gilla-Padraig son of Imhar” was killed[1287]. King of Dublin. The Annals of Ulster record the death in 989 of "Glún Iarn king of the foreigners…killed when drunk by his own slave"[1288]. The Annals of Tigernach record that “Glún iarainn (Ironknee) son of Olaf king of the Foreigners” was killed “by his own slave…Colbain” in [987/88][1289]. m ---. The name of his wife is not known. One child:
   1. a) GILLA Ciaráin (-killed in battle Clontarf 23 Apr 1014). The Annals of Ulster record that "Brian son of Ceinnéitig son of Lorcán king of Ireland and Mael Sechnaill son of Domnall king of Temair" led an army to “Áth Cliath” in 1014, adding that “Gilla Ciarráin son of Glún Iairn, heir designate of the foreigners” was killed in the battle[1290].

Olaf & his [third] wife had one child:

1. 4. SIHTRIC (-1042). King of Dublin. The Annals of Ulster record that "Sitriuc son of Amlaíb was expelled from Áth Cliath" in 994[1291]. The Annals of the Four Masters record that “Imhar came to Ath-Cliath after Sitric, son of Amblaeibh” in 994[1292]. The Annals of Tigernach record that “Ragnall was killed by the Leinstermen, Imar again fled, and Sitric reigned in his place” in [993/94][1293]. The Annals of Tigernach record that “Sitriuc son of Olaf king of the Foreigners” plundered “into Ulster…Cell Cleithe and Inis Cumscraig” in [1000/01][1294]. Orkneyinga Saga records that Sigurd Jarl of Orkney went to Ireland “five years after the Battle of Svoldur” to support “King Sigtrygg Silk-Beard” against “King Brian of Ireland”, and left “his elder sons in charge of the earldom”, but was killed in the battle in which King Brian was killed[1295]. The Annals of Ulster record that "Sitriuc grandson of Amlaíb king of the foreigners" went to Rome in 1028[1296]. m ---. The name of Sihtric´s wife is not known. Sihtric & his wife had five children:
   1. a) ARTALACH (-killed in battle Glenn Mama 30 Dec [996/97]). The Annals of Tigernach name “Artalach son of Sitric and Harald son of Olaf, and Cuilen son of Erigen” among those killed in battle in [996/97] by “Mael Sechlainn and Brian son of Kennedy” at “Glenn Mama”[1297].
   2. b) OLAF (-killed in battle 1013). The Annals of Ulster record that "Amlaíb son of Sitriuc…the son of the king of the foreigners and Mathgamain son of Duibgilla son of Amlaíb" were killed in 1013 by “Cathal son of Donnchad son of Dub dá Bairenn”[1298].
   3. c) --- “Glun iaraind/Iron knee” (-killed 1031). The Annals of Tigernach record that “Iron-knee son of Sitric” was killed by “the (folk of) the south of Bregia” in 1031[1299]. m ---. The name of his wife is not known. One child:
      1. i) son . The Annals of Tigernach record that “Gofraidh son of Sitric” was killed in Wales “by the son of Iron-Knee” in 1036[1300].
   4. d) OLAF ([after 1013]-murdered 1034). The Annals of Ulster record that "Amlaíb son of Sitriuc king of the foreigners was held prisoner by Mathgamain ua Riacáin king of Brega" in 1029 and ransomed for "1,200 cows and six score Welsh horses and sixty ounces of gold…"[1301]. He was presumably born after the death of his brother Olaf in 1013, unless one or other of these sons was illegitimate. The Annals of Ulster record that "Amlaíb son of Sitriuc was killed by the Saxons on his way to Rome"[1302]. The Annals of Tigernach record that “Olaf son of Sitric was killed by Englishmen as he was going to Rome” in 1034[1303]. m MAILCORCRE, daughter of DUNLANG King of Leinster & his wife ---. The 13th century History of Gruffydd ap Cynan records that the "grandmother...his mother´s mother" of King Gruffydd was "Mailcorcre daughter of Dunlang son of Tuathal King of Leinster"[1304]. Olav & his wife had one child:
      1. i) SIHTRIC (-killed in battle Isle of Man 1073). The Annals of Ulster record the death in 1073 of "Sitriuc son of Amlaib and two grandsons of Brian…killed in Man”[1305].
      2. ii) [RAGNHILD . The 13th century History of Gruffydd ap Cynan records that he was born in Dublin, son of "Cynan king of Gwynedd and his mother Ragnaillt daughter of Olaf King of the city of Dublin", adding that his maternal grandmother was "Mailcorcre daughter of Dunlang son of Tuathal King of Leinster"[1306]. From a chronological point of view, it is possible that Ragnhild´s father was Olav son of Sihtric. m CYNAN ap Iago, son of IAGO ap Idwal King of Gwynedd & his wife ---.]
   5. e) GODFRID (-killed Wales 1036). The Annals of Tigernach record that “Gofraidh son of Sitric” was killed in Wales “by the son of Iron-Knee” in 1036[1307].

Olaf & his [---] wife had four children:

1. 5. HARALD (-killed in battle Glenn Mama 30 Dec [996/97]). The Annals of Ulster record that "Aralt son of Amlaíb" was killed in battle at Glenn Mama "III Kal Jan" 999[1308]. The Annals of Tigernach name “Artalach son of Sitric and Harald son of Olaf, and Cuilen son of Erigen” among those killed in battle in [996/97] by “Mael Sechlainn and Brian son of Kennedy” at “Glenn Mama”[1309]. m ---. The name of Harald´s wife is not known. Harald & his wife had one child:
   1. a) IVAR (-1054). King of Dublin. The Annals of the Four Masters record that “the son of Aralt was expelled by the foreigners” in 1046 and “the son of Raghnall was elected king”[1310]. The Annals of Tigernach record that “Imar son of Harald” slaughtered “Ragnall Húa Eochada” in “Rathlin of the Ulaid”[1311]. The Annals of Ulster record the death in 1054 of "Ímar son of Aralt, king of the foreigners"[1312]. m ---. The name of Imar´s wife is not known. Imar & his wife had one child:
      1. i) GODFRID “Meranach” (-1095). King of Dublin. The Annals of Tigernach (Continuation) record that “Goffraidh, son of Harald´s son” became king of Dublin in 1091[1313]. The Annals of Ulster record the death in 1095 of "Gofraidh Meranach, king of the foreigners"[1314]. The Annals of Tigernach (Continuation) record the death in 1095 of “Gobfraidh rex Dormanorom”[1315]. [From a chronological point of view, it is possible that he was the same person as GODRED “Crovan/white-handed” King of Man, whose exploits are recorded in the Chronicon Manniæ et Insularum[1316].]
2. 6. DUBGAL (-killed in battle Clontarf 1014). The Annals of Ulster record that "Dubgall son of Amlaíb" was killed in battle at Clontarf in 1014[1317].
3. 7. GYDA . Snorre records the betrothal and marriage of Olaf Trygvason to "a queen called Gyda…a sister of Olaf Kvaran who was king of Dublin in Ireland [who] had been married to a great earl in England" after whose death "she was at the head of his dominions"[1318]. In a later passage, Snorre refers to "King Olaf Kvaran" as his wife's father[1319]. m firstly ---. m secondly (in England 988) as his second wife, OLAV Trygveson, son of TRYGVE Olavsson [Norway] & his wife Åstrid Eiriksdatter (posthumously [968][1320]-drowned Øresund o. b. Svold, near Rügen 9 Sep [1000]). He imposed himself as OLAV I King of Norway in [995].
4. 8. MAELMAIRE (-1021). The Annals of the Four Masters record the death in 1021 of “Maelmaire daughter of Amhlaeibh, wife of Maelseachlainn son of Domhnall”[1321]. m as his third wife, MAELSECHNAILL King of Ireland, son of DOMNALL & his wife --- ([949/50]-Cró Inis of Lough Ennell 2 Sep 1022). ^[3]

Sources

1. ↑ Wikipedia : Amlaíb Cuarán
2. ↑ Encyclopaedia Britannica : Olaf Sihtricson
3. ↑ ^{3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7} Cawley, Foundation for Medieval Genealogy. http://fmg.ac/Projects/MedLands/IRELAND.htm#OlafSihtricsondied981 Accessed Jan 23, 2016
4. ↑ The Viking Kings of York
5. ↑ Norsk biografisk leksikon : Olav Sigtryggsson Kvaran
6. ↑ Wikipedia : Sitric Cáech
7. ↑ Celt: corpus of electronic texts - The Annals of Ulster U937.6 records that a great, lamentable and horrible battle was cruelly fought between the Saxons and the Norsemen, in which several thousands of Norsemen, who are uncounted, fell, but their king, Amlaíb, escaped with a few followers. A large number of Saxons fell on the other side, but Athelstan, king of the Saxons, enjoyed a great victory.
8. ↑ Egil's Saga chapters 52 - Of the gathering of the host; 53 - Of the fight; 54 - The fall of Thorolf in that battle.
9. ↑ Egil's Saga chapter 51: Of Olaf king of Scots 'who came from the family of Ragnar Hairy-breeks.'
10. ↑ Amhlaoibh Cuarán do thecht co Cair Abroc, & Blacaire mac Gofradha do thecht i n-Ath Cliath (Dublin) Celt : Annals of the Four Masters M938.15
11. ↑ Simeon of Durham records that King Edmund expelled "king…Anlaf the son of Sihtric and [king] Reignold the son of Guthferth" from Northumbria in 944. Florence of Worcester records that Eadmund King of Wessex expelled "duos reges, Anlafum regis…Sihtrici filium, et Reignoldum Guthferthi filium" from Northumbria, undated but dateable to c. 944 from the context.
12. ↑ Celt : Annuls of the Four .Masters M943.8
13. ↑ The Annals of Ulster record that "Blacair gave up Áth Cliath” (Dublin) in 945 and that “Amlaíb succeeded him”
14. ↑ Florence of Worcester records that Olaf joined his cousin at York in 940 and was elected King of York. Simeon of Durham records that "the son of Sihtric named Onlaf reigned over the Northumbrians" in 941 but was driven out in 943. He lost the territories gained by Olaf Guthfrithson to Edmund King of Wessex in 942, and he was driven out of York and deposed in favour of his cousin Rægnald.
15. ↑ Celt : Annuls of the Four Masters M962.14
16. ↑ Celt : Annuls of the Four Masters M965.9
17. ↑ Celt : Annuls of the Four Masters M975.5
18. ↑ Celt : Chronicon Scotorum Annal CS980

NOTE : this is not Amlaíb Cenncairech

• Library Ireland : A Compendium of Irish Biography : Olaf Cuaran also known as Olaf the Red or Amlav or Sitricson. He married Gormlaith, who was the sister of the widow of Domhnall, King of Ireland & mother of King Malachy (Library Ireland : Malachy Mor married Maelmaire)

• Store norske leksikon : Olav Sigtrygsson Kvaran
• Norsk biografisk leksikon : Olav Sigtryggsson Kvaran Norrøn konge i dublin

• Lineage of the Royal Princes of England Author: Ken Stelmaszek Nov 2000 [1]