Niall of the Nine Hostages

Niall of the Nine Hostages (Irish: Niall Noigíallach) was a High King of Ireland who was active early-to-mid 5th century, dying - according to the latest estimates - around 450/455. He is said to have made raids on the coastlines of Britannia and Gaul: these raids are usually credited with bringing Saint Patrick to Ireland as a boy according to some hagiographical sources.

Early Life

According to legend, Niall was the son of the High King Eochaid Mugmedon and his second wife, Cairenn, daughter of Sachell Balb, king of Britain. When Cairenn became pregnant, Eochaid's first wife, Mongfind, was consumed with jealousy and made Cairenn do heavy work in the hope of forcing her to miscarry. Out of fear of Mongfind, Cairenn exposed her baby, but he was rescued and fostered by Torna the poet. Niall returned to Tara as an adult and rescued his mother from the heavy labour Mongfind had imposed on her.

Related Topics:
Eochaid Mugmedon - Cairenn - Sachell Balb - Britain - Mongfind - Miscarry - Torna - Tara

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Mongfind demanded that Eochaid name a successor, hoping it would be one of her sons. Eochaid gave the task to a druid, Sithchenn, who devised a contest between the brothers, shutting them in a burning forge, telling them to save what they could, and judging them based on the objects they emerged with. Niall, who emerged carrying an anvil, was deemed greater than Brion, with a sledgehammer, Fiachrae with bellows and a pail of beer, Ailill with a chest of weapons, and Fergus with a bundle of wood. Mongfind refused to accept the decision.

Related Topics:
Druid - Sithchenn - Brion - Fiachrae - Ailill - Fergus

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Sithchenn made the five brothers weapons and they went out hunting. Each brother in turn went looking for water, and found a well guarded by a hideous hag who demanded a kiss in return for water. Fergus and Ailill refused and returned empty-handed. Fiachra gave her a peck, but not enough to satisfy her. Only Niall kissed her properly, and she was revealed as a beautiful maiden, the Sovereignty of Ireland. She granted Niall not only water but the kingship for many generations. Fiachra was granted a minor royal line. After that, Mongfind's sons deferred to Niall.

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(This "loathly lady" motif appears in myth and folklore throughout the world. Variations of this story are told of the earlier Irish High Kings Lugaid Laigde and Conn Cétchathach; and in Arthurian legend of Sir Gawain, as told by Geoffrey Chaucer in the Wife of Bath's Tale).

Related Topics:
Lugaid Laigde - Conn Cétchathach - Arthurian legend - Sir Gawain - Geoffrey Chaucer - Wife of Bath's Tale

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Another tale tells of Mongfind's attempt to poison Niall, but she died after accidentally taking the poison herself.

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