Congal Cláiringnech ("the cripple"), son of
Rudraige, was, according to medieval Irish legend and historical tradition, a
king of Ulster and
High King of Ireland
High King of Ireland ( ga, Ardrí na hÉireann ) was a royal title in Gaelic Ireland held by those who had, or who are claimed to have had, lordship over all of Ireland. The title was held by historical kings and later sometimes assigned ana ...
. He was the brother of
Bresal Bó-Díbad, the former High King, who had been killed by
Lugaid Luaigne.
While Lugaid Luaigne was High King of Ireland, Congall shared the kingship of
Ulster with
Fergus mac Léti, ruling the northern half of the province while Fergus ruled the southern half. The Ulstermen objected to being ruled by two kings, and both submitted to the judgement of the High King at
Tara as to which should rule the province. Lugaid decided to give the kingship to Fergus, who his daughter Findabair had fallen in love with, and compensate Congal with land, status and gold, but Congal refused and declared war. He was supported by some of the Ulster noblemen, including
Fergus mac Róich and
Bricriu, as well as allies from the other Irish provinces and from Scotland. Fergus mac Léti also called upon his allies, including
Fachtna Fáthach
Fachtna Fáthach ("the wise"), son of Cas (or Ross), son of Rudraige, was, according to medieval Irish legend and historical tradition, a High King of Ireland. He came to power when he defeated the previous High King, Dui Dallta Dedad, in the ba ...
from Ulster,
Cet mac Mágach from Connacht and
Mesgegra from Leinster, and there were great losses on both sides.
Congal fitted out a fleet and left Ireland for
Lochlann
In the modern Gaelic languages, () signifies Scandinavia or, more specifically, Norway. As such it is cognate with the Welsh name for Scandinavia, (). In both old Gaelic and old Welsh, such names literally mean 'land of lakes' or 'land of sw ...
(
Norway) to seek new allies. He married Beiuda, daughter of king of Lochlann, and, reinforced with 20,000 Scandinavian warriors, set sail again. After making conquests in Britain and gaining further allies there, he returned to Ulster. He learned that Fergus mac Léti was staying at the house of
Eochaid Sálbuide
Eochaid Sálbuide (Eochaid Yellow-heel) is a king of Ulster prior to the events of the Ulster Cycle of Irish mythology. His daughter was Ness. He died at the Battle of Leitir Ruadh, fighting on the side of the High King of Ireland, Fachtna Fátha ...
, and resolved to storm it. The house was burnt down, but Fergus and Eochaid escaped. Congal decided, rather than ravage his own country, to march on Tara and fight Lugaid Luaigne for the High Kingship of Ireland. A terrible battle was fought between their armies, and Congal met Lugaid on the battlefield and beheaded him. After Congal had installed himself as High King, Fergus mac Léti came to Tara to make peace with him. Congal accepted his overtures, but stripped him of the kingship of Ulster, giving it to his brother Ross Ruad.
Congal ruled Ireland for fifteen or sixteen years, at the end of which he was killed by Lugaid Luaigne's grandson
Dui Dallta Dedad
Dui Dallta Dedad ("foster-son of Deda mac Sin"), son of Cairpre Lusc, son of Lugaid Luaigne, was, according to medieval Irish legend and historical tradition, a High King of Ireland. He took power after killing his predecessor, and his grandfather' ...
. The ''
Lebor Gabála Érenn'' synchronises his reign with that of
Ptolemy XII Auletes (80–51 BC) in
Egypt. The chronology of
Geoffrey Keating's ''Foras Feasa ar Éirinn'' dates his reign to 135–120 BC, that of the ''
Annals of the Four Masters'' to 184–169 BC.
['' Annals of the Four Masters']
M5016
/ref>
References
{{DEFAULTSORT:Congal Clairingnech
Legendary High Kings of Ireland
2nd-century BC legendary rulers