Niall Glúndub mac Áedo (died 919) was a King of Aileach and later High King of Ireland who reigned in the late 9th and early 10th century. He was the son of Áed Findliath and the half-brother of Domnall mac Áeda, with whom he shared kingship of Aileach.
Biography[]
Around 881, Kings Niall and Domnall were visited by a surprise visitor from Donegal, but it was really the Viking jarlskona Eivor Varinsdottir. Kings Niall and Domnall asked her what prompted her travels to Aileach. As a conversation ensured, the kings were oblivious to the coded messages between Eivor and her seemingly drunk cousin, Bárid mac Ímair. King Niall also accidentally revealed that Bárid and Flann's people were being held as hostages at the village's ringfort. The kings were soon kept busy by Bárid, while Eivor released the prisoners.[1]
The kings were taken as hostages as Eivor entered back into the kings' room. The kings were questioned of their actions, where they both admitted to being ordered by the Abbot Eogan mac Cartaigh. Reluctant to speak, under fear of Eogan, Niall confirmed Domnall's words under fear of Flann's wrath. Both Kings Niall and Domnall admitted that Eogan was building an army to march to Clogher. As Bárid sent a message to King Flann, Kings Niall and Domnall were still held as hostages.[1]
Around 882, after the defeat and death of the Ollamh Druid, Abbot Eogan,[2] King Niall was one of the attendees of a meeting in Durrow that summoned High King Flann. In the meeting, an initial decision was made to enforce a druid inquisition after the recent events with Eogan and the Children of Danu.[3]
Behind the scenes[]
Niall is a historical character in Assassin's Creed: Valhalla's Wrath of the Druids DLC. Historically, Niall only began to rule alongside Domnall in the early 9th century, becoming sole king of Ailech in 911. In the events of the DLC however, which takes place between 879 and 882, Domnall and Niall are portrayed as co-kings of Ailech.
Appearances[]
- Assassin's Creed: Valhalla – Wrath of the Druids (first appearance)
- The World of Assassin's Creed Valhalla: Journey to the North – Logs and Files of a Hidden One (mentioned only)
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Assassin's Creed: Valhalla − Wrath of the Druids − Courting the Kings
- ↑ Assassin's Creed: Valhalla − Wrath of the Druids − A Scourging of Snakes
- ↑ Assassin's Creed: Valhalla − Wrath of the Druids − The Cost of Betrayal