I was not surprised to learn that the Scandinavians had a presence in Britain long before the infamous Lindisfarne raid of CE793 (The Guardian, Jan 1st, 2025). The discovery of remains in York, believed to be of a Scandinavian gladiator or legionary, dating back to CE100 to CE300, suggests a much earlier migration than previously thought.
It’s time to debunk the myth that Vikings (raiders) lacked the means to cross the open sea before the Lindisfarne raid. The truth is, they could have easily sailed down the mainland coast, reaching the English Channel and then Britain. The idea that they only began raiding the West when they developed a rudimentary compass is just a misconception. The reality is, they were always capable of venturing West.
According to legend, before the Battle of Ros na Ríg, a significant event in Irish mythology, Conall Cernach went to Scandinavia to get support for the battle and returned at the head of an army, which fought on behalf of Conchobar Mac Nessa, the King of Ulster. This story is another example of the contradictory nature of the Irish Mythological cycles. Mac Nessa ran from the battle of Gáirech and would have been disgraced in the eyes of warriors like Conall. They had also fallen out before the Cattle Raid of Cooley to the extent that Conall defected to the opposing side—Ulster’s arch-enemy, Connacht. They might have reconciled after King Ailill killed Fergus. Still, for me, it is a real stretch. I think it is much more likely that Conall returned from Scandinavia at the head of an army destined to oppose Mac Nessa and not support him.
This provides an excellent premise for my latest venture into Irish mythology, Milesian Father of Hounds, which will be published in the summer of 2025.
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