When was the text Cogad Gáedel re Gallaib written?
Scholars date the composition of Cogad Gáedel re Gallaib between 1103 and 1111. This period falls at least a hundred years after the events described in the narrative.
Questions about Cogad Gáedel re Gallaib
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Which manuscripts preserve the medieval Irish text known as Cogad Gáedel re Gallaib?
Three specific manuscripts preserve this text for modern study including the Books of Leinster from approximately 1160. A Dublin Manuscript from the fourteenth century offers another copy while the Brussels Manuscript appears much later in 1635.
What is the main purpose of the chronicle called Cogad Gáedel re Gallaib?
The main purpose of Cogad Gáedel re Gallaib seems to be to eulogise Brian Boru and show that his Dál gCais dynasty deserved Ireland's high kingship. Modern scholars consider it to be brilliant propaganda written during the rule of Muirchertach Ua Briain who died in 1119.
How does the author describe the army opposing Brian Boru in Cogad Gáedel re Gallaib?
The chronicler depicts Vikings as vicious barbarians and suggests Dubliners are like their ancestors. The text describes armament consisting of twenty-seven adjectives grouped in strings of alliterative words when setting the scene for the Battle of Clontarf.
Who dies at the hands of Earl Brodar in the final chapter CXIV of Cogad Gáedel re Gallaib?
Brian Boru dies at the hands of Earl Brodar whom Brian manages to fatally wound in the final chapter CXIV. Principal characters also include Mathgamain mac Cennétig and Máel Muad mac Brain defeated and slain in the Battle of Belach Lechta.