Niall of the Nine Hostages is a legendary figure from Irish history and mythology, said to have been a powerful king of Ulster during the early medieval period.
He is reputed to have lived in the 4th to 5th centuries AD and is often associated with the spread of Christianity in Ireland. His reign is shrouded in both historical and mythological elements, blending fact and legend.
His name, Niall Noigiallach, is an Irish term meaning, Niall of the nine hostages.
Early life of Niall of the nine hostages
Niall of the Nine Hostages was born into the royal family of Ulster, one of the most powerful kingdoms in ancient Ireland. His father, Eochaid Mugmedón, was the High King of Ireland, and his mother was said to be Cairenn Chasdub, a princess from Britain. Niall had four step brothers born to Eochaid's first wife, Mongfind, who was the sister of the the king of Munster had favoured her own sons for the throne.
When Cairenn was pregnant with Niall, Mongfind hatched a plan to prevent Niall from becoming the successor to the throne. She forced Cairenn into hard labor, hoping she would miscarry, but ultimately failed. While Cairenn was performing her duties, she gave birth to Niall. To protect him, she abandoned him in the nearby woods. A legendary poet named Torna, the last great bard of Pagan Ireland, found Niall, rescued him, and raised him as his own.
Trials of Strength
Mong-Fionn is obviously angered by the return of Niall and demands that Euchaid choose his heir. Euchaid sets the boys some tests of strength and character and whoever succeeds will inherit the throne.
It is said that one of these tests involved the boys going out hunting, when they come across a hideous old hag guarding a well. She demands a kiss from them in return for water which sends Aillil and Fergus running for the hills. Only Brian and Niall remain, Brian gives the hag a quick peck on the cheek whereas Niall goes for it and kisses the hag passionately wherein the hag turns into a beautiful woman who is actually the Sovereignty of Ireland and she rewards Niall not only with the water but promises him, he, and twenty-six of his descendants will rule Ireland.
When Euchaid dies, Mong-Fionn arranges it that her brother, Crimthann, takes the throne until Brian is old enough to succeed but Crimthann decides to double-cross his sister and takes full control for himself. According to legend he is a very good king and reigns over Ireland for 20 years.
Niall's Accession to the Throne
Niall’s accession to the throne possibly took place around 379AD. He earned his name, Niall of the nine hostages, by being able to subdue his enemies by taking members of their family and refusing to give them back until they admitted defeat.
The Picts tired of Nialls’ ways and attacked the small Lirsh colony of Dalriada, which is now Scotland.
Niall retaliated by going to Scotia Minor which was the land of the Picts, here he took royal hostages and refused to give them back, so the Picts were forced to admit defeat.
Famous Hostage
Next Niall and his Scot and Pict allies marched south and it was here that he took a youth by the name of Succat hostage and took him to Ireland. This was to have an enormous impact of the Irish for ever more, because that youth later was to become St. Patrick, who is now the patron Saint of Ireland.
Niall managed to take control over a northern part of Ireland and it was here that he created a dynasty that was to keep his descendants High Kings of Ireland for 600 years at the Hill of Tara.
Foreign Territories
Niall’s military abilities and well planned out attacks saw him lead the Irish into battles that saw them take control of Alba and a large part of Britain. He was responsible for damaging the tight control the Romans had on Britain and even managed to take control of some territories in France.
There is nothing set in stone as to when Niall died or even where. One source said that he died at sea but there is nothing concrete. He died around 405AD.
It has been said that Niall was not just prolific on the battlefield; genetic studies into D.N.A have said that 1 in 12 men are descendants of his.
Strange as this may sound his successor was not from his loins but was in fact his nephew, Dathis, who not only succeeded the throne but also managed to eclipse Niall’s greatness as a High King of Ireland.
