Pictish Mystic · Lore · Book of Invasions
Lightning, Plague and the Fearless King
In the Book of Invasions, the Roll of the Kings tells of the kings after Sírna, and their strange ends.
Rothechtaid Rotha was seven years king of Ireland, till lightning burnt him in Dún Sobairce. By him, it is said, four-horse chariots were first brought into Ireland.
Elim Olfínechta reigned one year, till Gíallchad slew him. Gíallchad took a hostage from every five men in Munster, and he fell in Mag Muiaide at the hands of Art Imlech. Art Imlech reigned twelve years, and seven forts were dug by him, till Nuadu Finn Fáil slew him.
Nuadu fell at the hands of Bres, son of Art Imlech. This Bres broke many battles against the Fomoire, till he died in Carn Conluain.
In the reign of Eochu Apthach there was a plague every month, twelve plagues in the year. Finn son of Bláth slew him, or, some say, it was of plague he died. Finn fell in Munster to Sétna Innarraid. Sétna, the book says, was the first who gave wages to hirelings in Ireland. Later, Énna Derg died of plague on Sliab Mis, with great troops in his company.
Sírlám son of Finn reigned thirteen years. His arm would reach the ground when he was standing. Eochu Uairches slew him. Twelve years Eochu had spent in exile over the sea, driven out by Sírlám, and from that, the book says, he was named.
Eochu reigned twelve years, till Eochu Fíadmuine and Conaing Bececlach slew him and shared Ireland, the northern half to Conaing.
Conaing was called Bececlach, for never came terror or fear upon him at all. Ten years he was high king, till Art son of Lugaid slew him.
Sources
- Lebor Gabála Érenn (The Book of Invasions), "The Roll of the Kings", kings XXVIII–XLVI, edited and translated by R. A. Stewart Macalister (Irish Texts Society, vol. 44, 1956), on Mary Jones's Celtic Literature Collective (narration condensed from the translation)
Story told by John.
These are legends from medieval manuscripts, not recorded history.
First shared on X @dalriada36963 and TikTok @johnshaw333.
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