Brodir

Bróðir and Óspak of Man were two Danes mentioned in the 13th century "Njal's Saga" and the 12th century "Cogadh Gaedhil re Gallaibh" (lit "The war of the Gaels against the Foreigners") as key leaders in the Battle of Clontarf. Sigtrygg Silkbeard was sent by his mother Gormflaith to win their support against the High King of Ireland, Brian Ború: "There are two Danes lying off the Isle of Man with thirty ships... spare nothing to induce them to join you." Though Bróðir accepted, and led the "murderous foreign Danes" alongside Earl Sigurd of Orkney, Óspak deserted and joined the Irish.

At Clontarf, the sides were equally matched, and the battle raged all day, but just as the Irish were winning, Bróðir killed Boru. This was not enough to prevent the Irish victory, and Bróðir died that same day with Sigurd, after being hanged by followers of Brian Boru, in 1014. Bróðir is said to have fallen upon Brian Boru whilst fleeing from the battle field. Bróðir easily overpowered and killed the elderly king but could not escape Brian's servants who captured him and hanged him from a nearby tree.

Bróðir is often credited with being the first of the what has now become the family 'Broderick' in Ireland. While this claim could conceivably hold some truth, it is unlikely, and appears to be nothing more than genealogical enthusiasts jumping to conclusions. The name 'Broderick' is more likely to be derived from O'Brodair - an ancient Irish sept that had been seated in Ireland since ancient times.

ee also

* Earl Sigurd
* Brian Boru
* Battle of Clontarf
* Irish battles

External links

* [http://www.vikinganswerlady.com/scotland.htm A History of Vikings in Scotland]
* [http://www.doyle.com.au/battleclontarf.htm Events leading up to the Battle of Clontarf]
* [http://www.worldwideschool.org/library/books/lit/epics/TheStoryofBurntNjal/toc.html "Njal's Saga"]