- Eochaid Étgudach
Eochaid or Eochu Étgudach ("possessing clothes") or Etgedach ("negligent"?) ["
Dictionary of the Irish Language ", Compact Edition, Royal Irish Academy, 1990, p. 287] son of Daire Doimthech, a descendant of Lugaid mac Ítha, nephew ofMíl Espáine , was, according to medieval Irish legend and historical tradition, aHigh King of Ireland . According to the "Lebor Gabála Érenn " he was chosen as king by the remaining quarter of the men of Ireland after the other three-quarters had died with the former king,Tigernmas , while worshipping the deityCrom Cruach . He introduced a system whereby the number of colours a man could wear in his clothes depended on his social rank, from one colour for a slave to seven for a king or queen. He ruled for four years, until he was killed in battle at Tara byCermna Finn , who succeeded to the throne jointly with his brotherSobairce . His reign is synchronised with that of Eupales inAssyria . [R. A. Stewart Macalister (ed. & trans.), "Lebor Gabála Érenn: The Book of the Taking of Ireland Part V", Irish Texts Society, 1956, pp. 209-211] The chronology ofGeoffrey Keating 's "Foras Feasa ar Éirinn" dates his reign to 1159-1155 BC, [Geoffrey Keating , "Foras Feasa ar Éirinn" [http://www.ucc.ie/celt/published/T100054/text035.html 1.25] ] that of the "Annals of the Four Masters " (which adds that there was a seven yearinterregnum between Tigernmas' death and Eochaid's accession) to 1537-1533 BC. ["Annals of the Four Masters " [http://www.ucc.ie/celt/published/T100005A/text007.html M3657-3667] ]References
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