Eterscél mac Máele Umai

Eterscél mac Máele Umai (d. 721)[1] was a king of Munster from the Eóganacht Áine branch of the Eóganachta. He was the grandson of Cúán mac Amalgado (d. 641), a previous king.[2]

There is confusion in the sources between his reign and that of Ailill mac Cathail Con-cen-máthair (d. 701). Both are mentioned as kings in Senchas Fagbála Caisil ("The Story of the Finding of Cashel"),[3] but only Etarscel is mentioned in the Laud Synchronisms and the Book of Leinster. However, Aillil's reign is attested in the annals. Also, in the list of signatories to the signing of Adomnán's Law of the Innocents at Birr, County Offaly in 697; Eterscel is named king of Munster.[4]

According to a genealogical tract, Etarscel had a brother Uisneach who was heir apparent to the Munster throne until slain by his brother through envy and hatred and then Etarscel assumed the kingship of Munster[5]

He abdicated around 702[6] after ruling for 6 years.[7] He may have spent his retirement in the religious life.[8] His son Cathussach mac Eterscélai was a later king of Munster in 742, although he is only known from the king lists.

Notes
  1. all dates per The Chronology of the Irish Annals, Daniel P. McCarthy
  2. Francis J. Byrne, Irish Kings and High-Kings, Table 13
  3. Byrne, pg.188
  4. Cáin Adomnáin, ed. & trans. Kuno Meyer, Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1905
  5. Book of Munster, Rev. Eugene O'Keefe-Eoghanacht Genealogies
  6. Byrne
  7. Laud Synchronisms
  8. Ní Dhonnchadha, 'Guarantor List of Cáin Adomnáin', p. 199.

See also

References
  • Annals of Innisfallen
  • T.M. Charles-Edwards, Early Christian Ireland
  • Francis J. Byrne, Irish Kings and High-Kings
  • Book of Leinster,{MS folio 150a} Fland cecinit.
  • Book of Munster, Rev. Eugene O'Keeffe
  • Laud Synchronisms
  • The Chronology of the Irish Annals, Daniel P. McCarthy
  • Cáin Adomnáin, ed. & trans. Kuno Meyer, Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1905


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