Talorcan son of Drestan

Talorcan son of Drestan (Old Irish: Talorc mac Drostain; died 739) was king of Atholl in modern-day Scotland.

Background

The Annals of Ulster record for the year 713 that Talorcan was "bound" by his brother, the Pictish king Naiton son of Der-Ilei.[1] As Naiton's father was Dargart mac Finguine, this implies that Talorcan was the son of Naiton's mother Der-Ilei, who was probably a daughter or sister of the earlier Pictish king Bridei son of Beli.[2] Talorcan's father Drestan was probably also a king of Atholl, or at least a member of its royal line.[3] Talorcan may have been making a bid for the Pictish kingship in 713, as indicated by a further entry for the year in the Annals of Ulster recording the death of another of Naiton's brothers Ciniod son of Der-Ilei.[3]

Talorcan was "completely bound" in 734 near Dunollie, the stronghold of Cenél Loairn, then under the control of Muiredach mac Ainbcellaig; before being drowned in 739 by the Pictish king Onuist son of Uurguist.[4] Both the Annals of Ulster and the Annals of Tigernach explicitly describe Talorcan as rex Athfoitle or King of Atholl at his death.[5]

References
  1. Clancy 2004, p. 133.
  2. Clancy 2004, pp. 134–135.
  3. Clancy 2004, p. 135.
  4. Fraser 2009, p. 298.
  5. Fraser 2009, p. 253.

Bibliography
  • Clancy, Thomas Owen (2004). "Philosopher-king: Nechtan mac Der Ilei". Scottish Historical Review. 83 (2): 125–149. doi:10.3366/shr.2004.83.2.125.
  • Fraser, James (2009). From Caledonia to Pictland: Scotland to 795. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press. ISBN 9780748612321.
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