1. Overview
Muimne, Luigne, and Laigne, sons of Érimón by his wife Odba, were significant figures in ancient Irish legendary history. Following their father's death, they jointly ascended to the prestigious position of High King of Ireland. Their shared rule lasted for three years, a period that concluded with their demise through different circumstances. This article details their lineage, their joint reign, the tragic events leading to their deaths, and how their passing influenced the succession of the High Kingship, ultimately leading to their younger brother, Irial Fáid, continuing the line of Érimón. Various medieval Irish historical sources provide different chronological estimates for their reign, reflecting the complex nature of ancient Irish historical traditions.
2. Identity and Accession
Muimne, Luigne, and Laigne were the sons of Érimón, one of the legendary co-founders of the Gaelic lineage in Ireland, and his wife Odba. According to medieval Irish legends and historical traditions, their accession to the High Kingship of Ireland was a direct consequence of their father's death. Unique in the annals of Irish monarchy, they did not rule sequentially but rather held the High Kingship jointly, sharing the supreme authority over the island. This joint rule established a distinct period in the legendary history of Ireland.
3. Reign
The brothers Muimne, Luigne, and Laigne jointly ruled as High Kings of Ireland for a period of three years.
3.1. End of Reign and Deaths
The joint reign of Muimne, Luigne, and Laigne concluded with their deaths, which occurred under distinct circumstances. Muimne was the first to perish, succumbing to a plague at Cruachan. Following Muimne's death, his brothers Luigne and Laigne met their end in a violent conflict. They were killed in the Battle of Árd Ladrann by their cousins, Ér, Orba, Ferón and Fergna. These cousins were the sons of Éber Finn, another prominent figure in the early Irish genealogies, marking a continuation of the power struggles within the ruling lineages. Significantly, Muimne, Luigne, and Laigne left no direct heirs, which had immediate implications for the succession of the High Kingship.
4. Historical Chronologies
The exact chronological placement of the reign of Muimne, Luigne, and Laigne varies among different medieval Irish historical sources, reflecting the differing methodologies and traditions of their compilers.
- The Lebor Gabála Érenn, a primary source for medieval Irish history, synchronizes their three-year reign with the last year of Mithraeus and the first two years of Tautanes, who were kings of Assyria. According to Jerome's Chronicon, this period corresponds to approximately 1192-1189 BC.
- Geoffrey Keating's extensive historical work, Foras Feasa ar Éirinn, dates their reign from 1272 to 1269 BC.
- The Annals of the Four Masters, another significant historical compilation, places their rule much earlier, from 1684 to 1681 BC.
These discrepancies highlight the challenges in establishing precise dates for events from this legendary period of Irish history.
5. Succession
As Muimne, Luigne, and Laigne left no direct heirs to continue their line, the succession to the High Kingship following their deaths required a different path. The legacy of Érimón was not extinguished, however, as it was continued through their younger brother, Irial Fáid. Irial Fáid succeeded them as High King, ensuring the continuation of Érimón's lineage in the royal succession of Ireland.