House of the Three Truths: Battle of Clontarf
The History
Brian Boru marches his Dál Cais army on Dublin in autumn 1013 and again in spring 1014 to put down a rebellion led by King Sitric Silkenbeard. Sitric has recruited men from Leinster and farther afield, most significantly Earl Sigurd of Orkney and a Viking called Bródar. Settlements at Kilmainham and Clondalkin, to the west and southwest, are sacked.
In spring 1014 Brian’s forces camp outside Dublin and go to sack Fine Gall and Howth. Dublin men leave the city to relieve Howth. Led by Sitric’s brother Dubgall they cross the Tolka towards Mag Elta along the coast near Howth. Brian sets up camp overlooking Clontarf
The Lead Up To the ClashThe Viking fleet, commanded by Bródar, enters Dublin Bay. The Dublin fleets assemble off Howth and sail inland on a high tide at dawn on April 23rd. They land near Clontarf Weir and join the Dublin Norsemen, under Sitric, and the Leinster men, under Sitric’s uncle Máelmórda. Brian does not take part, but his son Murchad commands the Dál Cais, with reinforcements from Munster and Connaught.
So that is essentially it, the armies line up and clash with the battle reportedly taking the whole day.
No accurate list of combatants is available, numbers range from 6-10,000 per side with Irish and Norse men on both sides and only the leaders are named…so it seems like a perfect set up for a game of SAGA then
This is fantastic guys and I’m ashamed not to have helped.
I’ve read through and this looks really interesting and well though out.
I actually own a copy of saga but have never managed to get a game in. I will remedy this as soon as I’m able and maybe do a Clontarf battle report.
ah don’t worry about it not every one has the time to get involved