Brian Bóruma mac Cennétig, or Brian Boru

As I entered the world of the High Kings, the first person who greeted me (other than the fairies who brought me to this magical place) was Brian Boru. Now, Brian was not the first nor the last High King of Ireland, but he greeted me with a grin. He boasted with a mighty grin, “I was chosen to greet you since I am the most remembered and famed King of Ireland.”

18th Century engraving of Brian Boru, High King of Ireland

King Brian

Brian is indeed celebrated. He was granted a lasting fame and enduring due to two reasons. The first is that he was one of the first to conquer all of Ireland. Throughout history, the Kings were divided into the various parts of Ireland, but a piece of Ireland was not enough for Brian. He also was boasted as one of the Kings who was able to drive the Vikings from Ireland for his reign (mostly at least). He is a proud man. He even boasts being remembered by our popular culture with the likes of author Morgan Llewelyn and he was even mentioned by a character on Star Trek. Or so he told me with a grin! I guess everyone loves Star Trek!!

King Brian wanted to put me at ease, recognizing that I am a cow and might be scared amongst the people of Ireland. So, he escorted me into his castle and sat me down and told me of an Irish legend. The legend was of the Cow’s entrance into Ireland and the importance of cows in the life of the Irish. But, alas, that will have to wait until tomorrow!!! :)