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Áedán of the Gaels: King of Scots
This is the first full-length work devoted to Áedán mac Gabrain, 6th century king of Dál Riata in Scotland. An associate of the famous St. Columba, he was the first recorded king to be ordained in the British Isles and was the most powerful ruler in his generation. His astonishing military reach took him from Orkney, Pictland, Ireland, Northumbria and the Isle of Man.
This book details his dominant career, which came to a shattering end after decades of warfare at the Battle of Degsaston in AD 603. Beyond the record of warfare, there is a unique and tantalising accumulation of legend concerning Áedán, from stories about his birth, to tales of him in battle with Irish heroes. English sources mention him and he is one of the few Gaelic kings to feature prominently in Welsh tradition, where he is remembered as a uniquely powerful player in the north of Britain. Modern writers highlight Áedán as the father of a prince named Arthur, which has led to his place in Arthurian studies. Áedán's prominence in his era qualifies him as a fascinating figure, whose life and legend are accessibly explored in this exciting account of this unique ruler.
This book details his dominant career, which came to a shattering end after decades of warfare at the Battle of Degsaston in AD 603. Beyond the record of warfare, there is a unique and tantalising accumulation of legend concerning Áedán, from stories about his birth, to tales of him in battle with Irish heroes. English sources mention him and he is one of the few Gaelic kings to feature prominently in Welsh tradition, where he is remembered as a uniquely powerful player in the north of Britain. Modern writers highlight Áedán as the father of a prince named Arthur, which has led to his place in Arthurian studies. Áedán's prominence in his era qualifies him as a fascinating figure, whose life and legend are accessibly explored in this exciting account of this unique ruler.
180 pages, ebook
First published February 28, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
October 31, 2024
The term ‘Dark Ages’ is no longer fashionable. Post-Roman Britain is now the pre-medieval era, which seems a bit dry and academic for a period full of mystery and legend. Take, for example, Áedán mac Gabráin, who was crowned king of Dál Riata, ‘the uniquely divided kingdom’ split between northern Ireland and Scotland’s west coast in the 6th Century CE. Áedán fought campaigns from Orkney to the Isle of Man and into the heartlands of the Picts. His name is inextricably connected to St. Columba of Iona, and he was the first king of Scotland. In this fascinating book, Keith Coleman separates the history of Áedán from myth and legend.
Coleman begins by stressing the paucity of evidence we have for the life of Áedán. But we know quite a lot about where he came from: Dál Riata, a kingdom with lands in Scotland and Ulster. Áedán rose to power in 574, aged 40, but little is known about him before then. Coleman – as he does throughout his biography – pulls together what threads we do have and combines them with our contextual knowledge to create a coherent and convincing picture of a warrior and diplomat emerging from often chaotic times. Coleman also highlights Áedán’s mutually beneficial connections to St Columba although the relationship had not started well. The author reaches into his imagination along with the historical context to discuss Áedán’s inauguration, stretching the clues to produce a plausible scenario while presenting credible alternatives. Coleman turns to Áedán’s military record, spending some time on his campaigns on the Isle of Man and his diplomatic operations in Ireland, including the Convention of Druim Cett. Áedán and his sons also fought notable campaigns against the Picts and the Britons. Áedán’s last battle came at Degsastan in 603, to which Coleman devotes a chapter. Defeat there, Coleman speculates, may have led to Áedán’s retirement and retreat into a religious life as old age took its toll. Coleman concludes by examining Áedán’s sons, his legacy, and his legend.
It is clear from the beginning of Coleman’s investigation that we know very little about Áedán with any certainty. The King of Dál Riata is an elusive figure, reigning in the shadows of the Dark Ages. To his credit, Coleman avoids presenting certainties, choosing to weigh the available evidence while guiding the reader through what we know, and more importantly, what we do not. What emerges is a warrior-king, as we might expect, but also a skilled diplomat. Coleman also successfully places Áedán in historical context, painting a more complete picture of post-Roman Britain than the evidence probably warrants. Anyone interested in the Dark Ages and the formation of Scotland will find Coleman’s book informative and entertaining.
Coleman begins by stressing the paucity of evidence we have for the life of Áedán. But we know quite a lot about where he came from: Dál Riata, a kingdom with lands in Scotland and Ulster. Áedán rose to power in 574, aged 40, but little is known about him before then. Coleman – as he does throughout his biography – pulls together what threads we do have and combines them with our contextual knowledge to create a coherent and convincing picture of a warrior and diplomat emerging from often chaotic times. Coleman also highlights Áedán’s mutually beneficial connections to St Columba although the relationship had not started well. The author reaches into his imagination along with the historical context to discuss Áedán’s inauguration, stretching the clues to produce a plausible scenario while presenting credible alternatives. Coleman turns to Áedán’s military record, spending some time on his campaigns on the Isle of Man and his diplomatic operations in Ireland, including the Convention of Druim Cett. Áedán and his sons also fought notable campaigns against the Picts and the Britons. Áedán’s last battle came at Degsastan in 603, to which Coleman devotes a chapter. Defeat there, Coleman speculates, may have led to Áedán’s retirement and retreat into a religious life as old age took its toll. Coleman concludes by examining Áedán’s sons, his legacy, and his legend.
It is clear from the beginning of Coleman’s investigation that we know very little about Áedán with any certainty. The King of Dál Riata is an elusive figure, reigning in the shadows of the Dark Ages. To his credit, Coleman avoids presenting certainties, choosing to weigh the available evidence while guiding the reader through what we know, and more importantly, what we do not. What emerges is a warrior-king, as we might expect, but also a skilled diplomat. Coleman also successfully places Áedán in historical context, painting a more complete picture of post-Roman Britain than the evidence probably warrants. Anyone interested in the Dark Ages and the formation of Scotland will find Coleman’s book informative and entertaining.
March 3, 2022
Áedán of the Gaels: King of the Scots was an interesting premise- providing an investigation of a little known and little discussed Gaelic king. I was looking to read more about Scottish history and this seemed like a promising place to start.
The first part of the book was interesting and presented the issues of studying a figure like Áedán, particularly the lack of source material, and the influence of mythological writing in contemporary texts making it hard to discern fact from fable.
On the whole I found it interesting and explored a period and region I am not very familiar with, however I had issues with the chronology, which I found inconsistent and at times a little difficult to follow.
The author relies heavily on texts discussing the life of a contemporary saint. He also provides a thorough discussion on the available primary materials (texts and places, etc) that reference Áedán, including Welsh documents, and the likelihood of their veracity, or capacity to provide insight into Áedán's life. Given how little documentation exists for this period, and how inconsistently it is recorded, the book is a true feat from the author. I particularly enjoyed the discussion around the relations between mainland Ireland and the communities/kingdoms in what are now Scotland and England.
That being said, although the author does point out that it is hard to know for sure, or even, the likelihood of certain events, much of his account is supposition. Although most historical books are supposition, given the scarcity of contemporary texts and the poetical nature of the available documents, there is very little that can be said about Áedán for certain. The author presents his rationale for guessing the locations and time periods of events, but even many of these are still vague/uncertain...and when later suppositions are based upon guesswork, it leaves me questioning the overall plausibility of the argument.
Overall I found it an interesting look at the period and a good introduction to the figures of the time, and the available sources. The author works within the complex constraints of the period and makes some convincing points, even if I am not entirely convinced by all. Those looking for a straightforward biography or who are used to reading about better documents periods may have a difficult time with this book, but it is an interesting introduction to a lesser known period.
The first part of the book was interesting and presented the issues of studying a figure like Áedán, particularly the lack of source material, and the influence of mythological writing in contemporary texts making it hard to discern fact from fable.
On the whole I found it interesting and explored a period and region I am not very familiar with, however I had issues with the chronology, which I found inconsistent and at times a little difficult to follow.
The author relies heavily on texts discussing the life of a contemporary saint. He also provides a thorough discussion on the available primary materials (texts and places, etc) that reference Áedán, including Welsh documents, and the likelihood of their veracity, or capacity to provide insight into Áedán's life. Given how little documentation exists for this period, and how inconsistently it is recorded, the book is a true feat from the author. I particularly enjoyed the discussion around the relations between mainland Ireland and the communities/kingdoms in what are now Scotland and England.
That being said, although the author does point out that it is hard to know for sure, or even, the likelihood of certain events, much of his account is supposition. Although most historical books are supposition, given the scarcity of contemporary texts and the poetical nature of the available documents, there is very little that can be said about Áedán for certain. The author presents his rationale for guessing the locations and time periods of events, but even many of these are still vague/uncertain...and when later suppositions are based upon guesswork, it leaves me questioning the overall plausibility of the argument.
Overall I found it an interesting look at the period and a good introduction to the figures of the time, and the available sources. The author works within the complex constraints of the period and makes some convincing points, even if I am not entirely convinced by all. Those looking for a straightforward biography or who are used to reading about better documents periods may have a difficult time with this book, but it is an interesting introduction to a lesser known period.
January 23, 2022
This was a puzzling book - it seems rather half-baked and chaotic. Chronology was not in any way attended to, so the story kind of jumped around and I never knew quite where I was. I can think of lots of ways to improve the structure of the book, but the fact that it is in NetGalley tells me that ship has sailed... Perhaps people who are already informed in the field of early medieval Scottish history would be able to follow it but I was frustrated almost the entire time.
I would have appreciated some indication at the outset of how we even know such a person as Aedan existed, before diving into legends about his birth and ancestry. I was left with the impression that we know he existed because biographies of Colum Cille mentioned him, and much of the rest is a stew of myth, legend, and ambiguous annals. Because chronology was not the organizing principle, there was a lot of repetition of stuff from chapter to chapter, and a lot of times I was not sure whether 'Dal Riata' referred to the kingdom of the Irish in Scotland, or the section of Antrim from whence they had come.
One factoid from the beginning of Chapter 6 will stick with me: "we now know" (we do?) that the Picts spoke a P-Celtic language. This kind of blew my mind, Everything I've read up to this time leaves the Picts as shadowy strange barbarians who have left no trace in the people of later times. But this suggests that they were kin to the Britons and Welsh, at least in language. I want to know more about this. Sadly, after reading this book, I don't know much more about Aedan than that he appears to have existed.
I would have appreciated some indication at the outset of how we even know such a person as Aedan existed, before diving into legends about his birth and ancestry. I was left with the impression that we know he existed because biographies of Colum Cille mentioned him, and much of the rest is a stew of myth, legend, and ambiguous annals. Because chronology was not the organizing principle, there was a lot of repetition of stuff from chapter to chapter, and a lot of times I was not sure whether 'Dal Riata' referred to the kingdom of the Irish in Scotland, or the section of Antrim from whence they had come.
One factoid from the beginning of Chapter 6 will stick with me: "we now know" (we do?) that the Picts spoke a P-Celtic language. This kind of blew my mind, Everything I've read up to this time leaves the Picts as shadowy strange barbarians who have left no trace in the people of later times. But this suggests that they were kin to the Britons and Welsh, at least in language. I want to know more about this. Sadly, after reading this book, I don't know much more about Aedan than that he appears to have existed.
October 2, 2024
Reading the other reviews, people seemed to have trouble following this book but I think it's well researched and makes the best of limited sources.
It includes information on what's happening elsewhere in Britain and Ireland where Áedán is a peripheral character, but I welcome these inclusions.
The author provides useful insights that I had not previously considered. What was Áedán doing in the 40 years before he was king and was this why Columba was reluctant to anoint him? I've a few other books where this is attributed to hindsight, (Columbas biography was written during the disastrous reign of Áedáns grandson,) but what he says about Áedán being an experienced brigand before he was made king has a ring of truth to it
There are times when the author is in danger of overreaching but he is honest when evidence is thin, and to his credit, is usually citing other historians.
The hagiographical and legendary material, often omitted from history books, is well selected, much of which I haven't heard before, such as Áedáns attempts to tempt Columba with his beautiful sister.
Due to these inclusions and careful insight the work feels strangely complete, and sheds some light on what is a chaotic and confusing period in time
If this is your introduction to this period of history perhaps consider starting with a bit broader but I'm happy to consider this volume as a definitive history of Áedán mac Gabráin. Job well done.
It includes information on what's happening elsewhere in Britain and Ireland where Áedán is a peripheral character, but I welcome these inclusions.
The author provides useful insights that I had not previously considered. What was Áedán doing in the 40 years before he was king and was this why Columba was reluctant to anoint him? I've a few other books where this is attributed to hindsight, (Columbas biography was written during the disastrous reign of Áedáns grandson,) but what he says about Áedán being an experienced brigand before he was made king has a ring of truth to it
There are times when the author is in danger of overreaching but he is honest when evidence is thin, and to his credit, is usually citing other historians.
The hagiographical and legendary material, often omitted from history books, is well selected, much of which I haven't heard before, such as Áedáns attempts to tempt Columba with his beautiful sister.
Due to these inclusions and careful insight the work feels strangely complete, and sheds some light on what is a chaotic and confusing period in time
If this is your introduction to this period of history perhaps consider starting with a bit broader but I'm happy to consider this volume as a definitive history of Áedán mac Gabráin. Job well done.
June 3, 2025
This is a curious book that contains a somewhat eclectic collection of information. As others have commented, the structure is definitely jumbled and it could have benefited from revision.
Nonetheless, it was an admiral feat to even produce the work given the scarcity of sources. The author adequately explored what we do know about Aedan but it will lean far too heavily on conjecture for some readers.
I've given the book four stars rather than three because of the author's strong command of the source material, particular in relation to the diplomatic and political interactions between, and within, the various kingdoms and cultures. It's a complex undertaking to unravel sources which are terse, semi-mythological or even conflicting especially when dealing with this time period. One does get the impression that the subject matter could benefit from further academic attention.
In the end Aedan feels illusive, just beyond our reach, and that very little about him or his kin can ever be confirmed. In the words of the author, maybe we should be happy that any information at all survived after all these centuries.
Overall an imperfect book but still an interesting and worthwhile read.
Nonetheless, it was an admiral feat to even produce the work given the scarcity of sources. The author adequately explored what we do know about Aedan but it will lean far too heavily on conjecture for some readers.
I've given the book four stars rather than three because of the author's strong command of the source material, particular in relation to the diplomatic and political interactions between, and within, the various kingdoms and cultures. It's a complex undertaking to unravel sources which are terse, semi-mythological or even conflicting especially when dealing with this time period. One does get the impression that the subject matter could benefit from further academic attention.
In the end Aedan feels illusive, just beyond our reach, and that very little about him or his kin can ever be confirmed. In the words of the author, maybe we should be happy that any information at all survived after all these centuries.
Overall an imperfect book but still an interesting and worthwhile read.
March 27, 2022
Much of the earlier history of both Ireland and Pictland is shrouded in a mist that hovers between reality and legend and mythology, and this earlier period is often view through a much later lens.
Coleman does his best to utilise the historic sources, archaeological evidence, and myths and legends, to shed some light onto this period and its ruler. He uses comparative examples to "fill out" a proposed timeline and biography. The early histories were mainly oral except when documented by clerics usually in the form of a Vitae of their patron, and always from a distance and with an agenda or moral in mind. Much of what is covered is - as mentioned - open to interpretation and this itself is explored and placed in context.
Having said that, I enjoyed reconnecting with one of the larger than life, mysterious, yet real characters of history. And like today, the lines of reality are sometimes blurred with those of myth.
Coleman does his best to utilise the historic sources, archaeological evidence, and myths and legends, to shed some light onto this period and its ruler. He uses comparative examples to "fill out" a proposed timeline and biography. The early histories were mainly oral except when documented by clerics usually in the form of a Vitae of their patron, and always from a distance and with an agenda or moral in mind. Much of what is covered is - as mentioned - open to interpretation and this itself is explored and placed in context.
Having said that, I enjoyed reconnecting with one of the larger than life, mysterious, yet real characters of history. And like today, the lines of reality are sometimes blurred with those of myth.
January 27, 2022
NB: free ARC received for honest review
I found this an interesting read. As with any work that attempts to tackle a poorly and inconsistently documented period, there is a fair bit of complexity to contend with. The author can't simply recount what happened because we don't really know, and must instead provide a number of different possible scenarios and consider the likelihood of each. In many cases this means telling us that a battle where we don't know why it happened, where it happened, when it happened or who actually won it.
If you're looking for a simple chronological account of the period, you're not going to get it here, but I think anyone offering such an account would be taking a lot of liberties to do so.
I found this an interesting read. As with any work that attempts to tackle a poorly and inconsistently documented period, there is a fair bit of complexity to contend with. The author can't simply recount what happened because we don't really know, and must instead provide a number of different possible scenarios and consider the likelihood of each. In many cases this means telling us that a battle where we don't know why it happened, where it happened, when it happened or who actually won it.
If you're looking for a simple chronological account of the period, you're not going to get it here, but I think anyone offering such an account would be taking a lot of liberties to do so.
December 14, 2025
This is an excellent book in which Coleman seeks to marshal the limited available evidence to present us with a picture of his subject’s life, placing it in the context of the uncertain waters of early Scottish-DalRiatan history. The author commendably weighs his evidence, recognising its limitations and sign-posting these to his readers. It is impossible to write a definitive biography of Aedan, but Coleman has done what he can with the sources available to him.
One minor gripe, Coleman at one point has a raven gnaw at the head of a man killed in battle. But a raven in lacking teeth could not gnaw!
One minor gripe, Coleman at one point has a raven gnaw at the head of a man killed in battle. But a raven in lacking teeth could not gnaw!
January 28, 2022
"Áedán of the Gaels" is a pretty astonishing historical figure, and it's a pretty astonishing book! I enjoyed reading this book so much, that I'm now hoping there's a series of novels either in existence or in the pipeline. Keith Coleman takes you through Áedán's life with great skill, giving a taste of that time in history and leaving you longing for more.
My thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley. This review was written voluntarily and is entirely my own, unbiased, opinion.
My thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley. This review was written voluntarily and is entirely my own, unbiased, opinion.
March 15, 2022
A very insightful, well researched book. I would suggest more suited to an academic audience as it contains a great deal of detail regarding the ancient world of Ireland and Scotland. Having said that it is extremely interesting to connect these two countries and how much one was influenced by the other. A great read. My grateful thanks to Netgalley, the publishers and the hardworking author for the chance to read this book.
March 1, 2022
There isn't a lot of documentation about this historical character so part of what is told in this book is supposition or story of that time.
I liked what I read and discovered a fascinating and mysterious historical character.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
I liked what I read and discovered a fascinating and mysterious historical character.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
July 30, 2024
Keith Coleman has performed a useful task in gathering together so much material relating to Áedán mac Gabráin in a single volume. However the text is carelessly drafted and difficult to follow in places and would have benefited from more rigorous editing.
February 2, 2023
Aedan of the Gaels is a history of a... mythical-ish Scottish/Irish king in the late 500s? I think? It follows his life as a king and his contemporaries during the early Middle Ages.
To be honest, I had a hard time with this book. This was my first time reading about Scotland and Ireland during this time period and I had an extremely hard time with the people and place names. Most of the time I felt like I was at the beginning of a fantasy novel where you kind of get thrown in without context and are trying to get a grip on where you are and who the characters are. I don't think I even got there by the end of the book. I know who Aedan was (kind of), but I can't name another historical figure from the book. I'm not really sure why Aedan in particular was important and what his lasting impact was on the area.
As with most figures from the early Middle Ages, it seems like we don't have a lot of definitive information about Aedan. The author spent time going through possible historical events and explained why they most likely did or did not happen in the way described by contemporaries. While I liked this lens for a semi-mythical king, I feel like now I don't know anything about who Aedan was as a person or why he was worth having a book written about him. I would have appreciated a stronger outline of Aedan's impact to make his life clearer.
There are some spin-off myths in this book that I really liked reading, but once it got back to Aedan I forgot why I read the other myths in the first place as they didn't seem to include or affect him. They ended up making me feel more confused. I'm not sure if this is a me problem since I'm unfamiliar with the time and location, but I really struggled to understand what was going on for all of the book.
Overall, if you are familiar with the time period and location of this book, I would give it a read. 2.2 stars rounded down to 2. Thank you to Pen & Sword and NetGalley for the electronic advanced reader's copy of this book!
To be honest, I had a hard time with this book. This was my first time reading about Scotland and Ireland during this time period and I had an extremely hard time with the people and place names. Most of the time I felt like I was at the beginning of a fantasy novel where you kind of get thrown in without context and are trying to get a grip on where you are and who the characters are. I don't think I even got there by the end of the book. I know who Aedan was (kind of), but I can't name another historical figure from the book. I'm not really sure why Aedan in particular was important and what his lasting impact was on the area.
As with most figures from the early Middle Ages, it seems like we don't have a lot of definitive information about Aedan. The author spent time going through possible historical events and explained why they most likely did or did not happen in the way described by contemporaries. While I liked this lens for a semi-mythical king, I feel like now I don't know anything about who Aedan was as a person or why he was worth having a book written about him. I would have appreciated a stronger outline of Aedan's impact to make his life clearer.
There are some spin-off myths in this book that I really liked reading, but once it got back to Aedan I forgot why I read the other myths in the first place as they didn't seem to include or affect him. They ended up making me feel more confused. I'm not sure if this is a me problem since I'm unfamiliar with the time and location, but I really struggled to understand what was going on for all of the book.
Overall, if you are familiar with the time period and location of this book, I would give it a read. 2.2 stars rounded down to 2. Thank you to Pen & Sword and NetGalley for the electronic advanced reader's copy of this book!
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