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Lochlann


Lochlann (earlier Laithlind) is a geographical region in Classical Gaelic literature and in the history of Early Medieval Ireland. In the modern Gaelic and Welsh (Llychlyn) languages it signifies Scandinavia, and more specifically Norway. In Irish, the adjectival noun "Lochlannach" (person belonging to Lochlann) has the additional sense of "raider", specifically, Vikings.

All uses of the word "Lochlann" relate it to Nordic realms of Europe. While the traditional view has identified Laithlind with Norway, some have preferred to locate it in a Norse-dominated part of Scotland, perhaps the Hebrides or the Northern Isles.Donnchadh Ó Corráin states that Laithlinn was the name of Viking Scotland, and that a substantial part of Scotland—the Northern and Western Isles and large areas of the coastal mainland from Caithness and Sutherland to Argyll—was conquered by the Vikings in the first quarter of the ninth century and a Viking kingdom was set up there earlier than the middle of the century.

The Fragmentary Annals of Ireland contain numerous reference to the "Lochlanns", who are clearly Vikings and feared and distrusted by the writers. However relatively few named individuals are identified from amongst their number and their relationships with one another are largely obscure.

Jarl Tomrair, described as the "tanist of the king of Lochlann" fell in the Battle of Sciath Nechtain (near modern Castledermot) in 848.


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