Echmarcach Mac Ragnaill - Uncertain Parentage

Uncertain Parentage

The identity of Echmarcach's father, Ragnall, is uncertain. Modern scholars have offered evidence for several candidates. One possibility is that Ragnall was a member of a late 10th- and early 11th century dynasty that ruled the Norse-Gaelic enclave of Waterford. Specifically, several scholars have argued that Ragnall was one of two Waterfordian rulers: Ragnall mac Ímair, King of Waterford (d. 1015 or 1018), or his like-named son, Ragnall mac Ragnaill, King of Waterford (d. 1035). An alternative possibility is that Echmarcach belonged to a late 10th- and early 11th dynasty that ruled in the Isles (the Hebrides and Mann). Specifically, several scholars have argued that Echmarcach's father was: Ragnall mac Gofraid, King of the Isles (d. 1004 or 1005), son and possible successor of Gofraid mac Arailt, King of the Isles (d. 989). As a descendant of either of the two aforementioned dynasties, Echmarcach may have been a member of the Uí Ímair.