Gormflaith (c. 870–925)

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Gormflaith (c. 870–925)

Irish poet and wife of kings. Name variations: Gormley; Gormfallith; Gormflath; Gormlaith. Born around 870; died in 925; daughter of Flann Sionna, high king of Ireland (r. 879–916); betrothed to Cormac mac Cuilennáin, king-bishop of Cashel; married King Cerball of Leinster; married Niall Glúndubh, high king of Ireland (r. 916–919); children: a son.

Twice married, once betrothed, Gormflaith reputedly wrote poetry about her husbands. Some of her lyrics survive in the Irish annals and in the Scottish manuscript entitled The Book of the Dean of Lismore. When her betrothed Cormac mac Cuilennáin was killed in battle by King Cerball of Leinster, Gormflaith married Cerball. Her second husband, Niall Glúndubh was also killed in battle while fighting the Danes in 919. Legend has it that Gormflaith became a beggar and died in poverty.

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