Cormac Mac Airt (also known as“Corbmac” from Baile Chuinn Chétchathaig) was a high king of Ireland (an Ard ri Érenn) from Irish Celtic Mythology. Much has been written about his exploits, courage and wisdom. He ruled over Tara for more than 40 years, upholding law and order on the island, until his bitter defeat at the hands of the King of Munster… Here’s an overview of this legendary Irish king…
Cormac Mac Airt’s life is mainly evoked in the “Annals of the Four Masters” and in the text “Forbuis Droma Damhghaire (The Siege of Druim Damhghaire)”, which recounts his expedition to the province of Munster, in order to claim the tax (the Boroma) that the region refused to pay him. Faced with the Munster king’s obtinate refusal to pay his dues, Cormac decides to go to war to make the Munster regret their imprudence.
According to the literature, this was a hard-fought and violent battle.
The King of Munster retaliated effectively by asking for help from the druid Mog Ruith, who used his magic to keep Cormac Mac Airt at bay.
Cormac Mac Airt died many years later, in 266, after choking on a fishbone stuck in his throat. This death was premeditated by a druid, who used his power to order the king’s death during his meal…
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