Bróðir and Óspak of Man were two Danes mentioned in the 13th century Njal's Saga and the 12th century Cogadh Gaedhil re Gallaibh as key leaders in the Battle of Clontarf. Sigtrygg Silkbeard was sent by his mother Gormflaith to win their support against the High King of Ireland, Brian Ború: "There are two Danes lying off the Isle of Man with thirty ships... spare nothing to induce them to join you." Though Bróðir accepted, and led the "murderous foreign Danes" alongside Earl Sigurd of Orkney, Óspak deserted and joined the Irish. Njáls saga (also known as The Story of Burnt Njál) is an epic of Icelandic literature from the 13th century that describes the progress of a 50-year blood feud. ... The Battle of Clontarf took place on Good Friday in 1014 (April 23) between the forces of Brian Boru, the king of Munster and High King of Ireland, and forces led primarily by Vikings from Dublin and the Orkney Islands, as well as the King of Leinster. ... Sigtrygg Silkbeard Olafsson (known also as Sitric in Irish texts) was the son of King Olaf Cuaran and Gormflaith. ... Gormflaith was the daughter of Murchad MacFinn, King of Leinster, sister of his sucessor, Mael Mordha, and widow of Olaf Cuaran, the Viking king of Dublin and York. ... This article needs to be cleaned up to conform to a higher standard of quality. ... Earl Sigurd Hlodvirsson (Sigurd the Stout) was the 14th Jarl of the Orkneys and a key figure in the Battle of Clontarf. ...

At Clontarf, the sides were equally matched, and the battle raged all day, but just as the Irish were winning, Bróðir killed Boru. This was not enough to prevent the Irish victory, and Bróðir died that same day with Sigurd, after being hanged by followers of Brian Boru, in 1014. Bróðir is said to have fallen upon Brian Boru whilst fleeing from the battle field. Bróðir easily overpowered and killed the elderly king but could not escape Brian's servants who captured him and hanged him from a nearby tree. Clontarf is a place name used in several English speaking countries. ...

Bróðir is often credited with being the first of the what has now become the family 'Broderick' in Ireland. While this claim could conceivably hold some truth, it is unlikely, and appears to be nothing more than genealogical enthusiasts jumping to conclusions. The name 'Broderick' is more likely to be derived from 'O'Brodair' - an ancient Irish sept that had been seated in Ireland since ancient times.

See also

• Earl Sigurd
• Brian Boru
• Battle of Clontarf
• Irish battles

Earl Sigurd Hlodvirsson (Sigurd the Stout) was the 14th Jarl of the Orkneys and a key figure in the Battle of Clontarf. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ... The Battle of Clontarf took place on Good Friday in 1014 (April 23) between the forces of Brian Boru, the king of Munster and High King of Ireland, and forces led primarily by Vikings from Dublin and the Orkney Islands, as well as the King of Leinster. ... This page aims to give a list of and links to pages of battles in Irish history. ...

External links

• A History of Vikings in Scotland
• Events leading up to the Battle of Clontarf
• Njal's Saga