Fergus I (mythological king)
Fergus I, also called Fergus son of Ferchard, is a legendary king who is said to be the first king of Scotland.
Who was Fergus I?
Fergus is said to have come from Ireland around 330 B.C. to help the Scots already living in what is now Scotland. These Scots were fighting against the Picts and Britons at the time.[1][2]
What did he do?
Fergus fought battles in Scotland and later returned to Ireland to settle matters there. On his way, his ship sank near the Irish coast, and he drowned. The place where he died was later called Carrickfergus, which means "rock of Fergus".
Some old king lists say Fergus's father, Ferchard, may have been the first king, and Fergus the second.[3]
Why is Fergus I important?
In the Middle Ages, Scottish historians created a long list of kings starting with Fergus I. These lists were likely made up to give Scotland an ancient and noble history.[4]
In the 17th century, these legends were used to claim that Scottish kings had ruled for more than 2,000 years.[5]
Modern historians now believe that Fergus I was a mythical figure. The first real Scottish kings may have started with Fergus Mór (Fergus II), who came from Ireland in the early 500s A.D.
In Art
In the Great Gallery of Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh, there is a painting of Fergus I by artist Jacob de Wet II. It is part of a series showing 110 legendary and real Scottish kings.
Summary Table
| Topic | Simple English |
|---|---|
| Time | Around 330 B.C. |
| Origin | From Ireland, son of Ferchard |
| Actions | Helped Scots fight Picts and Britons |
| Death | Drowned near place later named Carrickfergus |
| Legacy | Part of legendary king lists |
| Historical Truth | Probably myth; first real kings began in 500s A.D. |
Notes
- ↑ Fordun, John of (14th century). Chronica Gentis Scotorum.
{{cite book}}: Check date values in:|year=(help) - ↑ Buchanan, George (1582). Rerum Scoticarum Historia.
- ↑ Skene, William Forbes (1886). Celtic Scotland. Vol. 1.
- ↑ Innes, Thomas (1729). Critical Essay on the Ancient Inhabitants of the Northern Parts of Britain.
- ↑ Boece, Hector (1527). Scotorum Historiae.