Today is Thursday, April 23rd, 2020.

On this day in 1014, the Forces of Brian Baru, the High King of Ireland

defeated an alliance of Viking and Irish armies

at the Battle of Clontarf.

Although he was victorious in the battle,

Brian Bauru was slain.

Welcome to today in True Crime, a parcast original.

Due to the graphic nature of today's crimes,

listener discretion is advised.

Extreme caution is advised for listeners under 13.

Today we're covering the Battle of Clontarf, one of the most famous

conflicts in Ireland's history. It's known as the day that the great Christian King

Brian Boru drove the pagan Viking forces into the sea never to return.

While its events have since become the stuff of legend, the truth is more complicated.

Let's go back to the bank of the River Tolka in the early morning hours of April 23rd,

1014. 14. They say the armies met at sun's first light on Good Friday morning. The pitch was chosen in advance, a

northern shore of Dublin Bay called Clontarf. The Irish came from north and south to meet the male-clad Norseman. And Brian

Boru, he led the way, crucifix aloft before him.

So the story goes, and perhaps Brian wished it were so.

But the High King of Ireland was 73 years old and no longer fit for battle.

He could only watch and pray from his camp

high in Kilmainum while the conflict played out below.

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