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{{Era|Individuals}}
{{Era|Individuals}}
{{Spoilerhd|10 August 2021}}
{{Imageneed|''[[Wrath of the Druids|Assassin's Creed: Valhalla — Wrath of the Druids]]''}}
{{Expand}}
{{Character Infobox
{{Character Infobox
|name = Eogan mac Cartaigh  
|name = Eogan mac Cartaigh  
|native =
|native =
|image = ACV DB Eogan.png
|image = ACV WoTD Eogan mac Cartaigh Fullbody render.png
|birth =  
|birth =  
|death = c. 882<ref name="ScourgingOfSnakes>''[[Assassin's Creed: Valhalla]] – [[Wrath of the Druids]]'' – [[A Scourging of Snakes]]</ref><br>[[Armagh]], {{wiki|Ulaid|Kingdom of Ulaid}}
|death = c. 882<br>[[Armagh]], {{wiki|Ulaid|Kingdom of Ulaid}}
|active =
|active =
|species = [[Human]]
|species = [[Human]]
Line 13: Line 12:
|affiliates = [[Children of Danu]]
|affiliates = [[Children of Danu]]
}}
}}
'''Eogan mac Cartaigh''' (died c. 882), also known as '''The Oak''', was the Abbot of [[Armagh]] during the late 9th century.
'''Eogan mac Cartaigh''' (died c. 882), also known as '''The Oak''', was the Abbot of [[Armagh]].


A dedicated [[Ireland|Irish]] [[Christianity|Christian]] [[Scholar|priest]] under {{Wiki|High King of Ireland|High King}} [[Flann Sinna]]'s reign, Eogan was secretly the ''{{Wiki|Ollam}}h'' and founder of the extremist druid cult known as the [[Children of Danu]].<ref name="ACV">''Assassin's Creed: Valhalla – Wrath of the Druids''</ref>
A dedicated [[Ireland|Irish]] [[Christianity|Christian]] [[Scholar|priest]] under {{Wiki|High King of Ireland|High King}} [[Flann Sinna]]'s reign, Eogan was secretly the ''{{Wiki|Ollam}}h'' and founder of the extremist [[druid]] cult known as the [[Children of Danu]].<ref name="ACV">''[[Assassin's Creed: Valhalla]] [[Wrath of the Druids]]''</ref>


==Biography==
==Biography==
===Early Life===
===Early life===
Eogan mac Cartaigh was born in the 9th century, the youngest boy in a very large Irish family. From a young age, Eogan deeply valued mystical, scholarly and spiritual pursuits and therefore decided that he was destined for life in the [[Christianity|Christian]] [[Church]]. Due to his values, Eogan was a devout Christian and dutifully fasted, prayed and memorized religious scripture.<ref name="TargetMenu">''Assassin's Creed: Valhalla – Wrath of the Druids'' – [[Target menu]]: "Bio: Eogan mac Cartaigh, The Oak"</ref>
Eogan mac Cartaigh was born in the 9th century, the youngest boy in a very large Irish family. From a young age, Eogan deeply valued mystical, scholarly and spiritual pursuits and therefore decided that he was destined for life in the Christian [[church]]. Due to his values, Eogan was a devout Christian and dutifully fasted, prayed and memorized religious scripture.<ref name="TargetMenu">''Assassin's Creed: Valhalla – Wrath of the Druids'' – [[Target menu]]: "Bio: Eogan mac Cartaigh, The Oak"</ref>


However, he had soon realized that these pursuits had left him somewhat dissatisfied with his life and therefore he slowly began resenting every moment of his religious life. He did, however, go on pretending to be a dedicated member of Christian society and the faith in general.<ref name="TargetMenu"/>
However, he had soon realized that these pursuits had left him somewhat dissatisfied with his life and therefore he slowly began resenting every moment of his religious life. He did, however, go on pretending to be a dedicated member of Christian society and the faith in general.<ref name="TargetMenu"/>
Line 25: Line 24:
One day during his youth, he was exploring the wooded areas near his village and he accidentally stumbled upon an Irish druid performing a religious ritual. Upon observing the druid ritual in progress, Eogan found spiritual fulfilment in the ''"earthiness"'' of it. Reflecting upon his newfound spiritual fulfilment, Eogan decided that he found druidism much more compelling than his family's Christian faith.<ref name="TargetMenu"/>
One day during his youth, he was exploring the wooded areas near his village and he accidentally stumbled upon an Irish druid performing a religious ritual. Upon observing the druid ritual in progress, Eogan found spiritual fulfilment in the ''"earthiness"'' of it. Reflecting upon his newfound spiritual fulfilment, Eogan decided that he found druidism much more compelling than his family's Christian faith.<ref name="TargetMenu"/>


Eogan than secretly became a druid and secretly followed their ways more dutifully, eventually become a secluded fanatical member. With the rise of the [[Norse-Gaels|Norse-Gaelic]] Christian society in Ireland, Eogan feared the druidic faith would face extinction due to the new Christian society being established over Ireland.<ref name="TargetMenu"/>
Eogan then secretly became a druid and followed their ways more dutifully, eventually becoming a secluded fanatical member. With the rise of the [[Norse-Gaels|Norse-Gaelic]] Christian society in Ireland, Eogan feared the druidic faith would face extinction.<ref name="TargetMenu"/>


Eogan soon founded an extremist druid cult called the Children of [[Danu]], which primarily consisted of disenfranchised druids and Christians from Irish society.<ref name="TargetMenu"/> Eogan himself decided to take up a high position in the Church, believing that he could use his power to help his cause by bringing down Irish society from within in order to prevent the Irish Christian society from wiping out the native druidic faith of Ireland.<ref>''Assassin's Creed: Valhalla – Wrath of the Druids'' – Target menu: "Niamh: Note Found near the Great Stone"</ref>
Eogan soon founded an extremist druid cult called the Children of [[Danu]], which primarily consisted of disenfranchised druids and Christians from Irish society.<ref name="TargetMenu"/> Eogan himself decided to take up a high position in the Church, believing that he could use his power to help his cause by bringing down Irish society from within, preventing the Irish Christian society from wiping out the native druidic faith of Ireland.<ref>''Assassin's Creed: Valhalla – Wrath of the Druids'' – Target menu: "Niamh: Note Found near the Great Stone"</ref>


What started out as a secluded resistance movement for the druids eventually mutated into a cell of druid extremists who began engaging in the darker aspects of the druidic faith in order to fight off the rising Norse-Gaelic Christian Order in Ireland.<ref>''Assassin's Creed: Valhalla – Wrath of the Druids'' – [[Database: The Children of Danu]]</ref>
What started out as a secluded resistance movement for the druids eventually mutated into a cell of druid extremists who began engaging in the darker aspects of the druidic faith in order to fight off the rising Norse-Gaelic Christian Order in Ireland.<ref>''Assassin's Creed: Valhalla – Wrath of the Druids'' – [[Database: The Children of Danu]]</ref>


===Flann Sinna's rise to High King===
===Rise of a High King===
Around 879, Flann Sinna was given a coronation at [[Hill of Tara|Tara]] near the ancient stone, the ''[[Lia Fáil]]'', as his new role as High King of Ireland. During the coronation, Flann's poetess, [[Ciara ingen Medba]] sang his song, while Abbot Eogan blessed him and gave him a ceremonial [[sword]] as the new High King. However, unknown to most, Eogan nearly had Flann killed as his plan of a suicidal assassin, under the guise of a priest, was underway. Yet, the plan was foiled by both the King of [[Dublin]], [[Bárid mac Ímair]], and his cousin, [[Vikings|Viking]] ''[[jarl]]skona'' [[Eivor Varinsdottir]].<ref>''Assassin's Creed: Valhalla – Wrath of the Druids'' – [[Flann over Ireland]]</ref>
Around 879, during Flann Sinna's coronation as High King of Ireland at the [[Hill of Tara]] near the ancient stone ''[[Lia Fáil]]'', Abbot Eogan blessed him and gave him a ceremonial [[sword]], while Flann's poetess, [[Ciara ingen Medba]], sang a song she had written. However, unknown to most, Eogan had intended for Flann to be killed moments later by a suicidal assassin disguised as a priest, though the plan was foiled by both the King of [[Dublin]], [[Bárid mac Ímair]], and his cousin, the [[Vikings|Viking]] ''[[jarl]]skona'' [[Eivor Varinsdottir]].<ref>''Assassin's Creed: Valhalla – Wrath of the Druids'' – [[Flann over Ireland]]</ref>


During the coronation, Flann was updated on recent raids by Dublin [[Denmark|Dane]]s and the recent theft of the [[Book of Kells]]. Acting on part of Bárid, Eivor looked to find the book, which was eventually found to be stolen by [[Thorstein the Red|Thorstein]] and given to an unknown druid cult. After obtaining the book, Eivor saw Abbot Eogan in [[Durrow]] as he talked to Flann about letting someone like Eivor retrieve the book. Meeting with the abbot and High King, Eivor handed the Book of Kells to Eogan, who questioned Flann for his collaboration with the "pagans." Nevertheless, Eogan left with the book.<ref>''Assassin's Creed: Valhalla – Wrath of the Druids'' – [[A Show of Character]]</ref>
During the coronation, the [[Book of Kells]] was taken by Dublin Danes and Eivor was given the task to retrieve it. Abbot Eogan was later present in [[Durrow]] as he discussed with Flann about the implications of letting someone like Eivor retrieve the book. Nevertheless, Eogan was handed the book by Eivor, while Eogan questioned Flann for his collaboration with the "[[Norse mythology|pagans]]." Later, Eogan left with the book.<ref>''Assassin's Creed: Valhalla – Wrath of the Druids'' – [[A Show of Character]]</ref>


When Eivor helped Flann and Bárid conquer [[Cashelore]],<ref>''Assassin's Creed: Valhalla – Wrath of the Druids'' – [[Foothold in Connacht]]</ref> Eivor found out the next day of the accusation against Bárid of the recent poisoning of his [[Southern Army|men]]. Investigating for the truth, Eivor and Ciara came to find about a possible cure from Ciara's friend and druid priestess, [[Deirdre Na Linni]]. However, from their conversation, Ciara and Deirdre divulged that the Children of Danu was responsible for the poison. Eivor agreed to help by finding a cure component, an [[amber]] shard from a Child of Danu. Eivor investigated around [[Connacht]], for any [[Target menu|clue]]s about [[Niamh|The Wren]]. Working under his cryptoymn "The Oak," Eogan sent a letter to The Wren, detailing about her role to sway the public's support against the lords and kings of Ireland and instigating riots. After she assassinated The Wren, Eivor found out about [[Sétnae|The Cursed]]'s role in the poison, from Niamh's personal effects, and delivered the amber shard to Deirdre.<ref>''Assassin's Creed: Valhalla – Wrath of the Druids'' – [[Potion of Blood]]</ref>
After Eivor helped Flann and Bárid conquer [[Cashelore]],<ref>''Assassin's Creed: Valhalla – Wrath of the Druids'' – [[Foothold in Connacht]]</ref> Eogan and his cult tried to frame Bárid for Flann's poisoned army and to sow discord between Flann and his allies. Eogan also ordered "[[Niamh|The Wren]]" to spread misinformation in the settlement, [[Rathcroghan]], as to move people towards supporting the Children of Danu.<ref>''Assassin's Creed: Valhalla – Wrath of the Druids'' – [[Potion of Blood]]</ref> The ''Ollamh'' Druid, The Oak, also ordered "[[Sétnae|The Cursed]]" to concoct the poison that inflicted Flann's soldiers. However, both of Eogan's plans were thwarted by Eivor. Also, among The Cursed's personal effects, a clue about "The Oak" detailed that he worked among the priests and kings.<ref>''Assassin's Creed: Valhalla – Wrath of the Druids'' – [[Into the Fog]]</ref> Eogan's plans for Ireland were coming undone as Eivor hunted down his acolytes, who were told by "The Oak" to work on building supplies, increasing their numbers, and concocting poisons for their "final battle."<ref>''Assassin's Creed: Valhalla – Wrath of the Druids'' – [[Children of Danu (memory)|Children of Danu]]</ref>


While Ciara delivered the cure to Flann, Eivor investigated The Cursed, who concocted the poison ordered by the ''Ollamh'' Druid, The Oak. After meeting up with Ciara, Eivor followed Ciara to The Cursed. After finding and killing The Cursed, Eivor and Ciara discussed Ciara's previous role in the cult while finding out a clue about The Oak, who worked among priests and kings, from Sétnae's personal effects.<ref>''Assassin's Creed: Valhalla – Wrath of the Druids'' – [[Into the Fog]]</ref> From the [[High Druid]]'s death, Eivor kept hunting down other Children of Danu, such as [[Ruaidrí|The Deer]] and [[Leasleach|The Whisper]], who were told by The Oak to work on building supplies, increasing their numbers, and concocting poisons for their "final battle."<ref>''Assassin's Creed: Valhalla – Wrath of the Druids'' – [[Children of Danu (memory)|Children of Danu]]</ref>
===Attempted coup and death===
To stop Flann's support and aid, Abbot Eogan was shown to be the mastermind behind having Kings [[Niall Glúndub]] and [[Domnall mac Áeda]] arrest any soldiers working against him or for Flann. Eogan simultaneously bulit his army and marched for [[Clogher]], in order to ambush Flann.<ref>''Assassin's Creed: Valhalla – Wrath of the Druids'' – [[Courting the Kings]]</ref> At Clogher, Eogan's men attacked Flann and his allies, much to Flann's shock. Although they held their own, Eogan's soldiers dwindled Flann's numbers and killed the King of [[Dublin]], Bárid.<ref>''Assassin's Creed: Valhalla – Wrath of the Druids'' – [[The Mask of Diplomacy]]</ref> Afterwards, The Oak ordered [[Bécc mac Nath-í|The Seed]] to capture and hold any weapon supplies to Dublin, where Bárid's son, [[Sichfrith]], now led as King.  After The Seed's death, the real identity of The ''Ollamh'' Druid of the Children of Danu was discovered to be Abbot Eogan himself..<ref>''Assassin's Creed: Valhalla – Wrath of the Druids'' – [[The Wages of War]]</ref>


During Flann's movement in [[Ulster]], Eivor was told to investigate [[Ailech|Aileach]] for Bárid and the missing messengers. Under the guise of a [[Donegal]] Viking, Eivor secretly invaded Aileach and found the Kings of Aileach and Bárid. From their coded messages, Eivor and Bárid took over the settlement from the inside and interrogated the kings. Both Kings [[Niall Glúndub]] and [[Domnall mac Áeda]] spilled that their actions were forced by Abbot Eogan and that Eogan's army was building up and marching for Clogher. Worried, Bárid sent a message to Flann while Eivor left to meet with Flann.<ref>''Assassin's Creed: Valhalla – Wrath of the Druids'' – [[Courting the Kings]]</ref>
Abbot Eogan was later found to be at [[Armagh]], where Flann and Eivor started their attack, with Sichfrith's aid. Going through the village and Eogan's men, Eogan was guarded by two [[soldier]]s with Armagh's church, until Flann and Eivor barged inside to meet him. Initially, Eogan cursed out Flann and his attack on the church. However, Eogan's true intentions were made clear by Flann. Dropping the charade, Eogan made his position as leader of the Danu, while trying to sow doubt between Ciara and Flann. Eogan continued to make accusations of Flann being enamored by Ciara. As Eivor stopped the conversation, Eogan and his men engaged Flann and Eivor in battle but to no avail. After being bested in battle, in his final breath, Eogan quoted an excerpt of the {{Wiki|holiness code}} detailing agricultural practices in {{Wiki|Leviticus 19|Chapter 19}} of the {{Wiki|Book of Leviticus}}, and began to push the insecure thoughts between Ciara and Flann even further, before succumbing to his wounds.<ref name="ScourgingOfSnakes>''Assassin's Creed: Valhalla'' ''Wrath of the Druids'' – [[A Scourging of Snakes]]</ref>


At [[Clogher]], Eivor and Bárid were in disbelief that Flann ignored the message and that he couldn't trust the kings, or in reality, the words of pagans. Unfortunately, Clogher was under attack by Eogan's men, much to Flann's dismay. Although they held their own, Flann looked around and saw the loss in numbers in his men. Meanwhile, Eivor and Ciara looked for Bárid, who was fatally injured. Preparing Bárid for [[Valhalla (afterlife)|Valhalla]], Eivor sat as her cousin passed and took him to his home to be buried. From Eogan's assault, Flann's army was diminished as Dublin lost its king.<ref>''Assassin's Creed: Valhalla – Wrath of the Druids'' – [[The Mask of Diplomacy]]</ref>
===Legacy===
Immediately following the abbot's death, a conference between Ireland's kings and Flann Sinna was held about Eogan and to an extent, the druids in Ireland. After rash deliberations, an inquisition was made against all druids, Children of Danu or not, to either reform as Christians or be exiled. Eogan's deception led to the inquistion, which made Ciara soon activate the ''Lia Fáil'' to stop anyone coming after her people. However, even with Eogan's death, the Children of Danu's plan of using Ciara to activate the stone was finally halted after Eivor intervened. Putting a stop to the stone, Eogan and the cult's plan failed as Eivor saw the stone destroyed.<ref>''Assassin's Creed: Valhalla – Wrath of the Druids'' – [[The Cost of Betrayal]]</ref>


Afterwards, Eivor met with the new King of Dublin, [[Sichfrith]], and [[Azar]] about the next steps for avenging Bárid. Azar informed that the Children of Danu has stopped their weapon supply, under the leadership of [[Bécc mac Nath-í|The Seed]]. From her investigation and assassination of The Seed, Eivor found out the real identity of The Oak and ''Ollamh'' Druid of the Children of Danu to be Abbot Eogan himself. After her find, Eivor went to confer with Flann about her findings.<ref>''Assassin's Creed: Valhalla – Wrath of the Druids'' [[The Wages of War]]</ref>
==Behind the scenes==
 
Eogan mac Cartaigh is a character introduced in ''[[Assassin's Creed: Valhalla]]''{{'}}s ''[[Wrath of the Druids]]'' DLC. Historically, the {{wiki|Archbishop of Armagh|abbot of Armagh}} during this period was Cathassach mac Robartaig who died c. 883.
During the planning of assault on [[Armagh]], Eivor divulged to Flann, Sichfrith, and Ciara that Eogan and the leader of the Children of Danu are one and the same. With Sichfrith's help in numbers, Flann and Eivor started their attack on Armagh. Going through the village and Eogan's men, Eivor and Flann made their way into the church, where Eogan was guarded by two [[soldier]]s. Initially, Eogan cursed out Flann and his attack on the church. However, Flann stated outright that he knew of Eogan's true intentions. Dropping the charade, Eogan made his position while trying to sow doubt between Ciara and Flann. Eivor made it clear that Eogan was tricking them while Eogan made accusation of Flann being enamored by Ciara. Stopping the conversation, Eivor and Flann attacked and defeated the abbot and his guards.<ref name="AScourgingofSnakes">''Assassin's Creed: Valhalla – Wrath of the Druids'' – [[A Scourging of Snakes]]</ref>


In his final breath, Eogan quoted scripture and began to push the insecure thoughts between Ciara and Flann even further, before succumbing to his wounds.<ref name="AScourgingofSnakes"/> However, due to the abbot's death, a conference between Ireland's kings and Flann Sinna was later held about Eogan and to an extent, the druids in Ireland. After rash deliberations, Flann initially submitted to a druid inquisition to all druids, Children of Danu or not, to either reform or become exiled. Ciara, hearing this, left angrily and bereft at Flann's decision. Ciara soon activated the ''Lia Fáil'' to stop anyone after her people as Eivor and Flann came to reason with her. After a series of fights, Eivor told Ciara that Eogan and the cult's wish came true as they had made Ciara activate the stone for the druids. Putting a stop to the stone, Eivor saw the stone's power was destroyed. With the stone's power gone, Eogan's design of using the stone was gone for good.<ref>''Assassin's Creed: Valhalla – Wrath of the Druids'' – [[The Cost of Betrayal]]</ref>
The name Eogan may be a variation of the name Eoghan which is [[Gaels|Gaelic]] in origin, meaning "born of yew; youth". The surname mac Cartaigh is a common Irish surname meaning "son of Cárthach", with Cárthach meaning "loving". The surname later evolved into the modern name of MacCarthy.


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
Line 58: Line 58:
ACV WotD Eogan Concept 2.jpg|Concept art of Eogan in his standard abbot robes
ACV WotD Eogan Concept 2.jpg|Concept art of Eogan in his standard abbot robes
ACV Eogan mac Cartaigh.png|Close-up of Eogan
ACV Eogan mac Cartaigh.png|Close-up of Eogan
ACV DB Eogan.png|Eogan's database image
</gallery>
</gallery>
==Behind the scenes==
Historically the {{wiki|Archbishop of Armagh|abbot of Armagh}} during this period was Cathassach mac Robartaig who died c. 883.


==Appearances==
==Appearances==
*''[[Assassin's Creed: Valhalla]] – [[Wrath of the Druids]]''
*''[[Assassin's Creed: Valhalla]] – [[Wrath of the Druids]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[The World of Assassin's Creed Valhalla: Journey to the North – Logs and Files of a Hidden One]]'' {{Mo}}


==References==
==References==
Line 72: Line 71:
[[Category:Individuals]]
[[Category:Individuals]]
[[Category:Irish people]]
[[Category:Irish people]]
[[Category:Gaelic people]]
[[Category:Gaels]]
[[Category:Clergymen]]
[[Category:Clergy]]
[[Category:Priests]]
[[Category:Priests]]
[[Category:Abbots]]
[[Category:Abbots]]
[[Category:Druids]]
[[Category:Druids]]
[[Category:Children of Danu members]]
[[Category:Children of Danu]]
[[fr:Eogan mac Cartaigh]]
<!--[fr:Eogan mac Cartaigh]-->
<!--[de:Eogan mac Carthaigh]-->

Latest revision as of 00:59, 12 May 2026

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Eogan mac Cartaigh (died c. 882), also known as The Oak, was the Abbot of Armagh.

A dedicated Irish Christian priest under High King Flann Sinna's reign, Eogan was secretly the Ollamh and founder of the extremist druid cult known as the Children of Danu.[1]

Biography[edit | edit source]

Early life[edit | edit source]

Eogan mac Cartaigh was born in the 9th century, the youngest boy in a very large Irish family. From a young age, Eogan deeply valued mystical, scholarly and spiritual pursuits and therefore decided that he was destined for life in the Christian church. Due to his values, Eogan was a devout Christian and dutifully fasted, prayed and memorized religious scripture.[2]

However, he had soon realized that these pursuits had left him somewhat dissatisfied with his life and therefore he slowly began resenting every moment of his religious life. He did, however, go on pretending to be a dedicated member of Christian society and the faith in general.[2]

One day during his youth, he was exploring the wooded areas near his village and he accidentally stumbled upon an Irish druid performing a religious ritual. Upon observing the druid ritual in progress, Eogan found spiritual fulfilment in the "earthiness" of it. Reflecting upon his newfound spiritual fulfilment, Eogan decided that he found druidism much more compelling than his family's Christian faith.[2]

Eogan then secretly became a druid and followed their ways more dutifully, eventually becoming a secluded fanatical member. With the rise of the Norse-Gaelic Christian society in Ireland, Eogan feared the druidic faith would face extinction.[2]

Eogan soon founded an extremist druid cult called the Children of Danu, which primarily consisted of disenfranchised druids and Christians from Irish society.[2] Eogan himself decided to take up a high position in the Church, believing that he could use his power to help his cause by bringing down Irish society from within, preventing the Irish Christian society from wiping out the native druidic faith of Ireland.[3]

What started out as a secluded resistance movement for the druids eventually mutated into a cell of druid extremists who began engaging in the darker aspects of the druidic faith in order to fight off the rising Norse-Gaelic Christian Order in Ireland.[4]

Rise of a High King[edit | edit source]

Around 879, during Flann Sinna's coronation as High King of Ireland at the Hill of Tara near the ancient stone Lia Fáil, Abbot Eogan blessed him and gave him a ceremonial sword, while Flann's poetess, Ciara ingen Medba, sang a song she had written. However, unknown to most, Eogan had intended for Flann to be killed moments later by a suicidal assassin disguised as a priest, though the plan was foiled by both the King of Dublin, Bárid mac Ímair, and his cousin, the Viking jarlskona Eivor Varinsdottir.[5]

During the coronation, the Book of Kells was taken by Dublin Danes and Eivor was given the task to retrieve it. Abbot Eogan was later present in Durrow as he discussed with Flann about the implications of letting someone like Eivor retrieve the book. Nevertheless, Eogan was handed the book by Eivor, while Eogan questioned Flann for his collaboration with the "pagans." Later, Eogan left with the book.[6]

After Eivor helped Flann and Bárid conquer Cashelore,[7] Eogan and his cult tried to frame Bárid for Flann's poisoned army and to sow discord between Flann and his allies. Eogan also ordered "The Wren" to spread misinformation in the settlement, Rathcroghan, as to move people towards supporting the Children of Danu.[8] The Ollamh Druid, The Oak, also ordered "The Cursed" to concoct the poison that inflicted Flann's soldiers. However, both of Eogan's plans were thwarted by Eivor. Also, among The Cursed's personal effects, a clue about "The Oak" detailed that he worked among the priests and kings.[9] Eogan's plans for Ireland were coming undone as Eivor hunted down his acolytes, who were told by "The Oak" to work on building supplies, increasing their numbers, and concocting poisons for their "final battle."[10]

Attempted coup and death[edit | edit source]

To stop Flann's support and aid, Abbot Eogan was shown to be the mastermind behind having Kings Niall Glúndub and Domnall mac Áeda arrest any soldiers working against him or for Flann. Eogan simultaneously bulit his army and marched for Clogher, in order to ambush Flann.[11] At Clogher, Eogan's men attacked Flann and his allies, much to Flann's shock. Although they held their own, Eogan's soldiers dwindled Flann's numbers and killed the King of Dublin, Bárid.[12] Afterwards, The Oak ordered The Seed to capture and hold any weapon supplies to Dublin, where Bárid's son, Sichfrith, now led as King. After The Seed's death, the real identity of The Ollamh Druid of the Children of Danu was discovered to be Abbot Eogan himself..[13]

Abbot Eogan was later found to be at Armagh, where Flann and Eivor started their attack, with Sichfrith's aid. Going through the village and Eogan's men, Eogan was guarded by two soldiers with Armagh's church, until Flann and Eivor barged inside to meet him. Initially, Eogan cursed out Flann and his attack on the church. However, Eogan's true intentions were made clear by Flann. Dropping the charade, Eogan made his position as leader of the Danu, while trying to sow doubt between Ciara and Flann. Eogan continued to make accusations of Flann being enamored by Ciara. As Eivor stopped the conversation, Eogan and his men engaged Flann and Eivor in battle but to no avail. After being bested in battle, in his final breath, Eogan quoted an excerpt of the holiness code detailing agricultural practices in Chapter 19 of the Book of Leviticus, and began to push the insecure thoughts between Ciara and Flann even further, before succumbing to his wounds.[14]

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Immediately following the abbot's death, a conference between Ireland's kings and Flann Sinna was held about Eogan and to an extent, the druids in Ireland. After rash deliberations, an inquisition was made against all druids, Children of Danu or not, to either reform as Christians or be exiled. Eogan's deception led to the inquistion, which made Ciara soon activate the Lia Fáil to stop anyone coming after her people. However, even with Eogan's death, the Children of Danu's plan of using Ciara to activate the stone was finally halted after Eivor intervened. Putting a stop to the stone, Eogan and the cult's plan failed as Eivor saw the stone destroyed.[15]

Behind the scenes[edit | edit source]

Eogan mac Cartaigh is a character introduced in Assassin's Creed: Valhalla's Wrath of the Druids DLC. Historically, the abbot of Armagh during this period was Cathassach mac Robartaig who died c. 883.

The name Eogan may be a variation of the name Eoghan which is Gaelic in origin, meaning "born of yew; youth". The surname mac Cartaigh is a common Irish surname meaning "son of Cárthach", with Cárthach meaning "loving". The surname later evolved into the modern name of MacCarthy.

Gallery[edit | edit source]

Appearances[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. Assassin's Creed: ValhallaWrath of the Druids
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Assassin's Creed: Valhalla – Wrath of the DruidsTarget menu: "Bio: Eogan mac Cartaigh, The Oak"
  3. Assassin's Creed: Valhalla – Wrath of the Druids – Target menu: "Niamh: Note Found near the Great Stone"
  4. Assassin's Creed: Valhalla – Wrath of the DruidsDatabase: The Children of Danu
  5. Assassin's Creed: Valhalla – Wrath of the DruidsFlann over Ireland
  6. Assassin's Creed: Valhalla – Wrath of the DruidsA Show of Character
  7. Assassin's Creed: Valhalla – Wrath of the DruidsFoothold in Connacht
  8. Assassin's Creed: Valhalla – Wrath of the DruidsPotion of Blood
  9. Assassin's Creed: Valhalla – Wrath of the DruidsInto the Fog
  10. Assassin's Creed: Valhalla – Wrath of the DruidsChildren of Danu
  11. Assassin's Creed: Valhalla – Wrath of the DruidsCourting the Kings
  12. Assassin's Creed: Valhalla – Wrath of the DruidsThe Mask of Diplomacy
  13. Assassin's Creed: Valhalla – Wrath of the DruidsThe Wages of War
  14. Assassin's Creed: ValhallaWrath of the DruidsA Scourging of Snakes
  15. Assassin's Creed: Valhalla – Wrath of the DruidsThe Cost of Betrayal