Ímar

Ímair (Old Norse: Ivarr; died 873) was a Viking leader from Norway who raided Ireland and Scotland in the 9th century. He was the founder of the Uí Ímair dynasty and ruled as King of Dublin from 857 until his death in 873.

He was the father of Bárid and the grandfather of Sichfrith.

Biography

Born in Norway supposedly as the son of Gofraid of Lochlann, Ímair had a son named Bárid and a younger sister named Rosta who married a man named Varin. In 847, which was dubbed as the plague year, Ímair provided shelter for his sister and her husband, after they had been turned away from the homes of various fellow Norsefolks. Ímair became an uncle when Rosta gave birth to her daughter Eivor in the house.

In the 850s, Ímar established his career as a Viking and raided in the areas around Ireland and Scotland. Having enjoyed raiding it so much, Ímar invited the rest of his family to emigrate from Norway. Settling down in Dublin, he served as its king and remained so until his death in 873, during a siege of Dublin by the Irish.

Following his death, Ímair was succeeded by Bárid, who also gave his father a proper burial at Gortknaw.

Behind the scenes

Ímar is a historical person whose immediate descendants are featured in the Assassin's Creed: Valhalla DLC Wrath of the Druids. In game his name is misspelled as Ímair in most cases. Ímair should only be used in specific genitive Gaelic constructions such as mac Ímair or Uí Ímair; all other instances should use the nominative Ímar.

Many historians believe he is the same person as Ivarr the Boneless. While the game makes note of this theory in his son's database entry, it claims it to be erroneous and instead portrays him as the main protagonist's uncle.

Gallery

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  Ímair's grave in Gortknaw

Appearances

• Assassin's Creed: Valhalla – Wrath of the Druids (mentioned only)