Durrow
Durrow is a small town in southeastern County Laois, Ireland. In the 9th century, Durrow was part of the region of Meath. This village was the home base of the High King Flann Sinna, who had his war meetings at King's Land.
History[edit | edit source]
In the late 9th century, jarlskona Eivor Varinsdottir of the Raven Clan visited Durrow to meet with Flann, alongside her cousin, Bárid mac Ímair, King of Dublin, after Flann's coronation in Tara.[1] From their meeting, Flann dictated that a raid by Dublin Danes was conducted and it resulted in the theft of the holy scripture, The Book of Kells. Working to better the relationship between Flann and her cousin, Eivor decided to venture and retrieve the book back. After finding the book within Boyne Tombs, guarded by a druidic cult, she traveled back to Durrow. She soon encountered Flann, Bárid, and the Abbot Eogan mac Cartaigh discussing the book's theft. Despite succeeding in her task, Eogan reminded of the incursions that may be said of Flann working with such "pagans." Nevertheless, Eogan left with the book as Flann told Eivor to talk with Ciara about building support from the kings of Connacht.[2]
Eivor met with Ciara, who detailed how to do royal demands from the kings of Connacht. Ciara described the use of the pigeon coops around the region to help her choose and gain influence among the Connacht kings. Afterwards, she chose three royal demands and carried them out, one by one. Once she finished the last royal demand, she gained a good amount of support from the kings of Connacht, for Flann's loyalty and rule as High King.[3]
In 882, after the death of Ollamh Druid of the Children of Danu, The Oak,[4] Eivor attended a meeting in Durrow at King's Land, of kings and the High King, alongside Ciara and Sichfrith as the new king of Dublin. Within the meeting, discussions began about having a druid inquisition, due to the fear of Abbot Eogan's betrayal and the possibilities of another invasion. Despite Ciara's pleas of opposition, Flann initially agreed that any druid must either be reformed or be exiled from Ireland, while Ciara stormed out. This meeting set off Ciara taking matters into her own hands.[5]
Behind the Scenes[edit | edit source]
Currently, there are two Durrows in Ireland. However, the location coinciding with the Eivor's journey through Ireland takes place in County Laois, while the Durrow in County Offaly is the town with Durrow Abbey.
Appearances[edit | edit source]
- Assassin's Creed: Valhalla – Wrath of the Druids (first appearance)
- The World of Assassin's Creed Valhalla: Journey to the North – Logs and Files of a Hidden One (mentioned only)
Gallery[edit | edit source]
-
9th century Durrow's roads -
9th century Durrow's church -
9th century Durrow's church graveyard
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ Assassin's Creed: Valhalla – Wrath of the Druids – Flann over Ireland
- ↑ Assassin's Creed: Valhalla – Wrath of the Druids – A Show of Character
- ↑ Assassin's Creed: Valhalla – Wrath of the Druids – War Efforts
- ↑ Assassin's Creed: Valhalla – Wrath of the Druids – A Scourging of Snakes
- ↑ Assassin's Creed: Valhalla – Wrath of the Druids – The Cost of Betrayal