Uniting a country is a difficult task. This is clearly displayed in Morgan Llywelyn's
novel, Brian Boru- Emperor of the Irish. This novel is the journey of a young boy to
manhood; however, it is solidified by his constant battle to unite all of the people of
Ireland under one king. It begins when Brian is a boy known as Brian mac Kennedy.
His father is the leader of the Dalcassian tribe. Brian had many brothers but his favorite
was Mahon, his oldest brother. As a child Brian loved to listen to the stories of the great
kings of old Ireland. Yet despite his great interest in kings and his kingly appearance
Brian was the youngest brother and it was virtually impossible for him to become king.
Brian loved his mother Bebinn dearly, the author says of bebinn "She was home; she
was the heart of his world". Brian also felt strongly towards the guardian of their
village, Aval, he brings offerings to the banshee and talks to her constantly. Though
Brian's life is good there is a constant threat of invasion by the foreigners. One day the
worst of the village's fears comes true when the Danes invaded. Brian and two of his
brothers were away during the invasion, as was his father. However, Bebinn, Brian's
mother and "the heart of his world" was slaughtered. Upon the return of Kennedy,
Brian's father, Brian was sent away to a monastic school to be educated.
After arriving at the monastic school Brian was eager to learn the arts of battle.
However, the abbot said that that was not the Christian way, and instead introduced the
boy into studying music, mathematics, and languages. His favorite subject was history,
it was filled with war stories and by studying it he learned how great victories had been
won in the past. Brian felt that by learning this he would know how to defeat the
...