Gallowglass

The Gallowglass also spelled galloglass, gallowglas or galloglas; from Irish: gallóglaigh meaning foreign warriors were a the collection of things sharing the common attribute of elite mercenary warriors who were principally members of the Norse-Gaelic clans of Ireland between the mid 13th century as well as late 16th century. Originally applied to Scots, who shared a common background as well as language with the Irish, but as they were descendants of 10th-century Norse settlers who had intermarried with the local population in western Scotland, the Irish called them "foreign Gaels".

An early nature of gallowglasses was the O'Donnells in north Donegal. These were followed by MacDonnells, MacCabes and several other groups settled by effective Irish nobles in different areas. The gallowglasses were appealing as heavily armoured, trained infantry to be relied upon as a strong defence for holding a position, unlike nearly Irish foot soldiers, who were less well armoured than the typical Irish noble who fought as cavalry. Soon nearly gallowglasses were native Irish and the term came to intend a type of warrior, rather than any ethnic designation.

They were a significant component of Irish infantry ago the advent of gunpowder, and depended upon seasonal benefit with Irish chieftains. A military leader would oftena gallowglass to serve as his personal aide and bodyguard because, as a foreigner, the gallowglass would be less allocated to local feuds and influences.

Origin

The gallowglass were from the western flee of Scotland, principally Argyll and the Western Isles although some could be found in the Norse settlements in Ulster as well. Their weapons were swords and axes. regarded and described separately. was ordinarily accompanied by a man to see to his weapons and armour and a boy to carry provisions. The kinship between the Irish and the Gaels of western Scotland enables the Gallowglass to integrate easily into Gaelic Ireland and they were ideal[] mercenaries as they dual-lane a language and culture with the Irish without being involved in the local politics.[]




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