Páll Bálkason
Encyclopedia
Páll, son of Bálki, or Paal Baalkeson, was a 13th century Hebridean lord who was an ally of Olaf the Black, king of Mann and the Isles. He was long remembered in Gaelic tradition and is traditionally the progenitor of certain families with roots in the Hebrides. Páll is recorded as being a "sheriff" of Skye
; a post which had earlier been held by another Páll, son of Bálki, who was possibly an ancestor. This earlier sheriff was said to have been a close friend of Godred II, King of Mann and the Isles.
and later MacLeod tradition. Within the Chronicle of Mann he is named as Paul filius Boke, and is titled as a vicecomes of Skye
. This title has usually been translated into English as "sheriff
", since it is the regular form of "sheriff" in later times in Scotland. According to W.D.H. Sellar, it is more likely that vicecomes refers to a Norse title, such as syslumadh or armadhr (Gaelic: armann). His title appears to show that he was the official representative of the kings of Man
on Skye. In later Gaelic tradition, Páll is portrayed as a "hermit
"; it has been suggested that this description may actually refer to this Norse title.
The post of "sheriff" had at one time been earlier been held by another Páll, son of Bálki who was possibly an ancestor of Páll. This earlier sheriff was said to have been a close friend of Godred II of Mann and the Isles. The early 20th century historian W.C. Mackenzie related how Somerled
had his sights set on becoming king in the Hebrides; his own son, Dugald
, was paraded through the Hebrides, proclaimed king, with the local chieftains called upon to support his claim. Most of the chieftains, however, refused to give their support—one of whom was Páll's predecessor, Páll, son of Bálki. Upon refusing to swear his allegiance to Dugald, this Páll, son of Bálki fled to the Isle of Mann, where he alerted the king of Somerled's treachery. Godred II immediately sent a fleet to the Hebrides to crush the insurrection; however, Somerled was waiting for him and the opposing fleets might in battle. Both sides fought into the night; by morning Godred II and Somerled agreed to a truce and agreed to divided the Hebrides between them. Somerled retained the islands south of Ardnamurchan
and Godred II retained those to the north. Mackenzie stated that this treaty dates to the year 1156 and marks the date on which the South Isles passed permanently from the dominion of the Kings of Mann.
(and nephew to Olaf), the island. The bishop disapproved of Olaf's marriage on the grounds that Olaf had a concubine who was a cousin of Lauon. A synod
was assembled the marriage was nullified. Olaf later married Christina, daughter of Fearchar, Earl of Ross
. The nullification of the marriage enraged Lauon's sister, the Queen of the Isles. In bitterness, the queen sought to sow discord between Olaf and her husband. The queen wrote secretly to her son, Godred
, who was on Skye. The letter was written in the king's name; it ordered Godred to seize and kill Olaf. Godred then gathered a force on Skye and proceeded to Lewis where he laid waste to most of the island. Olaf, however, managed to narrowly escape with a few men and fled to the protection of his father-in-law.
The chronicle describes Páll as having power and energy which "were felt throughout the whole kingdom of the Isles". It states that Páll refused to consent to the murder of Olaf and that he fled Godred to reside with Olaf who was then safe under the protection of the Earl of Ross
. Páll and Olaf then entered into a pact of friendship; together they went to Skye, where they learned Godred was staying on a certain island called "the island of Saint Columba
", without much protection or many attendants. The two lords then gathered as many men as possible and under the cover of darkness, they brought five ships from the closest point of the shore, which was about two furlongs from the island. When morning came, Godred and his few followers were shocked to find themselves surrounded by enemies. At nine o'clock, Olaf and Páll attacked the island with their full force; every one of Godred's men who could not find protection within the grounds of a church were summarily put to death. Godred was seized, blinded and castrated, against Olaf's wishes. The chronicle states that he was unable to prevent the mutilation and torture of his nephew on account of Páll's predecessor, Bálki. The chronicle dates the event to the year 1223. This act is confirmed in contemporary Icelandic Annals, which also state that despite his injuries, Godred was appointed by Haakon
, king of Norway, as king in the Hebrides. Not long afterwards, Godred had Páll killed in the Hebrides.
. He is recorded as being active in the year 1223; and his death is recorded in the year 1231. The saga also states that at the time of his death, he had a son, Bálki, who was by that time a grown warrior.
senachie, Hugh MacDonald. This account is, however, quite garbled. It dates the event about 80 years out of sync. This account states that "Olay" and Somerled
"killed Godfrey Du, or the Black, by putting out his eyes, which was done by the hermit MacPoke, because Godfrey Du had killed his father formerly". Sellar noted that for MacDonald's "Olay" and "Olay the Red", one should read Olaf the Black; for "Godfrey Du", one should read Godred Donn; and for "the hermit MacPoke", one should read Páll, son of Bálki.
of Clan MacLeod, which contained a traditional account of the clan. This tradition states that Leod was fostered by Pol, son of Bok, who was sheriff of Skye. Pol gave Leod the island of Harris and Leod later married the daughter of McCraild Armuinn and doing so received estates on Skye.
, Trotternish
, Waternish
, and Snizort
; as well the Outer Hebridean island of Harris. The manuscript also notes that during this era, the northern part of North Uist
was considered part of the lands of Harris; and that he owned this northern part of Uist as well. The lands he held had originally been ruled by several Gaelic and Norse families, though they were since then won by his ancestors. In consequence, the local populations acknowledged his authority over themselves. The manuscript also states that Paal Baccas had a natural son; when Paal Baccas died in 1231, he did not leave his lands to this son; he instead left all of his estates to Leod
—eponymous ancestor of the MacLeods
. According to the manuscript, no one opposed Leod's claim to these lands.
, which is known in Scottish Gaelic as Ì Chaluim Chille. There have been several other islands suggested—all of which are located on, or near, Skye. One such location is the "Island of St. Colm", near Portree
; suggested by historian Alick Morrison. Sellar, however, noted that Morrison gave no evidence in support of this location. Another proposed location is the "Island of St Columba", which is situated in the middle of the river Snizort
; and which is located only few hundred yard
s from the sea. This island was for a time, the site of a mediaeval cathedral; it is also the site of the traditional burial grounds of the MacNeacails
of Scorrybreac. Sellar proposed another location, which he considered to be a much more likely candidate for the isle where Olaf and Páll attacked Godred Donn. This was Eilean Chaluim Chille, at Kilmuir, Skye. This island was originally in the middle of Loch Chaluim Chille, located at ; though the long was drained in the 18th century. Sellar asserted that this location fit perfectly with the location described in the Chronicle of Mann. He also noted that the island was associated in local tradition with a man who is now thought to represent Páll.
")—a man considered to represent the historical Páll. The Bannatyne manuscript states that Paal Baccas had a natural son, from whom descended a family that held the island of Berneray
and other lands on Harris under the MacLeods. It continues that the family was once powerful and numerous, but it fell into decline until only a few remained. The manuscript names this family as Clan Vic Phaich and states that they prided themselves in their descent from Paal Baccas. This Berneray family is today surnamed MacKillop; yet they are known in Scottish Gaelic as MacPhàic. Matheson stated that their traditional Gaelic name presumably referred to Bálki, father of Páll; or perhaps to a son of Páll who was also named Bálki. Matheson proposed that the MacPhails, originally from the Sand district on North Uist, and the those from Carloway
on Lewis
, derived their surname from Páll. There is a township on the northern tip of the Island called Baile Mhicphail (Macphail's village).
According to Matheson, the MacLeods are male-line descendants of Páll's father. Matheson proposed that three of the four genealogies relevant to Leod's ancestry (pictured right), show that Leod was the grandson of Bálki; that the names Raice, Raoige, Raisi were garbled Gaelic forms of the Old Norse name Bálki. Matheson added more weight to his argument by noting that the 17th century Gaelic poet Duncan Macrae of Inverinate, referred within a song to the MacLeod chief Roderick MacLeod of Dunvegan (chief 1693–1699) as éighre Shìol Phàic (the "heir of the seed of Bálki"). Matheson speculated that if Leod, founder of Clan MacLeod, was the nephew of Páll, then this may help explain why MacLeod tradition states that Paal Baccas left his estates to Leod, instead of his own (illegitimate) son. Matheson's proposal was, however, met with considerable criticism from his peers. The three Gaelic names singled out by Matheson are not considered to represent Bálki. Sellar proposed the names represented the Gaelic Raingce; while A.P. MacLeod proposed they equated the very rare Old Norse name Ragi. The current consensus is that Matheson could not have been correct in his proposed relationship between Leod and Páll's father; meaning that Macrae of Inverinate's "heir of the seed of Bálki" must have referred to a non male-line descent.
Skye
Skye or the Isle of Skye is the largest and most northerly island in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. The island's peninsulas radiate out from a mountainous centre dominated by the Cuillin hills...
; a post which had earlier been held by another Páll, son of Bálki, who was possibly an ancestor. This earlier sheriff was said to have been a close friend of Godred II, King of Mann and the Isles.
Background
Much of our knowledge of Páll comes from his appearances in the mediaeval Chronicle of MannChronicle of Mann
The Chronicles of the Kings of Mann and the Isles or Manx Chronicle is a medieval Latin manuscript relating the early history of the Isle of Man....
and later MacLeod tradition. Within the Chronicle of Mann he is named as Paul filius Boke, and is titled as a vicecomes of Skye
Skye
Skye or the Isle of Skye is the largest and most northerly island in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. The island's peninsulas radiate out from a mountainous centre dominated by the Cuillin hills...
. This title has usually been translated into English as "sheriff
Sheriff
A sheriff is in principle a legal official with responsibility for a county. In practice, the specific combination of legal, political, and ceremonial duties of a sheriff varies greatly from country to country....
", since it is the regular form of "sheriff" in later times in Scotland. According to W.D.H. Sellar, it is more likely that vicecomes refers to a Norse title, such as syslumadh or armadhr (Gaelic: armann). His title appears to show that he was the official representative of the kings of Man
King of Mann
The King of Mann was the title taken between 1237 and 1504 by the various rulers, both sovereign and suzerain, over the Kingdom of Mann – the Isle of Man which is located in the Irish Sea, at the centre of the British Isles....
on Skye. In later Gaelic tradition, Páll is portrayed as a "hermit
Hermit
A hermit is a person who lives, to some degree, in seclusion from society.In Christianity, the term was originally applied to a Christian who lives the eremitic life out of a religious conviction, namely the Desert Theology of the Old Testament .In the...
"; it has been suggested that this description may actually refer to this Norse title.
The post of "sheriff" had at one time been earlier been held by another Páll, son of Bálki who was possibly an ancestor of Páll. This earlier sheriff was said to have been a close friend of Godred II of Mann and the Isles. The early 20th century historian W.C. Mackenzie related how Somerled
Somerled
Somerled was a military and political leader of the Scottish Isles in the 12th century who was known in Gaelic as rí Innse Gall . His father was Gillebride...
had his sights set on becoming king in the Hebrides; his own son, Dugald
Dubgall mac Somairle
Dubgall mac Somairle was a 12th century Scottish nobleman...
, was paraded through the Hebrides, proclaimed king, with the local chieftains called upon to support his claim. Most of the chieftains, however, refused to give their support—one of whom was Páll's predecessor, Páll, son of Bálki. Upon refusing to swear his allegiance to Dugald, this Páll, son of Bálki fled to the Isle of Mann, where he alerted the king of Somerled's treachery. Godred II immediately sent a fleet to the Hebrides to crush the insurrection; however, Somerled was waiting for him and the opposing fleets might in battle. Both sides fought into the night; by morning Godred II and Somerled agreed to a truce and agreed to divided the Hebrides between them. Somerled retained the islands south of Ardnamurchan
Ardnamurchan
Ardnamurchan is a peninsula in Lochaber, Highland, Scotland, noted for being very unspoilt and undisturbed. Its remoteness is accentuated by the main access route being a single track road for much of its length.-Geography:...
and Godred II retained those to the north. Mackenzie stated that this treaty dates to the year 1156 and marks the date on which the South Isles passed permanently from the dominion of the Kings of Mann.
Chronicle of Mann
The Chronicle of Mann describes how Páll was an ally of Olaf the Black, brother to Reginald, King of Mann and the Isles. The chronicle relates that Reginald gave Olaf the Outer Hebridean island of Lewis. The island was, however, thinly populated and the land was mostly unfit for cultivation. After a while Olaf determined that he could no longer support himself and his followers; he then asked his brother for further lands. Reginald then had Olaf seized and sent to William of Scotland, where he was kept imprisoned for almost seven years. On the seventh year the king of Scots died and Olaf was subsequently released. Olaf returned to his brother on Mann, and then set off on a pilgrimage; upon his return, the two brothers got on amicably, with Reginald setting up a marriage between Olaf and Lauon, sister to his own wife. After the marriage between Olaf and Lauon the couple proceeded to Lewis where they lived. Some time later, Reginald, Bishop of the IslesBishop of the Isles
The Bishop of the Isles or Bishop of Sodor was the ecclesiastical head of the Diocese of Sodor, one of Scotland's thirteen medieval bishoprics. The bishopric, encompasing both the Hebrides and Mann, probably traces its origins as an ecclesiastical unity to the careers of Olaf, King of the Isles,...
(and nephew to Olaf), the island. The bishop disapproved of Olaf's marriage on the grounds that Olaf had a concubine who was a cousin of Lauon. A synod
Synod
A synod historically is a council of a church, usually convened to decide an issue of doctrine, administration or application. In modern usage, the word often refers to the governing body of a particular church, whether its members are meeting or not...
was assembled the marriage was nullified. Olaf later married Christina, daughter of Fearchar, Earl of Ross
Fearchar, Earl of Ross
Fearchar of Ross or Ferchar mac in tSagairt , was the first Mormaer or Earl of Ross we know of from the thirteenth century, whose career brought Ross into the fold of the Scottish kings for the first time, and who is remembered as the founder of the Earldom of Ross.-Origins:The traditional...
. The nullification of the marriage enraged Lauon's sister, the Queen of the Isles. In bitterness, the queen sought to sow discord between Olaf and her husband. The queen wrote secretly to her son, Godred
Gofraid Donn
Gofraid mac Ragnaill was a 13th century Hebridean king, who descended from a long line of kings who ruled the Hebrides and the Isle of Man...
, who was on Skye. The letter was written in the king's name; it ordered Godred to seize and kill Olaf. Godred then gathered a force on Skye and proceeded to Lewis where he laid waste to most of the island. Olaf, however, managed to narrowly escape with a few men and fled to the protection of his father-in-law.
The chronicle describes Páll as having power and energy which "were felt throughout the whole kingdom of the Isles". It states that Páll refused to consent to the murder of Olaf and that he fled Godred to reside with Olaf who was then safe under the protection of the Earl of Ross
Earl of Ross
The Mormaer or Earl of Ross was the leader of a medieval Gaelic lordship in northern Scotland, roughly between the River Oykel and the River Beauly.-Origins and transfers:...
. Páll and Olaf then entered into a pact of friendship; together they went to Skye, where they learned Godred was staying on a certain island called "the island of Saint Columba
Saint Columba
-Saints:* Columba , Irish Christian saint who evangelized Scotland* Columba the Virgin, also known as Saint Columba of Cornwall* Columba of Sens* Columba of Spain* Columba of Terryglass* Sancta Columba -Schools:...
", without much protection or many attendants. The two lords then gathered as many men as possible and under the cover of darkness, they brought five ships from the closest point of the shore, which was about two furlongs from the island. When morning came, Godred and his few followers were shocked to find themselves surrounded by enemies. At nine o'clock, Olaf and Páll attacked the island with their full force; every one of Godred's men who could not find protection within the grounds of a church were summarily put to death. Godred was seized, blinded and castrated, against Olaf's wishes. The chronicle states that he was unable to prevent the mutilation and torture of his nephew on account of Páll's predecessor, Bálki. The chronicle dates the event to the year 1223. This act is confirmed in contemporary Icelandic Annals, which also state that despite his injuries, Godred was appointed by Haakon
Haakon IV of Norway
Haakon Haakonarson , also called Haakon the Old, was king of Norway from 1217 to 1263. Under his rule, medieval Norway reached its peak....
, king of Norway, as king in the Hebrides. Not long afterwards, Godred had Páll killed in the Hebrides.
Hákonar saga Hákonarsonar
Páll is mentioned within the 13th century Icelandic saga Hákonar saga HákonarsonarHákonar saga Hákonarsonar
Hákonar saga Hákonarsonar is an Old Norse kings' saga, telling the story of the life and reign of King Haakon Haakonarson of Norway. The saga was written by the Icelandic historian and chieftain Sturla Þórðarson, in the 1260s...
. He is recorded as being active in the year 1223; and his death is recorded in the year 1231. The saga also states that at the time of his death, he had a son, Bálki, who was by that time a grown warrior.
History of the MacDonalds
The story of Godred Donn's blinding and castration was long remembered in Gaelic tradition. An account of it appears in the 17th century manuscript history, History of the MacDonalds, written by the SleatClan MacDonald of Sleat
Clan Macdonald of Sleat, sometimes known as Clan Donald North and in Gaelic Clann Ùisdein , is a Scottish clan and a branch of Clan Donald — one of the largest Scottish clans. The founder of the Macdonalds of Sleat is Ùisdean, 6th great-grandson of Somhairle, a 12th century Rì Innse Gall...
senachie, Hugh MacDonald. This account is, however, quite garbled. It dates the event about 80 years out of sync. This account states that "Olay" and Somerled
Somerled
Somerled was a military and political leader of the Scottish Isles in the 12th century who was known in Gaelic as rí Innse Gall . His father was Gillebride...
"killed Godfrey Du, or the Black, by putting out his eyes, which was done by the hermit MacPoke, because Godfrey Du had killed his father formerly". Sellar noted that for MacDonald's "Olay" and "Olay the Red", one should read Olaf the Black; for "Godfrey Du", one should read Godred Donn; and for "the hermit MacPoke", one should read Páll, son of Bálki.
MacLeod tradition circa 1767
In 1767, a memorial was drawn up for the chiefScottish clan chief
The Scottish Gaelic word clann means children. In early times, and possibly even today, clan members believed themselves to descend from a common ancestor, the founder of the Scottish clan. From its perceived founder a clan takes its name. The clan chief is the representative of this founder, and...
of Clan MacLeod, which contained a traditional account of the clan. This tradition states that Leod was fostered by Pol, son of Bok, who was sheriff of Skye. Pol gave Leod the island of Harris and Leod later married the daughter of McCraild Armuinn and doing so received estates on Skye.
Bannatyne manuscript
The Bannatyne manuscript, dates to about the year 1830. Páll appears in this manuscript as "Paal Baccas". He is stated to have owned the Skye estates of SleatSleat
Sleat is a peninsula on the island of Skye in the Highland council area of Scotland, known as "the garden of Skye". It is the home of the clan MacDonald of Sleat...
, Trotternish
Trotternish
Trotternish or Tròndairnis is the northernmost peninsula of the Isle of Skye, in Scotland.One of its more well-known features is the Trotternish landslip, a massive landslide that runs almost the full length of the peninsula, some...
, Waternish
Waternish
Waternish or Bhatairnis/Vaternish is a peninsula approximately long on the island of Skye, Scotland, situated between Loch Dunvegan and Loch Snizort in the northwest of the island, and traditionally inhabited and owned by Clan MacLeod whose clan seat is at the nearby Dunvegan Castle. The current...
, and Snizort
Snizort
Snizort is an area of the Isle of Skye comprising the head of Loch Snizort and the western coast of Trotternish up to Uig, which is the largest settlement....
; as well the Outer Hebridean island of Harris. The manuscript also notes that during this era, the northern part of North Uist
North Uist
North Uist is an island and community in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland.-Geography:North Uist is the tenth largest Scottish island and the thirteenth largest island surrounding Great Britain. It has an area of , slightly smaller than South Uist. North Uist is connected by causeways to Benbecula...
was considered part of the lands of Harris; and that he owned this northern part of Uist as well. The lands he held had originally been ruled by several Gaelic and Norse families, though they were since then won by his ancestors. In consequence, the local populations acknowledged his authority over themselves. The manuscript also states that Paal Baccas had a natural son; when Paal Baccas died in 1231, he did not leave his lands to this son; he instead left all of his estates to Leod
Leod
Leod is considered the eponymous ancestor and founder of Clan MacLeod and Clan MacLeod of Lewis. Almost nothing is known about him and he does not appear in any contemporary records. Tradition dating to the late 18th century made him a son of Olaf the Black who was King of Man...
—eponymous ancestor of the MacLeods
Clan MacLeod
Clan MacLeod is a Highland Scottish clan associated with the Isle of Skye. There are two main branches of the clan: the Macleods of Harris and Dunvegan, whose chief is Macleod of Macleod, are known in Gaelic as Sìol Tormoid ; the Macleods of Lewis, whose chief is Macleod of The Lewes, are known in...
. According to the manuscript, no one opposed Leod's claim to these lands.
Location of the "island of Saint Columba"
It has sometimes been stated that the "Saint Columba's Isle" mentioned to in the Chronicle of Mann, may in fact represent the Inner Hebridean island of IonaIona
Iona is a small island in the Inner Hebrides off the western coast of Scotland. It was a centre of Irish monasticism for four centuries and is today renowned for its tranquility and natural beauty. It is a popular tourist destination and a place for retreats...
, which is known in Scottish Gaelic as Ì Chaluim Chille. There have been several other islands suggested—all of which are located on, or near, Skye. One such location is the "Island of St. Colm", near Portree
Portree
Portree is the largest town on Skye in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. It is the location for the only secondary school on the Island, Portree High school. Public transport services are limited to buses....
; suggested by historian Alick Morrison. Sellar, however, noted that Morrison gave no evidence in support of this location. Another proposed location is the "Island of St Columba", which is situated in the middle of the river Snizort
Snizort
Snizort is an area of the Isle of Skye comprising the head of Loch Snizort and the western coast of Trotternish up to Uig, which is the largest settlement....
; and which is located only few hundred yard
Yard
A yard is a unit of length in several different systems including English units, Imperial units and United States customary units. It is equal to 3 feet or 36 inches...
s from the sea. This island was for a time, the site of a mediaeval cathedral; it is also the site of the traditional burial grounds of the MacNeacails
Clan MacNeacail
Clan MacNeacail, sometimes known as Clan MacNicol, is a Scottish clan long associated with the Isle of Skye. The clan is closely associated with Clan Macleod, with whom the MacNeacails have been aligned since around the 14th century...
of Scorrybreac. Sellar proposed another location, which he considered to be a much more likely candidate for the isle where Olaf and Páll attacked Godred Donn. This was Eilean Chaluim Chille, at Kilmuir, Skye. This island was originally in the middle of Loch Chaluim Chille, located at ; though the long was drained in the 18th century. Sellar asserted that this location fit perfectly with the location described in the Chronicle of Mann. He also noted that the island was associated in local tradition with a man who is now thought to represent Páll.
Legacy
Páll has long been remembered in Gaelic tradition. One tradition, still recounted in the early 20th century in the vicinity of Kilmuir, concerned a man described as Fear Caisteal Eilean Chaluim Chille ("the man of the castle of Eilean Chaluim ChilleSaint Columba
-Saints:* Columba , Irish Christian saint who evangelized Scotland* Columba the Virgin, also known as Saint Columba of Cornwall* Columba of Sens* Columba of Spain* Columba of Terryglass* Sancta Columba -Schools:...
")—a man considered to represent the historical Páll. The Bannatyne manuscript states that Paal Baccas had a natural son, from whom descended a family that held the island of Berneray
Berneray, North Uist
Berneray is an island and community in the Sound of Harris, Scotland. It is one of fifteen inhabited islands in the Outer Hebrides. It is famed for its rich and colourful history which has attracted much tourism....
and other lands on Harris under the MacLeods. It continues that the family was once powerful and numerous, but it fell into decline until only a few remained. The manuscript names this family as Clan Vic Phaich and states that they prided themselves in their descent from Paal Baccas. This Berneray family is today surnamed MacKillop; yet they are known in Scottish Gaelic as MacPhàic. Matheson stated that their traditional Gaelic name presumably referred to Bálki, father of Páll; or perhaps to a son of Páll who was also named Bálki. Matheson proposed that the MacPhails, originally from the Sand district on North Uist, and the those from Carloway
Carloway
Carloway is a district situated in the parish of Uig on the west coast of the Isle of Lewis, in the Outer Hebrides. The district has a population of around 500.- The District :...
on Lewis
Lewis
Lewis is the northern part of Lewis and Harris, the largest island of the Western Isles or Outer Hebrides of Scotland. The total area of Lewis is ....
, derived their surname from Páll. There is a township on the northern tip of the Island called Baile Mhicphail (Macphail's village).
According to Matheson, the MacLeods are male-line descendants of Páll's father. Matheson proposed that three of the four genealogies relevant to Leod's ancestry (pictured right), show that Leod was the grandson of Bálki; that the names Raice, Raoige, Raisi were garbled Gaelic forms of the Old Norse name Bálki. Matheson added more weight to his argument by noting that the 17th century Gaelic poet Duncan Macrae of Inverinate, referred within a song to the MacLeod chief Roderick MacLeod of Dunvegan (chief 1693–1699) as éighre Shìol Phàic (the "heir of the seed of Bálki"). Matheson speculated that if Leod, founder of Clan MacLeod, was the nephew of Páll, then this may help explain why MacLeod tradition states that Paal Baccas left his estates to Leod, instead of his own (illegitimate) son. Matheson's proposal was, however, met with considerable criticism from his peers. The three Gaelic names singled out by Matheson are not considered to represent Bálki. Sellar proposed the names represented the Gaelic Raingce; while A.P. MacLeod proposed they equated the very rare Old Norse name Ragi. The current consensus is that Matheson could not have been correct in his proposed relationship between Leod and Páll's father; meaning that Macrae of Inverinate's "heir of the seed of Bálki" must have referred to a non male-line descent.