Tormod MacLeod
Encyclopedia
Tormod MacLeod, sometimes referred to as Norman MacLeod, (Scottish Gaelic: Tormod MacLeòid, and Tormod mac Leòd) (fl.
late 13th century) was a west Highland lord, and son of Leod
, the traditional founder and eponymous ancestor of Clan MacLeod
. Little is known about Tormod; like his father Leod, he does not appear in any contemporary records
. His name is remembered today in the Scottish Gaelic name Sìol Tormoid ("seed of Tormod"), used by a branch of his descendants, the MacLeods of Dunvegan
, who are chiefs
of Clan MacLeod.
, the traditional founder and eponymous ancestor of Clan MacLeod
. Tormod, just Like his father, does not appear in any contemporary records
. The earliest contemporary record to a MacLeod chief dates to the generation after Tormod, during the reign of David II
(r. 1329–1371).
The Bannatyne manuscript
is a traditional history of Clan MacLeod, dating from the early 19th century. It is the main authority for the information on the early chiefs of Clan MacLeod. It makes several references to Tormod and makes him a grandson of Leod
. The early 20th century historian R.C. MacLeod thought it possible that Tormod had a father also named Tormod, who died before Leod. MacLeod stated that this father married the daughter of an Irish chieftain named M'Crotan. The current view by modern historians is that Tormod was, however, not a grandson, but the son of Leod. The Bannatyne manuscript
states that Tormod was considered to be one of the greatest soldiers of his era; that it was said he fought at the Battle of Bannockburn
. It relates that Tormod held the office of sheriff
of Skye
, and of "the Long Island". It describes how Tormod lived to a great age and was traditionally said to have had a white beard, which was so long that he had to tuck it into his girdle
. The manuscript rounds out Tormod's life by stating that he died at his castle on Pabbay and was buried alongside his grandfather at Iona
.
The manuscript states that Tormod had three sons by his wife—Malcolm, Leod, and Godfrey. The manuscript relates that Leod was said to have followed Bruce to Ireland, where Leod was killed without an heir; and that Godfrey was a monk
and died abroad. Tormod was succeeded by his eldest son, Malcolm
. The late 20th century historian William Matheson considered the Bannatyne manuscript to be of dubious authority, as it is the only source for the sons Leod and Godrey and it made no mention of the son Murdoch. This Murdoch was an important son and a glaring omission since he is considered to have been the father of Torquil
, founder of the MacLeods of Lewis
who are known in Scottish Gaelic as Sìol Torcaill ("seed of Torcall").
Floruit
Floruit , abbreviated fl. , is a Latin verb meaning "flourished", denoting the period of time during which something was active...
late 13th century) was a west Highland lord, and son of 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...
, the traditional founder and eponymous ancestor of Clan MacLeod
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...
. Little is known about Tormod; like his father Leod, he does not appear in any contemporary records
Contemporary history
Contemporary history describes the period timeframe that is without any intervening time closely connected to the present and is a certain perspective of modern history. The term "contemporary history" has been in use at least by the early 19th century. In the widest context of this use,...
. His name is remembered today in the Scottish Gaelic name Sìol Tormoid ("seed of Tormod"), used by a branch of his descendants, the MacLeods of Dunvegan
Dunvegan
Dunvegan is a town on the Isle of Skye in Scotland. It is famous for Dunvegan Castle, seat of the chief of Clan MacLeod...
, who are chiefs
Scottish 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.
Biography
Tormod was a son of LeodLeod
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...
, the traditional founder and eponymous ancestor of Clan MacLeod
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...
. Tormod, just Like his father, does not appear in any contemporary records
Contemporary history
Contemporary history describes the period timeframe that is without any intervening time closely connected to the present and is a certain perspective of modern history. The term "contemporary history" has been in use at least by the early 19th century. In the widest context of this use,...
. The earliest contemporary record to a MacLeod chief dates to the generation after Tormod, during the reign of David II
David II of Scotland
David II was King of Scots from 7 June 1329 until his death.-Early life:...
(r. 1329–1371).
The Bannatyne manuscript
Bannatyne manuscript (Clan MacLeod)
The Bannatyne manuscript is a traditional account of Clan MacLeod, consisting of 142 sheets of foolscap paper. The author's name does not appear upon it, however, it is considered to have been written by William Bannatyne, Lord Bannatyne—from who it takes its name. Lord Bannatyne was the son...
is a traditional history of Clan MacLeod, dating from the early 19th century. It is the main authority for the information on the early chiefs of Clan MacLeod. It makes several references to Tormod and makes him a grandson of 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...
. The early 20th century historian R.C. MacLeod thought it possible that Tormod had a father also named Tormod, who died before Leod. MacLeod stated that this father married the daughter of an Irish chieftain named M'Crotan. The current view by modern historians is that Tormod was, however, not a grandson, but the son of Leod. The Bannatyne manuscript
Bannatyne manuscript (Clan MacLeod)
The Bannatyne manuscript is a traditional account of Clan MacLeod, consisting of 142 sheets of foolscap paper. The author's name does not appear upon it, however, it is considered to have been written by William Bannatyne, Lord Bannatyne—from who it takes its name. Lord Bannatyne was the son...
states that Tormod was considered to be one of the greatest soldiers of his era; that it was said he fought at the Battle of Bannockburn
Battle of Bannockburn
The Battle of Bannockburn was a significant Scottish victory in the Wars of Scottish Independence...
. It relates that Tormod held the office of 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....
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...
, and of "the Long Island". It describes how Tormod lived to a great age and was traditionally said to have had a white beard, which was so long that he had to tuck it into his girdle
Girdle
A girdle is a garment that encircles the lower torso, perhaps extending below the hips, and worn often for support. The word girdle originally meant a belt. In modern English, the term girdle is most commonly used for a form of women's foundation wear that replaced the corset in popularity...
. The manuscript rounds out Tormod's life by stating that he died at his castle on Pabbay and was buried alongside his grandfather at Iona
Iona
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...
.
The manuscript states that Tormod had three sons by his wife—Malcolm, Leod, and Godfrey. The manuscript relates that Leod was said to have followed Bruce to Ireland, where Leod was killed without an heir; and that Godfrey was a monk
Monk
A monk is a person who practices religious asceticism, living either alone or with any number of monks, while always maintaining some degree of physical separation from those not sharing the same purpose...
and died abroad. Tormod was succeeded by his eldest son, Malcolm
Malcolm MacLeod (clan chief)
Malcolm MacLeod is considered to be the third chief of Clan MacLeod. He was the son of Tormod. Malcolm and his kinsman Torquil are the first MacLeod chiefs to appear in contemporary records. Clan tradition states he was the greatest hero of the clan and links him to the origin of the clan relic...
. The late 20th century historian William Matheson considered the Bannatyne manuscript to be of dubious authority, as it is the only source for the sons Leod and Godrey and it made no mention of the son Murdoch. This Murdoch was an important son and a glaring omission since he is considered to have been the father of Torquil
Torquil MacLeod
Torquil MacLeod was a Hebridean lord and is today considered to be the founder of the MacLeods of Lewis, who are known in Gaelic as Sìol Torcaill...
, founder of the MacLeods of Lewis
Clan MacLeod of Lewis
Clan Macleod of The Lewes, commonly known as Clan MacLeod of Lewis, is a Highland Scottish clan, which at its height held extensive lands in the Western Isles and west coast of Scotland. From the 14th century up until the beginning of the 17th century there were two branches of Macleods: the...
who are known in Scottish Gaelic as Sìol Torcaill ("seed of Torcall").
See also
- Torquil MacLeodTorquil MacLeodTorquil MacLeod was a Hebridean lord and is today considered to be the founder of the MacLeods of Lewis, who are known in Gaelic as Sìol Torcaill...
, a grandson of Tormod, though according to tradition he was a younger brother of Tormod