OOP: Dumbledore's Middle Names

[quiet_cassandra]

No: HPFGUIDX 62549

Hi...

We'll dispense with the newbie stuff for the moment--Cass, 23, long 
time lurker, first time poster.  Whatever.  Also, I apologise if 
someone has gotten this before me, I'm still on moderated posting and 
also hopelessly behind on emails, despite my best efforts...


I've seen a lot of consternation in places about Dumbledore's middle 
names, particularly *Brian.*  

Apparently I've just read way too much Celtic Mythology, but the 
first thing in my head was the story of Brian Boru.  He was the 
first, and last "real" High King of Ireland, and is credited with 
breaking the power of the Vikings over the country, if not driving 
them out altogether.

The basic points of the story:

1. Brian is the brother of a king who wishes to make peace with the 
Vikings.  He disagrees and leads a small force against the enemy, 
wining several battles.  His popularity grows. 

2. Brian joins forces with his brother Mahon, the king, and they 
effectively drive the Vikings out of Southern Ireland.

3. Brian is made High King of Ireland.  

4. Approximately 16 years later, the Vikings and their allies attack 
Ireland again, in a huge battle.  They are almost completely 
destroyed, but on the way back to the ship, one of the Viking kings 
and his men stumble upon Brian in his tent.  Happy that they at least 
can kill the king, if not win the war, they kill Brian.  But not, 
mind you, before he has an opportunity to behead the Viking king.


Alright, so as I look at this more, it could apply to either 
VoldieWar I, VoldieWar II, or some combination of both.  Let me just 
say that it wouldn't surprise me to find out there there had been 
some sort of appeasement-based government before Barty Crouch, 
Sr "took over."

There are some good reference sites on Brian Boru here:
http://www.clarelibrary.ie/eolas/coclare/people/brianbor.htm
http://www.okelly.net/battles/boru.htm
http://www.irishclans.com/articles/famirish/borub.html

I'm not sure that was who she was referencing, but as I said, it was 
my first thought.


--Cass