Black Men in the Irish Annals

Approximately 500 years after the departure of the Romans from Britain, early medieval Irish annals make mention of a group referred to as the Fir Gorma, or “Blue Men.” This term is thought to describe individuals of African origin, likely referencing the deep blue-black skin tone often associated with certain North and West African peoples. These men were reportedly captured by Viking raiders during their expeditions to North Africa, specifically in the region of what is now Morocco—and later brought back to Ireland or the British Isles. The record suggests a fascinating glimpse into early global interactions, Viking expansion, and the presence of Africans in medieval European narratives, long before the transatlantic slave trade began.

In the Irish annals, the term Gorm is used to classify individuals known as “Black Danes” or Black Gall, with Gall meaning “foreigner” or “stranger.” This reflects a broader categorisation used by the Irish to describe different groups of Viking invaders. Specifically, Dubh Gall translates to “Black Foreigner,” a term often used to describe darker-featured or possibly darker-armoured Norsemen, typically Danes. In contrast, Fionn Gall or “Fair Foreigner” referred to lighter-featured or differently equipped Viking groups, often associated with Norwegians. Over time, these colour-based distinctions may have taken on broader symbolic or ethnic meanings, and in some interpretations, Dubh Gall could also imply African or mixed-race individuals within the Norse ranks, especially given the Vikings’ wide-ranging expeditions, which reached as far south as North Africa and the Mediterranean.

The name Gormund is believed to be derived from the Old Norse or Germanic name Grim, which carried connotations of darkness or fierceness. In Old Irish, the word Grim or Griom is associated with the colour black or darkness, and it appears in various early Irish and Norse texts. Over time, the name evolved linguistically and culturally, with modern derivatives such as Graham or Graeme emerging in Scotland and other parts of the British Isles. While these modern surnames are now common and often disconnected from their etymological roots, their origin stories hint at ancient associations with complexion, symbolic darkness, or powerful attributes, possibly linking back to early descriptions of individuals or groups marked by darker features or reputations.

Graham’s Dyke is an old name for the Antonine Wall, a Roman frontier built across central Scotland between the Firth of Forth and the Firth of Clyde. Constructed around 142 AD during the reign of Emperor Antoninus Pius, it marked the northernmost boundary of the Roman Empire in Britain for a time.

However, there is a later tradition—more folkloric than academic—that associates Graham’s Dyke with Septimius Severus, the Roman Emperor of North African (Libyan) origin who ruled from 193 to 211 AD. Severus campaigned in Britain between 208 and 211 AD, reinforcing Hadrian’s Wall and possibly making improvements to older Roman defences. Because of his military efforts in northern Britain, some traditions credit him with fortification efforts even as far north as the Antonine Wall.

The name Graham’s Dyke is thought to have originated in the medieval or early modern period, long after the Romans had departed. One folk theory claims that it was named after a Scottish chieftain or clan leader—possibly of the Graham family—who broke through the wall after the Romans left. But alternative interpretations, especially in African diasporic retellings or speculative histories, sometimes connect the name to Severus himself, reflecting pride in his African heritage and imperial authority over Britain.

While there’s no definitive archaeological or documentary evidence that Graham’s Dyke was named in honour of Septimius Severus, the idea persists in some cultural narratives. It reflects a broader interest in recognising the diverse figures, like Severus, who played a role in British and Roman history but whose African identities have often been underrepresented or overlooked in traditional accounts.

In the Scandinavian sagas, Grim, son of Kveldulf, is described as black. He had a broad jaw, dark complexion, broad nose and curly hair.? The term Grim or Gorm was used to describe anyone with a dark complexion.

Whilst it can’t be known whether he was of African stock, the Vikings were known to raid into Africa, so his mother could potentially be an African captive, though this is pure conjecture.

Related Links

• The Antonine Wall – History Hit
• Osprey Publishing – Blue Men African
• Roots of Ireland – Blue Men
• The Bla-Maors – The Black Vikings