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. Hákonar saga Hákonarsonar Páll is mentioned within the 13th century Icelandic saga Hákonar saga Hákonarsonar. 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 Sleat 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. MacLeod tradition circa 1767 In 1767, a memorial was drawn up for the