By this unexpected movement the Danes were thrown into a confusion, which became a rout. John the Mad was slain, Hasculf was captured and brought before the Norman leaders. Somewhat imprudently, he fell to threats and boastings. So passed away the Danish rule in Dublin after an existence of 300 years. It has left few memorials of its presence.
Some churches are, on rather dubious authority, ascribed to the Norsemen.
But during the greater part of their occupation the Danes were destroyers, not builders. Dublin was soon again besieged. The native chiefs were now thoroughly alarmed, and were glad to join a great confederation organised by Archbishop Lawrence O'Toole against the invaders. True to his somewhat fain ant character, Roderick preferred a blockade to an assault. The garrison was soon starving, for in addition to Henry's embargo their supplies were completely cut off by a Danish fleet in alliance with the Irish.