J. F. Campbell Collection > Prophecies of the Brahan seer (Coinneach Odhar Fiosaiche)

64 THE PROPHECIES OF THE BRAHAN SEER.
Ross ; and, from the MS. of 1450, their Gaelic descent
may now be considered established beyond dispute.*
Until the forfeiture of the Lords of the Isles, the
Mackenzies always held their lands from the Earls of
Ross, and followed their banner in the field, but after
the forfeiture of that great and powerful earldom, ^he
Mackenzies rapidly rose on the ruins of the Macdonalds
to the great power, extent of territorial possession, and
almost regal magnificence for which they were afterwards
distinguished among the other great clans of the north.
They, in the reign of James the First, acquired a very
powerful influence in the Highlands, and became inde-
pendent of any superior but the Crown. Mackenzie
and his followers were, in fact, about the most potent
chief and clan in the whole Highlands.
Kenneth, son of Angus, is supposed to have com-
menced his rule in Kintail about 1278, and was suc-
ceeded by his son, John, in 1304, who was in his turn
succeeded by his son, Kenneth. John, Kenneth's son,
was called Iain MacChoinnich, John MacKenneth,
or John son of Kenneth, hence the family name Mac-
kenny or Mackenzie. The name Kenneth in course of
time became softened down to Kenny or Kenzie. It is
well known that, not so very long ago, z in this and all
other names continued to be of the same value as the
letter y, just as we still find it in Meuzies, MacFadzean,
and many others. There seems to be no doubt what-
ever that this is the real origin of the Mackenzies, and
of their name.
Murchadh, or Murdo, son of Kenneth, it is said,
* See Nos. XXVI. and XXVII. of the Celtic Magazine, Vol. IH.,
in whicli this question is discussed at length.