Amlawdd Wledig facts for kids

Amlawdd Wledig was a legendary king from ancient Britain. His name has many different spellings, like Amlawd or Anlawdd. The special title Gwledig means "lord," "king," or "ruler." It was given to important British leaders who helped defend Britain when the Romans left.

Where Amlawdd Wledig Ruled

Amlawdd Wledig was likely a king in a part of Wales. This area might have been near the border with Herefordshire. Some stories suggest he ruled in the Ergyng area. This makes sense if his son was King Gwrfoddw of Ergyng.

Amlawdd's Family and Connections

His Family Tree

There are a few different ideas about Amlawdd Wledig's ancestors. One old Welsh record, Bonedd yr Arwyr, says his father was Kynwal. This family line goes back many generations.

Another story connects Amlawdd to Joseph of Arimathea. This version says Amlawdd's daughter, Eigr, was related to Joseph's sister. This idea came from monks in Glastonbury around the year 1400. They changed older stories to link these important figures.

Some people have also wondered if Amlawdd's name is similar to Amleth. Amleth is a character from an old Danish story, which later inspired Shakespeare's play Hamlet. However, Amlawdd is not described as being from Denmark in Welsh stories.

His Wives

Amlawdd is said to have married Gwen. She was the daughter of Cunedda Wledig. Cunedda was another famous king from the north of Britain. He is known for moving south to help drive out Irish invaders.

His Children

Many characters from the King Arthur legends are thought to be Amlawdd's children. However, some of these connections are more likely than others. Here are some of the figures linked to him:

• Eigyr: She is famous for being the mother of the legendary King Arthur.
• Rieingulid: She is believed to be the mother of Saint Illtud.
• Goleuddydd: She is known as the mother of Culhwch.
• Tywanwedd: She was the wife of Hawystl Gloff. She is also said to be the mother of several important figures, including Caradawc Vreichvras.
• Two unnamed daughters: These daughters were sisters to Enfeidas. Enfeidas is described as Arthur's aunt and a goddess in some tales.
• Gwyar: Some say Gwyar was the mother of Gawain, one of Arthur's knights. Others think Gwyar was a male name and Gawain's father.
• Llygadrudd Emys and Gwrbothu Hen: These two are listed as brothers of Arthur's mother. They were killed by a giant boar called Twrch Trwyth. Gwrbothu Hen might be an older relative of King Gwrfoddw of Ergyng.
• Gweir Paladr Hir and Gweir Gwrhyd Ennwir: These are also listed as Arthur's uncles, his mother's brothers.

Amlawdd's Link to King Arthur

Many stories say that Amlawdd Wledig was the grandfather of King Arthur. He was Arthur's mother's father. However, some historians believe Amlawdd was a character created to explain family connections in old Welsh stories. For example, he helps link Arthur to characters like Culhwch and Saint Illtud. Amlawdd Wledig is not mentioned in the famous list of British kings by Geoffrey of Monmouth.