Athrwys ap Meurig facts for kids

Athrwys ap Meurig (born around 605, died around 655) was an important figure in early Welsh history. He was a prince, and possibly even a king, of the Welsh kingdoms of Gwent and Glywysing. His father was King Meurig ap Tewdrig, and his son, Morgan ab Athrwys, later became a king himself. Some historians believe Athrwys might have passed away before his father, meaning he never actually ruled as king.

Who Was Athrwys?

Athrwys's name has been spelled in different ways throughout history. In old Welsh writings from the 10th century, it appeared as Atroys. In early Latin texts, it was written as Athruis. These different spellings show how names changed over time.

Family Life

Athrwys was the son of Meurig ap Tewdrig, who was a powerful king in South Wales. His mother was Onbrawst, whose father, Gwrgan Fawr, was the King of Ergyng. Athrwys had siblings named Idnerth and Ffriog.

He might have been married to Cenedlon ferch Briafael Frydig. Together, they had several children, including Morgan ab Athrwys. Morgan later became a well-known king of Gwent. Athrwys also had other children named Ithel and Gwaidnerth.

Was He a King?

While Athrwys's father, Meurig, and his son, Morgan, are clearly called kings in old records like the Book of Llandaff, Athrwys's own title is a bit unclear. He is only called a king in one old document, which many experts believe might not be accurate because of the dates mentioned in it.

Many historians think that Athrwys probably died before his father, Meurig. If this is true, it means he never got the chance to rule as king himself. Instead, when his father Meurig passed away after a very long reign, the kingship likely went straight to Athrwys's son, Morgan. Historians believe Athrwys lived for about 50 years, from around 605 to 655.

His Son, Morgan

Athrwys's son, Morgan ab Athrwys, was also known as Morgan Mwynfawr, which means 'Morgan the Benefactor' in Welsh. Morgan became a powerful king. He ruled over a large area called Morgannwg, which included Gwent and Glywysing. His lands stretched far to the west, possibly even beyond the River Neath, and also included parts of the old Kingdom of Ergyng.

Athrwys and King Arthur

You might be surprised to learn that some people believe Athrwys ap Meurig could be the real-life King Arthur! This idea has been around for a long time, first appearing in a history book in 1747. It became more popular in the 1800s.

Why Some Think He Was Arthur

People who support this idea point out a few things:

• Athrwys was a prince (and possibly king) in the areas of Glywysing, Gwent, and Ergyng. These are the same places where many old stories say King Arthur lived and ruled. For example, the city of Caerleon-upon-Usk, which is in this region, is often described as Arthur's main city.
• They also argue that Athrwys lived in the 6th century, which is when King Arthur is traditionally thought to have lived. If Athrwys lived at the same time and in the same place as Arthur, some believe they must have been the same person.

Why Others Disagree

However, most experts do not believe Athrwys was King Arthur. Here's why:

• Old Welsh records suggest that Athrwys's great-grandson died in 775. If this is correct, it means Athrwys himself must have lived in the 7th century, not the 6th century. This would mean he did not live at the same time as the legendary King Arthur.
• Also, most scholars agree that the name Athrwys comes from a very old Welsh word, *Antrēs, and is not related to the name Arthur.