Cadell Ddyrnllwg facts for kids

Cadell Ddyrnllwg (pronounced "CAD-ell DUR-n-loog") was an important king who lived in the middle of the 400s AD. He ruled a kingdom in Wales called Powys. His name means "Cadell of the Gleaming Hilt" in Welsh.

Cadell's Early Life and Challenges

Cadell was born around the year 430 AD. He was the son of another king, Cadeyrn. However, his father's kingdom faced big problems. During a time of trouble when Saxon invaders were causing chaos in Southern Britain, Irish pirates attacked. These pirates forced Cadell to leave his home.

He had to hide among the ordinary people of Powys. Cadell even became a servant to an Irish leader named Benlli. He hoped that one day he would get a chance to take back his rightful place as king.

How Cadell Regained His Throne

Cadell's chance came when a famous religious leader, Saint Germanus, visited Britain. This was probably around 447 AD. Saint Germanus was there to teach people and correct certain religious ideas.

As Saint Germanus traveled, he heard about the Irish stronghold in Powys. He and his many followers surrounded the main city of Powys. Cadell, still living simply outside the city walls, offered them what little food and shelter he had.

Saint Germanus then had a strong feeling that something terrible was about to happen. He told Cadell to make sure all his friends left the city walls. That very night, lightning struck the royal palace. A huge fire quickly spread, and everyone inside the city was lost in the flames.

This event cleared the way for young Cadell to become king again. It's not completely clear where the capital city was at that time. Some stories say it was a hillfort called Foel Fenlli, which means 'Benlli's Hill'. However, discoveries by archaeologists suggest it might have been Caer Guricon, which is now Wroxeter in Shropshire. This place was used as a city well into the 500s AD. A very old stone with a Celtic name, Cunorix, known as the Wroxeter Stone, was found there.

Cadell's Family Life

Cadell married a woman named Gwelfyl. She was one of the many daughters of King Brychan Brycheiniog. Cadell and Gwelfyl had several children. One of their sons was Tegid, who later became the father of Gwynllyw. They might have also had other children named Gwynfyr Frych, Ystradwel, and Ddewer. Cadell is believed to have died when he was still quite young.