Clydno Eidyn facts for kids

Clydno Eidyn was an important ruler in the 6th century. He governed a region called Eidyn, which is where modern-day Edinburgh in Scotland is located. Eidyn was part of the Gododdin kingdom. This kingdom was in a place known as the "Old North" (or Hen Ogledd). This area covered parts of Northern England and Southern Scotland. People there spoke a language related to Welsh. Clydno later became a famous figure in old Welsh stories and legends.

The Story of Clydno Eidyn

His Family and Roots

Old records, like the Harleian genealogies, tell us about Clydno's family. He was said to be the son of Cinbelim or Cynfelyn. His grandfather was Dumnagual Hen, an early ruler of Alt Clut. This kingdom is now known as Strathclyde. Later family trees, like Bonedd Gwŷr y Gogledd, changed this story a bit. They said Cynfelyn was Clydno's grandfather instead. This connected Clydno's family to the legendary figure Coel Hen.

A Northern King's Battle

Clydno once joined other northern rulers to attack Gwynedd in North Wales. This story is found in the Book of Chirk, a book of Welsh laws. The attack happened after a northern prince named Elidir Mwynfawr was killed in Gwynedd. Clydno, along with Rhydderch Hael and two other kings, wanted to get revenge. They raided and burned the area of Arfon. But then Rhun ap Maelgwn and the Gwynedd army forced them to leave.

Magical Treasures

Clydno's name also appears in lists of the Thirteen Treasures of the Island of Britain. These were magical items from old Welsh legends. According to these lists, Clydno owned a special magical halter. It was called the Cebystr Clydno Eiddin. A halter is a rope or strap used to lead a horse. The stories explain how this magical halter worked. If Clydno tied it to a hook at the foot of his bed, he would find any horse he wished for tied there!

His Son, Cynon

Clydno's son, Cynon, also became a famous figure in Welsh stories. The poem Y Gododdin mentions him. It says Cynon was one of the Britons who fought against the Angles at the terrible Battle of Catraeth. At one point, the poem even says he was the only one to survive the battle. Later stories talk about Cynon's great love for Morvydd. She was the daughter of Urien Rheged, another famous ruler. Cynon also appears in the story Owain, or the Lady of the Fountain. In this tale, he plays a role similar to a character named Calogrenant in other versions of the story.