Cordelia of Britain facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Cordelia of Britain
Cordelia, by William Frederick Yeames
Spouse	Aganippus
Father	Leir

Queen Cordelia (also called Cordeilla) is a famous legendary queen from ancient Britain. Her story was first told by a writer named Geoffrey of Monmouth. She was the youngest daughter of King Leir. Cordelia is known as the second queen to rule Britain before the Romans arrived. It's important to know that there is no real historical proof that she actually lived.

The Legend of Queen Cordelia

Cordelia by Pierce Francis Connelly

Cordelia was King Leir's favorite daughter. She had two older sisters, Goneril and Regan. One day, King Leir decided to divide his kingdom. He wanted to give land to his daughters and their husbands.

Cordelia's Choice

King Leir asked his daughters to tell him how much they loved him. Goneril and Regan flattered him with many sweet words. But Cordelia refused to say anything just to please him. She believed her love was too great for words.

Because Cordelia would not flatter him, King Leir became angry. He refused to give her any land in Britain. He also said he would not bless any husband for her.

Marriage and Exile

Even without a dowry, Aganippus, the king of the Franks, wanted to marry Cordelia. King Leir agreed to the marriage. Cordelia then moved to Gaul (which is now France) and lived there for many years.

Later, King Leir was forced out of Britain by his other daughters' husbands. He fled to Cordelia in Gaul. He asked her to help him get his throne back.

Cordelia Becomes Queen

Cordelia gathered an army and invaded Britain. She defeated the dukes who were ruling. She successfully put her father, King Leir, back on his throne.

Three years later, King Leir died. Soon after, Cordelia's husband, Aganippus, also died. Cordelia then returned to Britain and was crowned queen.

Cordelia's Rule and Downfall

Cordelia ruled Britain peacefully for five years. But her nephews, Cunedagius and Marganus, grew up. They were the sons of her sisters. Cunedagius was the duke of Cornwall, and Marganus was the duke of Albany.

They did not like being ruled by a woman. They believed they had a stronger claim to the throne. So, they raised armies and fought against Cordelia. Cordelia bravely fought in many battles herself.

However, she was eventually captured by her nephews. They imprisoned her, and she died while in captivity. Cunedagius became the new king of Britain. He ruled the lands southwest of the Humber River. Marganus ruled the region northeast of the Humber. Soon after, a civil war broke out between them. Marganus was defeated and killed.

Cordelia in Culture

Edwin Austin Abbey (1852–1911) King Lear, Cordelia's Farewell

The story of Cordelia has been told and retold many times.

Shakespeare's King Lear

The famous writer Shakespeare used Cordelia's story in his play King Lear. In Shakespeare's version, Cordelia's invasion of Britain is not successful. She is captured and killed, and her father does not get his throne back.

Other Works

Before Shakespeare, the story also appeared in Edmund Spenser's long poem The Faerie Queene. It was also in an old play called King Leir. Cordelia was very popular during this time. Many people thought her role as a brave queen was similar to Queen Elizabeth I.

Meaning of the Name

The name Cordelia is often linked to the Latin word cor, which means "heart." It has also been connected to the Welsh name Creiddylad, which supposedly means "jewel of the sea." Another idea is that it comes from the French phrase coeur de lion, meaning "heart of a lion."

See also

In Spanish: Reina Cordelia para niños