Cynan Garwyn facts for kids

Cynan Garwyn was a king who ruled Powys, a kingdom in the east of Wales, during the second half of the 500s. Not much is known for sure about his life. What we do know comes from old Welsh poems, family records called genealogies, and stories about saints (hagiography). These sources were often written much later, so they might not be completely accurate.

Who Was King Cynan Garwyn?

Cynan Garwyn is believed to have been the son of King Brochwel Ysgithrog, who ruled before him. He was also the father of Selyf Sarffgadau, who might have become king after Cynan. Old Welsh family trees say that Cynan's family line goes back to a person named Cadell Ddyrnllug.

What Does His Name Mean?

Cynan's special name, or epithet, was Garwyn. This name might mean "of the White Thigh" or "of the White Chariot." It's like a nickname that tells us something about him. Some people think Cynan might be the same person as Aurelius Caninus. This was a Welsh ruler criticized by a writer named Gildas in the 500s. However, it's not certain, as it could also be another relative of Cynan's.

Cynan Garwyn in Old Poems

One important source about Cynan is a poem called Trawsganu Kynan Garwyn Mab Brochfael. This poem is thought to have been written by a famous poet named Taliesin. Even though the oldest copy we have is from the 1300s, the poem itself might be as old as the 500s.

A Powerful Warlord

In the poem, Cynan Garwyn is shown as a strong leader and a warlord. This means he was a powerful military commander. The poem says he led many successful battles across Wales. He fought near the River Wye, against the people of Gwent, and on the island of Anglesey. He also led campaigns in Dyfed, Brycheiniog, and even as far as Cornwall. Interestingly, unlike his son, the poem never says he fought against the English.

Cynan in Saint Stories

Stories about saints often show a more peaceful side of King Cynan's rule. However, these stories were written much later. They were created to show how powerful the saints were, so we can't always trust them as historical facts.

The Story of Saint Cadog

In the Life of Saint Cadog, written around 1100, King Cynan Garwyn planned to attack Glamorgan. The king of Glamorgan was very scared. He asked the priests of Saint Cadog's church to help him. The priests went to meet Cynan. When they reached the River Neath, they couldn't cross. One priest climbed a tree, and the tree bent to form a bridge across the river! When Cynan saw this miracle, he changed his mind. He stopped his violent plans and declared peace. In this story, Cynan is called the king of Rheinwg. This area might have been in Dyfed, near Brycheiniog, or on the border of modern-day Herefordshire.

Granting Land to Saint Beuno

Another saint's story, the Welsh life of Saint Beuno, says that Cynan gave land to the saint. This land was at a place called Gwyddelwern in Edeirnion.

Cynan's Family and Legacy

Besides Selyf Sarffgadau, Cynan Garwyn may have had other sons, including Eiludd. Some old family records also mention sons named Maredudd and Dinogad, but these sources are less reliable. Some genealogies say he married a woman named Gwenwynwyn 'of the Scots'.

It is sometimes suggested that Cynan died with his son at the Battle of Chester around the year 613. However, there isn't strong evidence to support this idea. Such stories might have been created later to build up the legend of the Powys kingdom.