Cynan ab Iago facts for kids

Cynan ab Iago (born around 1014, died around 1063) was a Welsh prince. He belonged to the House of Aberffraw, a very important royal family in Wales. Some people believe he was briefly the King of Gwynedd, which was a powerful kingdom in Wales. His father, Iago ab Idwal ap Meurig, was king before him. Later, his son, Gruffudd ap Cynan, also became king.

A Prince in Exile

Cynan's father, King Iago, ruled Gwynedd from 1023 to 1039. Sadly, King Iago was killed when Cynan was still a young boy. After his father's death, another powerful leader named Gruffydd ap Llywelyn took over the throne. Gruffydd ap Llywelyn was from a different part of the royal family.

Because of this, young Cynan had to leave Wales. He found safety in Ireland, specifically in Viking Dublin. Dublin was a settlement founded by the Vikings, who were skilled sailors and traders.

Life in Dublin

While in Dublin, Cynan met and married a woman named Ragnailt. She was the daughter of Olaf Sigtryggsson, who was the King of Dublin. Ragnailt's grandfather was also a king, named Sigtrygg Silkbeard. This marriage connected Cynan to powerful families in Ireland.

Cynan and Ragnailt had a son named Gruffudd ap Cynan. This son would later become a very important king in Wales, just like his grandfather.

Was Cynan a King?

It seems Cynan might have died not long after his son Gruffudd was born. An old book from the 1200s, called History of Gruffydd ap Cynan, talks about Cynan's family. However, it doesn't say much about Cynan's life or his son's childhood. Instead, it mentions that Gruffudd's mother told him about his father and the kingdom he should claim back in Wales.

In 1063, the king who had taken Cynan's father's throne, Gruffydd ap Llywelyn, was killed. Some old Welsh records say his own men killed him. Another record from Ireland says Cynan ab Iago killed him. This might explain why some later records in Gwynedd call Cynan a king. It's also possible that "king" was just an honorary title for him because of his royal family.

If Cynan did rule, it was for a very short time. In the same year, 1063, a new king named Bleddyn ap Cynfyn was put on the throne by the Saxons.

Family

• Gruffudd ap Cynan