Cynfarch Oer facts for kids

Cynfarch Oer (pronounced Kin-var-kh Oyr), which means 'Cynfarch the Dismal', was likely a king in the 500s. He ruled a kingdom called Rheged, which was part of Sub-Roman Britain. This area is thought to have been in what is now north-west England and south-west Scotland. He was also known as Cunomarcus or Cynfarch ap Meirchion.

Almost nothing is known about Cynfarch himself. He appears in old Welsh family trees, which are like ancient records of who was related to whom. These records show him as a leader among the 'Men of the North', who were Brythonic people living in northern Britain.

Who Was Cynfarch Oer?

Cynfarch was the son of a less-known figure named Meirchion Gul, sometimes called Marcianus 'the Lean'. Cynfarch was also the father of Urien Rheged, who became a much more famous king.

What Does "Oer" Mean?

The name "Oer" literally means 'cold'. However, in this context, it probably meant something like 'unwelcoming' or 'gloomy'. So, 'Cynfarch the Dismal' or 'Cynfarch the Unwelcoming' gives us a hint about his personality, or at least how he was seen.

His Family's Legacy

Even though we don't know much about Cynfarch, his family remembered him well. His descendants were proudly called the 'Cynferchyn' in his honor. This shows he was an important ancestor to them.