Einion ab Owain facts for kids

Einion ab Owain was an important Welsh prince who lived a long time ago, around the year 984. He was part of the House of Dinefwr, a powerful family in Wales. Einion was the oldest son of King Owain, who ruled a kingdom called Deheubarth (also known as Dyfed). His grandfather was the famous Hywel Dda.

Einion's Life and Battles

Einion ab Owain was a busy prince who took part in many important events. Records from the Chronicle of the Princes tell us about his actions.

Fighting Invaders

In 966, Einion helped King Iago of Gwynedd. They worked together to push out invaders from Ireland and their Danish allies. These groups were causing trouble in Wales.

Raids and Conflicts

The next year, Einion led a raid on a place called Gower. He said he was fighting against the Vikings. However, this raid caused problems with King Owain of Morgannwg. King Owain fought back and took Gower back under his control.

This also led to an invasion by King Edgar of England. King Edgar made Einion's father, King Owain, promise loyalty to him at Caerleon upon Usk.

Einion tried another raid in 976. He caused a lot of damage, which led to a famine. But King Owain ap Morgan's brother, Ithel, defeated Einion. Ithel made sure the stolen goods were returned to their owners.

Defending His Lands

At some point, Einion seems to have taken control of Brycheiniog for his kingdom, Deheubarth. This led to more conflict. King Hywel of Gwynedd, with help from Ælfhere from Mercia (a powerful English region), invaded in 980 and 981.

Einion fought them and won battles at Llanwenog and in Brycheiniog. However, the land was badly damaged by these northern Welsh and English forces. A Viking raid also hit St. David's around 980 or 982.

His Legacy

Einion ab Owain died before his father. He was killed in a battle at Pencoed Colwynn by men from Glywysing and Gwent in 982 or 984.

After his death, Einion's brother, Maredudd, took over his duties. Neither of Einion's sons became king right away. However, his family line did recover the throne later. His grandson, Hywel, became king around 1035.

Some people believe that the place called Port Eynon on the Gower peninsula was named after Einion.

Einion's Children

Einion ab Owain had several children:

• Gronwy Ap Einion
• Edwin (died 993)
• Tewdwr (died 993)
• Cadell, whose grandson was Rhys ap Tewdwr. Cadell likely died in 993.
• Gwladys
• Gwenllian, who is often said to have married Elystan Glodrydd.
• Marred