Einion ap Collwyn facts for kids

Einion ap Collwyn was a Welsh warrior who lived a long time ago, around the year 1093. He is sometimes called "ap Gollwyn." Even though he is a famous name in some Welsh stories, his name doesn't show up in the old history books from his time. Instead, we find stories about him in writings that appeared much later, starting in the 1500s. Some Welsh families even claimed that Einion was one of their ancestors!

Was Einion Real?

Historians believe Einion might have been related to a real person named Cadifor ap Collwyn. Cadifor was a powerful leader, known as the Lord of Dyfed, a region in Wales. He was part of the old ruling family of Dyfed.

The Revolt Against Rhys ap Tewdwr

When Cadifor died in 1092, his sons, Einion and Llewelyn, did not want to accept Rhys ap Tewdwr as the king of Deheubarth. Deheubarth was a large kingdom in South Wales. Instead, Einion and Llewelyn supported Rhys's cousin, Gruffydd. Gruffydd was the son of a previous king, so they thought he should rule.

Rhys ap Tewdwr fought back against this revolt. He defeated Cadifor's sons and Gruffydd in a battle at Llandydoch. They were all killed. Even though Rhys won, this fight made his kingdom weaker. It made it easier for the Anglo-Normans, who were French-speaking invaders from England, to take over parts of Wales.

The Normans Arrive

The next year, Rhys ap Tewdwr was killed while fighting Bernard of Neumarche in Brycheiniog. Bernard was a Norman lord. After Rhys's death, the Normans quickly took over Dyfed and Ceredigion.

It's important to know that Einion ap Collwyn's name is not found in the real historical records of these events. He is only mentioned in the legendary stories about how the Normans conquered Glamorgan. Some writers say Einion came from Gwynedd in North Wales. Others link him to a family from Ardudwy and say he was related to Iestyn, another Welsh leader.

The Legend of Einion

The most famous stories about Einion ap Collwyn are legends. These stories say that after the battle at Llandydoch, Einion ran away. He went to Iestyn ap Gwrgant, the prince of Morgannwg (which is now Glamorgan). Iestyn was also fighting against King Rhys.

Einion's Plan

The legend says Einion had spent time in England and France. He knew the English king, William II of England, and his powerful lords very well. Einion suggested a plan to Iestyn. He offered to bring his Norman friends to help Iestyn. In return, Einion wanted to marry Iestyn's daughter and receive the land of Miskin as a wedding gift. Iestyn agreed to this plan.

Einion then went to London and convinced Robert FitzHamon, a powerful Norman lord, and twelve other knights to help. They brought a large army to help Iestyn. The Normans fought Rhys ap Tewdwr in a big battle near Hirwaun Gwrgan. Rhys was killed, and his kingdom in South Wales fell apart.

A Betrayal and New Conquest

After helping Iestyn, the Normans were paid and started to go back to London. But Iestyn, feeling very proud of his victory, broke his promise to Einion. He refused to let Einion marry his daughter.

Einion chased after the Normans. He told them how Iestyn had betrayed him. He also explained that Iestyn was not popular with the other Welsh princes. Einion showed the Normans how easy it would be to conquer Iestyn's lands. This was because no one would help Iestyn after he had betrayed Rhys.

The Normans were easily convinced. Einion also helped organize a Welsh rebellion. Together, they attacked Morgannwg. The Normans took the rich, flat lands of the Vale of Glamorgan for themselves. Einion was left with only the mountainous areas of Senghenydd and Miscin. Iestyn's sons were given the lowland area of Aberafan.

Because of this victory, other Normans were encouraged to take over more Welsh lands. They seized Dyfed, Ceredigion, and Brycheiniog. So, the legend says that Einion's actions led to much of South Wales falling into the hands of the Normans.

Where the Legend Comes From

This detailed story first appeared in a book called the "Brut y Tywysogion" (which means "Chronicle of the Princes"). However, the oldest copy of this book is from the mid-1500s. This is not much older than another book, History of Cambria (1584), by David Powel. This book also tells the story of the conquest of Glamorgan, with only a few small differences.

Some historians think that the legend was created by people in Glamorgan. They might have made up the story to connect their families to the famous "Twelve Knights of Glamorgan" who came with Robert FitzHamon.