Elidurus facts for kids

Elidurus the Dutiful (Welsh: Elidyr map Morydd) was a legendary king of the ancient Britons. His story is told by Geoffrey of Monmouth, a famous historian. Elidurus was known for his strong sense of loyalty and duty. He was the third son of King Morvidus and had four brothers: Gorbonianus, Archgallo, Ingenius, and Peredurus.

Elidurus the Dutiful: A King of Great Loyalty

How Elidurus First Became King

Elidurus first became king after his brother, Archgallo, was removed from the throne. Archgallo had been king, but he was not very popular with the nobles. After Archgallo was no longer king, Elidurus took his place.

A Brother's Loyalty: The Return of Archgallo

Five years after Elidurus became king, he found his brother Archgallo wandering alone in a forest. Instead of keeping the throne for himself, Elidurus showed great kindness. He welcomed Archgallo and secretly took him to a nearby city.

To help his brother, Elidurus pretended to be very sick. He then called all the important nobles of the kingdom to visit him in that city. When they arrived, Elidurus surprised them. He demanded that they all promise their loyalty to Archgallo once more, or they would face punishment.

After the nobles agreed, Elidurus took Archgallo to the city of York. There, Elidurus took off his own crown and gave it back to Archgallo. He made Archgallo king of the Britons again. Because of this incredibly loyal act, Elidurus earned the nickname the Dutiful.

Elidurus Reigns Again

Ten years later, King Archgallo passed away. This meant that Elidurus became king for a second time. He ruled for a few years, trying to be a good and fair leader, much like his eldest brother, Gorbonianus.

Challenges and Imprisonment

However, Elidurus's time as king was not always peaceful. His two younger brothers, Ingenius and Peredurus, wanted the throne for themselves. They gathered armies and attacked Elidurus. They managed to capture him and locked him away in a heavily guarded tower in Trinovantum (an ancient city, possibly near modern-day London). Elidurus remained a prisoner in this tower for more than seven years.

A Third Time on the Throne

After many years, his youngest brother, Peredurus, finally died. This event led to Elidurus becoming king for a third time. He ruled for a short period, focusing on justice and doing what was right. Soon after, Elidurus passed away.

He was followed on the throne by a son of his eldest brother, Gorbonianus. Later, Elidurus's own son, Gerennus, would also become a king of Britain.