Erbin of Dumnonia facts for kids

Erbin of Dumnonia was a king and a saint who lived a very long time ago, around the 400s AD. He ruled a kingdom called Dumnonia, which is now parts of Cornwall and Devon in England. He is also known as Saint Erbin.

King Erbin's Life

Erbin was a powerful king of Dumnonia. His father was Constantine Corneu, who was also a king. Erbin became king after his father, around the year 443. He had a famous son named Geraint, and his brother was Saint Digain.

Erbin's story appears in old Welsh tales, especially in a collection called the Mabinogion. In one story, Geraint and Enid, Erbin is shown as an older king whose land is being attacked. He calls his son Geraint back from King Arthur's court to help him fight. Together, they made Dumnonia strong again. After this, King Erbin decided to let his son Geraint become king. Erbin passed away around the year 480.

Saint Erbin

Besides being a king, Erbin is also remembered as a saint. He is linked to a place called Erbistock in Denbighshire, Wales. People celebrate his feast day on January 13th.

Some people think he might be the same person as Saint Ervan or Saint Erme from Cornwall. Erbin is thought to be the original patron saint of the church in St Ervan, Cornwall. In old Welsh calendars, he is remembered as a saint on January 13th or May 29th.