Gwriad ap Elidyr facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gwriad ap Elidyr
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|---|---|
| Died | unknown |
| Spouse(s) | Ethyllt ferch Cynan |
| Issue | Merfyn Frych |
Gwriad ap Elidyr (meaning 'Gwriad son of Elidyr' in English), also known as Gwriad Manaw, was an important person in Wales during the late 700s. We don't know much about him, but he is mainly remembered because of his son, Merfyn Frych. Merfyn Frych became the King of Gwynedd (a powerful kingdom in Wales) around the year 825 and ruled until about 844. He also started a new royal family line called the Merfynion dynasty.
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Gwriad's Family and Origins
Very little is known about Gwriad's early life or where he came from. He married Ethyllt ferch Cynan, who was the daughter of Cynan Dindaethwy. Cynan Dindaethwy was a King of Gwynedd.
Their son, Merfyn Frych, later became the first king of Gwynedd who was not from the family line of its founder, Cunedda. This was unusual. Merfyn likely claimed the throne through his mother's family, rather than through his father Gwriad. He made this claim stronger with his own power and good reputation.
Where Did Gwriad Come From?
Old family records, like those found in the genealogies from Jesus College MS 20, say that Gwriad was the son of someone named Elidyr. These records also suggest he was a descendant of Llywarch Hen and Coel Hen. These were rulers from the Hen Ogledd, which means "Old North." This area included parts of what is now southern Scotland and northern England, where people spoke a language called Brittonic.
Some old poems about Merfyn say he was "from the land of Manaw." "Manaw" was a name for several places where Brittonic people lived. One of these places was Manaw Gododdin, an area near the Firth of Forth in Scotland. This idea fits with Gwriad being from a northern family line, like Llywarch Hen's. Important historians like William Forbes Skene and John Edward Lloyd thought Gwriad came from Manaw Gododdin.
The Isle of Man Connection
Other historians think Gwriad might have come from the Isle of Man. In Welsh, the Isle of Man is called Ynis Manaw. This idea became stronger after a cross from the 700s or 800s was found on the Isle of Man in 1896. This cross had the words Crux Guriat carved on it, which means "Cross of Gwriad." Historian John Edward Lloyd said this discovery "undoubtedly strengthens the case" for Gwriad being from the Isle of Man.
Another historian, John Rhys, suggested that Gwriad might have gone to the Isle of Man to find safety. This could have happened during a difficult time in Gwynedd. There was a big fight for the throne between Cynan Dindaethwy and Hywel before Merfyn became king.
Some people have even suggested other places for "Manaw," like Ireland, Galloway (in Scotland), or Powys (in Wales).
Rhys also pointed out that the Welsh Triads (old Welsh writings) mention a "Gwryat son of Gwryan in the North." This Gwryat is listed as one of the "Three Kings who were the Sons of Strangers." Rhys thought this might be a reference to Merfyn's father. However, this idea doesn't quite match the family records from Jesus College MS 20, which say Gwriad's father was Elidyr.
See also
