Iorwerth Goch ap Maredudd facts for kids

Iorwerth Goch ap Maredudd (born around 1110 – died around 1171) was a prince from a noble family in the Kingdom of Powys, a historical Welsh kingdom. He was the son of Maredudd ap Bleddyn and Cristin ferch Bledrus. His nickname "Goch" means "red" in Welsh, which probably referred to the color of his hair.

His Family and Life

Iorwerth married a woman named Maud de Manly. They had two sons together: Gruffydd Fychan, who was born around 1150, and Hywel ap Iorwerth.

Iorwerth also had a brother named Hywel ap Maredudd. He had two half-brothers as well: Madog ap Maredudd and Gruffydd ap Maredudd.

What Iorwerth Did

Iorwerth Goch was involved in some important events during his time. In 1157, he took control of a castle called Tomen y Rhodwydd, which was located in Llandegla, Denbighshire. This castle had been built by another Welsh prince, Owain Gwynedd, in 1149. After taking the castle, Iorwerth burned it down.

Iorwerth in Welsh Stories

Iorwerth Goch is even mentioned in a famous Welsh story called The Dream of Rhonabwy, which is part of the collection known as the Mabinogion.

The story tells us about Iorwerth's feelings towards his half-brother, Madog. It says that Iorwerth was quite unhappy and worried because Madog had a lot of honor and power, while Iorwerth felt he had very little.

Iorwerth talked to his friends and foster-brothers to get their advice. They decided that some of them should go to Madog and ask for support for Iorwerth. Madog then offered Iorwerth an important role: he suggested making him the leader of his troops, giving him the same rank, honors, weapons, and horses as himself. This shows that Iorwerth was an important figure, even if he sometimes felt overshadowed by his powerful half-brother.