Ithel ap Hywel facts for kids
Ithel or Idwal ap Hywel was a king who ruled the land of Gwent in southeastern medieval Wales. He lived a long time ago and passed away around the year 843. Some old records also called him the king of Gwent and Morgannwg, which was another name for the region of Glywysing.
Contents
Who Was King Ithel?
Ithel was an important ruler in early Wales. He was known for helping other Welsh leaders. His full name was Ithel ap Hywel, which means Ithel, son of Hywel. He ruled over a part of Wales that is now in the southeast.
Ithel's Role in Welsh History
King Ithel worked with his brother, Meurig. They joined forces with King Rhodri the Great. Rhodri was a powerful king from Gwynedd, a kingdom in northern Wales. Together, they defended their lands.
Fighting Against Invaders
Ithel and his allies fought against invaders from Mercia. Mercia was a large Anglo-Saxon kingdom in what is now England. The invaders were led by Beorhtwulf, who was an important leader called an earl. They also faced Beorhtwulf's brother, Ithelwlf. Ithel helped protect Wales from these attacks.
How Did King Ithel Die?
King Ithel's death is a sad part of his story. Old Welsh records tell us what happened. Both the Annals of Wales and the Chronicle of the Princes mention his death.
The Treachery of Brycheiniog
Ithel was betrayed by people from a place called Brycheiniog. This act of betrayal was very famous. It was so well-known that "the treason of the men of Brycheiniog" became a common saying in medieval Wales. It meant a terrible act of disloyalty.
When Did Ithel Die?
The old records have slightly different dates for Ithel's death. The Chronicle of the Princes says he died in 843 AD. The Annals of Wales suggests it might have been around 848 AD. Even with different dates, both records agree on how he died.
Ithel's Legacy
Ithel's name lived on in Wales. He is believed to be the person a church was originally named after. This church is located in St Illtyd in Monmouthshire.
The Church Connection
The church was first dedicated to Ithel. However, his connection was not officially recognized by the Catholic Church. Because of this, the church's dedication was later changed. Even so, his name was remembered in that area for a time.
