Meirchion Gul facts for kids
Meirchion Gul was likely a king who lived in the late 400s. He ruled a place called Rheged. Rheged was a kingdom of the ancient Britons, located in what is now the North of England and Southern Scotland. This area was known as the Hen Ogledd, which means "The Old North."
Contents
Who Was Meirchion Gul?
Almost nothing is known about Meirchion Gul himself. His special nickname, or epithet, "Gul," means "the Lean." This might have described his appearance or perhaps his personality.
Family Tree of a King
Meirchion Gul appears in an old Welsh family record called Bonedd Gwŷr y Gogledd. This record helps us understand his place in history.
- He was the son of a less well-known person named Gwrwst Lledlwm.
- His grandfather was Coel Hen, a very important figure in the history of the Old North.
- Most importantly, Meirchion Gul was the grandfather of Urien Rheged. Urien was a famous king of Rheged, known for his bravery and leadership.
Rheged: A Kingdom in the Old North
Historians believe that Meirchion Gul, like his grandson Urien, ruled over the kingdom of Rheged. This area included places like Catterick in what is now North Yorkshire. Rheged was an important kingdom during a time when the Roman Empire had left Britain, and new kingdoms were forming.
Meirchion's Royal Sons
Meirchion Gul had two sons who went on to start their own important family lines, or dynasties.
- Cynfarch Oer: He was the father of the famous Urien Rheged. This means that Meirchion Gul was directly connected to one of the most powerful kings of the Old North.
- Elidyr Lydanwyn: His nickname meant "the Stout and Handsome." According to some old Welsh laws, Elidyr also ruled Rheged. He was the father of Llywarch Hen, who was a well-known poet and prince.
Meirchion Gul might not be as famous as his grandson Urien, but he was an important link in the royal family tree of Rheged. His family played a big part in the history of the Old North during a time of great change.
