Merfyn ap Rhodri facts for kids

This Welsh name means Merfyn son of Rhodri.

Merfyn ap Rhodri was a prince from the House of Aberffraw in Gwynedd, a kingdom in Wales. He lived in the late 800s and passed away around the year 900.

Merfyn was the son of a very famous Welsh ruler named Rhodri the Great. After his father died in 878 AD, some historical records say that Merfyn became the ruler of another Welsh kingdom called Powys.

Merfyn's Rule and Challenges
- Losing His Kingdom
- Possible Connection to Viking Raids
Family Life
- The Fate of His Son
See also

Merfyn's Rule and Challenges

Losing His Kingdom

If Merfyn did rule Powys, it seems his time as king was short. Stories say that his own brother, Cadell, who was the King of Ceredigion, invaded Powys. Merfyn then lost his kingdom to Cadell.

Possible Connection to Viking Raids

Merfyn's death might be linked to a Viking attack. Around the early 900s, a Viking leader named Ingimundr led an invasion into Anglesey. Anglesey is an island off the coast of North Wales. Some historians believe Merfyn's death could be connected to this event.

Family Life

The Fate of His Son

Merfyn had a son named Haearnddur, also known as "Haardur." Sadly, historical records tell us that Haearnddur drowned. This sad event was written about in two important Welsh history books: the Chronicle of the Princes and the Annals of Wales. One record says it happened in 953, and another suggests 956.