Owain Cyfeiliog facts for kids

Owain ap Gruffydd, born around 1130, was a powerful prince in Wales and also a talented poet. He was often called Owain Cyfeiliog to tell him apart from another famous ruler named Owain. This other ruler was Owain Gwynedd, who was also named Owain ap Gruffydd. Owain Cyfeiliog ruled the southern part of the Powys kingdom.

Becoming a Prince

Owain was the son of Gruffydd ap Maredudd. His uncle, Madog ap Maredudd, was the last ruler of all Powys. In 1147, Owain's uncle gave him control of a region called Cyfeiliog. When his uncle died in 1160, Owain became the ruler of southern Powys. This area later became known as Powys Wenwynwyn. Owain married Gwenllian, who was the daughter of Owain Gwynedd, another important Welsh prince.

Owain's Rule and Alliances

In 1165, Owain joined other Welsh princes to fight against King Henry II of England. King Henry II had tried to invade Wales. After this, Owain usually chose to support the English king.

In 1170, Owain gave land for a new religious house called Strata Marcella Abbey. However, in 1188, he refused to meet or help Baldwin, who was the Archbishop of Canterbury. Archbishop Baldwin was traveling through Wales with Giraldus Cambrensis to gather people for a crusade. Because Owain refused to help, he was removed from the church community. This is called being excommunicated.

Later Life and Legacy

In 1195, Owain gave most of his kingdom to his son, Gwenwynwyn. Owain then retired to Strata Marcella Abbey. He died there two years later, in 1197, and was buried at the abbey. Owain also had an illegitimate son named Cadwallon. Cadwallon was given control of the areas of Llannerch Hudol and Broniarth.

Owain the Poet

Owain Cyfeiliog is also known as a very good poet. Only one poem that is believed to be his has survived. This poem is called Hirlas Owain. Many people think it is one of the best Welsh poems from that time.

In the poem, Owain's loyal guards are gathered at his court. They have just returned from a raid in 1155. Their mission was to free Owain's brother, Meurig, from prison. After they succeeded, Owain calls for a special drinking horn to be passed around. He praises each of his guards as they drink from it. The poem becomes a bit sadder when Owain remembers two of his men. They died during the fighting, and he grieves for their loss.

Some experts, like Gruffydd Aled Williams, think that the poem might have been written by Cynddelw Brydydd Mawr. Cynddelw was a very famous Welsh court poet of that century. It's possible they even worked on it together.

Owain also appears as a knight in a old story called Fouke le Fitz Waryn. In this story, he hits a character named Fulk with a spear.