Owain Danwyn facts for kids

Owain Danwyn was a king who lived a long, long time ago, around the year 440. He ruled a place called Rhos in northwestern Wales. Owain was the son of Einion Yrth and the father of Cynlas Goch. Some people think Cynlas Goch might be the person a writer named Gildas criticized a lot. A few writers, Graham Phillips and Martin Keatman, have even suggested that Owain Danwyn could be the real person behind the famous legend of King Arthur! We don't know much about his life, but his story is quite interesting.

Who Was Owain Danwyn?

Owain Danwyn's name means "White Tooth" in an old Welsh language. We know about him from old family records of the kings of Rhos. These records mostly agree that he was the son of Einion Yrth. His grandfather was Cunedda, who started the important Gwynedd family in North Wales. Owain also had a brother named Cadwallon Lawhir ap Einion.

Owain's Family and Connections

Owain Danwyn was the father of Cynlas Goch. A writer named Gildas wrote a book called De Excidio et Conquestu Britanniae. In this book, Gildas strongly criticized a prince named Cuneglasus for many bad things he did. Many historians believe this Cuneglasus was Owain's son, Cynlas Goch.

Owain also had other children who became important saints. According to an old record called Bonedd y Saint, Owain was the father of saints Einion Frenin, Seiriol, and Meirion. In some versions, he was also the father of Hawystl Gloff.

A Royal Mystery

Maelgwn Gwynedd, who was Owain's nephew (the son of his brother Cadwallon), became king of Gwynedd. Gildas wrote that Maelgwn took the throne by harming an uncle. Some historians, like Peter Bartrum, have wondered if this uncle might have been Owain. However, the word Gildas used for "uncle" often meant a mother's brother, so it's not certain.

Could Owain Be King Arthur?

Writers Graham Phillips and Martin Keatman have an interesting idea. They believe that Owain Danwyn was the real person who inspired the famous stories of King Arthur.

The "Arthur" Title

This theory is based on how they understand the power in Britain during the 400s. They also looked closely at the names and nicknames of Owain's family. Phillips and Keatman suggest that "Arthur" wasn't a name, but a special title for Owain. They think it meant "Bear," showing he was a strong leader. They also believe his main city was Viroconium in Shropshire, England.

What Others Think

Historian Charles T. Wood said that while their idea didn't have final proof, their book was careful with its facts. He also noted that their conclusions weren't too far-fetched. However, another writer, Rodney Castleden, disagreed with some of the main ideas Phillips and Keatman used to build their theory.

See also

• Kings of Wales family trees