Peredur facts for kids
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Peredur is the name of several important figures from the legends and early history of Britain. The most famous Peredur is a brave knight from the Arthurian stories written in old Welsh.
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Peredur and Gwrgi: Brothers in Battle
Sons of Eliffer
Peredur and his brother, Gwrgi, were sons of a man named Eliffer. Their family was known as the Coeling dynasty. This means they were cousins to another famous figure, Urien. Old family records show Peredur and Gwrgi as brothers, sometimes with another brother named Arthur.
The Battle of Arfderydd
Peredur and Gwrgi are most famous for fighting in a big battle called the Battle of Arfderydd. This battle happened in the year 573. Later stories say that Peredur and Gwrgi were the leaders on the winning side. They defeated and killed a king named Gwenddoleu ap Ceidio.
Records from the year 580 also mention that both Gwrgi and Peredur died. These events make them heroes from the "Old North" of Britain in the late 500s.
Old Welsh Legends
More details about Peredur and Gwrgi come from old Welsh legends called the Welsh Triads. These are lists of three things.
One Triad tells a story about a horse named Corvan. This horse carried Gwrgi, Peredur, and two other warriors. It helped them see the dust clouds from Gwenddoleu's army during the Battle of Arfderydd.
Another Triad talks about how Peredur and Gwrgi died. It says their warband, or group of warriors, left them alone before a battle. Because they were abandoned, they were killed.
The Triads also mention their family. Peredur and Gwrgi might have had a sister named Arddun or Ceindrech. Peredur also had a son named Gwgon Gwron. He was known as a "Prostrate Chieftain" because he didn't try to rule a kingdom, even though he could have.
Peredur in Poetry
Old Welsh poems also mention Peredur. A poem called Ymddiddan Myrddin a Thaliesin praises the "sons of Eliffer" for their bravery in battle. This poem is about the Battle of Arfderydd. In this battle, Myrddin Wyllt (who is like the original Merlin) fought. He went mad from the terror of the battle and gained the power of prophecy.
Another old poem, Y Gododdin, mentions a warrior named Peredur. He died fighting as part of a warband from the "Old North." Some people think this might be the same Peredur.
Peredur in Geoffrey of Monmouth's Stories
Merlin's Story
Geoffrey of Monmouth was a writer who lived a long time ago. In his book, The Life of Merlin, he tells a story similar to the Battle of Arfderydd. In this version, Peredur is joined by Merlin and King Rhydderch Hael. They fight against Gwenddoleu, the king of Scotland. Merlin loses three brothers in this battle and goes mad with grief. Here, Peredur is described as a prince from North Wales.
A Legendary King
In another famous book by Geoffrey of Monmouth, Historia Regum Britanniae, he mentions a different Peredur. This Peredur was a legendary ruler of Britain. He was the youngest of five sons of King Morvidus.
Peredur and his brother Ingenius worked together to capture their brother Elidurus and lock him up. When the brothers divided the kingdom, Peredur ruled the northern part, including Scotland. After Elidurus died, Peredur became the ruler of the entire kingdom.
Geoffrey also mentions a Peredur who was a powerful lord at King Arthur's court in the City of the Legion.
Peredur Son of Efrawg: An Arthurian Knight
The most well-known Peredur in stories is the hero of a Welsh romance called Peredur son of Efrawg. In this tale, Peredur is an Arthurian knight. He plays the same role as the knight Percival in other famous Arthurian stories, like those by Chrétien de Troyes.
Other Mentions of Peredur
- In an old poem called Englynion y Beddau, another Peredur is mentioned. He was from a place called Penweddig and was the father of a hero named Môr.
- In the comic strip Prince Valiant, Sir Peredur The Rover is a knight who fights against Gawain.
- Peredur also appears as a mythical character in Robert Holdstock's novel Mythago Wood.
