Rhodri Molwynog facts for kids
Rhodri Molwynog, whose name means "Rhodri the Bald and Grey," was an important king in Wales during the 700s. He was also known as Rhodri ap Idwal, meaning "Rhodri son of Idwal." He ruled the ancient kingdom of Gwynedd. Old Welsh records, called the Annals of Wales, even listed him as a "King of the Britons." He is believed to have died around the year 754.
Learning About King Rhodri
It's quite tricky to learn a lot about this time in Gwynedd's history. There isn't much reliable information left from so long ago. Because of this, some history books about medieval Wales don't even mention Rhodri. Others only briefly talk about him. They usually quote the Annals of Wales, which recorded his death in 754. We don't know exactly when he became king or who ruled before him.
Rhodri's Family Tree
Rhodri's name also appears in old family records, called genealogies. For example, in a document known as Jesus College MS. 20, he is described as the son of Idwal Iwrch. Idwal was the son of Cadwaladr Fendigiad. Another set of records, the Harleian genealogies, says he was the son of Tutgual, who was also a son of Cadwaladr. It's not always clear if these family trees show who was actually king or just who belonged to the main royal family.
Wars and Battles
The Annals of Wales mention a war in Cornwall around the year 722. However, these records don't say who was involved in the fighting. Another old text, the Brut y Saeson, says that in 721 there was "an extensive war between Rhodri Molwynawg and the Saxons in Cornwall."
There was also a text called the Brut Aberpergwm that recorded this event. For a while, people thought it was real. But later, a historian named Thomas Stephens showed that it was actually a fake. It was one of many made up by a person named Iolo Morganwg.
Who Was Rhodri?
Sometimes, the "Rotri" mentioned in the Annals has been confused with a ruler from Alt Clut. This was another ancient kingdom, now known as Strathclyde, located in what is now Scotland. But Rhodri Molwynog was a king of Gwynedd in Wales.
Rhodri Molwynog was followed as king by his son, Cynan Dindaethwy.
See also
- Kings of Gwynedd
- Kings of Wales family trees
