Rhodri ap Merfyn facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rhodri ap Merfyn |
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| King of the Britons | |
Depiction of Rhodri the Great from Historiae Cambriae
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| King of Gwynedd | |
| Reign | 844–878 |
| Predecessor | Merfyn Frych |
| Successor | Anarawd ap Rhodri |
| Born | 820 Isle of Man |
| Died | 878 Angelsey |
| Spouse | Angharad ferch Meurig |
| Issue | Anarawd ap Rhodri Cadell ap Rhodri Meurig ap Rhodri Merfyn ap Rhodri Tudwal ap Rhodri Gwriad ap Rhodri Gwyddelig ap Rhodri |
| House | Merfynion |
| Father | Merfyn Frych |
| Mother | Nest ferch Cadell |
Rhodri ap Merfyn (born around 820 – died 878) was a powerful Welsh king. He is often called Rhodri the Great (in Welsh, Rhodri Mawr). He lived in a time when strong leaders were very important for the small kingdoms in Wales. Rhodri's actions greatly shaped the history of Wales.
Contents
Early Life of Rhodri the Great
Rhodri was born in the 9th century on the Isle of Man. His father was Merfyn Frych, who became king of Gwynedd in 825. When his father, Merfyn, died in 844, Rhodri became the new king. He ruled both Gwynedd and the Isle of Man.
Rhodri's Reign and Victories
Rhodri's time as king was full of challenges. Wales faced many attacks from Vikings, who were fierce warriors from Scandinavia.
Defeating the Vikings
One of Rhodri's first big achievements was defeating a Danish Viking leader named Gorm. This happened in a battle on Anglesey in 855. Rhodri killed Gorm, and news of this victory spread far and wide. Even Charles the Bald, a powerful king in Europe, heard about it.
Expanding His Kingdom
In the same year, 855, Rhodri took control of Powys. Its ruler, Cyngen ap Cadell, had died in Rome. Later, in 871, Rhodri expanded his lands even more. He added Ceredigion to his kingdom after its king, Gwgon, passed away.
More Battles Against Invaders
Rhodri continued to fight bravely against the Vikings. In 873, he won two more important battles. These victories took place at Banolau and Ynegydd, both on Anglesey.
Final Battles and Legacy
In 877, a Danish Viking force attacked Anglesey again. They wanted to get revenge for Gorm's death and control important sea routes to Dublin. The Vikings, helped by a king named Ceowulf, defeated Rhodri in the Battle of Sunday. This forced Rhodri to go into exile in Ireland.
However, Rhodri returned from Ireland the next year. He won a battle against the Vikings who were occupying Anglesey. Sadly, Rhodri and his son Gwriad died in a fight against Ceowulf of Mercia soon after.
Succession and His Children
Even after Rhodri's death, his kingdom stayed united. His oldest son, Anarawd ap Rhodri, became the next ruler. Rhodri's second son, Cadell ap Rhodri, conquered new lands like Dyfed and Ystrad Tywi. This helped create a new branch of their family, the Merfynion dynasty.
Rhodri the Great had several children who played important roles:
- Anarawd ap Rhodri
- Cadell ap Rhodri
- Meurig ap Rhodri
- Merfyn ap Rhodri
- Gwriad ap Rhodri
- Tudwal ap Rhodri
- Gwyddelig ap Rhodri
See also
In Spanish: Rhodri el Grande para niños
- Family tree of Welsh monarchs
