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 (c. 820 – 878), better known as Rhodri the Great (Welsh: Rhodri Mawr), was a Welsh king whose legacy has impacted the history of Wales. Rhodri rose to power during a tumultuous era, where the fate of Welsh kingdoms was often determined by the strength of their leaders.
Contents
Early Life
Rhodri was born in the 9th century on the Isle Of Man. Rhodri was the son of Merfyn, who, under enigmatic circumstances, assumed the kingship of Gwynedd following the death of Hywel ap Caradog in 825. Rhodri ascended to the throne of Gwynedd and Man following the passing of his father, Merfyn, in the year 844.
Reign
Rhodri's reign unfolded against a tumultuous backdrop, as Wales confronted escalating Viking incursions. Among Rhodri's earliest recorded achievements was his defeat and killing of Gorm, a Danish chieftain, in a battle on Angelsey in 855. This victory garnered international acclaim, reaching the ears of Charles the Bald who's realm Gorm had previously harried.
In that same year, Rhodri finalized his subjugation of Powys following the death of its exiled ruler Cyngen in Rome. In 871, Rhodri expanded his dominion further, into Ceredigion following the death of its King Gwgon.
During the year 873, Rhodri won two more successes against the Vikings by securing victories in the battles of Banolau and Ynegydd on Anglesey.
In 877, a Danish force, aided by their client king Ceowulf, assailed Angelsey, intent on avenging Gorm's death and securing communication routes with Dublin. They succeeded in defeating Rhodri in the Battle of Sunday and seizing Angelsey, compelling him into exile on Ireland. The subsequent year marked Rhodri's return from Irish exile, wining a battle against the Vikings occupying Angelsey. However, Rhodri and his son Gwriad perished in a clash against Ceowulf of Mercia.
Succession
Rhodri's realm remained unified upon his demise, passing to his eldest son Anarawd. The second eldest, Cadell, undertook the conquest of Dyfed and Ystrad Tywi, thereby establishing a distinct branch within the Merfynion dynasty.
Children
- 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
