Rhodri

views updated Jun 11 2018

Rhodri (d. 878), king of Gwynedd, Powys, and Deheubarth (844–78), known as Rhodri Mawr (‘the Great’). The son of Merfyn Frych (‘the Freckled’), king of Gwynedd, and Nest of Powys, Rhodri assembled a dominion that inspired others to attempt the same; the later dynasties of Gwynedd and Deheubarth were proud of their descent from two of his sons. Rhodri acquired Gwynedd when his father died (844), Powys through his mother and uncle (855), and Seisyllwg (modern Carmarthenshire and Cardiganshire) after his wife's brother died. He contended with the Vikings, defeating them in battle (856), but 20 years later they forced him into exile. After his return, he was killed by Mercians and his dominion collapsed; it was not forgotten.

Ralph Alan Griffiths