Everything about Merfyn Frych totally explained
Merfyn Frych ap Gwriad (or
Merfyn the Freckled) (died
844) was a King of
Gwynedd and possibly also of
Powys, who styled himself
King of the Britons.
Merfyn Frych seized control of Gwynedd in
825 on the death of
Hywel ap Rhodri Molwynog, though he may have held power in
Anglesey since
818. Merfyn wasn't a member of the traditional dynasty of Gwynedd, the direct male line of
Maelgwn Gwynedd, and his succession marked the start of a new dynasty. His claim was apparently based on the fact that his mother, Esyllt, was the daughter of
Cynan Dindaethwy ap Rhodri and the niece of Hywel ap Rhodri. According to bardic tradition, Merfyn came "from the land of Manaw", but it's uncertain whether this refers to the
Isle of Man ("Ynys Manaw" in Welsh) or to
Manaw Gododdin, the area around the
Firth of Forth. It would seem likely that it was the latter on account of the probability he'd be a blood relative of
Cunedda, the founder of the Gwynedd dynasty, who was a prince of Manaw Gododdin. On the other hand there's an inscription "Crux Guriat" on a cross in the Isle of Man. This cross has been dated to the eighth or ninth century and might possibly refer to Merfyn's father.
Merfyn allied himself to the royal house of
Powys by marrying Nest, daughter of Cadell ap Brochwel and sister of
Cyngen king of Powys. He had a reputation as a patron of scholars; for example the
Historia Britonum attributed to
Nennius is thought to have been written in Gwynedd during his reign, possibly by request of Merfyn himself. A manuscript found at
Bamberg gives a further insight into Merfyn's scholarly interests.
Irish visitors to his court were given a
cryptogram which could only be solved by transposing the letters from Latin into Greek.
Despite Danish raids, Merfyn was able to maintain his position and on his death in 844 to hand the kingdom over intact to his son
Rhodri the Great. He is said to have died in battle, but the circumstances are not recorded. His descendants came to rule not only Gwynedd but also Powys and
Deheubarth and played a major role in Welsh politics until the end of Welsh independence in 1283.
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