Rhodri Mawr

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Rhodri Mawr ap Merfyn, known as Rhodri the Great, was a king of Gwynedd in 9th-century Wales. He was born on the Isle of Man and was the son of Merfyn Frych, who became king of Gwynedd after Hywel ap Caradog’s death in 825. Rhodri became king in 844 when his father died, and he also ruled the Isle of Man.

Rhodri faced many Viking raids. In 856 he defeated a Danish leader named Gorm on Anglesey, a victory that made him famous beyond Wales. He also brought Powys under his control after its exiled king Cyngen died in Rome. In 871 he expanded into Ceredigion after its king Gwgon died.

In 873 Rhodri won two more battles against the Vikings on Anglesey, Banolau and Ynegydd. In 877 a Danish army, aided by Ceolwulf, attacked Anglesey. Rhodri was defeated at the Battle of Sunday and was forced into exile in Ireland.

He returned in 878 and won a battle to retake Anglesey, but Rhodri and his son Gwriad later died fighting the Anglo-Saxons of Mercia under King Ceolwulf II. After his death, his realm stayed united under his eldest son Anarawd.

During Rhodri’s exile, Ceredigion was conquered by Hyfaidd ap Bleddri, king of Dyfed. Anarawd and Rhodri’s other sons later reclaimed Ceredigion and expanded into the rest of Dyfed. This began a new branch of the Merfynion dynasty, led by Cadell, Rhodri’s second son.