A mediaeval prince of Wales : the life of Gruffudd ap Cynan (1990)

by D. Simon Evans

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Probably composed in Latin in the 1160s and then translated into Welsh in the 13th century, the Historia Gruffud vab Kenan is the only biography in Welsh composed for a prince', rather than the more usual saint. This concise volume presents the Welsh text followed by an English translation and comprehensive notes. In his introduction D Simon Evans discusses the known facts about the life of Gruffudd (c.1055-1137), including his upbringing in Ireland and his battle for control of Gwynedd. Evans also considers why Gruffud's son Owain would have had the biography composed, arguing that Owain needed to authenticate his claim to Gwynedd when it was threatened by other Welsh princes, in league with Henry II of England, in the 1150s.… (more)

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Canonical title

Original title

Alternative titles

Original publication date

1990

People/Characters

Gruffudd ap Cynan (1055-1137)

Important places

Wales, UK

Ireland

Important events

Battle of Clontarf (23 April 1014)

Battle of Bron yr Erw (1075)

Battle of Mynydd Carn (1081)

Related movies

Epigraph

Dedication

For the Principal
The Rt. Hon. the Lord Morris of Castle Morris
A scholar, and a friend of scholars.

First words

While there is no evidence that Gruffudd ap Cynan himself possessed qualities which marked him off from other leaders, the circumstances of his life in so far as they can be known, are certainly significant and noteworthy. His life (from c. 1055 to 1137) covers an important period in both Welsh and English history. The Normans came to England and later to Wales, and their advent resulted in changes and developments which permanently affected life and culture in these lands.

Introduction.

Eman e dechreu historia hen Gruffud vab Kenan vab Yago.

Here beginneth the old history of Gruffudd, son of Cynan, son of Iago.

Quotations

Last words

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Disambiguation notice

Publisher's editors

Blurbers

Original language

English

Welsh

Canonical DDC/MDS

Canonical LCC

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Wikipedia in English (3)

Echmarcach mac Ragnaill

Godred Crovan

Suibne mac Cináeda

▾Book descriptions

Probably composed in Latin in the 1160s and then translated into Welsh in the 13th century, the Historia Gruffud vab Kenan is the only biography in Welsh composed for a prince', rather than the more usual saint. This concise volume presents the Welsh text followed by an English translation and comprehensive notes. In his introduction D Simon Evans discusses the known facts about the life of Gruffudd (c.1055-1137), including his upbringing in Ireland and his battle for control of Gwynedd. Evans also considers why Gruffud's son Owain would have had the biography composed, arguing that Owain needed to authenticate his claim to Gwynedd when it was threatened by other Welsh princes, in league with Henry II of England, in the 1150s.

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Book description

Middle Welsh text and English translation of the Historia Gruffud vab Kenan with an introduction and notes by D. Simon Evans.

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