RHODRI MAWR Rhodri ap Merfyn was born in the year 820 of Merfyn Frych and Nest verch Cadell. Rhodri was well-connected and poised at birth to inherit most of the land now called Wales. Merfyn Frych, his father, had inherited Gwynedd through his great-grandfather Rhodri Molwynog (husband to Margaret of Ireland), and Anglesey from his uncle Hywel. When Merfyn died in 844, Rhodri of Gwynedd inherited Gwynedd and Anglesey and assumed the throne as King. Nest verch Cadell, his mother, inherited Powys when her brother Cyngen died in 854 -- that kingdom passed to Rhodri as well. The alliances continued. When Gwgon ap Meurig died in 872, his kingdom of Ceredigion reverted to his sister Angharad. Rhodri married Angharad and took control of Ceredigion. With that addition, Rhodri's kingdom stretched from the Mouth of the Severn to the Mouth of the Dee, and all the lands West. [Note: At least one scholar has contested the existence of a woman named Angharad, claiming that because no women's names were ever included in "Son-Of" poetry, she must have been made up later. It is worth noting that the same scepticism often accompanies scholarly discussion of Hroswitha of Gandersheim, the first European playwright, and Hildegard von Bingen � both of whom were "anomalies" in the world of male power and influence.] According to legends, Rhodri Mawr built the first Dinefwr Castle as the primary seat of power in Deheubarth, the South Country. Dinefwr Castle, many generations later, still stands overlooking the Twyi valley and Llandeilo. From that vantage-point, Rhodri's throne could oversee the confluence of three rivers and some of the richest farmland in Wales. Preseli, now known to be the source of stone for Stonehenge in Wessex, England, was a day's ride to the Southwest from Dinewfr. The Black Mountains, spiritual destination and location of numerous oak groves, lay half a day's ride East. When Rhodri died in 878, Wales was divided among his sons. Almost four hundred years would pass before all of Wales was again united under one ruler, Llywelyn Fawr. That's pretty much the extent of documented knowledge about Rhodri who was Great. It isn't much; if you know any further information, please let me know so I can fill it in. Thank you. Sources: Kingdoms of the British Isles and Ireland, The History Files � Home Publishing & P L Kessler 1999. �

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