 |
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
|
||
|
Traditionally, Glywys was the eldest son of Solor,
a king in Mid-South Wales. His name may indicate he was born in
Caer-Gloui (Gloucester - Roman Glevum). In the
mid-5th century, he apparently became the first king to really leave
his mark on that region: so much so that his kingdom became named
Glywysing in his honour. It has been suggested that his name is the original of
the Arthurian literary character, Sir Cligés, who exiled himself to the
court of King Arthur when he fell in love with his uncle's new wife. Glywys married Gwawl, the daughter of King
Ceredig of Ceredigion, and legend gave
them a vast family of twenty sons and
one daughter, Dyfwn the wife of Meurig ap Caradog, King of Gwent. Following British tradition, Glywysing was divided, probably
before his death, between his sons, though possibly only between the four or
five likely historical ones: including Gwynllyw,
Pawl, Merchwyn,
Edelig and Pedrog. The others appear to be back-formations from the
names of modern South Welsh cantrefs. Glywys is sometimes identified with another character called Glywys Cernyw (of Cornwall).
He is said, in his twilight years, to have became a hermit at Merthyr Glywys (Clivis, Glamorgan) and may be
the holyman mentioned on an inscription at Ogmore and on a memorial stone at Merthyr Mawr. He is also said to have travelled to Cornwall
where he founded the church of Penryn near Falmouth, hence his epithet. His feast day is on 3rd May. However, Glywys Cernyw may be
a separate or even an apocryphal character. Records of King Glywys date back to the 11th century. He is generally consistered apocryphal. |
|
||
| © Nash Ford Publishing 2001. All Rights Reserved. | |
|||
