Selyf Sarffgadau, King of Powys
(c.586-613)
(Latin: Solomus; English: Solomon)

Selyf, son of King Cynan Garwyn, was a great warrior king: his nickname was Battle Serpent. He took a Powysian army north, in 613, to join the united British force that was to fight King Aethelfirth of Bernicia at the Battle of Caer-Legion (Chester). Aethelfirth had invaded Gwynedd in order to stop King Iago of Gwynedd restoring the former's old enemy, Edwin, to the Deiran throne. Unfortunately the British were severely defeated and Selyf and Iago were both killed. Records of the succession are disputed but Selyf's son, Prince Myngan, may have been too young to secure the Throne.

Records of King Selyf date back to the 10th century. He is generally considered historic.

 

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