Ceredig Ceredigion, King of Ceredigion
(Born c.AD 420)
(Latin: Caratacus; English: Craddock)

Ceredig was born in his father Cunedda Wledig's original homeland of Manau Gododdin around the Upper Firth of Forth. When called upon to expel Irish invaders from North Wales in the early 5th century, he travelled south, with the rest of his family. He fought bravely against the advancing Gaels and his father rewarded him with the most southern area of his new kingdom, bordering on Dyfed, possibly including part of the Cantref Gwaelod. He married Meleri, one of the many daughters of King Brychan of Brycheiniog, and he became a great patron of her brother, St. Curig. The region became so associated with Ceredig that the people named it Ceredigion after him. In his old age, the kingdom was attacked once more by the Irish and he was persuaded by his counsellors to abdicate in favour of a younger man. However, his heir, his eldest grandson, Carannog, declined the offer of the Crown in order to become a hermit. Instead the people of Ceredigion had to look to Ceredig's second son, Usai. Usai's dynasty ruled in Ceredigion for several centuries. He was the 4x great grandfather of King Seisyll ap Clydog.

Records of King Ceredig date back to the 11th century. He is generally considered legendary.

 

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