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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 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. In his
twilight years, Glywys became a hermit at Merthyr Glywys (Clivis, Glamorgan).
Perhaps he had been converted to Christianity by his grandson. As as holyman,
he is mentioned on an inscription at Ogmore and his later memorial stone can be
seen at Merthyr Mawr. He also appears to have travelled to Cerniw (Cornwall)
where he founded the church of Penryn near Falmouth, hence his epithet. His
feast day is on 3rd May. 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 known historical ones: including Gwynllyw,
Pawl, Merchwyn,
Edelig and Pedrog. The others appear to be back-formations from the
names of modern South Welsh cantrefs. |
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