Munster dalcassin group , deaglan giolla iosa Ua Briain Macpraighais

09/11/2021

Lieutenant D Black IG (wounded), Gunner J Black RGA (wounded), Private M Black IG,
Lieutenant M Black IG (wounded), Private S Black IG, Sergeant Pat Blake Australian Inf.,
Lieutenant Arthur Brew RAMC, Thomas J Crotty US Army (Died), Gunner Michael Hastings
RGA, Captain Thomas Lysaght RHA (Died) (He was promoted for repeated acts of bravery),
Private Thomas McCluskey 8
th Hussars, Sgt J Slattery DCM Canadian Army. (He was awarded
the Distinguished Conduct Medal), Private Marty (Mortimer Francis) Tubridy Australian Army.war of kilrush

09/11/2021

09/11/2021

Corpus of Electronic Texts Edition
Annals of Inisfallen (Author: unknown)
Annal AI1102
AI1102.1
The Kalends of January on Wednesday, and the ninth day of the moon thereon. The one thousand one hundred and second year from the Incarnation until this present year.

AI1102.2
Tigernán Ua Ruairc's son was treacherously slain by his kinsman.

AI1102.3
Ros Ailithir was plundered [by] ... and the Corcu Laígde in revenge for Mac na hErlaime Ua Cellaig, and those who committed the despoilations were handed over by Muirchertach to the community of Ros in honour of Cainnech and Fachtna.

AI1102.4
Muirchertach Ua Briain went with a predatory army to Fochart Muirthemne.

AI1102.5
The son of Mac Lochlainn with the Cenél Eógain went into Ulaid, and their camp was attacked when unguarded, and the king of Carraig Brachide, namely, Ua Maíl Fhábaill, and the son of Conrach, son of Eógan, and many others were slain.

AI1102.6
In this year Muirchertach Ua Briain made a marriage-alliance with the French and with the Norsemen.

AI1102.7
Mugrón Ua Mongair, lector of Ard Macha, rested in Mungarit.

AI1102.8
In Dall Ua Conchobuir Fhailge rested in Cell Dara.

Annal AI1103
AI1103.1
The Kalends of January {on Thursday, and} the twentieth of the moon thereon. The one thousand one hundred and third year from the Incarnation.

AI03.2
Conchobar Ua hEtersceóil, king of Corcu Laígde, died in Ros Ailithir.

AI1103.3
Muirchertach Ua Briain, accompanied by the men of Ireland, made a hosting to Ard Macha, and remained there a week. He proceeded thence to Mag Coba, divided

p.261

[his forces] into three, and permitted the Desmumu to go home. He himself went on forays into Dál Araide, and Donnchadh, son of Tairdelbach Ua Briain, Conchobar Ua Conehobuir, son of the king of Ciarraige Luachra, Petta Demuin Ua Beoáin, and many others were slain on that raiding.
AI1103.4
The battle of Mag Coba [was gained] over the Laigin and the Osraige, after Muirchertach had departed, and many fell therein, among whom were the most noble men: Gilla Pátraic Ruad, king of Osraige; Mac Gilla Mo-Cholmóc; the two sons of Mael Mórda Ua Domnaill; Cellach Ua Domnaill; Ua Muiredaig, royal heir of Ciarraige, and his son; Donn Cúán Ua Dubcinn; In Gilla Finn Ua Fáilbi; Gilla Senáin Ua hAeda; the son of Ragnall Ua Dedaid and many others; the two sons of Éric Finn of the people of Áth Cliath; Pól, son of Amunn, and Beólán Gall.

AI1103.5
Magnus, king of the foreigners, was slain when taken unawares by the Ulaid.

AI1103.6
son of Ua hEtersceóil, king of Corcu Laígde, went to sea with a crew of twenty-five, {and unknown is their faring or their end thereafter}.

AI1103.7
The son of Mac Senáin, king of Gailenga, was slain by the Cairpre Ua Ciarda, and a slaughter of the latter was inflicted in the same place. The son of Mael Sechnaill was [also] slain on that incursion.

AI1103.8
A house was burned over Ua Flainn Arda, and many fell therein, including his wife and the master of that house.

Annal AI1104
AI1104.1
The Kalends of January on Friday, and the first day of the moon thereon. The one thousandth one hundreth and fourth year from the birth of Christ, and a bissextile year.

p.263

AI1104.2
Conchobar grandson of Conchobuir son of Mael Sechnaill, king of Corcu Modruad, {died}.

Four fitting years and a hundred
And a thousand—great was the amount—
From the birth of Christ in fair Bethlehem
Till the death of perfect Conchobar.
AI1104.3
Mael Ruanaid Ua Bilrín rested in Christ.

AI1104.4
Death of Étaín, daughter of Ua hEgra.

AI1104.5
Death of Cú Ulad Ua Caindelbáin, king of Laegaire.

AI1104.6
Death of Órlaith, daughter of Cennétig's son.

Annal AI1105
AI1105.1
The Kalends of January on Sunday, and the twelfth of the moon thereon.

AI1105.2
Heavy snow this year, and a great loss of cows, sheep, and pigs in the same year.

AI1105.3
Cerball son of Domnall son of Gilla Pátraic, king of the south of Osraige, died.

AI1105.4
Tigernach Ua Duiligéin, the noble priest, rested in Les Mór.

AI1105.5
Conchobar son of Mael Sechnaill, king of eastern Mide, was slain by the Uí Briuin.

AI1105.6
Domnall, coarb of Patrick, rested.

AI1105.7
In the above year a camel, an animal of remarkable size, was brought from the king of Alba to Muirchertach Ua Briain.

AI1105.8
In the same year there was caught by fishermen in the sea of Luimnech a fish of unheard of size, which measured fifteen feet, and two ingots' weight were obtained(?) for it.

AI1105.9
Muirgius Ua Con Cenainn, king of Uí Diarmata of Síl Muiredaig, died.

AI1105.10
The son of Cúna Cell Ua Crínáin died.

AI1105.11
A hosting by Muirchertach Ua Briain into Mide, and he banished Donnchadh Ua Maíl Shechnaill. He then

p.265

proceeded into Mag Conaille and there spent three nights. After that he made a camp in Cúil Ua nAeda, and went on a raid to Sliab Guaire and took innumerable cows and spoils from the Uí Briúin. And it is on account of that spoil that Ua Ruairc gave four hostages to Muirchertach.
Annal AI1106
AI1106.1
The Kalends of January on Monday, and the twenty-third of the moon thereon.

AI1106.2
Mac Bethad Ua hÁilgenáin, coarb of Barre, rested in Christ.

AI1106.3
Donnchadh Ua Maíl Shechnailll was slain by his own people.

AI1106.4
The brehon Ua Rebacháin, erenagh of Mungarit, died.

AI1106.5
Tuathal Ua Cathail, coarb of Caemgen, a priest and lector, rested in Christ.

AI1106.6
The son of Gilla Pátraic Ua Muiredaig of Cenél Eógain was slain.

AI1106.7
Ua Cernaig, coarb of Dún dá Lethglas, rested in Christ.

AI1106.8
The bishop Ua Baígill rested.

Annal AI1107
AI1107.1
The Kalends of January on Tuesday, and the fourth day of the moon thereon.

AI1107.2
Ua Scolaige, coarb of Ruadán, rested.

AI1107.3
Cuilén Ua Cathaláin rested.

AI1107.4
Conchobar Cisénach, son of Donn Sleibe Ua hEochada, was slain.

AI1107.5
The son of Ua hInnrechtaig, king of Uí Méith, was slain by the Uí Bresail.

AI1107.6
Ua Murchada, king of Cenél Conaill, was slain.

AI1107.7
The grandson of Cú Brodnai of Fir Manach was treacherously slain by the Conmaicne.

AI1107.8
Mac Broit Riabaig Ua Duilenn[acute ]áin was treacherously slain.

AI1107.9
Ua Duinn Chothaid,king of Luigne, in part, rested.

p.267

Annal AI1108
AI1108.1
Bissextile. The Kalends of January on Wednesday, and the fifteenth of the moon thereon.

AI1108.2
Luimnech was totally burned save the market outside.

AI1108.3
Domnall Ua hÍmuir, coarb of Fínán Cam, rested.

AI1108.4
The son of Fer Coctha, grandson of Domnall son of Diarmait, died suddenly after the community of Senán had fasted against him throughout the previous week.

AI11108.5
Muiredach Ua Cerbaill and Cinaed Ua Muirchertaig were slain in a skirmish by Aengus Ua Cinaeda and by others of the Uí Chinaeda.

AI1108.6
The son of Brotchú Ua Mathgamna was slain when taken unawares by the son of Mael Muad, son of Matudaán.

AI1108.7
Ua Beoáin, administrator of Luimnech, died infeliciter.

AI1108.8
Goll Garbraige, king of Ulaid, was treacherously slain by Ua Mathgamna.

AI1108.9
Cú Aenaig Ua Maíl Guirm, princely hospitaller of eastern Mumu, rested.

AI1108.10
Ímar, son of Mongán, rested.

AI1108.11
Gilla Ailbe Ua Ciairmeicc, lay senior of Mumu, rested.

Annal AI1109
AI1109.1
The Kalends of January on Friday, and the twenty-sixth of the moon [thereon].

AI1109.2
A hosting by Muirchertach Ua Briain, and he plundered In Dub-Bréifne, searched its recesses and fastnesses, and carried off cattle, b***y, and many valuables, [but returned] without a hostage or pledge from In Gilla Srónmael.

AI1109.3
Heavy rain and bad weather in the summer and autumn of the above year, and fastings and abstinence were observed and alms given to God that it might be dispelled.

AI1109.4
Abundance of apples [this] year.

AI1109.5
Gilla Pátraic Ua Selbaig, coarb of Barre, rested.

Annal AI1110
AI1110.1
The Kalends of January on Saturday, and the seventh of the moon thereon.

AI1110.2
Gormlaith, daughter of Ua Conchobuir Chiarraige [and] queen of Uí Echach, rested.

p.269

AI1110.3
Mael Sechnaill Ua Carráin rested.

AI1110.4
Ua Maíl Muaid, king of Fir Chell, was slain together with his wife, viz. the daughter of Ua Brie, king of the Déisi.

AI1110.5
Murchad, son of Tadc Ua Briain, died.

AI1110.6
The grandson of Flann son of Flannchad rested, and was buried in Inis Faithlinn.

AI1110.7
[The] lector Ua Duib Rátha rested.

Annal AI1111
AI1111.1
The Kalends [of January] on Sunday, and the eighteenth of the moon thereon.

AI1111.2
Cathasach, the most pious man in Ireland, rested in Christ in Inis Celtra.

AI1111.3
A great assembly of the men of Ireland, both clergy and laity, in Fiad Mac nAengusa, i.e. in Ráith Bresail, including Muirchertach Ua Briain, high-king of Ireland, Ua Dúnáin, eminent bishop of Ireland, Cellach, coarb of Patrick, and other Irish nobles, and they enacted discipline and law better than any made in Ireland before their time.

The number of the pure clerical order
In the synod of Ráith Bresail
Three hundred priests—a perfect festival—
And a fair fifty bishops.
AI1111.4
A predatory hosting by Muirchertach Ua Briain against the men of Bréifne and he plundered them and brought their womenfolk and cows to Mumu, after they had been shunned by In Gilla Maelshrón Ua Ruairc.

AI1111.5
Domnall, son of Tadc, went in indignant mood(?) into the north of Ireland, and forcibly took the kingship of Insi Gall.

AI1111.6
The Ulaid [went] on a hosting into Cenél Eógain and cut down the trees of Tulach Óc. And the son of Mac Lochlainn [was] in Ulaid, and he plundered it as far as Droichet na Feirsi, and hostages were afterwards obtained from the Ulaid.

p.271

AI1111.7
The son of Murchad Ua Briain, namely Brian, went to Leth Cuinn, having been put away by Muirchertach Ua Briain.

AI1111.8
Muirchertach went on an expedition to Áth Cliath [and was away] from the Feast of Michael [September 29]. until Christmas.

AI1111.9
The son of Ua Mugróin of Connachta rested in Christ.

08/10/2020

new number +353852305070

04/10/2020

This is part 3 of a 3 video series about the Proto Indo European's religion and mythology, and how we can prove it spread to all parts of Eurasia by examinin...

15/08/2020

Domnall Mór Ua Briain, or Domnall Mór mac Toirrdelbaig Uí Briain, was King of Thomond in Ireland from 1168 to 1194 and a claimant to the title King of Munster. He was also styled King of Limerick, a title belonging to the O'Brien dynasty since Brian Boru's annexation of the Norse city in the 10th century.

Domnall Mór Ua Briain
King of Thomond
Reign
1168-1194
Coronation
1168
Predecessor
Muirchertach mac Toirdelbhach Ua Briain
Successor
Muirchertach Dall macDomnaill Mór
King of Munster
Reign
1168-1194
Coronation
1168
Predecessor
Muirchertach mac Toirdelbhach Ua Briain
King of Limerick
Reign
1168-1194
Coronation
1168
Predecessor
Muirchertach mac Toirdelbhach Ua Briain
Born
Unknown
Unknown
Died
1194
Unknown
Burial
The Cathedral of Saint Mary Blessed Virgin, Limerick
Spouse
Orlacan Ní Murchada
Issue
Muirchertach Dall macDomnaill Mór Ó Briain
Conchobar Ruad macDomhnaill Ó Briain
Donnchadh Cairbreach Ó Briain
Princess Mór Ó Briain (O'Brien)
House
House of Ua Briain
Father
Toirdhealbhach mac Diarmada Ua Briain
Mother
Sadb MacGillapatrick
Religion
Roman Catholicism
History Edit
Domnall Mór ("Donall the Great") was the third son of Toirdhealbhach mac Diarmada Ua Briain, King of Munster, who reigned from 1142 to 1167. He ascended to the throne in 1168 after the death of his eldest brother, Muirchertach, who had succeeded their father as king. Muirchertach was killed at the instigation of his cousin Conchobar mac Muirchertach Ua Briain. His other brother Brian of Slieve Bloom was blinded in 1169. The same year, Domnall entered into conflict with the High King of Ireland, Ruaidrí Ua Conchobair and was forced to pay him a tribute of 300 cows.

In 1171, he submitted to King Henry II of England at Cashel, but he continued to fight successfully against the Norman incursion into south-west Ireland for many years. In 1175, having demolished the Cambro-Normans at the Battle of Thurles, he consolidated his power by blinding two of his cousins, Dermot mac Taig Ua Briain and Mathgamain mac Toirdhelbeach Ua Briain, in Limerick. He was, however, driven from Thomond by Ua Conchobair, the High King, the same year. In 1176, he drove the Normans from Limerick and in 1178 finally drove out the Uí Fidgenti (AI), the ancient rulers of the modern County Limerick region.

The Cathedral of Saint Mary Blessed Virgin, Limerick, founded by Donall O'Brien and also where he is buried.
In 1184, part of his lands were enfeoffed to Philip de Braose, Lord Deputy of Ireland. Supported by Robert Fitz-Stephen and Miles de Cogan, the Lord Deputy set out to take possession of Limerick, but on approaching the city, turned back in a panic. In 1185 when Prince John of England intervened in Ireland, Domnall Mór demolished the Normans again when John was plundering along the valley of the River Suir. The same year he also blinded the last Dermot brother. In 1188, he helped the men of Connacht under Conchobar Maenmaige Ua Conchobhair to overcome Jean de Courcy in the Curlew Mountains. In 1193, the Normans devastated Clare in reprisal and plundered Domnall's possessions in Ossory.

He established Holy Cross Abbey in 1180 and Kilcooly Abbey in 1184, both under the Cistercian order.[1]

According to the Annals of Ulster, he was the last king of Munster, dying in 1194. It is believed that he is buried within Saint Mary's Cathedral, Limerick, a church he first organised. An ancient stone coffin lid, purportedly that of King Domnall, lies in the Chancel near the high altar.

Family Edit
Domnall Mór married Orlacan, daughter of Diarmait Mac Murchada and Sadb Ní Faeláin. He left three sons and one daughter. His sons fought amongst themselves and with their cousin Muichertach, son of Brian of Slieve Bloom, for the succession in Thomond.

Muirchertach Dall (King of Thomond, 1194-1198, restored 1202 or 1203-1208 or 1210, blinded 1208 or 1210, died 1239)
Conchobar Ruadh (King of Thomond, 1198-1202 or 1203, killed 1202 or 1203)
Donnchadh Cairbreach (King of Thomond, 1208 or 1210–1242)
Mór O'Brien (Princess of Thomond, 1172-1216, who married William de Burgh)
Ancestry[2] Edit
Ancestors of Domnall Mór Ua Briain
16. Tadhg mac Brian (died 1023)
8. Toirdhealbhach Ua Briain, High King of Ireland (died 1086)
17. Mór Ua Maíl Muaid
4. Diarmait Ua Briain, King of Munster (died 1118)
9. Dubchoblaig of the Uí Ceinnselaig
2. Toirdhealbhach mac Diarmada Ua Briain, King of Munster (died 1167)
20. Áed Ua Conchobair, King of Connacht (died 1067)
10. Ruaidrí Ua Conchobair, King of Connacht (died 1118)
5. Mór Ua Conchobair of Connacht
1. Domnall Mór Ua Briain
3. Sadb MacGillapatrick

14/08/2020

....According to legend, Lagertha was a Viking shield-maiden and ruler from what is now Norway, and the onetime wife of the famous Viking Ragnar Lodbrok. Her tale was recorded by the chronicler Saxo in the 12th century. According to modern scholarship, it is likely that Lagertha was not a historical figure, but a reflection of tales about Viking warrior women or about the Norse deity Thorgerd.

Her name as recorded by Saxo, Lathgertha, is likely a Latinisation of the Old Norse Hlaðgerðr (Hlathgerth).[1] It is frequently rendered in English-language sources as "Lagertha", and has also been recorded as Ladgertha, Ladgerda or similar.

Life according to Saxo Grammaticus Edit

According to Saxo, Lagertha lived in the Gaula valley in western Norway, marked on this map.
Lagertha's tale is recorded in passages in the ninth book of the Gesta Danorum, a twelfth-century work of Danish history by the Christian historian Saxo Grammaticus.[2] According to the Gesta (¶ 9.4.1–9.4.11), Lagertha's career as a warrior began when Frø, king of Sweden, invaded Norway and killed the Norwegian king Siward. Frø put the women of the dead king's family into a brothel for public humiliation. Hearing of this, Ragnar Lodbrok came with an army to avenge his grandfather Siward. Many of the women Frø had ordered abused dressed themselves in men's clothing and fought on Ragnar's side.[1] Chief among them, and key to Ragnar's victory, was Lagertha. Saxo recounts:

Ladgerda, a skilled Amazon, who, though a maiden, had the courage of a man, and fought in front among the bravest with her hair loose over her shoulders. All marvelled at her matchless deeds, for her locks flying down her back betrayed that she was a woman.

Impressed with her courage, Ragnar courted her from afar. Lagertha feigned interest and Ragnar arrived to seek her hand, bidding his companions wait in the Gaular valley. He was set upon by a bear and a great hound which Lagertha had guarding her home, but killed the bear with his spear and choked the hound to death. Thus he won the hand of Lagertha. According to Saxo, Ragnar had a son with her, Fridleif, as well as two daughters, whose names are not recorded.[2]

After returning to Denmark to fight a civil war, Ragnar (who, according to Saxo, was still annoyed that Lagertha had set beasts against him) divorced Lagertha in order to marry Thora Borgarhjört (Þóra Borgarhjǫrtr), daughter of King Herraud (Herrauðr) of Sweden.[1] He won the hand of his new love after numerous adventures, but upon returning to Denmark was again faced with a civil war. Ragnar sent to Norway for support, and Lagertha, who still loved him, came to his aid with 120 ships, according to Saxo.[2] When at the height of the battle, Ragnar's son Siward was wounded, Lagertha saved the day for Ragnar with a counter-attack:

Ladgerda, who had a matchless spirit though a delicate frame, covered by her splendid bravery the inclination of the soldiers to waver. For she made a sally about, and flew round to the rear of the enemy, taking them unawares, and thus turned the panic of her friends into the camp of the enemy.[2]

Upon returning to Norway, she quarrelled with her husband, and slew him with a spearhead she concealed in her gown. Saxo concludes that she then "usurped the whole of his name and sovereignty; for this most presumptuous dame thought it pleasanter to rule without her husband than to share the throne with him

26/07/2020

O'Brien's Castle, Aran Islands, Ireland O'Brien’s Castle on Inis Oírr in the Aran Islands was built in the 14th century. Because the Aran Islands were the key to controlling Galway Bay, they were...

26/07/2020

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20/07/2020

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20/07/2020

Gruffudd ap Cynan (c. 1055 – 1137), sometimes written as Gruffydd ap Cynan, was King of Gwynedd from 1081 until his death in 1137. In the course of a long and eventful life, he became a key figure in Welsh resistance to Norman rule, and was remembered as King of all Wales. As a descendant of Rhodri Mawr, Gruffudd ap Cynan was a senior member of the princely House of Aberffraw.[1]

Gruffudd ap Cynan
Gruffydd ap Cynan.jpg
Gruffudd ap Cynan escapes from Chester,
Illustration by T. Prytherch in 1900
King of Gwynedd
Reign
1081–1137
Predecessor
Trahaearn ap Caradog Failure =Owain Gwynedd
Born
c. 1055
Dublin, Ireland
Died
1137 (aged 81–82)
Gwynedd, Wales
Burial
Bangor Cathedral
Spouse
Angharad ferch Owain
Issue
Cadwallon, Owain Gwynedd, Cadwaladr, Susanna, Gwenllian
House
Aberffraw
Father
Cynan ab Iago
Mother
Ragnailt ingen Amlaíb
Through his mother, Gruffudd had close family connections with the Norse settlement around Dublin and he frequently used Ireland as a refuge and as a source of troops. He three times gained the throne of Gwynedd and then lost it again, before regaining it once more in 1099 and this time keeping power until his death. Gruffudd laid the foundations which were built upon by his son Owain Gwynedd and his great-grandson Llywelyn the Great.

Life Edit
Unusually for a Welsh king or prince, a near-contemporary biography of Gruffudd, The history of Gruffudd ap Cynan, has survived. Much of our knowledge of Gruffudd comes from this source. The traditional view among scholars was that it was written during the third quarter of the 12th century during the reign of Gruffudd's son, Owain Gwynedd, but it has recently been suggested that it may date from the early reign of Llywelyn the Great, around 1200. The author is not known.

Most of the existing manuscripts of the history are in Welsh but these are clearly translations of a Latin original. It is usually considered that the original Latin version has been lost, and that existing Latin versions are re-translations from the Welsh. However Russell (2006) has suggested that the Latin version in Peniarth MS 434E incorporates the original Latin version, later amended to bring it into line with the Welsh text.

Ancestry Edit
According to the Life of Gruffudd ap Cynan, Gruffudd was born in Dublin and reared near Swords, County Dublin in Ireland. He was the son of a Welsh Prince, Cynan ap Iago, who was a claimant to the Kingship of Gwynedd but was probably never its king, though his father, Gruffudd's grandfather, Iago ab Idwal ap Meurig had ruled Gwynedd from 1023 to 1039. When Gruffudd first appeared on the scene in Wales the Welsh annals several times refer to him as "grandson of Iago" rather than the more usual "son of Cynan", indicating that his father was little known in Wales. Cynan ap Iago seems to have died while Gruffudd was still young, since the History describes his mother telling him who his father was.

According to Historia Gruffud vab Kenan, Gruffudd's mother was Ragnailt ingen Amlaíb, a granddaughter of King Sigtrygg Silkbeard and a member of the Hiberno-Norse Uí Ímair dynasty.[2] The latter had two sons named Amlaíb: one died in 1013, whilst another died in 1034. Either man could have been Ragnailt's father.

During his many struggles to gain the kingship of Gwynedd, Gruffudd received considerable aid from Ireland, from the Hiberno-Norse at Dublin, the Isles and Wexford and from Muircheartach Ua Briain, because he was also descendant through his mother from Brian Boru, High King of Ireland.[3]

First bid for the throne Edit
Gruffudd first attempted to take over the rule of Gwynedd in 1075, following the death of Bleddyn ap Cynfyn. Trahaearn ap Caradog had seized control of Gwynedd but had not yet firmly established himself. Gruffudd landed on Abermenai Point, Anglesey with an Irish force, and with the assistance of troops provided by the Norman Robert of Rhuddlan first defeated and killed Cynwrig ap Rhiwallon, an ally of Trahaearn who held Llŷn, then defeated Trahaearn himself in the battle of Gwaed Erw in Meirionnydd and gained control of Gwynedd.

Gruffudd then led his forces eastwards to reclaim territories taken over by the Normans, and despite the assistance previously given by Robert of Rhuddlan attacked and destroyed Rhuddlan Castle. However tension between Gruffudd's Danish-Irish bodyguard and the local Welsh led to a rebellion in Llŷn, and Trahaearn took the opportunity to counterattack, defeating Gruffudd at the battle of Bron yr Erw above Clynnog Fawr the same year.

Second bid for the throne and capture by the Normans Edit

Coat of Arms retroactively attributed to Gryffudd ap Cynan
Gruffudd fled to Ireland but, in 1081, returned and made an alliance with Rhys ap Tewdwr, prince of Deheubarth. Rhys had been attacked by Caradog ap Gruffudd of Gwent and Morgannwg, and had been forced to flee to St David's Cathedral. Gruffudd this time embarked from Waterford with a force composed of Danes and Irish and landed near St David's, presumably by prior arrangement with Rhys. He was joined here by a force of his supporters from Gwynedd, and he and Rhys marched north to seek Trahaearn ap Caradog and Caradog ap Gruffudd who had themselves made an alliance and been joined by Meilyr ap Rhiwallon of Powys. The armies of the two confederacies met at the Battle of Mynydd Carn, with Gruffudd and Rhys victorious and Trahaearn, Caradog and Meilyr all being killed. Gruffudd was thus able to seize power in Gwynedd for the second time.

He was soon faced with a new enemy, as the Normans were now encroaching on Gwynedd. Gruffudd had not been king very long when he was enticed to a meeting with Hugh, Earl of Chester and Hugh, Earl of Shrewsbury at Rhug, near Corwen. At the meeting Gruffudd was seized and taken prisoner. According to his biographer this was by the treachery of one of his own men, Meirion Goch. Gruffudd was imprisoned in Earl Hugh's castle at Chester for many years while Earl Hugh and Robert of Rhuddlan went on to take possession of Gwynedd, building castles at Bangor, Caernarfon and Aberlleiniog.

Escape from captivity and third reign Edit
Gruffudd reappeared on the scene years later, having escaped from captivity. According to his biography he was in fetters in the market-place at Chester when Cynwrig the Tall, on a visit to the city, saw his opportunity when the burgesses were at dinner. He picked Gruffudd up, fetters and all, and carried him out of the city on his shoulders. There is debate among historians as to the year of Gruffudd's escape. Ordericus Vitalis mentions a "Grifridus" attacking the Normans in 1088. The History in one place states that Gruffudd was imprisoned for twelve years, in another that he was imprisoned for sixteen years. Since he was captured in 1081, that would date his release to 1093 or 1097. J.E. Lloyd favours 1093, considering that Gruffudd was involved at the beginning of the Welsh uprising in 1094. K.L. Maund on the other hand favours 1097, pointing out that there is no reference to Gruffudd in the contemporary annals until 1098. D. Simon Evans inclines to the view that Ordericus Vitalis' date of 1088 could be correct, suggesting that an argument based on the silence of the annals is unsafe.

Gruffudd again took refuge in Ireland but returned to Gwynedd to lead the assaults on Norman castles such as Aber Lleiniog. The Welsh revolt had begun in 1094 and by late 1095 had spread to many parts of Wales. This induced William II of England (William Rufus) to intervene, invading northern Wales in 1095. However his army was unable to bring the Welsh to battle and returned to Chester without having achieved very much. King William mounted a second invasion in 1097, but again without much success. The History only mentions one invasion by Rufus, which could indicate that Gruffudd did not feature in the resistance to the first invasion. At this time Cadwgan ap Bleddyn of Powys led the Welsh resistance.

In the summer of 1098, Earl Hugh of Chester joined with Earl Hugh of Shrewsbury in another attempt to recover his losses in Gwynedd. Gruffudd and his ally Cadwgan ap Bleddyn retreated to Anglesey, but were then forced to flee to Ireland in a skiff when a fleet he had hired from the Danish settlement in Ireland accepted a better offer from the Normans and changed sides.

King for the fourth time and consolidation Edit
The situation was changed by the arrival of a Norwegian fleet under the command of King Magnus III of Norway, also known as Magnus Barefoot, who attacked the Norman forces near the eastern end of the Menai Straits. Earl Hugh of Shrewsbury was killed by an arrow said to have been shot by Magnus himself. The Normans were obliged to evacuate Anglesey, and the following year, Gruffudd returned from Ireland to take possession again, having apparently come to an agreement with Earl Hugh of Chester.

With the death of Hugh of Chester in 1101, Gruffudd was able to consolidate his position in Gwynedd, as much by diplomacy as by force. He met King Henry I of England who granted him the rule of Llŷn, Eifionydd, Ardudwy and Arllechwedd, considerably extending his kingdom. By 1114, he had gained enough power to induce King Henry to invade Gwynedd in a three-pronged attack, one detachment led by King Alexander I of Scotland. Faced by overwhelming force, Gruffudd was obliged to pay homage to Henry and to pay a heavy fine, but lost no territory. By about 1118, Gruffudd's advancing years meant that most of the fighting, which pushed Gwynedd's borders eastward and southwards, was done by his three sons by his wife Angharad, daughter of Owain ab Edwin of Tegeingl: Cadwallon, Owain Gwynedd and later Cadwaladr. The cantrefs of Rhos and Rhufoniog were annexed in 1118, Meirionnydd captured from Powys in 1123, and Dyffryn Clwyd in 1124. Another invasion by the king of England in 1121 was a military failure. The king had to come to terms with Gruffudd and made no further attempt to invade Gwynedd during Gruffudd's reign. The death of Cadwallon in a battle against the forces of Powys near Llangollen in 1132 checked further expansion for the time being.

Gruffudd was now powerful enough to ensure that his nominee David the Scot was consecrated as Bishop of Bangor in 1120. The see had been effectively vacant since Bishop Hervey le Breton had been forced to flee by the Welsh almost twenty years before, since Gruffudd and King Henry could not agree on a candidate. David went on to rebuild Bangor Cathedral with a large financial contribution from Gruffudd.

Owain and Cadwaladr, in alliance with Gruffudd ap Rhys of Deheubarth, gained a crushing victory over the Normans at Crug Mawr near Cardigan in 1136 and took possession of Ceredigion. The latter part of Gruffydd's reign was considered to be a "Golden Age"; according to the Life of Gruffudd ap Cynan Gwynedd was "bespangled with lime-washed churches like the stars in the firmament".

Death and succession
Children Edit
The family line of Cynan shows he had many children by several different women.[4] With wife Angharad (daughter of Owain ab Edwin) he had:[5]

Owain Gwynedd (Owain ap Gruffudd),[1] married (1) Gwladus (Gladys) ferch Llywarch, daughter of Llywarch ap Trahaearn (2) Cristin ferch Goronwy, daughter of Goronwy ab Owain
Cadwaladr ap Gruffudd, married Alice de Clare, daughter of Richard Fitz Gilbert de Clare
Cadwallon ap Gruffudd[6]
Mareda/Marared
Susanna, married Madog ap Maredudd, prince of Powys
Ranulht/Rannillt
Agnes/Annest ferch gruffydd
Gwenllian ferch Gruffudd, married Gruffudd ap Rhys, prince of Deheubarth
Ancestry Edit
Ancestors of Gruffudd ap Cynan
16. Meuric ab Idwal Voel
8. Idwal ap Meuric
4. Iago ab Idwal
2. Cynan ab Iago
1. Gruffudd ap Cynan
24. Amlaíb Cuarán
12. Sigtrygg Silkbeard
25. Gormflaith ingen Murchada
6. Amlaíb mac Sitriuc
26. Brian Boru, High King of Ireland
13. Sláine ingen Briain
3. Ragnailt ingen Amlaíb
28. Túathal mac Úgaire, King of Leinster
14. Dúnlaing mac Tuathail, King of Leinster
7. Máelcorcre ingen Dúnlaing