BattlefieldsBattle of Arderydd
Early Medieval

Battle of Arderydd

573
Cumbria, England
Also known as: Battle of Arthuret · Battle of Arfderydd
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Cumbria, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Gwenddoleu ap Ceidio
VS
Victor
Rhydderch Hael of Strathclyde
Outcome
Gwenddoleu killed; his bard Myrddin (Merlin) went mad with grief and fled to the forest
The Battle

History & Significance

One of the most famous battles of the Old North — the Hen Ogledd. Gwenddoleu ap Ceidio, a pagan British chieftain, was defeated and killed by Christian Britons. His bard Myrddin went mad with grief and wandered in the Caledonian Forest — this is the historical kernel of the Merlin legend. The battle represents the last struggle between paganism and Christianity among the Britons of southern Scotland.

Forces Involved

c.1,000–2,000 per side; famous Old North battle in Hen Ogledd.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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