Hywel ab Owain Gwynedd

Hywel ab Owain Gwynedd (c. 1120–1170/1171), was a Welsh poet and King of Gwynedd for a short period after his father's death in 1170. Hywel was the son of Owain Gwynedd, king of Gwynedd and an Irishwoman named Ffynod.

Biography Military campaigns Hywel's father Owain Gwynedd and uncle Cadwaladr came to blows in 1143 when Cadwaladr was implicated in the murder of Prince Anarawd ap Gruffydd of Deheubarth, Owain's ally and future son-in-law, on the eve of Anarawd's wedding to Owain's daughter. Dafydd himself landed his army on the island and caught Hywel off guard at Pentraeth, defeating his army and killing Hywel. While we were seven, not thrice seven would defy us, Would rout us before our death: Left, alas, of the seven Are but three who shun not strife.

[...]

Cedifor's sons, noble children in union, In the glen near Pentraeth, They drank deep, strong of purpose, Were cut down near their foster-brother.

Following Hywel's death and the defeat of his army, the surviving sons of Owain came to terms with Dafydd. Iorwerth was apportioned the commotes of Arfon and Arllechwedd, with his seat at Dolwyddelan, with Maelgwn retaining Ynys Môn, and with Cynan receiving Meirionnydd.