Here is some background information into the real people and places in this story. Gwenllian is my 27th great Aunt on my fathers side.
Princess Gwenllian was born in 1100 and died in 1136. She is seen as the Welsh and medieval version of the Boudicca, the great warrior Celt of the Iceni tribe.
King Gruffudd was born in Dublin in 1055 to a Welsh father and his mother was a descendent of the infamous Viking, Ivar the Boneless. He was a determined man and he fought hard to get his Kingdom back. On the first attempt he won but was then defeated at the Battle of Bron yr Erw, he then fled to Ireland. On the second attempt he joined forces with others and with a backing of Irish, Welsh and Danes he won his throne again. Unfortunately this was short lived as he was tricked into meeting with some Normans. They captured him and he was then kept as a prisoner in Chester. He escaped and on his third attempt he won his crown back. Due him escaping, his captors planned a retaliation. Gruffudd fled to Ireland, again. As the Normans had to retreat from Yns Mon, he returned to his kingdom where he retained it until his death in 1137. I have given just the tip of the iceberg because there is a lot of history linked to this man.
Queen Angharad ferch Owain was born in 1065. She is the daughter of Owain ab Edwin and mother was Morwyl ferch Ednywain. Her mother and her father come from a long line of Welsh kings. Angharad was thought to have been very beautiful with blonde hair. It is said that she was 72 when her husband died and she died at the age of 97.
Gwenllian's husband was Gruffydd ap Rhys. He was born in 1090 and he died in 1137. I do not want to write too much about him as all will be revealed.
The names of people and place may seem unusual to those outside of Wales. When it comes to peoples names, the Verch in a women's name means daughter of and the ap in a man's name means son of.
Yns Mon, also known as Anglesey, is an island steeped in ancient history, invasions and with the mystical Druids. A land infiltrated by the Romans, Irish pirates, the Saxons, the Vikings, the Normans and the English. At the time of the Celts Yns Mon was the home of the druids. It was where the gifted went to be trained in the mythical arts, the laws, how to conduct religious ceremonies and to learn what was needed. The Romans were scared of the power that the Druids held so laid waste to the sacred areas.
Deheubarth was a Welsh Kingdom which covered was in the South West of Wales. It was not far off a quarter of Wales. The patron saint of Wales, Saint David, was born in this kingdom around 500.
Through this story I will also incorporate real history and facts. Wales is filled with history, culture, magic and mystery. I hope to do it justice in this piece.
