Dimetia, Dyfed
Vortigern built the fortress of Vortigern here, and retreated here after the Saxons invaded eastern Britain. After four days at the fortress, a holy fire engulfed it and killed Vortigern. According to Geoffrey of Monmouth, the kingdom was later ruled, under Arthur, by Stater. In non-Arthurian Welsh legend, it is ruled by Pwyll and, later, his son Pryderi.
Merlin’s mother is said to come from Demetia and his grandfather, Demetrus, was the king of Demetia.
History of Demetia
Demetia, also known as Dyfed, was a medieval Welsh kingdom that existed in the southwestern part of Wales. It was one of the early Welsh kingdoms and played a significant role in the political and cultural landscape of Wales during the early Middle Ages.
Demetia was located in the southwestern region of Wales, corresponding roughly to present-day Pembrokeshire and parts of Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion (Ceredigyawn).
Demetia emerged as an independent kingdom during the early medieval period, likely around the fifth or sixth century. Its early history is somewhat obscure, as historical records from this era is limited. The name Demetia is derived from the Latin name “Dimetia,” which in turn originates from the Old Welsh name “Dyfed.” The kingdom is more commonly reffered to as Dyfed in Welsh historical sources. The rulers of Demetia were members of the Old Welsh nobility.
KINGS OF DYFED
Annun (Ddu?) | fl. late fourth century
Ednyfed ab Annun | c. 410-430
Clydwyn ab Ednyfed | c. 430-455
Clodri ap Clydwyn | c. 455-480
Triffyn Farfog | c. 480-490
Aergol Lawhir | c. 490-520
Gwerthefyr (Vortipor) the Protector | c. 520-545
Cyngar ap Gwerthefyr | c. 545-565
Pedr ap Cyngar | c. 565-585
Arthur ap Pedr | c. 585-615
Nowy ab Arthur | c. 615-625
Gwlyddien ap Nowy | c. 625-645
Cathen Tredylig ap Gwliddien | c. 645-675
Cadwgan ap Cathen | c. 675-705
Rhain ap Cadwgan | c. 705-735
Tewdws ap Rhain | c. 735-765
Maredudd ap Tewdws | c. 765-796
Rhain ap Maredudd | 796-808
Owain ap Maredudd | 808-811
Triffyn ap Rhain | 811-814
Bledrig (possibly) | 814-c. 850
Hyfaidd ap Bledrig | c. 850-893
Llywarch ap Hyfaidd | 893-904
Rhodri ap Hyfaidd | 904-905
Hywel Dda (the Good) | 905-950
Demetia played a crucial role in the preservation of Welsh language, culture, and tradition during a period of significant political changes and external influences. Like other Welsh kingdoms, Demetia embraced Christianity during the early medieval period. The spread of Christianity had a profound impact on the social and cultural life of the kingdom.
During the tenth and eleventh centuries, Demetia was incorporated into the expanding kingdom of Deheubarth, under the rule of King Hywel Dda (Hywel the Good). Deheubarth was a larger realm that united several Welsh territories in the south. Demetia, along with other Welsh territories, faced the Norman Conquest of England in the eleventh century. The Normans, led by William the Conqueror, launched campaigns into Wales and established Norman lordships in the region.
Sources
Historia Brittonum | Probably Nennius, early 9th century
Historia Regum Britanniae | Geoffrey of Monmouth, c. 1138
External link
Kings and Princes of Deheubarth | David Nash Ford’s Early British Kingdoms