Favila of Asturias

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Favila (Favilac or Fáfila) was the second king of Asturias from 737 to 739. He was the son of Pelayo.

He was supposedly killed by a bear, but note that his father was said to have, improbably, met the same fate. The legend, however, gave rise to the Spanish saying "espabila, Favila, que viene el oso" (hurry up, Favila, the bear is coming) which urges someone to realise his intentions before it's too late. More likely than a bear attack, his death was the result of a political assassination. Favila was buried with his wife Froiliuba in his capital of Cangas de Onís. According to the 737 foundation inscription of Santa Cruz de Cangas, he left children, but they did not succeed him. He was succeeded by his brother-in-law Alfonso.