Nygel of Gwynedd

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In the fictional universe of the Deryni novels of Katherine Kurtz, Nygel Haldane was the eighteenth King of Gwynedd, reigning from 980 to 983. He was the thirteenth member of the House of Haldane to sit upon the throne of Gwynedd, and the seventh consecutive Haldane king since the end of the Festillic Interregnum.

Nygel Rhys Owain Haldane was born on September 30, 948, the firstborn son and heir of King Uthyr Haldane and his wife, Queen Grania MacInnis. He succeeded his father on the throne of Gwynedd after King Uthyr's death, being officially crowned King of Gwynedd on September 29, 980. Three years later, on August 12, 983, Gwynedd was invaded by the Festillic Pretender Imre II, who quickly sacked the city of Marbury and killed the Earl of Marley. Nygel immediately began assembling his forces to defend his realm, but his was unwilling to wait for his full army to arrive. He set forth from Rhemuth with only part of his army, attempting to gather additional forces as he marched past Valoret. When the Gwyneddan army finally met the Festillic invaders, they were disorganized, weary from the forced march, and lacking a considerably portion of their full strength. The battle was joined on September 3, 983, and the Gwyneddan forces paid the price for Nygel's impatience. Nygel himself was struck down with a belly wound during the battle, and his army was soundly defeated by the Pretender's forces. The survivors were forced to retreat under the cover of darkness that night, at which point the king died from his injury. King Nygel Haldane died on September 3, 983, at the age of 35. He was succeeded by his younger brother, Prince Jasher Haldane.

[edit] Family

• Married Lady Sustana of Eastmarch on August 5, 970.
  • Prince Corban Cinhil (died age 10)
  • Princess Bethanne (later married Prince Keyne of Llannedd)
  • Prince Quinnell (died age 2)
  • Princess Venecia (later entered a convent under the name Sister Justyna)
  • Princess Mavourneen (later married Lord Brynley Cormine)

[edit] Sources

• Katherine Kurtz and Robert Reginald, Codex Derynianus, ISBN 0-89370-011-8

Preceded by Uthyr Haldane

King of Gwynedd 980 - 983

Succeeded by Jasher Haldane