Gwrgan Fawr

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Gwrgan Fawr Gurgantius, Fergus the Great
King of Ergyng
Reign	c. 619 - c. 645
Predecessor	Gwrfoddw
Successor	Athrwys
Issue	Caradog, Morgan
Father	Cynfyn

King Gwrgan Fawr (also, in Latin, Gurgantius, and in English, Fergus the Great) (died c. 645) was a king of Ergyng, a Welsh kingdom of the early medieval period. He was the son of Cynfyn, and rightful heir to the throne, which had been usurped by Gwrfoddw.

[edit] Life

Gwrgan probably fled Ergyng when his inheritance was seized by Gwrfoddw Hen around 619. It is speculated that he was out of favor with the latter's nephew, Arthur, although the chronology for such a supposition does not quite fit. He appears in four charters in the Book of Llandaff during the episcopates of Bishops Euddogwy and Inabwy.

Little else is known of this monarch, despite his epithet, the Great. However, if he may be associated with Gwrgan Frych ("the Freckled") who features in the Life of Saint Cadog, lordship of Glywysing and Gwent may be indicated. This powerful lord granted the saint half the fishing rights on the Rivers Usk and Neath in return for the great sword of King Rhun Hir of Gwynedd and a new horse with all the trappings. Even though Cadog died some years before Gwrgan's reign, the story may relate to a later agreement with the saint's successors at Llancarfan Abbey.

Gwrgan ruled until about 645 when his sons, Caradog and Morgan, should have inherited the throne of Ergyng. It appears, however, that instead, his son-in-law, King Meurig ap Tewdrig of Glywysing and Gwent managed to seize power in the name of his own son, Athrwys.