Rhys Thuryn (Gwynedd)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

In the fictional universe of the Deryni novels of Katherine Kurtz, Rhys Thuryn was a highly-talented Healer and a central figure in the events surrounding the Haldane Restoration of 904. After his death, he was primarily remembered for developing a Deryni concentration method, known as the "Thuryn technique," which utilizes a small object as a focal point for relaxation.

Spoiler warning: Plot and/or ending details follow.

Rhys Malachy Thuryn was born on February 17, 877, the only son and heir of Lord Malachy Thuryn and his wife, Lady Rosanagh FitzWilliam. After both of Rhys' parents died in the plague of 878, Rhys was adopted into the household of Earl Camber MacRorie of Culdi, whose wife had been friends with Rhys' mother. At the age of ten, Rhys was discovered to have the Healing talent, and he subsequently pursued formal training as Healer. In 903, he discovered that one of his patients was actually Prince Aidan Haldane, the only survivor of the Festillic coup of 822. Rhys and Camber eventually located Aidan's grandson, Prince Cinhil Haldane, and confirmed his identity as the rightful Haldane heir to the throne. Shortly thereafter, Rhys and Camber's son, Father Joram MacRorie, abducted Cinhil from the monastery where he lived, intent on placing the reluctant prince on the throne of Gwynedd. Rhys participated in the ritual which bestowed Deryni-like powers upon Prince Cinhil, and helped convince Cinhil of his true identity. After the success of the Haldane Restoration of 904, Rhys was appointed court physician to the new royal family.

In addition to his duties at court, Rhys continued his private practice as a Healer, often with the assistance of his wife, Lady Evaine MacRorie. Widely acknowledged as a talented and gifted Healer, he was also experienced in a variety of arcane rituals, due largely to his close association with the MacRorie family. He became a founding member of the Camberian Council in 909, and his reputation continued to grow as his career progressed. In 917, while tending to the injured Earl Gregory of Ebor, Rhys discovered the ability to block Deryni powers, a unique Healing function that had been lost for centuries. He was present in Valoret in December when the Synod of Bishops elected Camber (in the guise of Alister Cullen) as Archbishop of Valoret and Primate of All Gwynedd. When the Regents of King Alroy attempted to arrest Camber and his supporters, a violent struggle erupted at All Saints' Cathedral. In a tragic accident, Rhys slipped in a puddle of blood and fractured his skull, dying shortly thereafter. Lord Rhys Thuryn died on December 25, 917, at the age of 40.

[edit] Family

Married Lady Evaine MacRorie on January 6, 904.
- Lord Aidan (died age 10)
- Lady Rhysel (later married Lord Robert Ainslie)
- Lord Tieg (Healer, later married Karis d'Oriel)
- Lady Jerusha (Healer, later married Lord Cathan Drummond)