Gwenllian the Welsh Warrior Princess
Everybody has heard of the adventures of Joan of Arc or Boudicca but very few people outside of Wales have heard of Gwenllian, the Welsh Warrior Princess. History is written by the powerful and much of the story of this remarkable woman has been erased but there is enough information for us to find her tale inspirational.
Gwenllian was the daughter of Gruffydd ap Cynan, King of Gwynedd, and his beautiful wide Angharad ferch Owain. Her birthright made her a direct descendant of Welsh royalty and her upbringing was filled with the customs and traditions of her noble heritage.
From her earliest days, Gwenllian displayed a remarkable spirit of independence and a passion for fighting. She was known for her fearlessness and determination, qualities which would serve her well in the tumultuous times to come. In an era when women were often relegated to the domestic sphere, Gwenllian stood out as a warrior princess, eager to defend her people against the Norman invaders.
As a young teen, Gwenllian fell head over heels in love with another resistance fighter whose father, Rhys ap Tewdwr, had been the King of Deheubarth. Their love affair was kept secret because King Henry of England had put a price on the young man’s head but finally, they married and, living in secret mountain hideaways, led a band of fighters against their enemies.
In 1136 while her husband took warriors to the north, Gwenllian led a band of soldiers in the south against the Normans who held Cydwelli castle. She showed remarkable leadership and military acumen but was betrayed. Gwenllian, whose royal heritage should have allowed her to be treated with respect, was beheaded on the battlefield.
The resulting uprising from the treatment of this Welsh heroine shook the Norman leaders and galvanized the Welsh in their push for freedom. Gwenllian became a symbol of Welsh resistance and the battle cries of the men who fought on, long after her death, was her name. Gwenllian’s story serves as a reminder of the indomitable spirit of the Welsh people and their enduring commitment to upholding their culture.
If you enjoy historical fiction you can find out more about Gwenllian and her family in ‘The Welsh Traitor’s Daughter’ and in the soon-to-be-released sequel. ‘The Welsh Warrior’s Inheritance’.