It is often overlooked that the kings of Wales during the medieval period were tremendously successful at fighting off Viking invaders. So good were they, in fact, that there were no true Viking settlements within Cymru the way there were in England.
Whereas parts of each of Ireland, Scotland and England were subject to Viking settlement (especially in but not limited to the 9th century), the kings of Wales managed to successfully fend them off.
During the 9th century, there were many attempts by Vikings to settle within Cymru but one warrior king above all succeeded in keeping them at bay Rhodri Mawr (Rhodri the Great). There’s a reason why he’s one of only three European leaders in the 9th century to earn the distinction of “the Great”, alongside Charlemagne and Alfred.
While there had almost been a Viking settlement on Ynys Môn, it is known that Rhodri led an expedition there and won a large battle (AD 856) resulting in the Danish Viking leader Gorm’s defeat and death in battle. Rhodri himself would die in battle against the forces of Ceolwulf II of Mercia in AD 878, though his sons would secure their revenge three years later at the Battle of Conwy.
Cite this Article
George, N. “Cymru and the Vikings: A Medieval Rivalry” WelshHistories.com, July 31, 2025, https://welshhistories.co.uk/cymru-vikings. Accessed July 31, 2025.
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