Rhydog Waerd

Rhydog Waerd was a mad tyrant who ruled over the Petty Kingdom of Gwynedd in North Wales from 936 following his father's death until his own death in 943. His reign wasn't that long, however it is an infamous one due to his cruel and manipulative actions. Accounts of those who knew him personally (primary from Winstanward), described the man as hedonistic, a drunkard, lunatic and a plotter.

Rhydog was the father to six children, the eldest of whom would later be known as Winstanward Billboard-Rus. Chronologically, his other children were Gruffydd Waerd, Afrella Waerd, Maredudd Waerd, Tegonwy Waerd, and Efa Waerd.

Early Life
Little is known about Rhydog's life before the birth of Winstanward. On 8th January 923, one of Rhydog's servants gave birth his son, named Wenstayn by his mother. It is suspected that Rhydog married his first wife Gwyneth in the year 924 due to stigma surrounding his illegitimate heir. In the months following Wenstayn's birth and his father's marriage, this servant was killed and Wenstayn locked away from society due to his illegitimacy and irregular appearance.

Reign over Gwynedd
After ascedning to the throne of Gwynedd in 936, Rhydog's ambitions would fuel many plots against those around him. One infamous event was his decision to swear fealty to the English King and become chancellor, using this new position to attempt to usurp the English throne. His schemes would unravel in 943, leading to his death and the subsequent expulsion of Welsh councillors from the Kingdom of England. His son and successor Gruffydd would work to remove Gwynedd from the Kingdom of England during his brief 4 year reign.