In Afon Dyfrdwy valley overlooking the river Dee near Bala in Pennllyn, there was a wooden fort garrisoned by the Romans from 75 to 130 AD. The fort and the population of the garrison brought trade and encouraged local crafts, which formed a settlement around that site. Archaeologists have found evidence of a tavern, tanning and leather shops, metalworking activities (especially copper) and even a cemetary. The fort was abandoned in 120 and became a farm. Early in the sixth century this locality was renamed Caer Gai.

According to local stories, this is supposed to be the home of the noble personage known as Cai in Arthurian traditions. Did Sir Cai really exist? Although he is surrounded by a lot of myths, it appears that there was actually a real person who was probably the real Cai. Records show that there was a Cai Hir of Caer Gai, eldest son of Cynyr Ceinfarfog, born in 468. Cai is mentioned in the ancient Welsh poem Pa Gur, also as the main character in the Battle of Tryfrwyd against Garwlwyd, although the exact location of that battle is unknown. He also turns up in the Dream of Rhonabwy and Life of St. Cadog. In Arthurian lore, he was among the warriors who rescued Gwenhwyfar from King Melwas. Geoffrey of Monmouth describes Cai as a steward to King Arthur as well as being Count of Anjou, a giant-killer and involved in the Roman Wars.

Later in his life, Cai became Cai Gwyn (Cai the Holy) left King Arthur's court to become a bishop at Glastonbury. He returned to Arthur one more time to try to make peace between him and Prince Medrod. He was unsuccessful at that, but he did manage to convince Gwenhwyfar to enter a convent.

It is said by the Welsh that Cai's final resting place is near Lligwy at Ynys Mon.

According to the Welsh pedigrees, Kai was the son of Cynyr Cainvarvawc, the son of Gwron, the son of Cunedda Wledig. He was also named as King Arthur's foster brother. In the Triads he is called one of the three diadem'd chiefs of battle, and is said to have been possessed of magical powers, by which he could transform himself into any shape he pleased. Of his real history, however, nothing is known.

Sources

Roman Britain

Britannia

Early British Kingdoms

Mysterious Wales

The Camelot Gazette

Neighbourhood builders:

Article & Graphics by Flidais Niafer
Map & icon by MacMorna Niafer
Hood design by Fedelm Cruithni

Guide to Celtia
Celtia Site Map