Prince of Wales Owain Glyndwr

The revolt of Owain Glyndwr is one of the most thought-provoking and engrossing events in Welsh history. Wales has always been considered a turbulent region with Welsh propensity to rebel as a national feature. The revolt of Owain Glyndwr, the most powerful of all anti-English rebellions since the time of English conquest, started in September of 1400 when Glyndwr proclaimed himself Prince of Wales. As a result, the English crown had lost control over Wales for several years. Owain's alliances with France and Scotland as well as his links with Henry IV's enemies in England made the revolt really threatening. The author analyzes economic and political causes for the revolt. Understanding its nature is virtually impossible without considering the ideology of the subjugated people, powered by a myth about the inevitability of a Welsh triumph over the English. As a descendant of two prominent Welsh dynasties, Glyndwr was viewed as a legitimate heir of Principality of Wales by his adherents. Undoubtedly, he felt as he was the "son of prophesy" following ancient predictions and the national legendary tradition. He had more support from the Welsh than any other political leader since Edward I' conquest of Wales. Glyndwr's vision of his country as an independent political entity with a parliament, universities, and a separate church was unique and unprecedented. Due to his remarkable life and mysterious death, Owain Glyndwr remains the most prominent national heroic figure in Wales.