Cluim of Gwynedd

In the fictional universe of the Deryni novels of Katherine Kurtz, Cluim Haldane was the twentieth King of Gwynedd, reigning from 985 to 994. He was the fifteenth member of the House of Haldane to sit upon the throne of Gwynedd, and the ninth consecutive Haldane king since the end of the Festillic Interregnum.

Cluim Michael Reginaud Haldane was born on April 24, 953, the third surviving son of King Uthyr Haldane of Gwynedd and his wife, Queen Grania MacInnis. He was created Earl of Carthane shortly after his birth, a title he later deeded to his youngest son, Prince Michael Rhys. Cluim fought in the Gwyneddan army for two years during the Festillic invasion of 983 – 985, often serving as an effective field general and second-in-command for his brother King Jasher. When King Jasher died in the Battle of Rengarth in 985, Cluim succeeded his brother and took command of the army, successfully finishing off the last remnants of the Festillic forces and bringing the war to a victorious conclusion. Cluim then returned to Rhemuth and was officially crowned King of Gwynedd on September 7, 985. Having lost two brothers in the Festillic invasion, Cluim spent much of the rest of his reign attempting to secure Gwynedd's borders through diplomacy. He journeyed to many of the neighboring lands and sealed alliances with the Howicce, Llannedd, Meara, and others. When not traveling, the king strove to repair the extensive damage caused by the Festillic invasion. King Cluim Haldane died on December 18, 994, at the age of 41. He was succeeded by his eldest son and heir, Prince Urien Haldane.

Titles

  • (953 - 985): Prince of Gwynedd
  • (953 - 985): Earl of Carthane
  • (985 - 994): King of Gwynedd

Family

  • Married Lady Swynbeth of Cassan on May 9, 972.
    • Prince Urien (later King of Gwynedd)
    • Princess Tiphanelle (later married King Gosbert of Howicce)
    • Prince Jashan (later Duke of Carthmoor, Earl of Culdi, Bishop of Grecotha, Archbishop of Rhemuth, Archbishop of Valoret, and Primate of All Gwynedd)
    • Princess Ysyllt (later married Prince Jolyon II of Meara)
    • Prince Michael Rhys (twin) (later Earl of Carthane)
    • Princess Michaelina Rhyssa (twin) (later married Count Amandus de Prozh of Howicce)

Sources

  • Katherine Kurtz and Robert Reginald, Codex Derynianus, ISBN 0-89370-011-8