The British History Podcast 91 – WelshCast Part Four: Three Kings of Wales Who Really Annoyed Gildas
Jul 9, 2013
In this podcast, the focus is on Welsh kings who angered Gildas, a Welshman himself. Gildas criticizes Constantine for his deceit and violence, urging him to repent. The possibility of Constantine reforming and the existence of churches dedicated to him are explored. Fortiparius, ruler of southwestern Wales, is critiqued for his sinful behavior. The influence of Magnus Maximus on Vortiparius is questioned, and Nenius's omission of Vortiparius is discussed.
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Gildas Frames Wales As Corrupt And Civilly Warring
- Gildas portrays 6th-century Britain as ruled by unjust, violent, and perjured elites rather than chiefly for religious impiety.
- His main complaint is endemic Briton-on-Briton civil strife and corrupt judicial elites, not merely paganism.
King Constantine Kills Royal Youths At The Altar
- Gildas accuses King Constantine of Dumnonia of adultery, repudiating his wife, and murdering two royal youths at the altar while disguised as an armed abbot.
- The altar was splattered with blood and Gildas pleads Constantine repent or face hellfire.
Later Saint Cult May Soften Constantine's Legacy
- Despite Gildas' condemnation, later medieval cults venerated a Saint Constantine who supposedly abdicated to become a monk, hinting at possible reform or legend-making.
- Constantine dedications in Cornwall date centuries later, so causation is uncertain.