Urien, father of Owain mab Urien, was a historical king of Rheged in northern England and southern Scotland during the 6th century. He became the King Urien of Gore of Arthurian legend.

Little of Urien’s history is known for sure, but it seems that Urien fought against the rulers of the Angle kingdom Bernicia. Early on the relationship between Rheged and its neighboring British kingdoms was erratic, but Urien joined with other northern princes and defeated the rising Angles in several battles. His victories are celebrated in the Book of Taliesin, the supposed author of which served as his bard.

According to early Welsh writings he was assassinated at the command of his ally Morcant who was jealous of his success.

He had four sons, named Owain, Riwallawn, Run and Pascen, the eldest of which succeeded him.

The Legend

Urien remained a popular figure in Wales over the centuries, and he and his son Owain were incorporated into Arthurian legend as it spread from Britain to continental Europe. His kingdom was eventually transferred to the mythical land of Gore, and Kings Lot of Lothian and Auguselus of Scotland are sometimes said to be his brothers. During the reign of Uther Pendragon he marries Arthur’s sister (often Morgan le Fay, but sometimes another sister is named). He, like the kings of several other lands, initially opposes Arthur’s ascendance to the throne after Uther’s death. Urien and the others rebel against the young monarch, but upon their defeat, the rebels become Arthur’s allies and vassals.

His wife is usually Morgan le Fay. His marriage is not a happy one, however, as in one story Morgan plots to take Excalibur, kill Urien and Arthur, and place herself and her lover on the throne.

He is always said to be the father of Yvain (Owain), and many texts give him a second son, Yvain the Bastard, fathered on his seneschal's wife. The Welsh attribute to him a daughter named Morvydd.