Cynon
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Cynon (died 876 CE) was a Welsh nobleman who served as the ealdorman of Glowecestrescire in the late 9th century. He was lauded for appeasing both the Christians of the former kingdom of Hwicce and the remaining pagans. At some point, Cynon passed the torch, creating fear and skepticism, with many believing war would spark without him.[1] In the end, he began to adopt a syncretistic position between Druidism and Christianity, welcoming all kinds of pagans, from followers of the ancient Celtic religion to Nordic pagans.[2]
Biography
Not much can be found about his past, except that Cynon used to be a devout Christian before his time as ealdorman. However, upon his first glance of the high priestess Modron, Cynon was enamored by her. When he became ealdorman after a Samhain festival, Cynon and Modron often worked together in the daily business within Glowecestre. Over time, both leaders grew close to one another and understood each other.[3] Before long, Cynon was offered a part in a fertility ritual by Modron and he easily accepted. From their work and the ritual, Cynon and Modron built a union between the pagans and Christians of the shire as well as a legacy in their daughter, Gwenydd.[4] Within Cynon's twenty years as ealdorman, Glowecestre was home to all as he took care of his family, which included the last ealdorman's daughter, Brigid.[2]
A Tale of Wicker-Fire
At the end of his reign of ealdorman, Cynon readied himself for his final duties for the Samhain festival. However, his successor, Tewdwr, grew to resent and dislike the pagans, who were the target of his future decisions for the shire. Concerned, Cynon and Modron knew that the union and their daughter would be in danger if Tewdwr became ealdorman. Cynon agreed to help Modron kill Tewdwr and take the place as leader of the shire. Their plan, however, included the arrival of the Viking Eivor Varinsdottir.[4] To prepare, Cynon paid bandits, led by Gwilim, to abduct and kill Tewdwr as Cynon will frame Eivor for his apparent murder.[3]
Upon Eivor's arrival, Cynon and Tewdwr were introduced to Eivor by Gunnar. Upon their first interaction, Cynon asked Eivor to guard and protect Tewdwr on his travel to pray, which she agreed. Cynon had to tend to other matters within his community as Eivor left. When night came, Cynon was spending time with Gwilim, who was pretending to be a monk, and Tewdwr, until Eivor came by to talk. However, the night brought a drinking competition, which led to a conversation about the upcoming events. Cynon disclosed his role to be sacrificed in the Wicker Man for years of good harvest, as Tewdwr will take his place. Thus, for their roles, the group of four raised their drinks and toasted to both Tewdwr and Cynon. After the toast, Cynon left the group as Tewdwr, Eivor, and Gwilim drank the night away.[2]
The next day, Cynon approached a befuddled Eivor and accused her of killing Tewdwr and ruining the festivities. With haste, Cynon ordered her death.[5] After a series of event, Cynon led the festivities continue as he made Eivor the scapegoat of Tewdwr's "murder."[3] Inside St. Kenhelm's Church, Cynon was praying alone until he was confronted by Eivor about having Tewdwr almost killed. However, Cynon rejected the notion and stated that Modron had been pulling the strings of Tewdwr's attempted murder. Cynon also revealed that Modron and him had a child and that their work and love resulted in the union between their religions and people.[4] However, Cynon was told of Tewdwr's change of heart and how his plan worked in convincing Tewdwr to be a leader to all of the shire's people. Upon hearing this, Cynon told Eivor to save Tewdwr from Modron's ritual at her forest temple in Aelfwood as he tended to the festival's end. Upon deciding Cynon's fate, Eivor left to save Tewdwr from Modron.[4]
Behind the scenes
- In "A Love Betrayed," Eivor has the choice of killing Cynon inside the church or letting him live to die in the Burning of the Wicker Man.
Appearances
Gallery
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Modron kisses Cynon goodbye
References
- ↑ Assassin's Creed: Valhalla – Database: Cynon
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Assassin's Creed: Valhalla – The First Night of Samhain
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Assassin's Creed: Valhalla – The Stolen King
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 Assassin's Creed: Valhalla – A Love Betrayed
- ↑ Assassin's Creed: Valhalla – Clues and Riddles