Cynon

"A man must get his house in order before his death. Feather his nest for his children."

―Cynon to Eivor, c. 876

Cynon (died 876) 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 announced he would step down, creating fear and skepticism in the community, with many believing war would spark without him. 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.

Biography

Ealdorman of Glowecestrescire

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. Before long, Cynon was offered a part in Modron's fertility ritual 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. During Cynon's 20-year ealdormancy, Glowecestre was home to all as he took care of his family, which included the last ealdorman's daughter Brigid, who was romantically involved with the visiting Gunnar.

At the end of his ealdormancy, 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. To prepare, Cynon paid bandits, led by Gwilim, to abduct and kill Tewdwr while Cynon framed Eivor for his apparent murder.

The Wicker Man sacrifice

Eivor: "We are done with this shadow play. Tewdwr is safe, and I know of your plan to sacrifice him in your stead."

Cynon: "You think I mean to escape the flames? I go to the wicker man gladly. But I will not leave Glowecestre in the hands of the Christian zealot."

—Cynon to Eivor in St. Kenhelm's Church, c. 876

Eivor, Cynon, Tewdwr, and Gwilim toasting drinks

Upon Eivor's arrival, Gunnar introduced her to Cynon and Tewdwr. Cynon asked Eivor to guard and protect Tewdwr on his travel to pray, which she agreed to, then had to tend to other community matters once Eivor left. When night came, Cynon was spending time with Tewdwr and Gwilim, who was pretending to be a monk, until Eivor came by to talk. Their night talk brought about 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, with Tewdwr next in line to succeed him. 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.

Eivor confronting Cynon at St. Kelhelm's Church

The next day, Cynon approached a befuddled Eivor and accused her of killing Tewdwr and ruining the festivities. With haste, Cynon ordered her death. After a series of events, Cynon let the festivities continue while he made Eivor the scapegoat of Tewdwr's "murder." Inside St. Kenhelm's Church, Cynon was praying alone until Eivor confronted him 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. Eivor told Cynon in turn about Tewdwr's change of heart and how the 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 rescue Tewdwr.

Trivia

• In "A Love Betrayed," Eivor has the choice of killing Cynon inside the church or letting him live to die when the Wicker Man burns.

Appearances

• Assassin's Creed: Valhalla (first appearance)
• The World of Assassin's Creed Valhalla: Journey to the North – Logs and Files of a Hidden One (mentioned only)

Gallery

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  Modron kisses Cynon goodbye