Elidurus

A legendary British king, third son of King Morvidus, as recounted by Geoffrey of Monmouth. His brother Archgallo was king before him but several powerful nobles rose against him, deposed him and advanced Elidurus to the throne. Archgallo tried to find assistance in the neighboring kingdoms to reinstate him, but was unsuccessful in his endeavor. Elidurus reigned wisely and the kingdom prospered.

Five years later, Elidurus encountered Archgallo during a hunting trip and, at the sight of his brother in distress, forgot all animosities. He took Archgallo home with him and hid him in the palace. He feigned himself sick and induced his nobles to consent to his abdication in favor of Archgallo, and so reinstated his brother to the throne.

Archgallo ruled the kingdom well and wisely for ten years before he died. He left the kingdom to his sons who reigned with various fortunes, but they were not long lived. Since Archgallo's sons did not have any children of their own, Elidurus was again advanced to the throne. After a few years his younger brothers Ingenius and Peredurus raised armies and attacked him. They locked Elidurus in a tower at Trinovantum, where he remained imprisoned for seven years. After the death of Peredurus, the realm returned to Elidurus for the third time.

In recognition of his just and virtuous reign, he received the name of The Pious from his loyal subjects. After his death he was succeeded by a son of his elder brother Gorbonianus.

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