Bladud
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Bladud was a legendary king of the Britons as recounted by Geoffrey of Monmouth. He was the son of King Rud Hud Hudibras.
He ruled for twenty years in which time he built Kaerbadum (Bath) and the many hot baths in that city. This was because he was a leper and a hot bath cured him. He dedicated the city to the Greek goddess Minerva and lit undying fires in honor of her.
During his reign, he also encouraged the practice of necromancy, or divination through the spirits of the dead. Through this practice, he is said to have contructed wings for himself and tried to fly to the temple of Apollo in Trinovantum (London) but was killed when he hit a wall. He was succeeded by his son, Leir.
Moyra Caldecott has written a fictional account of the life of Bladud, called The Winged Man.
| Preceded by: Rud Hud Hudibras | Mythical British Kings | Succeeded by: Leir |