King Rience

1996 Number 12 of 100

King Rience represents the ancient Celtic Cult of the Stag. He wore a cloak made from the beards of the minor kings he had subjugated. When Arthur was first crowned king, Rience sent an emissary to him with the message: "Send me your beard or I will come and get your head!" Thus rience became young Arthur's first Adversary. Rience was robber, whom Arthur slew and buried in Lannwchllyn.