The Powerful Mormaer of Medieval Scotland and Wales

Mormaer (also spelled mormaer, mormager, or mormar) was a title used in medieval Scotland and Wales. It was originally a military rank, but later became a hereditary title granted by the king to a nobleman who held a certain territory or region. The title of mormaer was used in both Scotland and Wales, but it was more common in Scotland.

In Scotland, the mormaer was typically a powerful nobleman who ruled over a large estate or province on behalf of the king. They were responsible for collecting taxes, maintaining order, and raising troops for the king's army. The mormaer also had the power to appoint judges and sheriffs, and to grant land and titles to others.

In Wales, the title of mormaer was used more rarely, but it was still an important position. The mormaer of Gwynedd, for example, was one of the most powerful noblemen in Wales, and was responsible for ruling over a large portion of the country.

The title of mormaer eventually became hereditary, and was passed down from father to son or other close relative. However, the king still had the power to appoint or depose the mormaer at his discretion.

Today, the title of mormaer is no longer used in either Scotland or Wales, and has been replaced by more modern titles such as "duke" or "earl." However, the legacy of the mormaer lives on in the many castles and other historical sites that were built during their rule.