This paper examines the figure of Owen Glendower, a Welsh hero of history who is also famously featured as a character in
Shakespeare's "Henry IV Part I". It sets forth Glendower's place in the
historical and
literary context and discuss elements that distinguish him, with reference to various historians' views of his historic persona. In order to appreciate why Owen Glendower has prominence in the literary history of Britain, it explains some of the historical background of the time and how the action of "Henry IV Part I" deals with the self-conscious assertion of monarchical attitude and dignity in England by one of its founding royal families. It analyzes how Shakespeare's characterization of Glendower focuses on the extremity of his character and that of Wales since Glendower makes an actual appearance in person in only one scene (III.1), to seal the conspiracy against Henry with Hotspur, Worcester and Mortimer.