Beohelm Ricfriding

Beohelm Ricfriding (412 - 479) was the eldest son of Cyng Eomer Bonespear and ruled as the de facto regent of Talor during the reigns of his cousin Cyng Seaxwulf of the Waves and Seaxwulf's successor Cyng Cyneheah Boarslayer. Beohelm was said to be an outstanding administrator, balancing the needs and wants of Talor's populace perfectly.
Beohelm grew up alongside his older cousin Seaxwulf and the two were inseparable, though as they grew older it became clear that the Ricfriding elders preferred Seaxwulf for the throne - he was more gullible and easier to influence than Beohelm. Seaxwulf didn't want the throne, though, and agreed to Beohelm's offer that, if he took the throne, he would rule only in name and Beohelm would look after the responsibilities of the throne.
Once Seaxwulf was elected, he headed off on his expeditions and Beohelm took over as regent while he was absent. He quickly proved himself an administrator vastly more competent than any Talor had had before. He managed to mend the distrust between the houses following the recent exile of House Higwalding, as well as improving the economy by commissioning a royal mint in Cenholme - this gave Talor a uniform currency (the Talorian Awr) which, along with the Flennish Kulde, eventually became the trusted standard by most of the Trade Lake.
After Seaxwulf's disappearance in 437, Beohelm was nominated for the Ricfriding candidacy but lost to Cyneheah Boarslayer. Cyneheah recognised his talent, however, and paid Beohelm a healthy sum to stay on as his chief advisor. 
Beohelm retired in late 471 at 59 years old. Cyng Cyneheah died the next year - he had been ailing for a while and the increased stress borne by Beohelm's retirement pushed him over the edge. Beohelm continued to advise Cyneheah's successor Cyng Taetwulf Sunhammer on a casual basis, helping him to rein in the outer provinces and lower autonomy across Talor.
Beohelm died in 479, a father of three and grandfather of thirteen.
Category:People
Category:Talor