He was the son of Eanfrith of Bernicia, who had fled into exile among the Picts after his father, Æthelfrith of Northumbria, was killed around the year 616.
Era o fillo de Eanfrith de Bernicia, que se exiliou entre os pictos despois de que o seu pai, Æthelfrith de Northumbria, fose asasinado arredor do ano 616.