Father of Arthur of Dál Riada, a possible historical prototype for King Arthur. Aedan ruled the kingdom of Dalriada (modern Argyll and Kintyre) in the late sixth century. He was known for his prolific warfare; and Arthur of Dalriada was killed in one of Aedan's battles against the Picts, at Miathi.

Aedan, called 'the Wily', appears in a Welsh Triad, in which he visits the court of Rhydderch the Generous, killed all of the beasts, ate all of the food, and drank all of the wine.