Oswald of Northumbria was a 7th-century king who ruled the combined kingdoms of Bernicia and Deira from 634 until his death in 642. Born into the royal line of Deira, he spent his youth in exile within the Scottish kingdom of Dál Riata, where he embraced Christianity. After returning to power, he reunited the Northumbrian territories and became a dominant leader across much of Britain. He is remembered as a devout ruler who promoted the Christian faith and was later recognized as a saint.