"Nothing wins hearts like cheerfulness" - the words of Dwynwen, one of 24 beautiful daughters of King Brychan Brycheiniog who lived during the fifth century AD.
The beautiful Princess Dwynwen fell in love with a prince, Maelon Dafodrill, but Maelon spurned her love. Heartbroken, Dwynwen retreated to Llanddwyn Island where she saw an apparition whilst looking at eels swimming in a well.
The apparition granted her three wishes; for the first wish Dwynwen asked for Maelon to be turned into ice for spurning her love; secondly that she would remain on Llanddwyn for the rest of her days and thirdly that all lovers coming to Llanddwyn would be happy for the rest of their lives.
To celebrate St Dwynwen's Day on January 25 why not:
Take a romantic walk in the footsteps of Dwynwen from Newborough to Llanddwyn Island where she established her church.
your comments
Harriet, Swansea
She didn't wish for him to be turned to ice, that was a consequence of her wish to forget Maelon. And the reason she did that was because she was already betrothed. Also the second wish was that she would never marry, not to remain on Llanddwyn. I just felt i needed to point that out.
Mon Sep 29 09:46:02 2008
David Llewellyn from Virginia Beach
I always find far more passion and depth in Welsh folklore than contemporary popular culture. St. Dwynwen is a great example of this. Happy St. Dwynwen's Day!
Tue Jan 22 09:07:03 2008
Mrs D Phillipps, Llanddulas
My son's school in Abergele are having a St Dwynwen's disco this Friday. The children also get the opportunity to learn folk dancing and they took part in a fantastic evening to celebrate the Celtic New Year on 13th January. Completely agree that we should celebrate our culture and heritage more.
Mon Jan 30 20:16:22 2006
Huw Llanfairpwll
Our 5-year-old son made us a St Dwynwen's Day card at school, also learnt the story of St Dwynwen. I am not sure if they do this throughout Wales, but they should. What better way to hand down your culture?
Wed Jan 25 19:13:19 2006
Dan from Sydney
Good point, only the lucky few enjoy Welsh culture. If she were Scottish or Irish she'd be well celebrated. Come to think of it, isn't tonight Burns' Night? When's Dylan Thomas night, again?
Wed Jan 25 06:44:00 2006
Dave Box, Pontllanfraith
We all love to enjoy ourselves. We also like to make our lovers - be they wives, girlfriends or something else - happy whenever possible. If I hadn't come across this page by accident, I would not have given St Dwynwen's Day a second thought. Now I will look for something special for the morning. Just hope the card shops don't catch on!
DO NOT TELL THE FLORIST (not until I've visited anyway!)
Wed Jan 25 00:27:39 2006
MRS SARAH CUMMINGS, Pontyclun
Why don't we make more of a fuss about St Dwynwen's Day in Wales? It's such a shame. We have such a wonderfully rich culture and heritage it seems sad that only a minority of us appreciate our roots. I rather like old St Dwynwen - fancy turning someone to ice! Talk about a woman scorned!
Tue Jan 24 14:24:50 2006
