25th January 2004

Santes Dwynwen

Today is the day of Wales' patron saint of lovers, Dwynwen.

Dwynwen was one of King Brychan Brycheiniog's 24 beautiful daughters back in the 5th century AD.

Many young men fell in love with the princess and her relationship with one, Prince Maelon Dafodrill, is of great significance.

It's not exactly clear what, but he did something bad to her.

Some sources say he insisted on sex before marriage while others claim that he raped her.

Now, there are many variations of the next part of the story as well, but one way or another Maelon was turned to ice.

Dwynwen was then given the opportunity (by God or three wishes or something) to have him thawed back to life, and so she did.

She also packed her bags and moved to a small island, Llanddwyn, near Anglesey, where she stayed the rest of her life.

Dwynwen never got married herself but wished happiness on all lovers in Wales.

She founded a church on the island, where other broken-hearted girls came to join her.

There's a well near what remains of the church today that has a magic fish in it that brings good fortune to lovers, or some crap like that.

- Aled Powell

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