This 5th century saint, like many female saints, had a problem with a man. Although she was in love with Prince Maelon Dafodrill, when he tried to seduce her she rejected his advances and he attacked her. Very upset, she prayed to God for her love for Maelon to be erased. She was given a sweet potion to drink and all her hurt and anguish disappeared and Maelon was turned into a block of ice. She then asked for and was granted three wishes - that Maelon was made whole again; to be allowed to remain celibate for the rest of her life; and to be able to intercede on behalf of other lovers.Saint Dwynwen's Well and the ruins of her church are found on Llanddwyn Island, a peninsula off the South West corner of Anglesey. It was a popular place of pilgrimage in the Middle Ages. A cross was erected in the early 20th century and her cult was revived, with special events held all over Wales on the 25th January, Saint Dwynwen's Day. Besides curing people with aching bones and lung disease, the waters from the well are also believed to foretell lovers' fortunes. Apparently, one should place a hankerchief on the surface of the water and watch and wait for the eels that live in the well. Their movements will give clues to the lovers' fate. Another ritual for lovers is to stick pins in a cork and throw it into the well as they make a wish. Quite what the eels think of this, I don't know.
Llanddwyn is now part of the National Nature Reserve with fantastic views and wildlife. Lovers still make the pilgrimage to the Holy Well to get Saint Dwynwen's advice and blessing. So if you want to do something special with your loved one this year, take a trip to Llanddwyn Island, enjoy the solitude and scenery. And maybe Saint Dwynwen will smile upon you.
Sources:
Stevens, Catrin (2005) Santes Dwynwen/Saint Dwynwen, Gwasg Gomer, Llandysul, Ceredigion.
Images:
Saint Dwynwen (date unknown) [online] http://www.anglesey-hidden-gem.com/st-dwynwen-day.html (Accessed 11 February 2011).
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