Say shwmae to Santes Dwynwen, whose story has all the heartbreak and devotion you’d expect from a Netflix period drama ...
Santes Dwynwen: Wales’ Patron Saint of Broken Hearts
Once upon a time in the 5th century, there was a princess named Dwynwen, and a young man named Maelon Dafodrill stole her heart.
However, their romance was doomed from the beginning - some say her father forbade the match, while others claim that Maelon wasn’t exactly Prince Charming (classic). Either way, Dwynwen was devastated.
Heartbroken, she fled to the woods and prayed for her heart to heal. This is when things took a magical turn ...
Suddenly, an angel appeared, armed with a mysterious potion. This elixir immediately helped her get over him - and turned him into a block of ice, just for good measure (does anyone know where I can get some of this elixir? Asking for a friend ...).
A New Beginning
As well as the magical elixir, Dwynwen was also granted three wishes.
Like the selfless queen she was, Dwynwen’s wishes were:
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To thaw Maelon (because turning your ex into an ice cube is fun until it’s not)
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To ensure happiness for all true lovers
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To dedicate her own life to God
With her prayers answered, Dwynwen embraced a life of faith, setting up a convent on Ynys Llanddwyn, an island off the coast of Anglesey.
Why Celebrate Santes Dwynwen’s Day?
This January 25th, skip the mass-produced teddy bears and overpriced chocolates. Instead, embrace the spirit of Santes Dwynwen, the saint who proves that love, even when it’s complicated, is always worth celebrating.
Diolch, Dwynwen!