Ardudwy facts for kids
Ardudwy is a beautiful area in Gwynedd, north-west Wales. It sits between Tremadog Bay and the Rhinogydd mountains. This region was once an important part of the old Kingdom of Gwynedd. It was first a division of a larger area called Dunoding. Later, it became its own smaller district, known as a commote.
The land from Barmouth to Harlech is very fertile. For a long time, people used it as pasture, which means land for animals to graze. Today, you can still find the name Ardudwy in the modern village and community of Dyffryn Ardudwy.
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History and Welsh Legends
Ardudwy is famous in Welsh mythology. Many old stories, like the Triads of the Island of Britain, talk about this place.
The Flooded Land and New Homes
One legend connects Ardudwy to the flooding of Cantre'r Gwaelod. This was a mythical land that sank beneath the sea. The stories say that people who survived this flood moved to Ardudwy. They settled here and in nearby areas that were empty before.
Lleu Llaw Gyffes and His Palace
Ardudwy also appears in the Mabinogion, a collection of Welsh tales. In the Fourth Branch of these stories, a hero named Lleu Llaw Gyffes is given Ardudwy as his land. He built his palace at a place called "Mur y Castell" in Ardudwy. Lleu ruled there and later fought a powerful enemy named Gronw Pebr. Lleu defeated Gronw by the River Cynfael. There is even a special stone in Ardudwy called Llech Ronw (Gronw's Stone). It has a hole in it, said to be from Lleu's spear.
Ancient Leaders and Modern Times
Later, Ardudwy was linked to Collwyn ap Tango. He was a chieftain from the 9th century. Collwyn was a leader of Eifionydd, Ardudwy, and part of Llŷn. Many important families, like the Anwyl of Tywyn Family, trace their history back to him.
Ardudwy was a central part of the Kingdom of Gwynedd during the early Middle Ages. In 1283, Gwynedd was conquered. Ardudwy was then joined with Meirionydd to form a new county called Merionethshire. This continued until 1974. At that time, Welsh local government was reorganized. Ardudwy became part of the reformed Gwynedd, where it remains today.
