Dafydd Nicolas facts for kids
Dafydd Nicolas (also known as David Nicholas) was a Welsh poet who lived from about 1705 to 1774. He is remembered for his unique style of poetry.
His Life
Dafydd Nicolas was born in Llangynwyd, a place near Maesteg, Wales. Records suggest he was baptized on July 1, 1705. His parents were Robert Nicolas and Anne Rees.
He later became a school teacher in the area. After some time, he moved to live in Ystradyfodwg.
Around the mid-1700s, a wealthy family called the Williams family noticed his talent. They lived at Aberpergwm House in Glynneath, Glamorgan. Dafydd Nicolas then lived at Aberpergwm House for the rest of his life.
Some people in the 1800s thought he was a "family bard." A family bard was a special poet who worked for a noble family. However, an expert named William Davies said that Nicolas was actually a private tutor for the family. This means he taught the children of the Williams family.
His Poetry
A famous Welsh scholar, Iolo Morganwg, said that Dafydd Nicolas was very smart. He knew several languages, including Latin, Greek, and French. Iolo Morganwg believed Nicolas was the most talented Welsh poet he had ever met.
People in the Neath valley even said that Nicolas had translated Homer's famous poem, the Iliad, into Welsh.
Dafydd Nicolas is best known for his poems written in "free metre." This means his poems did not always follow strict rules for rhythm or rhyme.
Two of his songs, "Callyn serchus" and "Ffanni blodau'r ffair," were published in a collection in 1844. This collection was called Ancient National Airs of Gwent and Morganwg. It is also thought that he wrote another song called "Y deryn pur."
Dafydd Nicolas passed away at Aberpergwm House on February 8, 1774. He was buried there.
