Dafydd Rowlands facts for kids

Dafydd Heslin Rowlands (born December 25, 1931 – died April 26, 2001) was an important Welsh writer, teacher, and religious leader. He was known for winning the top poetry prize, called the crown, at the National Eisteddfod twice. Later, he became the Archdruid, a very respected leader in Welsh culture.

Dafydd Rowlands' Life Story

Dafydd Rowlands was born in Pontardawe, Wales, in 1931. His father worked in a steel factory. When Dafydd was ten years old, his father left the family. Dafydd never saw him again.

Dafydd went to University College, Swansea. There, he earned a degree in the Welsh language. After that, he trained to become a minister at the Presbyterian College in Carmarthen. He then worked as a Congregational minister.

In 1959, Dafydd married Margaret Morris. They had three sons together. Later, Dafydd left his work as a minister. He became a teacher at Garw Grammar School in Pontycymer.

In 1968, he joined the staff at Trinity College Carmarthen. He worked in the Welsh Department there. He left the college in 1983. After that, he started a new career. He became a scriptwriter and a presenter for TV and radio shows.

Dafydd's Work in Television

Dafydd Rowlands created many interesting programmes. Some of these were documentaries about famous Welsh people. He made shows about the poet Gwenallt Jones and the hymn-writer Ann Griffiths. He also made a documentary about the "daughters of Rebecca." These were people involved in the Rebecca Riots in West Wales during the 1840s.

Dafydd also wrote scripts for popular Welsh TV shows. He wrote for Pobol y Cwm, which is a long-running Welsh soap opera. He also wrote for Licrys Olsorts. This show was the Welsh version of a British comedy called Last of the Summer Wine.

His Achievements in Welsh Literature

Dafydd Rowlands was a very talented writer. In 1969, he won the crown at the National Eisteddfod. This important Welsh festival was held in Flint that year. He won for his collection of poems called I Gwestiynau fy Mab (To My Son's Questions).

He won the crown again in 1972. This time, the Eisteddfod was in Pembrokeshire. His winning work was named 'Dadeni' (Rebirth). In the same year, he also won the Prose Medal. He received this award for his book of essays, Ysgrifau yr Hanner Bardd (Essays of the Half-Bard).

Dafydd published several collections of poetry. These included Meini (Stones) in 1972, Yr Wythfed (The Eighth) in 1975, and Sobers a Fi (Sobers and I) in 1995. In 1980, he wrote a short book of prose poetry called Paragraffau o Serbia (Paragraphs from Serbia).

In 1977, Dafydd wrote an experimental novel in Welsh. It was called Mae Theomemphus yn Hen (Theomemphus is Old). In this novel, he explored his relationship with his father. This was a very honest look at his own life.

Archdruid of Wales

Dafydd Rowlands was a highly respected figure in Welsh culture. From 1996 to 1999, he held the important position of archdruid. The Archdruid is the leader of the Gorsedd of Bards. This group promotes Welsh language and culture, especially at the National Eisteddfod.

Dafydd Rowlands passed away in 2001 from heart disease. He is remembered for his contributions to Welsh literature and culture.