E. Gwyndaf Evans facts for kids

Quick facts for kids E. Gwyndaf Evans
Born	7 March 1913
Died	10 March 1986  (aged 73)
Nationality	Welsh

Evan Gwyndaf Evans, often known simply as Gwyndaf, was a famous Welsh poet. He lived from 1913 to 1986. Gwyndaf held a very important position in Welsh culture. He was the Archdruid of the National Eisteddfod of Wales from 1966 to 1969.

Gwyndaf was born in Llanfachreth, a village in Gwynedd, Wales. He worked as a minister at Tabernacle Chapel, Llanelli from 1935 to 1957. Later, he taught Scripture at Ysgol Brynrefail, Llanrug, from 1957 until 1978.

To become an Archdruid, a poet must first win a major prize at the National Eisteddfod. Gwyndaf won the prestigious Chair at the Caernarfon Eisteddfod in 1935. His winning poem was called Magdalen. This poem was special because it used a new style called vers libre (free verse). It also cleverly combined this with the traditional Welsh poetic form called cynghanedd. This was the first time such a combination had won the competition.

Gwyndaf's Legacy

The special chair Gwyndaf won in 1935 was a gift from Welsh people living in New Zealand. After Gwyndaf's wife passed away, the chair was given to the National Library of Wales. His portrait was also given to the library at the same time. These items help remember his important contributions to Welsh poetry.

His Published Works

Gwyndaf wrote several collections of his poems. Here are some of his well-known books:

• Magdalen a cherddi eraill (This means 'Magdalen and other poems'). It was published by Gwasg Gomer in 1962.
• Cerddi Gwyndaf: y casgliad cyflawn (This means 'Gwyndaf's Poems: the complete collection'). It was published by Gwasg Gee in Denbigh in 1987.