Evan Rees (Dyfed) facts for kids
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Evan Rees (born January 1, 1850 – died March 19, 1923) was a famous Welsh poet and church leader. He was known by his special poetry name, Dyfed. He even became the Archdruid, a very important leader, of the National Eisteddfod of Wales. This is a big festival where people celebrate Welsh culture, especially music and poetry.
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Evan Rees's Life Story
Evan Rees was born in a place called Puncheston in Pembrokeshire, Wales. His parents were James and Eunice Rees. When he was a child, his family moved to Aberdare. Evan started working in a local coal mine when he was only eight years old.
Later, he moved to Cardiff. By the age of 23, he became a church leader for the Calvinistic Methodist church. He won his first prize at the National Eisteddfod in 1881. This was a big achievement for him.
Winning the Bardic Chair
In 1893, Evan Rees took part in a special Eisteddfod. It was held in Chicago, Illinois, as part of a huge event called the World Columbian Exposition. At this Eisteddfod, he won the Bardic Chair. This is a very important award for poets. He also won $500, which was a lot of money back then! He won for a long poem, called an awdl, about "Jesus of Nazareth."
Becoming Archdruid
Evan Rees became the Archdruid of the Gorsedd Cymru. This is the group that organizes the Eisteddfod. He had a very important job in 1917. That year, the Eisteddfod was held in Birkenhead. It was known as the "Eisteddfod of the Black Chair." Evan Rees had to announce that a poet named Hedd Wyn had won. Sadly, Hedd Wyn had died in World War I just weeks before, so he won the prize after his death.
Evan Rees's Books and Poems
Evan Rees wrote many poems and books during his life. Here are some of his important works:
- Caniadau Dyfedfab (around 1875)
- Gwlad yr Addewid a Iesu o Nazareth (1900)
- Gwaith Barddonol Dyfed (1903–1907)
- Oriau gydag Islwyn (1901)
- Emynau Dyfed (1924, published after he passed away)
