John Dyfnallt Owen facts for kids
Rev. John Dyfnallt Owen (born April 7, 1873 – died December 28, 1956) was a well-known Welsh poet. He also held a very important role as the Archdruid of the National Eisteddfod of Wales from 1954 until he passed away. Many people knew him simply by his special poet's name, "Dyfnallt".
Contents
Early Life and Family
John Dyfnallt Owen was born in a place called Llangiwg, which is near Pontardawe in Glamorgan, Wales. His parents were David and Angharad Owen. Sadly, his mother died when he was very young. Because of this, his grandparents raised him. Later, in 1904, he married Annie Hopkin, and they had two children together.
Education and Career Journey
John Dyfnallt Owen started his working life as a coal miner for a short time. After that, he decided to continue his education and attended Bala Bangor College.
Becoming a Minister
After his studies, he became a minister in the Congregational church. This meant he was a leader in different churches. He served in Trawsfynydd from 1898 to 1902, and then in Deiniolen from 1902 to 1905. In 1905, he moved to Sardis Chapel in Pontypridd. Later, in 1910, he became the minister at Lammas Street Chapel in Carmarthen. He stayed there until he retired from being a minister in 1947.
Serving During Wartime
During World War I, John Dyfnallt Owen served as a chaplain in France. A chaplain is like a minister or priest who provides spiritual support to soldiers.
Editor and President
In 1927, he became the editor of Y Tyst, which was a Welsh-language magazine. Then, in 1936, he was chosen to be the President of the Union of Welsh Independents, a group of Welsh chapels.
Poetry and Archdruid Role
Like all Archdruids, John Dyfnallt Owen was a very talented poet. He won a major poetry prize, called the crown, at the National Eisteddfod in Swansea in 1907. The National Eisteddfod is a big festival in Wales that celebrates Welsh culture, especially music and poetry.
He also had a strong interest in Breton culture, which is from Brittany in France. He wrote a book about it in 1934. In 1953, he received an honorary Master of Arts (M.A.) degree from the University of Wales. When he was 80 years old, in 1954, he was elected as the Archdruid of Wales at Rhyl. This is a very respected position in Welsh culture.
Published Works
John Dyfnallt Owen wrote several books of poetry and other writings:
- Myfyrion a chaneuon maes y tân (1918) - This book contained poems and thoughts about his experiences during the war.
- O ben tir Llydaw (1934)
- Min yr hwyr (1934)
- Y greal a cherddi eraill (1946)
- Rhamant a Rhyddid (1952)
- Ar y tŵr (1953)
