Myrddin ap Dafydd facts for kids

Myrddin ap Dafydd (born 25 July 1956) is a famous Welsh writer and publisher. He is also known as a chaired bard, which means he has won special poetry competitions. In 2018, he was chosen to be the Archdruid of Wales, a very important role in Welsh culture.

Myrddin ap Dafydd was born in Llanrwst, a town in north Wales. He went to school there and later studied at the University College Wales, Aberystwyth.

In 1980, he started his own publishing company called Gwasg Carreg Gwalch. This company publishes many books, especially in the Welsh language. He also helps run a brewery called Cwrw Llŷn and an art gallery called Oriel Tonnau. Myrddin ap Dafydd is a strong supporter of Welsh culture and its future.

What Myrddin ap Dafydd Has Written

Myrddin ap Dafydd has written many different types of books. He writes poetry, songs, and stories for both children and adults.

Poetry and Songs

Myrddin ap Dafydd is well-known for his poetry. He has written several collections of poems. He also helped create songbooks, like Llyfr Caneuon Tecwyn y Tractor. His poetry often explores Welsh history and culture. One of his books, Syched am Sycharth, tells stories about the Welsh hero Owain Glyndŵr.

Here are some of his poetry and song books:

• Llyfr Caneuon Tecwyn y Tractor (June 1998)
• Pen Draw'r Tir (November 1998)
• Clawdd Cam (October 2003)
• Cerddi Cyntaf (September 2006)

Welsh Books for Children

Myrddin ap Dafydd has written many popular books for young readers in Welsh. These books often teach children about Welsh traditions and legends. He has written several series, including "Cyfres y Llwyfan" and "Cyfres Straeon Plant Cymru."

Some of his Welsh children's books include:

• Gweld Cymru – Hwyl wrth Ddod i Adnabod Gwlad (May 1998)
• Golau ar y Goeden – Arferion, Straeon a Cherddi Nadolig (September 2000)
• Jam Coch Mewn Pwdin Reis (November 2000)
• Cyfres Straeon Plant Cymru 1: Straeon y Tylwyth Teg (May 2005)
• Cyfres Straeon Plant Cymru 2: Ogof y Brenin Arthur (May 2005)
• Cyfres Straeon Plant Cymru 6: Draig Goch Cymru (April 2007)

English Books for Children

He has also written children's books in English, making Welsh stories available to more readers. These books often share the same exciting tales as his Welsh versions.

Some of his English children's books include:

• Tales from Wales 1: Fairy Tales from Wales (May 2005)
• Tales from Wales 2: King Arthur's Cave (May 2005)
• Tales from Wales 6: The Red Dragon of Wales (April 2007)

Books for Adults

Myrddin ap Dafydd has written non-fiction books for adults too. These include guides for walking and books about Welsh place names.

Music Albums

He has also released music albums, such as Caneuon Tecwyn y Tractor in 2004. This album features songs that connect with his written works.

Awards and Special Honours

Myrddin ap Dafydd has received many awards for his writing and his contributions to Welsh culture.

• 1974: He won the Bardic chair at the Urdd National Eisteddfod. This is a major award for poets in Wales.
• 1990: He won another Bardic chair at the National Eisteddfod in Cwm Rhymni.
• 2000: He was named the Welsh-language Children's Poet Laureate by the Welsh Books Council. This means he was recognized as the top poet for children in Wales.
• 2001: He won the Tir na n-Og Award for his children's book Jam Coch Mewn Pwdin Reis. This award celebrates excellent children's books in Wales.
• 2002: He won his third Bardic chair at the National Eisteddfod in St Davids.
• 2018: He was elected Archdruid of Wales. This is the highest honour a poet or musician can receive in the Welsh Eisteddfod tradition.