Selwyn Griffith facts for kids
Selwyn Griffith (born 1928, died 2011) was a famous Welsh poet. He was also known by his special poet's name, Selwyn Iolen. He became the Archdruid, a very important leader, at the National Eisteddfod of Wales. This is a big festival that celebrates Welsh culture, especially music and poetry.
Early Life and Education
Selwyn Iolen was born in 1928 in a village called Bethel. This village is close to Caernarfon in Wales. He lived in this area his whole life.
Selwyn went to Bethel Primary School when he was young. Later, he studied at Ysgol Syr Hugh Owen in Caernarfon.
Working Life
Selwyn Iolen first worked for the local government. He was an officer for the Gwyrfai Rural District Council for 18 years.
After that, he decided to become a teacher. He went to Bangor Normal College to train. Once he finished his training, he taught at several schools. These included Ysgol Cadnant Conwy, Ysgol Penybryn Bethesda, Ysgol Llanberis, and Ysgol Dolbadarn. He also became the headteacher of Rhiwlas Primary School.
A Gifted Poet
Selwyn Iolen was a very talented poet. He won many poetry competitions called eisteddfodau (plural of eisteddfod) all over Wales. He was very good at writing poems for children. He published seven books of poems for children to recite.
He also wrote a collection of poems for everyone called C'narfon a Cherddi Eraill. He even wrote a book about his own life, called O Barc y Wern i Barc y Faenol.
Becoming an Archdruid
In 1973, Selwyn Iolen became a member of the Gorsedd. This is a special group of poets, writers, musicians, and artists who work to protect Welsh culture.
He won the Dyffryn Conwy National Eisteddfod Crown in 1989. This is a big award for poets.
Selwyn Iolen served as the Archdruid of the National Eisteddfod from 2005 to 2008. He was the main leader of the festival during these years. He also helped lead the 2009 Eisteddfod because the Archdruid at that time, Dic Jones, was unwell.
Published Works
- 2007: O Barc y Wern i Barc y Faenol (His autobiography)
- 2000: Nesa i Adrodd...
- 1995: A Dyma'r Ola'
- 1995: Mae Gen i Gân (with Leah Owen)
- 1992: Dewch i Adrodd Eto
- 1992: Dewch i Adrodd
- 1990: Pawb yn Barod?
- 1986: Llwyfan y Plant
- 1979: C'nafron a Cherddi Eraill (A collection of his poems)
