Wales is a land where stories shape the landscape. From medieval saints to Arthurian legends, the countryside is alive with tales of love, heroism, and magic. This is especially true when exploring St Dwynwen’s Day, the story of Olwen, and Olwen Wood near Lampeter.
Who Was St Dwynwen? Wales’ Patron Saint of Lovers
St Dwynwen is remembered as the Welsh patron saint of lovers, celebrated each year on 25 January. According to tradition, she fell in love with a man named Maelon Dafodrill. When their love could not be fulfilled, Dwynwen prayed to be freed from her sorrow.
Her prayers were answered: Maelon was transformed, true lovers were blessed, and Dwynwen devoted her life to God, founding a religious community on Llanddwyn Island. Her story highlights compassion, sacrifice, and the timeless human experiences of love and loss.
The Story of Culhwch and Olwen
While St Dwynwen represents spiritual love, the tale of Culhwch and Olwen from the medieval Mabinogion celebrates heroic love. Culhwch, cursed to marry only Olwen, must complete a series of impossible tasks set by her giant father, Ysbaddaden, aided by King Arthur and his warriors.
Olwen herself is described as life-giving—flowers grow wherever she walks. The story emphasizes perseverance, cooperation, and love as a transformative force. It also shows how Welsh legends connect human emotion with nature, heroism, and storytelling.
Olwen Wood Near Lampeter: Where Story Meets Place
Olwen Wood, part of Longwood Community Woodland, is linked in local tradition to Olwen from Culhwch and Olwen. While the tale itself is legendary, the woodland preserves the cultural memory of these stories, rooting myth in the real landscape.
Walking through Olwen Wood today, visitors can experience the connection between legend and nature. The circular trail keeps Welsh storytelling alive, offering a space where imagination and history meet.
Celebrating Love and Landscape
Both St Dwynwen and Olwen reflect love in different ways. Dwynwen’s devotion shows love as sacrifice and compassion, while Olwen’s presence symbolizes life, growth, and harmony with the natural world. Together, their stories remind us that love is not only personal—it shapes communities, landscapes, and traditions across Wales.
Celebrate St Dwynwen’s Day at Olwen Wood
This Sunday, mark St Dwynwen’s Day with a walk around Olwen Wood, celebrating Welsh love, legend, and landscape at Longwood Community Woodland.
Explore the woodland and find your own connection to these stories by visiting our trails page.