-Yashiba Sanil, Communications and Campaigns Officer
Trigger Warnings: Mention of rape, forced marriage and sexual violence.
As we celebrate St Dwynwen’s Day every 25th January, honoring the Welsh patron Saint of love, her story encourages us to reflect on what love truly means. St Dwynwen, the patron Saint of love in Wales, is often celebrated for her compassion and selflessness, but her story carries a darker truth. In many versions of her tale, Dwynwen’s love for Maelon was marked by betrayal and harm. Some interpretations suggest Maelon raped her when she refused his advances, shattering the ideals of love she had cherished. She escaped forced marriage from her father as well and prayed for three good wishes: to be safe from abuse from her lover, to free herself from marriage and for others to be happy in love.
This aspect of Dwynwen’s story- often omitted in popular retellings, holds profound meaning. It shows that even a Ssaint associated with love and healing endured violence and heartbreak. But her tale is just one among many. The rich tapestry of Welsh mythology provides other characters- like Rhiannon and Blodeuwedd who embody different facets of love. Their stories, complex and sometimes tragic, show us that love should always nurture, respect, and heal, never harm.
St Dwynwen’s story is a reminder that abuse can take many forms-emotional, physical, and psychological. Abuse often hides behind the guise of love, making it harder to recognise. In England and Wales alone, nearly 1 in 3 women will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime, and the effects ripple far beyond individual relationships, impacting families and communities.
Abuse isn’t always visible; it can manifest in subtle ways, such as manipulation, isolation, or coercive control. This is why recognising the signs is crucial-not only for those experiencing it but for those around them who can offer support.
Love Respects Autonomy – The Story of Rhiannon
Rhiannon, a goddess in Welsh mythology, is a central figure in the Mabinogion, a collection of medieval Welsh tales. Her story begins with her rejecting an arranged marriage to a man she did not love. Instead, Rhiannon sought out Pwyll, the mortal man she had chosen for herself. Her boldness in defying societal expectations and pursuing her own desires sets her apart as a symbol of autonomy and strength.
However, Rhiannon’s trials did not end with love. She faced unimaginable hardship when she was framed for killing her son, who had been stolen by nursemaids. As punishment, she was forced to carry visitors to the Royal Court on her back like a horse- a deeply humiliating penance. Despite this, her resilience never faltered. She endures with dignity, her innocence ultimately proven, and her autonomy restored.
Rhiannon’s story reminds us that love does not control or diminish, it uplifts and respects. Whether in relationships or communities, honoring autonomy and supporting each other’s choices is essential. Her legacy calls us to build a world where love empowers, even in the face of adversity.
Love is Built on Trust, Not Control – The Story of Blodeuwedd
Blodeuwedd’s story, also from the Mabinogion, is one of beauty, betrayal, and tragedy. She was created from flowers—meadowsweet, broom, and oak blossoms, by two magicians to be the perfect wife for Lleu Llaw Gyffes, a man under a curse preventing him from marrying a human woman. Though beautiful and seemingly perfect, Blodeuwedd was not given a choice in her creation or her life.
Trapped in a life she did not choose, Blodeuwedd fell in love with another man, Gronw Pebr. Together, they plotted to kill Lleu, hoping to free her from her unwanted marriage. Their plan ultimately failed, and Blodeuwedd was punished by being transformed into an owl, cursed to live forever in darkness and solitude.
Blodeuwedd’s story is a cautionary tale about love built on control rather than trust. Her creation as an object of perfection designed to fulfill someone else’s desires meant that her autonomy and humanity were denied from the start. In modern times, controlling relationships often manifest in more subtle ways: through jealousy, surveillance, or emotional manipulation. True love, as Blodeuwedd’s story painfully illustrates, cannot flourish without trust and mutual respect.
Love Means Healing and Compassion – The Story of St Dwynwen
In contrast to Rhiannon and Blodeuwedd, St Dwynwen’s story is one of healing and selflessness. When faced with abuse, she prayed to be spared from the pain of love. In response, an angel granted her wishes but also gave her the power to heal others in matters of the heart.
Dwynwen devoted her life to compassion, establishing a sanctuary on Anglesey where she cared for those in emotional pain. Her story teaches us that love goes beyond traditional notions of romance- it’s about kindness, empathy, and the ability to heal.
How to Celebrate St Dwynwen’s Day
This St Dwynwen’s Day, let’s honor these lessons by making love a force for good in the world. Here are a few ways you can celebrate:
- Donate to Welsh Women’s Aid: Help create safe spaces for survivors of abuse to heal and rebuild their lives.
- Share the Stories: Use these myths to start conversations about healthy relationships and abuse prevention.
- Advocate for Change: Support policies and initiatives that protect survivors and challenge harmful behaviors.
These stories from Welsh mythologies are more than just tales, they are also a call to action. Let’s carry their lessons into our lives and create a world where love uplifts, respects, and heals.