Emlyn, Euros and Others

Robert Rhys reflects on a life of research into some of Wales’ literary icons

It was only after retiring from my post as a lecturer in the Department of Welsh at Swansea University that I felt the urge to research the poetic career of the Rev. D. Emlyn Lewis (1907-1976), who won the Crown at the Llanelli National Eisteddfod in 1962.

It mainly stemmed from the vivid memories I had of him winning the Crown in Llanelli when I was a pupil at Llanddarog V.C primary school, when Emlyn Lewis was the vicar of the parish – in fact, his pseudonym was ‘Yr Hydd Gwyn’ (the White Hart), after the pub opposite the village church.

I wanted to learn more about Emlyn’s literary career before it culminated in his success in 1962. Emlyn was an innovative and challenging poet (some would say ‘dark’) and he needed sympathetic adjudicators. His main champion in this regard was his fellow priest the Rev. Euros Bowen, one of the most important poets of the 20th century. I had cause to reflect again on Euros’ work when I received an invitation to deliver the Barddas Lecture on his work at the 2024 Rhondda Cynon Taf Eisteddfod, bearing in mind that he was born in Treorchy. (But Carmarthenshire can lay claim to him as well.) I published essays on Emlyn in Barddas, the Summer and Autumn 2021 editions, and on Euros in Barddas, October 2024 and Winter 2025.

It was marvellous to be able to establish the series of online seminars Gofal ein Gwinllan, which led to the publication of three volumes, all with the intention of celebrating the Church’s contribution to Welsh literature and culture.

One exciting aspect of my contribution was the opportunity to research the controversial editor and writer, David Owen, ‘Brutus’ (1795-1866). Originally from Llanpumsaint, he spent the most important part of his life on the banks of the river Gwydderig near Llandovery, as editor of Yr Haul, eagerly supporting the conservative ecclesiastical standpoint, often by arguing against David Rees, Llanelli, editor of Y Diwygiwr.

But he is mainly remembered as a gifted writer whose work was published in the 20th century in the volumes Bugeiliaid Epynt and Wil Brydydd y Coed. The other cleric whose work I have researched is the poet and writer from Eifionydd, Morris Williams ‘Nicander’ (1809-1874). In doing so, it was appropriate to acknowledge my debt to the comprehensive thesis by the cleric and scholar, the Revd. D. Eifion Evans. (My essays on both can be found in Gofal ein Gwinllan, volumes 2 and 3.)

I’ll close on a personal note. The invitation to contribute came from the daughter of another local literary cleric from my childhood, Revd. G. Alun Williams, vicar of Llangyndeyrn and author of the poetry anthology Cerddi Glyn Alun, a man that I remember with affection and appreciation.