Genealogies of the Saints
Cristiolus yn Lledwigan yMon a Rystvd yNgheredigion
yNehevbarth meibion Howel Vychan ap Howel ap Emyr LlydawCristiolus in Lledwigan in Anglesey, and Rhystud in Ceredigion in Deheubarth, sons of Howel Vychan ap Howel ap Emyr Llydaw
Bonedd y Saint, c.1150–1250
View of Llanrhystud, Ceredigion. Photo: David Parsons
Font, perhaps tenth century, Llangristiolus, Anglesey. Photo: Martin Crampin
Texts listing the family relationships of saints are unusual in a European context, but characteristic of Irish and Welsh medieval traditions. In this case the saints of Llangristiolus in Anglesey and Llanrhystud south of Aberystwyth are presented as brothers and descendants of the legendary Emyr Llydaw (Emyr of Brittany) whose descendants are also supposed to have included Padarn and Cadfan. Such lists were immensely popular in Wales, and survive in many manuscript copies, often with additions and alterations reflecting the interests and local knowledge of compilers.
Saints in Medieval Wales
Lives of the Saints
Verses to the Saints
Saints in Modern Times