Genealogies of the Saints

Cristiolus yn Lledwigan yMon a Rystvd yNgheredigion
yNehevbarth meibion Howel Vychan ap Howel ap Emyr Llydaw

Cristiolus 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