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We welcome students and locals, whether Welsh or simply interested in Wales and the Welsh language
Who are we?
Cymdeithas Dafydd ap Gwilym is the Welsh society for the University of Oxford and wider Oxford community. The society was established in 1886, making it the oldest society in Oxford after the Oxford Union. It is known by its members as 'Y Dafydd'. In the 1990s, several of the society's magazine editions (Yr Aradr), feature articles on the creative work of its members, as well as some of its guest speakers. This tradition has continued with our now yearly magazine Y Drych.
Among our founding members were O. M. Edwards and John Morris-Jones. The society began accepting female members in the academic year 1966–1967. Famous alumni include Ifan ab Owen Edwards (founder of Urdd Gobaith Cymru), Gwynfor Evans (politician), W. J. Gruffydd (scholar and politician), Rhodri Morgan (former First Minister of Wales), Gwilym Owen Williams (archbishop), Ben Lake (Plaid Cymru MP), Delyth Jewell (Plaid Cymru Senedd Member), and Rhys ab Owen (Plaid Cymru Senedd Member).
Traditions
The society is named after the poet Dafydd ap Gwilym, and it was the tradition for every meeting to begin with a reading of his work by the Chaplain, followed by discussion. This happens to this day. The Dafydd had some formal rituals and prestigious-sounding positions, though they were intended to be ironic. Today the chairman keeps the title of Chaplain.
A Welsh-language carol service is held every Michaelmas Term. The Dafydd also holds our annual Eisteddfod every year in Hilary Term. Previous Eisteddfod winners include Carwyn Tywyn (from Burry Port) and Alaw Jones (pupil at Ysgol Gymraeg Ystalyfera).
Who was Dafydd ap Gwilym?
Dafydd ap Gwilym (c. 1315/1320 – c. 1350/1370) is regarded as one of the leading Welsh poets and among the great poets of Europe in the Middle Ages. Dafydd's poetry also offers a unique window into the transcultural movement of cultural practices and preservation of culture in the face of occupation. It is believed that about one hundred and seventy of his poems have survived, though many others have been attributed to him over the centuries. His main themes were love and nature. The influence of wider European ideas of courtly love, as exemplified in the troubadour poetry of Provençal, is seen as a significant influence on Dafydd's poetry. Oxford's Cymdeithas Dafydd ap Gwilym aims to honour the name of Dafydd ap Gwilym and the significance of Welsh literature on Europe and the world.
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