This weekend we think about Sant Dewi — Saint David — patron saint of Wales who is celebrated on March 1st. I thought for my blog this week I would reflect on some of the myths and legends about Sant Dewi. It is interesting how many of the signs and miracles in Dewi’s life reflect the stories in the gospels.
Sant Dewi’s exact dates are unknown, but it is thought that he lived around 500 CE to 589 CE. Like most of the Celtic saints we talk about, the stories about Dewi were carried orally for centuries before being recorded. The earliest and most influential source for the legends about Sant Dewi is Buchedd Dewi (The Life of St. David) by Rhygyfarch in 1090. Stories are also recorded in Annales Cambriae (Welsh Chronicles), 10th century, a collection of writings mainly attributed to Nennius, a 9th-century monk, and in The Cambro-Briton (1829) ed. James Hughes.
One of the most famous miracles is the rising hill which occurred at while Dewi was preaching at the Synod of Llanddewi Brefi which was a gathering of Welsh church leaders. The synod was convened to address the rise of the Pelagian controversy. Dewi was chosen to speak and did so despite his initial reluctance. The tale says that the crowd was so large that those at the back could not see or hear him. In response, the ground beneath him miraculously rose into a hill, allowing everyone to see him and hear his words. At the same moment a white dove descended onto his shoulder, symbolizing divine favor.
This affirmed Dewi’s authority, and he became a leading figure in the Welsh church. Today, Llanddewi Brefi remains a place of deep historical and spiritual significance in Wales. Nestled in the rolling hills of Ceredigion, this small village continues to be associated with Dewi’s sermon and the miraculous rising hill. In the village the most prominent site for pilgrims to visit is St. David’s Church, the small mound near the churchyard is believed to be the spot where the ground rose. The site is venerated as a symbol of divine intervention.
Other myths talk about Dewi’s ability to perform various miracles including raising the dead and healing people. From childhood, he was blessed with these miraculous abilities. One story tells of how as a child he made the sign of the cross over a blind monk, instantly restoring his sight. Another legend states a person was brought to him, lifeless, and when Dewi prayed over him, resulting in the person being miraculously restored to life. In addition, Dewi’s prayers helped drive away a group of Irish raiders who were attempting to attack his monastery. Divine intervention is said to have caused a storm that forced the invaders to retreat.
These legends highlight David as not only a teacher and preacher but also as a conduit of God’s direct power to intervene in the physical world.
During one of his sermons, as he passionately proclaimed the Gospel, his listeners saw a golden light, like flames of fire, surrounding him. Despite the fire, David was unharmed, continuing to speak with unwavering conviction. The sight left the crowd in awe, and they took it as a divine sign that David was truly blessed by God.
Sant Dewi is associated with several holy wells across Wales, many are believed to have healing properties. One legend says that on one of his journeys as Dewi traveled and preached, he and his followers were in a remote and arid region. They had little water, and the group was in danger of dehydration. In a moment of prayer, Dewi called upon God for help. Suddenly, a spring of fresh water burst forth from the earth, providing the much-needed life-giving water for David and his followers. This spring was later known as St. David's Well, and it became a site of pilgrimage for centuries. This miracle served as a powerful reminder that God provides,even in the most barren of places.
One of the defining aspects of Sant Dewi’s life was his extreme asceticism, he lived on a bread, vegetables, and water abstaining from alcohol, dairy and meat entirely. This earned him the nickname Dewi Ddyfrwr (David the Water Drinker).
He founded the monastic community at Glyn Rhosyn (now St. Davids in Pembrokeshire), which became a center of religious learning and pilgrimage. His monastic rule, which was particularly severe, emphasized prayer, hard work, and a frugal lifestyle.
The monks at Glyn Rhosyn were required to plough the fields themselves, not using any animals. This was to emphasized, humility and was seen as both practical and sacred task. Following Dewi’s practice the monks ate only bread, herbs and water. When they weren’t involved in manual labour they were studying or praying. Only minimal conversation was allowed. Travellers and the needy were welcomed as they received food and shelter. Both hospitality and manual labour were seen as a form of worship.
David is believed to have died on March 1st (sometime in the late 6th century). His last words, as recorded by Rhygyfarch, were: "Be joyful, keep the faith, and do the little things in life." According to legend, David emphasized the importance of the small acts of kindness and faith in building a strong, enduring spiritual life. These words became central to the ethos of the Celtic monastic tradition, which emphasised simple living, prayer, and service as the foundation for a deeply connected life with God.
I have enjoyed looking at the myths and legends surrounding Sant Dewi. Many of the themes can be applied to contemporary spiritual life. I hope, together, we can explore them more fully in the future as Dewi’s life is a rich source of inspiration. Dewi’s life was a powerful influence on Celtic Christianity with themes which explore simplicity, steadfastness, service, prayer, community, connection to nature, sacred earth and finding greatness in small, consistent acts of love.
