In the 1330s the Mortimer family of Chirk fell out with Edward III, and their lands were given to the Arundels. Whilst they were lords of Chirkland (including Dinas Brân) the daughter of the tenant of Dinas Brân was immortalised in the sole surviving poem by bard Hywel ap Einion Lygliw (~1330-70). 

Myfanwy and Hywel

'Ode to Myfanwy Fychan', a Welsh love poem, was written by Hywel ap Einion Llygliw, a 14th century poet.  Hywel fell, like many other suitors, for Myfanwy of Dinas Brân. His love was rejected by Myfanwy in favour of a richer, more handsome and more eloquent suitor. Being a poet Hywel ap Einion wrote a ballad declaring his yearning and loss.

The poet John Ceiriog Hughes wrote the poem 'Myfanwy Fychan', based upon this story, that won a silver crown at the 1858 Great Llangollen Eisteddfod, the precursor of today’s National Eisteddfod.

Manuscript of the poem Myfanwy Fechan: 

NLWMS4973-369b. 

Courtesy of the National Library Wales

I am without spirit, O thou that hast enchanted me, as Creirwy enchanted Garwy. In whatever part of the world I am, I lament my absence from the marble castle of Myfanwy.

Love is the heaviest burden, O thou that shinest like the heavens, and a greater punishment cannot be inflicted than thy displeasure, O beautiful Myfanwy.

I who am plunged deeper and deeper in love, can expect no other ease, O gentle fair Myfanwy with the jet eyebrows, than to lose my life upon thy account.