Saint Cynhafal

For the hero of the Old North, see Cynhafal fab Argad. Cynhafal was a Welsh saint (fl. early 7th century); his feast day is celebrated by the church on 5 October. 'Cynhafal' is an ancient name meaning 'like a dog; similar to a dog' (cwn [=dog] + hafal). A warrior named Cynhafal is referred to in Y Gododdin, and the Triads of the Island of Britain mention Cynhafal fab Argad (or Aergad), one of the famous warriors of the Old North. Our knowledge of Saint Cynhafal is very limited. According to the genealogies, he was the son of Elgud ap Cadfarch ap Caradog Freichfras and his wife Tubrawst. He is referred to in old sources as 'Saint Cynhafal in Dyffryn Clwyd'. According to tradition, Cynhafal founded the church of Llangynhafal, a village in Denbighshire to the northeast of Ruthin today. The church, the only one dedicated to Saint Cynhafal, stands by itself a considerable distance from the village, next door to an old farmhouse. Near the church is Ffynnon Gynhafal (Cynhafal's Well), enclosed by walls measuring 18 by 10 feet. People used to visit this holy well to cure rheumatism and to get rid of warts. There is an arch over the entrance with steps leading down to the well's water.