Since my earlier request for help I have dug up a book written in 1887 by an
inhabitant of the village during that period.
Thestories about Ffynnon Rhydhalog (Well of the Defiled Ford)
and Ffynnon Ffos (Embanlment well) are as follows: The legend
connected with the former is as follows:-
Some 50 years ago aquarrel arose between two women who lived at Tre'r
Gadlef, near the well, originating from an accusation made by one against
the children of another that they polluted the water by taking
dirty vessels to collect water therefrom and consequently
distrubing the limpidity of the spring. As a result of this ill
feeling the water became a reddish colour and so remained while
the women lived in the vicinity.
At Ffynnon Ffos the two sisters are actually named. The water here became
unfit and turbid for use from a similar cause. The belligerents in this case
being sisters - Maud and Callin (Catherine/Caroline?) Samuel. The water is
also said to have turned a reddish colour and so foetid that horses would
not drink from it, and it has remained so while the quarrelsome sisters
remained in the place.
A Ffynnon iago was also present at a farm of the same name in a small valley
called Cwmcerwyn (Cwm = valley; cerwyn = vat or winepress. Cerwyn may have
been distorted from the word cerydd = to correct or chastise). Iago is Welsh
for James. Any ideas?
Divination processes - the first to drink from Ffynnon Gynon of a newly wed
couple would be the dominant partner. There are a number of other traditions
such as taking a pair of your loved ones undergarments to a well
(unnamed)washing them there and carrying them back to your house in your
teeth, then drying them by the fire would summon the shadow of the one you
were to marry. Once again any suggestions?
I was thinking of Dwynwen who could not marry her true lover and connecting
her with Ffynnon Fair. In this part of the world a similar story is
perpetuated by The Maid of Cefn Ydfa. Perhaps there was a desire to forsee
if you would marry your true love or not. What do you think?
Many thanks
Dai
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