Читать книгу The Element Encyclopedia of the Celts - Rodney Castleden - Страница 114

David or Dewi of Menevia (St. David’s) was probably born in 523. He died in 589. He was the son of “Sanctus,” King of Cardigan, and Nonnita, daughter of Cynyr, “in the time of King Triphunus and his sons.” He was baptized by Ailbe and educated at Vetus Rubus (Henllwyn) under Illtud. After a time he established Vallis Rosina (Hodnant, now called Merry Vale). David was harassed by an Irish chief called Boya, who paraded naked women in front of his monks in order to tempt them. He established an austere monastic rule, living on vegetables and water, which earned him the nickname David Aquaticus. Gildas denounced his extremism.

At the Synod of Brefi, in about 545, called to discuss Pelagianism, David addressed the assembly and his oratory persuaded them, much to the anger of Cadoc, who was then overseas. But this synod was a decisive victory for David. New monastic houses were founded all over the country and David was informally acclaimed archbishop or even “head” of all Britain.

One notable disciple was Aedan of Ferns, and through him up to one third of Ireland followed David’s rule. David’s name recurs frequently in the Lives of Irish Saints.

The cult of David spread widely in Demetia (Pembrokeshire), Brecon, and the Wye Valley. It was more scattered in Cornwall and Brittany, was never established in Glamorgan, where Cadoc and Illtud held sway, and was absent from Scotland.