Y Fari Lwyd, Llangynwyd

From the collection of

Archif Sgrin a Sain Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru / National Library of Wales Screen and Sound Archive
Established in 2001, the National Library of Wales Screen and Sound Archive holds an unrivalled collection of films, TV and radio broadcasts, video tapes and sound recordings relating to Wales and the Welsh, from 1898 to the present day. The collection spans multiples formats and genres, both professional and amateur.

Y Fari Lwyd, Llangynwyd

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The new year tradition of the Mari Lwyd is alive and well, but what do Llangynwyd pubgoers make of this skeletal nag in their midst?

The south Wales (especially Glamorgan) custom of Mari Lwyd (Grey Mare, or Grey Mary), is a new year tradition where a horse's skull is decorated with bells and coloured ribbons and taken from house to house in the neighbourhoods, singing verses outside the door and begging entry. Here, live action, unedited footage shot for the animation film Mari Lwyd, shows the arrival of the Mari at a Llangynwyd pub, where locals and the film crew are gathered.


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From the collection

Our Valleys

What makes the Valleys tick? Video captures locals' voices from one Cwm to the next, revealing their hopes, concerns and unique take on life.
The famous South Wales Valleys (Y Cymoedd) stretch from Carmarthenshire in the west to Monmouthshire in the east, and have been subject to as many cliches as closed coal mines. The Valleys have contributed much to the UK's film and television history: early film pioneer William Haggar, actors Siân Phillips and Stanley Baker, and directors Karl Francis and Chris Monger, to name but a few notables - and that's in addition to the decades of classic films set against the backdrop of coal tips and terraced houses - How Green Was My Valley, The Corn is Green, The Citadel et al. Around 30% of the population of Wales lives here, and it's the stories, concerns and culture of these people that are given voice in this collection. From folk heroes to real-life role models, from searing social issues to inspiring and indomitable Valleys women, these films cut through the stereotypes and give voice to the region's more authentic and unvarnished stories.

17 videos in this collection

1

Tyrone O'Sullivan talks to David Parry-Jones

2

Simon Weston talks to David Parry-Jones

3

Time to Talk

4

Guto Nyth Brân

5

Mari Lwyd

6

Haiku Cwm Afan

7

Y Fari Lwyd, Llangynwyd

8

SOS Titanic

9

Troedrhiwgwair

10

Bitter Litter

11

Elderly Welfare Rights

12

Times Change, People Change - Aberfan Lads Group 16-19 Years

13

Why Men React the Way They Do? Will Hoover Close?

14

The Tredegar Health Tape

15

Elaine Morgan talks to David Parry-Jones

16

Max Boyce talks to David Parry-Jones

17

Looking to the Future

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