Dafydd ap Gwilym (c. 1340-c. 1400)

Welsh poet. His work exhibits a complex but graceful style, concern with nature and love rather than with heroic martial deeds, and has references to classical and Italian poetry.

Some of his themes recall those of the troubadours and perhaps derive indirectly from them. He was born into an influential Dyfed family, and is traditionally believed to have led a life packed with amorous adventures. He wrote in the cywydd metre, which he perfected.