The names of Celtic saints are to be seen everywhere on the island; saints
such as Dwynwen in Llanddwyn, Cristiolus in Llangristiolus, Cadwaladr
in Llangadwaladr and Edern in Llanedern. Two of the most famous saints
were Cybi and Seiriol, who lived during the sixth century.
Cybi was the son of King Salom of Cernyw (Cornwall); he was born about 483AD. He left his home when he became a priest. First he travelled to Gwent and then to Ireland before returning to the Llyn peninsular and on to Ynys Gybi (Holy Island). He died around 555AD and was buried on Ynys Enlli (Bardsey) - the island of 20,000 saints.
Seiriol was born around 490 AD. He was a son of King Owain Danwyn and brother to King Cynlas of Rhos and King Einion of Llyn. Seiriol became a priest and came to Anglesey and built a small church in Penmon. But his two brothers built a priory there and Seiriol became its first abbot. In old age, he went to live on the small offshore island, which is known as Ynys Seiriol (Priestholm or, more recently, Puffin Island)
Seiriol and Cybi were friends and they often met at Clorach Well near Llannerch-y-medd. On these journeys, Cybi always faced the sun going to and returning from Clorach; so he was suntanned. But Seiriol's back was always to the sun on the journey and so he remained pale. And that, so they say, is why they were known as Cybi Felyn (Cybi, yellow face) and Seiriol Wyn (Seriol, pale or white face).
