St Curig settled in Wales in the 7th century AD, during the reign of Maelgwn Gwynedd, for whom he was described as being a warrior.[2]
Lore describes Maelgwn becoming angered by his warrior's new-found religious beliefs, and in response Curig "caused Maelgwn and his men to go blind [and forced] three of Maelgwn's sons ... to give Gurig [sic] land."[2]
Upon landing at Aberystwyth, "he travelled inland, and rested upon the summit of a high mountain, where he settled a green, which still bears the name of Eisteddfa Gurig, or Curig's seat."[1] This is the site of the present day village of Llangurig.
In Thomas Jones' Gerald of Wales, St Harmon's Church is described as having (until the late 16th century) a crucifix of St Curig's, "which extends slightly at the top, on both sides, in the shape of a cross, and which is covered round with gold and silver."[3] Jones describes it as being used to cure patients.
Curig is thought to have migrated to Brittany at the end of his life and there are several churches there bearing his name. He is said to have died at Landerneau and been buried at Locquirec.[3]
^ abWilliams, Robert (1852). A Biographical Dictionary of Eminent Welshmen. William Rees. p. 87. Curg (Lwyd,) or the Blessed, was a saint celebrated for his learning and holy life, who came and settled in Wales in the seventh century. Having landed at Aberystwyth, he travelled inland, and rested upon the summit of a high mountain, which still bears the name of Esteddfa Gurig, or Curig's seat; from whence looking around him, he perceived a fertile valley, in the retirement of which he determined to build a church, which is called from him Llangurig, in Montgomeryshire. He was also a bishop of a see in Wales, which is supposed to have been that of Llanbadarn Vawr.
^ abBreverton, TD (2000). The Book of Welsh Saints. Glyn Dŵr Publications.
^ abJones, Thomas (1938). Gerald of Wales. Cardiff. p. 16.
