In eastern Carmarthenshire, in the south west of Wales, is the parish of Myddfai.   It has a varied  landscape: the rugged barrenness of the mountains contrasts with the  fertile richness of the dales, and there are many wooded areas with streams and rivers flowing through.  The scenery is striking, with the lanes running through steep wooded valleys giving glimpses of the grandeur of Mynydd Myddfai and the Black Mountain.  In Samuel Lewis's Topographical Dictionary of Wales, published in 1833, it was noted that there was a woollen manufactory in Myddfai village, and two mills - Cilgwyn and Bran - in the wider parish.  In addition to his rents for these and other properties, the Lord of the Manor received a fee of ten shillings on the marriage of every freeholder 'in lieu of the uncivilised feudal custom of a first night's lodging with the bride'.

Lewis's Dictionary goes on to mention that during the thirteenth century, Myddfai was 'much frequented by  physicians among whom was Rhiwallon, who, in conjunction with his three sons, during his residence here distinguished himself by a manuscript treatise on the practice of physic'.  This was Rhiwallon of Myddfai, physician to Rhys Gryg (Rhys the Hoarse or the Stammerer), Lord of Dinefwr and Llandovery castles, during the first half of the 13th Century.  Under the patronage of Rhys Gryg, Rhiwallon and his three sons, Cadwgan, Gruffydd and Einon, made a collection of medicinal remedies which are known today as the 'Recipes of the Physicians of Myddfai'.  A study of these recipes shows that Welsh medicine was far in advance of most of Europe, with directions given as to the quantities and methods of preparation of the ingredients - most unusual at that time.  The medicines recommended were to be carefully prepared and administered to treat all kinds of ailments, most of which were related to the living and working conditions prevailing at the time. Over the years, the story of the Physicians of Myddfai has become bound up with the legend of Llyn y Fan Fach.  There are many versions of the tale, more or less elaborated, but common to all of them are the wooing of the Lady with bread, and the consequences of three 'blows' being struck.  Here is one version of the story......