TRIBUTES have been paid to one of Blaenau Ffestiniog’s most famous sons.

Dr Gwyn Thomas, the former national poet of Wales, died at the age of 79 today (Thursday).

A professor at Bangor University, Dr Thomas was also a renowned artist, film-maker and wordsmith.

He published numerous volumes of poetry and also translated the mythical Mabinogion stories into English.

MP for Dwyfor and Meirionnydd Liz Saville Roberts was dismayed to hear of the bard’s passing.

“It’s a sad loss to Wales - Gwyn Thomas was a great poet, exceptional scholar and a charming man,” the Plaid Cymru MP told the Cambrian News.

“He was one of the first Welsh-language poets I read with pleasure as a Welsh learner.

“His poetry stands tribute to him: deceptively simple, with a twist on life’s quirks

“In his academic work, Prof Gwyn Thomas brought early and medieval Welsh poetry to vigorous life.”

S4C chairman Huw Jones also remembered the influential Welsh poet fondly.

He said: “As well as being a highly respected writer and scholar, Gwyn Thomas had great interest in all aspects of contemporary art and culture, often championing the widest possible and most inclusive interpretation of those genres.

“His work will be treasured and his company sorely missed."

Prof Thomas was a prolific scriptwriter and he adapted some of the Mabinogi tales in to an animated film for S4C in 2002, voiced by internationally acclaimed actors Matthew Rhys and Ioan Gruffudd.

In 2006 he was awarded for his contribution to the world of film and visual arts in Wales, and as a member of the Welsh Film Board.

It was Gwyn Thomas, along with director William Aaron, who made the first ever Welsh language horror film, ‘O’r Ddaear Hen’, in 1981.

Prof Thomas leaves a wife and three children.

See next week’s Cambrian News for full story and tributes