Bulfinch’s Mythology · Chapter
The Welsh Bards explained
This chapter discusses the oldest Welsh poets, Aneurin, Taliesin, Llywarch Hen, and Myrddin (Merlin), focusing on the authenticity of their attributed poems.
What happens
This chapter discusses the oldest Welsh poets, Aneurin, Taliesin, Llywarch Hen, and Myrddin (Merlin), focusing on the authenticity of their attributed poems. It highlights Aneurin's 'Gododin,' which laments the defeat of the Britons at the battle of Cattraeth due to excessive mead-drinking, and notes the questionable authenticity of Taliesin's works due to mythical elements in his story.
Themes in this chapter
Cultural Transmission and Education
The chapter examines the transmission of early Welsh poetry and the debate over the authenticity of works attributed to ancient bards, reflecting the preservation and education of cultural heritage.
Characters to notice
- Merlin
Mentioned as Myrddin, one of the oldest Welsh poets, though his attributed works are of questionable authenticity.
Key passages
“To Cattraeth’s vale, in glittering row, Twice two hundred warriors go; Every warrior’s manly neck Chains of regal honor deck, Wreathed in many a golden link; From the golden cup they drink Nectar that the bees produce, Or the grape’s exalted juice. Flushed with mirth and hope they burn, But none to Cattraeth’s vale return, Save Aëron brave, and Conan strong, Bursting through the bloody throng, And I, the meanest of them all, That live to weep, and sing their fall.”
Two hundred warriors, adorned with golden chains, march to Cattraeth's valley, drinking mead and wine in high spirits. But only three—Aëron, Conan, and the bard himself—survive the battle, leaving the poet to mourn and commemorate their loss.
This is a translated excerpt from Aneurin's 'Gododin,' describing the doomed warriors and the sole survivors of the battle.