Gerald was born into a family with ties to powerful Welsh and Norman dynasties, so his heritage positioned him as a unique witness to the Anglo-Norman attempts to subjugate Wales. However, his conflicting loyalties and feelings about his Welsh heritage would shape his life, ambitions, and writings, presenting him as a figure emblematic of the complex relationship between the Welsh and their conquerors.

What was expected of Welsh noblemen of the Middle Ages? There were certain expectations to live up to and the best strived to embody  a blend of scholarly, martial, and cultural accomplishments that reflected the values and ideals of their time. These men, often from wealthy and influential families, were expected to demonstrate their excellence across various disciplines—intellectual, physical, and social. Two notable figures who exemplified these traits were Hywel ab Owain Gwynedd Ieuan ap Rhydderch, whose lives and works provide us with insight into the education and achievements of Welsh noblemen.

The love story of Gruffydd ap Cynan, King of Gwynedd and the beautiful Angharad, daughter of Owain ap Edwin, is often overlooked while their children’s stories are much more familiar. Their daughter, the warrior princess Gwenllian and her elopement with landless Prince Griffith of Dehuebarth is a tale of daring and tragedy, while the love and marriage of their son, the firebrand Owain Gwynedd, for his cousin, Cristin, flouted church law. Gruffydd and Angharad, however, found passion in turmoil, loyalty in a time of challenge and a deep lingering love that stood the test of time.

The Mabinogion, a collection of medieval Welsh tales, has long been celebrated as one of the cornerstones of Welsh mythology. They are very old writings found in the  White Book of Rhydderch (c. 1325) and the Red Book of Hergest (c. 1400). For centuries, the identity of the author of these stories has remained a mystery, with most scholars assuming it was a man, possibly a monk from North Wales. However, some years ago, a new theory proposed by Dr. Andrew Breeze sparked considerable interest and debate in the field of medieval Welsh literature. Dr. Breeze argued that the author of the Four Branches of the Mabinogi—the core tales of the Mabinogion—was none other than Gwenllian, a 12th-century Welsh princess who died fighting the Normans.

Welsh childhood experience in the Middle Ages was influenced by whether a child was born into a noble family. Children who were not noble were expected to participate in physical work at an early age. Those who supported their parents in agricultural work learnt early to tend livestock, collect eggs, shoo birds away from seedlings or help with planting, weeding and harvesting. The children learnt what they would need to do in later life by watching their parents.

Down Under Interviews: Author Arianwen Nunn

"Bards Sing of Love and War" is a gripping historical novel set in 12th-century Wales, where love, honor, and ambition clash amidst the Norman invasion. Chief bard Rhoddri imparts wisdom to young Tal, setting the stage for a tale of political intrigue, familial loyalty, and forbidden romance. As King Henry I campaigns against the Welsh, Griffith ap Rhys raids to reclaim his kingdom and win the hand of Gwenllian, daughter of King Gruffydd ap Cynan. Gruffydd faces betrayal from within his court and the threat of Norman lords, leading to a web of deception, secret marriages, and daring rescues. Rich in historical detail, this novel promises to enchant fans of epic romance and adventure.

Historical fiction is a delicate balance between rigorous research and creative storytelling. As an author, I dedicate myself to staying true to the characters from history while weaving authenticity and creativity into the narrative. This is the balance I strive to achieve in my series about Gruffydd ap Cynan and his family, a significant dynasty in Welsh history—a balance that is both challenging and rewarding.

Angharad ferch Owain was born into significant political turbulence and social change. The Normans had set their sights on Wales, and her father, Owain ap Edwin, navigated with all his diplomatic skill to retain power in East Gwynedd. His successful relationships with the Normans saw him assist them against fellow Welshmen, earning him the title Owain Fradwr or Owain the Traitor. However, his daughter, Angharad, married Gruffydd ap Cynan, and her subsequent years as Queen of Gwynedd showcased her resilience, diplomacy, and sharp intelligence.

Many people have asked me how Norman England under Henry I had such an impact on what the Welsh kings were allowed to do in the early 12th century. To understand this, we need to look at William the Conqueror’s concerns after his conquest of England and the role of the Marcher lords.

The dense collection of castles dotted throughout Wales reminds us that it has a vibrant history. Yet, if we delve into the pre-Norman era, we uncover a distinct architectural panorama. Instead of the imposing stone edifices that epitomise Norman dominance, we encounter fortified dwellings known as llysoed. These llysoed, exclusive to Wales, stand apart from the Norman castles in their structure, function, and cultural importance, mirroring the diverse societies and resources of the Welsh and Normans.

Imagine a world where America was discovered not by Christopher Columbus, but by a Welsh prince named Madog ap Owain Gwynedd in 1170. This intriguing legend, which has captivated historians, explorers, and maritime history enthusiasts for centuries, is a tale I, for one, would love to be true. But what do we really know about this enigmatic figure and his alleged discovery of America?

Griffith ap Rhys, a man forged in the crucible of tragedy, witnessed his father, Rhys ap Tewdwr, the king of Deheubarth, fall to the Normans. This cataclysmic event cast him into exile in Ireland, a period that would shape his character and fuel his unyielding quest to reclaim his family’s lands and honour and to secure freedom for his people.

Maredudd ap Bleddyn was a nobleman of the late 11th and early 12th century born into an influential ruling family of Powys. While his lineage endowed him with inherent authority and influence, Maredudd’s early years remained shrouded in obscurity, with few historical records shedding light on his activities and ambitions.

At the core of Welsh literature were the bards, revered figures who held sway in the courts of powerful nobility. Their words possessed a transformative power, capable of elevating a ruler to legendary status or condemning them to ignominy. The relationship between the bard and ruler was a delicate balance of loyalty and the responsibility to speak truth to power.

Bernard, Bishop of St David’s tenure, symbolises the convergence of Norman ambition and Welsh resilience, a testament to the complex interplay of forces of the twelfth century. He certainly left an indelible mark on history.

Easter eggs and the Easter Bunny are part and parcel of a child’s expectations of this memorable holiday in modern Wales. Still, some superb old traditions are associated with the religious observance of the festival, which is the most important in the Christian faith.

Wales, with its stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity, is home to a diverse array of wildlife, but many animals would not have been around in the Middle Ages. Can you guess some of them?

Owain ap Edwin has been branded by history as a traitor. Owain supported the Normans in their devasting attack on Anglesey in the summer of 1098, and whatever his reasoning was, he was seen as someone who turned on his own. Uchdryd, his younger brother, comes off as an all-around nice guy respected by Normans and Welsh alike. In my books ‘The Welsh Traitor’s Daughter’ and ‘The Welsh Warrior’s Inheritance’ I paint Uchdryd as a noble warrior, a loveable uncle to Angharad ferch Owain and a strong strategist but am I being fair?

Was Richard de Belmais a bad man? Was he, as some say, a power-hungry meddler? In my book ‘The Welsh Warrior’s Inheritance’ I paint Bishop Richard in a bad light as someone always inciting the Welsh to fight each other and taking advantage of the chaos which then ensued. In the book, he is certainly a character readers can easily dislike but have I been fair? What do we really know about Richard de Belmais?

St David, known in Welsh as Dewi Sant, was the only native-born patron saint in Britain and Ireland. He was said to have been born in the year 500, on a Pembrokeshire clifftop in a storm, and was the grandson of a king of Ceredigion, called Ceredig ap Cunedda. St David’s mother was St Non and today a place is marked where the birth was said to occur and a holy well nearby is supposed to have healing powers.