The Power of the Bards in Twelfth-Century Wales

In the twelfth-century Welsh kingdoms, amidst the clash of swords and thunder of hooves, a highly potent and influential cultural force existed: the bardic tradition. This tradition flourished, weaving together the fabric of Welsh identity, preserving history and inspiring both unity and division among the Welsh nobility.

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.

One bard central to the tradition was the figure of Taliesin, a sixth-century poet who wrote of exploits of valour. He also wrote of the poet’s ability to influence or challenge kings. In one poem, Taliesin persuades King Maelgwyn to let his master, Elphin, go free, succinctly underlining the power of words in skilful hands. There was a strong belief in the transformative power of words and stories. A familiar example was when the Welsh leader Caradog used his gift for speechmaking to save his life when he was captive in Rome. Such a tale would have reinforced faith in the power of language.

The roots of Welsh literature run deep, reaching back generations, but the sixth century saw the rise of exceptional bards such as Aneirin and Taliesin, who celebrated the valour of the Britons against invading forces. These early poems laid the foundation for a warrior culture that exalted strength, honour and resistance against external threats.

As the centuries passed, Welsh poets continued to draw from this rich tradition, crafting tales of heroism and defiance that resonated with royalty and commoners alike. Later, some of the stories, such as those of King Arthur, were adapted by men such as Geoffrey of Monmouth and Walter Map, spreading Welsh myths far beyond the borders of the Welsh kingdoms.

Yet alongside this celebration of Welsh identity, the bardic tradition also reflected the internal divisions that plagued Welsh society. The constant feuding among Welsh royalty weakened their resistance to external aggression, making them vulnerable to the encroaching of Anglo-Norman invaders.

The Norman conquest of Wales was facilitated by a combination of military might, strategic colonisation and the fractious nature of Welsh politics. While the bardic tradition inspired resistance against the Anglo-Normans, it also fuelled conflicts among Welsh rulers, further undermining their ability to unite against a common enemy.

Despite England's eventual subjugation of Welsh kingdoms, the bardic tradition stood as a testament to Welsh resilience and defiance. Through poetry and storytelling, the Welsh continued to assert their identity and resist assimilation. The bardic tradition became a stronghold of the Welsh language, culture, and sense of nationhood, ensuring their preservation even in the face of adversity.

The bardic tradition was a source of strength and a double-edged sword for twelfth-century Welsh kingdoms. It celebrated the heroic deeds of the Welsh rulers while exacerbating divisions that ultimately contributed to the loss of Welsh independence. Yet even in defeat, the spirit of Welsh literature endured, ensuring the legacy of bards would live on in the hearts and minds of future generations. 

If you would like to immerse yourself in the time of Wales in the Middle Ages, you might enjoy ‘The Welsh Traitor’s Daughter’ and ‘The Welsh Warrior’s Inheritance’.