poem written by Hywel ap Owain Gwynedd, the great-great Grandfather of Llewellyn ap Iorworth,
The poem was written by Hywel ap Owain Gwynedd, the great-great Grandfather of Llewellyn ap Iorworth, Llewellyn the Last. Hywel was killed in battle in 1170, which fits entirely with his poetry. It tells us a bit about what Wales …not really sure why it’s relevant but it’s rather lovely isn’t it? A foaming white wave rushes over a grave, the tomb of Rhufawn Pebyr, regal chieftan. I love today what the English hate, the open land of the North, and the varied growth that borders the Lliw. I love those who gave me my fill of mead where the seas reach in long contention. I love its household and its strong buildings and at its lord’s wish to go to war. I love its strand and mountains, its castle near the woods and its fine lands, its water meadows and its valleys, its white gulls and its lovely women. I love its soldiers, its trained stallions, its woods, its brave men and its homes. I love its fields under the little clover, where honour was granted a secure joy. I love its regions, to...