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The Medieval Welsh Englynion y Beddau

The 'Stanzas of the Graves', or 'Graves of the Warriors of the Island of Britain', attributed to Taliesin

Patrick Sims-Williams editor

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Boydell & Brewer Ltd

Published:19th Sep '23

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The Medieval Welsh Englynion y Beddau cover

Edition and translation of this important genre of Old Welsh poetry. The "Stanzas of the Graves" or "Graves of the Warriors of the Island of Britain", attributed to the legendary poet Taliesin, describe ancient heroes' burial places. Like the "Triads of the Island of Britain", they are an indispensable key to the narrative literature of medieval Wales. The heroes come from the whole of Britain, including Mercia and present-day Scotland, as well as many from Wales and a few from Ireland. Many characters known from the Mabinogion appear, often with additional information, as do some from romance and early Welsh saga, such as Arthur, Bedwyr, Gawain, Owain son of Urien, Merlin, and Vortigern. The seventh-century grave of Penda of Mercia, beneath the river Winwæd in Yorkshire, is the latest grave to be included. The poems testify to the interest aroused by megaliths, tumuli, and other apparently man-made monuments, some of which can be identified with known prehistoric remains. This volume offers a full edition and translation of the poems, mapped with reference to all the manuscripts, starting with the Black Book of Carmarthen, the oldest extant book of Welsh poetry. There is also a detailed commentary on their linguistic, literary, historical, and archaeological aspects.

There is no question that this book is one of the most important studies of early Welsh literature published in this generation. The depth of scholarship is astounding, and we are led through potentially complex material by a highly expert guide who presents the fascinating material clearly. Patrick Sims-Williams's masterful study of this compelling poetry will doubtless stand as a model for future textual scholarship on early Welsh literature. * SPECULUM *

ISBN: 9781843847069

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 658g

394 pages