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Aneirin or Neirin was a late 6th century Brythonic poet. He is believed to have been a bard or 'court poet' in one of the Cumbric kingdoms of the Old North or Hen Ogledd, probably that of Gododdin at Edinburgh. From the 17th century, his name was often incorrectly spelled Aneurin.
Poetry
The works attributed to Aneirin are preserved in a late-13th century manuscript known as the Book of Aneirin (or Llyfr Aneirin). The language has been partially modernized into Middle Welsh, but other portions in Old Welsh indicate that at least some of the poetry dates from around Aneirin's time, and its attribution, therefore, may well be genuine. The work would have survived through oral transmission until first written down, perhaps in the 9th century.
Aneirin's best known work is Y Gododdin, a series of elegies for the warriors of the northern Brythonic kingdom of Gododdin who, in circa 600, fell against the Angles of Deira and Bernicia at the Battle of Catraeth (probably Catterick in North Yorkshire). To the modern reader, the poetry is, however, very obscure and interpretations vary. One stanza contains what is generally believed to be the earliest reference to Arthur as a paragon of bravery with whom one fallen warrior is compared. The poem tells us that Aneirin was present at this battle and, having been taken prisoner, was one of only four (or two) Brythonic survivors. He remained a captive until his ransom was paid by Ceneu ap Llywarch Hen.
Identity & reputation
Records of Aneirin amongst the sons of Caw, a chieftain from Strathclyde, are late and erroneous. Aneirin's mother, Dwywei, is, however, mentioned in 'Y Gododdin'. She may be the same lady who, according to Old Welsh pedigrees, married King Dunod, who is generally thought to have ruled in West Yorkshire. He was also kin to another Brythonic poet, Cian Gwenith Gwawd.
In the late 18th century attempts were made to identify Aneirin with the early 6th century writer, Gildas, based on the incorrect form of his name. Thomas Stephens later thought the poet was Gildas' son. Both ideas are now discredited.
The Welsh Triads describe Aneirin as "prince of bards" and "of flowing verse". His works were popular in Cumbric and Welsh kingdoms alike. Nennius praises him amongst the earliest Welsh poets or Cynfeirdd, a contemporary of Talhaearn, Taliesin, Bluchbardd and Cian. References to his fame decline from the 13th century, until the re-assertion of Welsh identity under King Henry VII. Today, the reputation of his poetry remains high, though the exact identity of the author is more controversial.
References
External links
- Celtic literature Collective: The Book of Aneurin, text and translations
- Gathering the Jewels: Llyfr Aneirin, includes full colour images of the entire manuscript
- Early British Kingdoms: St. Aneirin Gwodryd
Sub-Roman Britain | Britons of the North | Welsh poets | Welsh literature | Medieval literature | Welsh culture | Arthurian legend
"Aneirin"