Gwalchmai ap Meilyr 12th century Welsh poet Date of Birth: . Country: Dive

1. A Welsh Poet of the 12th Century
2. Literary Legacy
3. Political Poetry
4. The Poem of Triumph
5. Literary Significance

A Welsh Poet of the 12th Century

Gwalchmai ap Meilyr was a Welsh poet of the 12th century belonging to the tradition of early "Poets of the Princes." Like his father, Meilyr, Gwalchmai pursued poetry, continuing a poetic dynasty that included his sons Meilyr and Einion ap Gwalchmai. Another prominent poet, Elidir Sais, is highly likely to have been his son. This dynasty was closely associated with the island of Anglesey, as evidenced by the parish of Trefwalchmai, named after Gwalchmai ap Meilyr, and played a significant role in Welsh literature.

Literary Legacy

Nine poetic works attributed to Gwalchmai are preserved in the Red Book of Hergest and the Hendregadredd Manuscript. In his "Ode to God," he laments his sinful life, promising to amend his ways and undertakes a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. His other religious poem, "Gwalchmai's Dream," inquires about solace for the pain of losing his patron, son, and then wife, ultimately seeking comfort in devotion and prayer. Gwalchmai's corpus also includes a short, captivating poem combining aphorisms, sexual boasting, and disillusionment in love, ending with a reminder of Judgment Day.

Political Poetry

A substantial part of Gwalchmai's legacy comprises five poems addressing Welsh rulers: two on Madog ap Maredudd, the last prince of a unified Powys, including an elegy; and one each on Owain Gwynedd, prince of Gwynedd, and his sons, Dafydd and Rhodri. The ode to Owain Gwynedd vividly describes the 1157 Battle of Tal-Moelvre on Anglesey. These works provide insights into Gwalchmai's relationships with the princes. He had some disagreement with Owain, as evidenced by his absence of an elegy for the renowned ruler. Additionally, Gwalchmai reports on Dafydd's separation to eastern Gwynedd, and notes that he was disliked by Rhodri.

The Poem of Triumph

Gwalchmai's most celebrated work is his "Poem of Triumph" (Gorhoffedd). It weaves together accounts of Owain Gwynedd's military campaigns in south Wales in 1136-1138 and Riridlan around 1157. These recollections of battle are intertwined with reflections on love, set against a backdrop of nature's beauty and the season of early summer.

Literary Significance

Gwalchmai's work displays a remarkable range of themes and poetic dexterity, challenging the notion that the poetry of the "Poets of the Princes" lacked diversity.