The Welsh Prince
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A court harpist - image based on illustration in a mediaeval manuscript |
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| The Welsh value distinguisehd birth and noble descent more than anything else in the world. They would rather marry into a noble family than a rich one. |
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Leisure, Libraries & Culture DepartmentTraditionally the rulers in Wales had been known as kings. In the 12th & 13th centuries, successful Welsh rulers chose the title -prince. It was not a lower title, but a sign that they were different to the squabbling petty kings of the past.
A prince had to have royal blood, so genealogy was important. All sons were heirs in Wales, so brothers were often rivals. No prince could dominate till he had dealt with his brothers.
A successful prince had to fulfil the heroic ideal of the warrior. Honour and reputation on the battlefield were vital qualities. Poets sang the praises of such princes, and ignored the more peaceful.
Cynddelw Brydydd Mawr wrote the poem "In Praise of Owain Gwynedd" in the late 12th century. Owain Gwynedd was a successful prince of Gwynedd. This excerpt was typical for its time.
"I praise a patron high-hearted in strife,
Wolf of warfare, challenging, charging,
In arms against Angles in Tegeingl's lands,
Blood spilling in streams, blood pouring forth,
Dragons encountered, rulers of Rome,
A prince's heir, red their precious wine.
In strife with the Dragon of the east,
Fair Western Dragon, the best was his."
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Manuscript Illustration from Ms Peniarth 28. © National Library of Wales |
The prince had his teulu - not a family in the modern sense of the Welsh word - but a bodyguard. The teulu was a band of fighting men of noble status, the uchelwyr, led by a loyal relation of the prince, the penteulu. In time of war, the prince could also call on his freemen to serve in his army, the llu.
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Sound the trumpet for battle and the peasant will rush from his plough to pick up his weapons as quickly as the courtier from the court. The Welsh are passionately devoted to their freedom and to the defence of their country: for these they fight, for these they suffer hardships, for these they will take up their weapons and willingly sacrifice their lives. |
Manuscript Illustration from Ms Peniarth 28. © National Library of Wales |
All were keen to serve, as Gerald of Wales recorded: "Sound the horn for battle and the peasant will rush from his plough to pick up his weapons as quickly as the courtier from his court." It would, however, need more than just bravery to defend Welsh independence.
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This illustration of a Welsh king comes from a manuscript containing the Laws of Hywel Dda. |
Manuscript Illustration from Ms Peniarth 28. © National Library of Wales |
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The prince also had a role as a law enforcer and administrator |
Manuscript Illustration from Ms Peniarth 28. © National Library of Wales |
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