Aneirin

by Brian Edward Rise

Northern British bard, mentioned in the Historia Brittonum (one of several). He most likely lived in the late sixth or early seventh century. His most renowned work is the Gododdin, a string of laments for the nobles killed at the battle of Catraeth, the culmination of a doomed expedition against the Angles around 600 CE. Aneirin claimed to have been with the troops and was spared only because of his fine songs.

Though elaborated over time and by scribal addition, the authentic passages are some of the most valuable specimens of Old Welsh poetry that illustrates the style of composition in which Arthurian legend began to take form. The work contains an allusion to Arthur, that if not the result of embellishment, is the earliest know mention of him by name.

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