On the Mythology of the Ancient Bards

Edward Williams (1746-1826) also known by his Bardic name, ’Iolo Morganwg,’ was a Republican, Radical, Revolutionary, Pacifist, Abolitionist, Flutist, Song Writer, Jailbird, Lexicographer, Grammarian, Antiquarian, Encyclopaedist. Linguist, Debtor, Mediaevalist, Folklorist, Bird Watcher, Agriculturist, Master Mason, Bookshop Owner, Poet (in both Welsh and English) a Bard, a Druid, a Visionary, a ’Noble Savage,’ a ’Child of Nature,’ a ’Pagan’ - in short, a true Herald of Wales! He was also a ’fabulist’ and ’invented’ a whole cosmology and mythology relating to Stonehenge and the Druids, and the ’antient Britons,’ that is, the Welsh. He incorporated these ’discoveries’ into the ceremonies of the Welsh National Festival of Poetry, the ’eisteddfods,’ which, quite authentically, date from pre-Christian times. Iolo proclaimed these ’mythologies’ on Primrose Hill, Hampstead Heath, London, in 1792. They were formally recognized at the great Carmarthen 1819 Eisteddfod, and have lasted in the form laid down by Iolo to this very day. Iolo’s vision of a united Wales continues to draw admirers not only from Wales but from many parts of the world, and have included, in their day, such figures as Tom Paine, ’Humanity’s William Wilberforce,’ and ’General George Washington.’