St. Aneirin Gwodryd
(Born c.AD 541)
(Welsh: Neirin; Latin: Nigrinus; English: Annerin)
Prince Aneirin of Flowing Verse, a younger son of King Dunaut Bwr (the Stout) of the Northern Pennines, is one of the best known of ancient Celtic bards. He was sometimes known as Aneirin Awenyd - the Inspired - and was described by his near contemporaries as High-King of Bards or Prince of Poets. He was apparently present at the Battle of Catraeth between a British co-elision under King Mynyddog Mwynfawr (the Wealthy) of Din-Eityn and the Anglians of Northumbria. Here he wrote the now famous poem, Y 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. He 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. As the poet of Y Gododdin, Aneirin is not that far removed from the druids who maintained the memories of the tribe. The poem is not only an artistic statement but also a ritual which ensures those warriors and their sacrifice will always be remembered. One of the fallen is compared to the mysterious Arthur, in the earliest known reference in world literature to this legendary figure.

When the Cumbric kingdoms were eventually overrun it appears that their culture and literature found a new home in Wales, possibly due to noblemen and Celtic monks fleeing to safety there. Cumbric was easily understood by speakers of Welsh and Y Gododdin became a well-known and respected poem. Indeed, it was referred to by the 12th-century poet Prince Owain Cyfeiliog of Powys in his poem Hirlas Owain, which unlike Y Gododdin celebrates a victory.

Though the surviving text has become corrupted and added to, the core section is believed to have actually been written by this man around the year 600! His other works are collectively known as the Llyfr Aneirin. In later life he became a monk at Llancarfan in South Wales, where he had been educated as a boy. He was apparently killed by a blow to the head inflicted by Heidyn ap Enygan and became revered by some as a saint.