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The Story of Welsh First World War Poet Hedd Wyn

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An Empty Chair: Story of Welsh First World War Poet Hedd Wyn, The

by Mark Hodnett

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2567 KB
Print length	:	26 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

Ellis Humphrey Evans, known by his bardic name Hedd Wyn, was a Welsh-language poet who was killed in action during the First World War. He is considered one of the most important figures in Welsh literature.

Hedd Wyn was born in 1887 in Trawsfynydd, Gwynedd, Wales. He was the son of a farmer and was raised in a Welsh-speaking household. He attended local schools and then went on to study at the University of Wales, Aberystwyth. While at university, he began to write poetry in Welsh. His poetry was often about the natural beauty of his homeland and the lives of ordinary people.

In 1915, Hedd Wyn enlisted in the Royal Welsh Fusiliers. He served in France and Flanders and was killed in action in 1917. He was just 30 years old.

Hedd Wyn's poetry was published posthumously in 1918. His work was immediately acclaimed for its beauty and its insights into the human condition. He is now considered one of the most important figures in Welsh literature.

Hedd Wyn's legacy is complex. He is both a symbol of Welsh nationalism and a reminder of the horrors of war. His poetry continues to be read and studied today, and his work has been translated into many languages.

Hedd Wyn's Poetry

Hedd Wyn's poetry is often characterized by its beauty and its insights into the human condition. He wrote about the natural beauty of his homeland, the lives of ordinary people, and the horrors of war.

One of Hedd Wyn's most famous poems is "Yr Arwr" ("The Hero"). The poem is about a young man who is killed in action. The poem's final lines are:

He was a hero, brave and true,

Who died for his country and for you.

Hedd Wyn's poetry is still read and studied today. His work has been translated into many languages and has been set to music by many composers.

Hedd Wyn's Legacy

Hedd Wyn is considered one of the most important figures in Welsh literature. He is both a symbol of Welsh nationalism and a reminder of the horrors of war. His poetry continues to be read and studied today, and his work has been translated into many languages.

Hedd Wyn's legacy is complex. He is a symbol of both the beauty and the tragedy of Wales. His poetry is a reminder of the importance of cherishing our heritage and of the need to work for peace.