Gorsedd announces name of next Archdruid

Stephen Price

A lay preacher and former chair of Urdd Gobaith Cymru has been confirmed as the next Archdruid

Today, Tudur Dylan’s name was presented, and confirmed by the Annual General Meeting of the Gorsedd for the position of Archdruid for the period from 2027-30.

This follows an election during July, in members of Gorsedd Cymru had a chance to cast their vote.

The Archdruid presides over the most important ceremonies at the National Eisteddfod of Wales including the Crowning of the Bard, the award of the Prose Medal and the Chairing of the Bard.

Tudur Dylan is one of Wales’ most well-known and popular poets and public figures. He won the Eisteddfod Chair twice, together with the Crown, and has been a judge in the Chair and Crown competitions on several occasions. He has also been recitation adjudicator at the National Eisteddfod, as well as at local eisteddfodau for 40 years.

He spent 20 years as Meuryn in the ‘Ymryson’ in Y Babell Lên, where the poets and the audience delighted in his witty company.

As a schoolteacher, a lay preacher, and a former Chair of Urdd Gobaith Cymru and Barddas, he has the ability to steer events of all kinds with grace and dignity, and a measure of timely humour. He is also a strong advocate for Welsh culture and our language.

The Chairing Ceremony at the Eisteddfod y Garreg Las will be current Archdruid Mererid Hopwood’s final ceremony, although she will continue in her role until the 2028 Eisteddfod Proclamation Ceremony next year.

Contemplation

Mererid Hopwood reflected on the role in an opinion piece for Nation Cymru recently, sharing:  “Since coming into office, from curious questions that I have been asked beyond the borders of Wales, I have concluded that the experience of ‘archdruid’ is very different from ‘archdderwydd’. As with ‘hwyl’ and ‘cromlech’ and … ‘eisteddfod’, I think it best in this instance to stick with the Welsh.

As part of adapting the tradition, early on the archdderwydd’s term of office was set at three years, unlike in the days of Hwfa Môn and Dyfed who presided in the role for as long as they lived.

“So, this year, I shall be officiating for the last time in the ceremonies, though I continue in the role until the proclamation of the 2028 Eisteddfod, sometime in late Spring next year. And once again, I shall be contemplating the symbolism associated with the role.

“The Gorsedd circle: not a triangle or pyramid, not a shape that suggests a hierarchy where the few are on top and the very many on the bottom, but rather an open circle that represents equality.

“The archdderwydd’s crown: a circle of leaves worn temporarily before being placed on another’s head, chosen by nomination which is open to all Gorsedd members and election if necessary.

“Dwyfronneg Gwirionedd: the breastplate of truth, reminding us that seeking the truth is our best shield.

“Teyrnwialen Cyfiawnder: the sceptre of justice, urging us to be faithful to the principles of fair play.

“Nod Cyfrin: the three rays of sunshine displayed on all the Gorsedd regalia and awards, reminding us that ours are broad-daylight meetings where we respect the Awen, the muse, that gives our proceeding its richness.

“Finally, Cleddyf yr Orsedd, the sword that is never drawn from its sheath, symbolising that while we live in a world of violence, as Gorsedd members we seek peace.

“Without doubt, this tradition is unique, peculiar some might say; but it’s a part of what we are, and I find it a source of pride that we, on this patch of earth, still insist on setting such store on the art and craft of composing poetry, making music and coming together in search of peace.”

Eisteddfod Genedlaethol y Garreg Las is held in Llantwd, North Pembrokeshire until 8 August. For more information go to www.eisteddfod.wales.

---

Get more trusted Welsh news

Choose Nation.Cymru as a preferred source in Google News to see more of our journalism.