The Welsh and Their Literature from The London Quarterly Review, January 1861, American Edition

In this vivid essay, Borrow unpacks the tangled roots of the Welsh, portraying them as a wandering people who moved west from the great Eurasian steppes. He traces a legendary lineage that begins with a heroic figure called Hu (or Hu Gadarn), who brings ploughs, song, and order to a wild, forest‑filled island once known as Albyn. The narrative blends myth and early history, describing how this leader’s people cleared tangled woods, tamed beasts, and built the first fields and schools in a land still haunted by crocodile‑like monsters.

Borrow’s prose is both scholarly and lyrical, inviting listeners to imagine the early Celtic world as a tapestry of migrations, battles, and cultural exchange. While the account celebrates Hu’s civilising impact, it also hints at later fragmentation and turmoil among the Cymry, setting the stage for the rich literary traditions that would follow. The piece offers a compelling glimpse into how the Welsh forged their identity long before the voices of later poets rose to fame.