Y Gododin: A Poem of the Battle of Cattraeth

A vivid, early‑medieval Welsh poem bursts onto the scene, chronicling the fierce clash at Cattraeth. Penned by the sixth‑century bard Aneurin, the work paints a stark picture of armored chieftains leading their warriors into battle, juxtaposing their heroic deeds with the sorrow felt by families left behind. The verses unfold in a series of stanzas, each spotlighting a different leader, and the poet’s keen eye captures both the pageantry of war and its brutal costs.

Accompanying this ancient song is a faithful English translation enriched with extensive scholarly notes. The editor’s commentary situates the poem within its historical landscape, clarifies obscure names, and explains bardic conventions, making the material approachable for modern ears. Listeners are offered both the lyrical power of the original and a clear guide to its cultural significance, inviting a deeper appreciation of early Welsh literature and the timeless human stories it tells.