Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau The Welsh National Anthem

Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau The Welsh National Anthem is called Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau. A poet called Evan James wrote the words as a poem. His son James composed the music to accompany the words in around 1856. James’ name follows a traditional Welsh custom of naming people using their surnames. So in the past, it would have been common to meet Welsh people called Williams, Evans and Davies!

Translated Lyrics Here are the lyrics of the Welsh National Anthem on the left. On the right is a version in the English language. It isn’t a direct translation, but instead tries to capture the message of Evan James’ original poem. Mae hen wlad fy nhadau yn annwyl i mi, Gwlad beirdd a chantorion, enwogion o fri; Ei gwrol ryfelwyr, gwladgarwyr tra mad, Tros ryddid collasant eu gwaed. Gwlad, gwlad, pleidiol wyf i'm gwlad, Tra môr yn fur I'r bur hoff bau, O bydded i'r hen iaith barhau. This land of my fathers is dear to me Land of poets and singers, and people of stature Her brave warriors, fine patriots Shed their blood for freedom Land! I am true to my land! As long as the sea serves as a wall For this pure, dear land May the language endure for ever.

Have a Go! My hair-n wul-add ver nad eye un ann oil ee me, Gool-ard by reth ah chant or ee yon, En wog yon or vree, Eye goo rol ruv ell weer, gool-ard garr-weir tra-mahd, Tross ruthid coll assant eye gwithe. Gool-ard, gool-ard, ply dee ol oiveem gool-ard, Tra moor un veer beer horf by, Oh buthed eer hen ee-ithe bar high.