Gwilym ab Ieuan Hen facts for kids

Gwilym ab Ieuan Hen was a Welsh poet who lived around the years 1440 to 1480. He wrote in the Welsh language during a time when professional poets, called the Beirdd yr Uchelwyr (which means "Poets of the Nobility"), were very important. These poets often worked for wealthy and powerful people.

Who Was Gwilym ab Ieuan Hen?

Gwilym ab Ieuan Hen was a talented poet from Wales. He lived during the 15th century. This was a time when poets often wrote for important leaders.

What Kind of Poems Did He Write?

Gwilym wrote many different kinds of poems. Some of his poems were "praise-poems." These were special poems written to compliment and honor his supporters. He also wrote sad poems called "elegies." These poems were for people who had passed away. Besides these, he created religious poems and even love poems. We know of about 27 poems that are thought to be by him. These poems have been saved in old handwritten books called manuscripts.

Who Were His Supporters?

Like many poets of his time, Gwilym had "patrons." Patrons were wealthy people who supported artists and poets. They would give the poets money or a place to live. In return, the poets would write poems praising them.

Important Patrons of Gwilym

One of Gwilym's main supporters was Gruffudd ap Nicholas. He was an important leader in South Wales. He helped manage the area. Other famous poets also praised Gruffudd ap Nicholas. Gwilym also wrote for Dafydd ap Ieuan ab Owain and Dafydd Llwyd ap Dafydd ab Einion.

What Do We Know About His Life?

Even though many of Gwilym's poems still exist, we don't know much about his personal life. It's a bit of a mystery! We do know a little about his family. A poet from his time, Ieuan Gethin, wrote a poem about Gwilym's father, also named Ieuan. His father was a "thatcher," someone who built roofs using straw or reeds. Sadly, his father passed away after falling from a roof.

How Are His Poems Preserved?

Gwilym's poems were passed down through history in old manuscripts. In 1992, a person named A. Eleri Davies collected and organized his poems. This helped make sure his work could be read and studied today. She also edited the poems of another poet, Deio ab Ieuan Du.