Mererid Hopwood facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Mererid Hopwood FLSW
Hopwood in Dyfodol i'r Iaith meeting in 2019
Born	February 1964 (age 61) Cardiff, Wales
Nationality	Welsh
Occupation	Writer, bard, television presenter and academic
Title	Archdderwydd of the National Eisteddfod of Wales
Children	3

Mererid Hopwood, born in February 1964, is a famous Welsh writer and poet. She is also a lyricist, meaning she writes words for songs. Currently, she holds a very special role as the Archdruid of the National Eisteddfod of Wales. This is a big cultural festival in Wales.

Her Journey in Education

Mererid Hopwood grew up in Cardiff, Wales. She studied Spanish and German at the University of Wales, Aberystwyth. She did very well, earning top marks.

From Lecturer to Professor

After finishing her studies, Mererid became a teacher. She taught German at the University of Wales, Swansea. Later, she also taught creative writing in the Welsh Department. She worked as a Spanish teacher at a school in Carmarthen. Today, she is a lecturer at Trinity University in Carmarthen. In 2020, she became a Professor of Welsh and Celtic Studies at Aberystwyth University.

Achievements at the Eisteddfod

Mererid Hopwood is well-known for her success at the National Eisteddfod of Wales. This is an important festival that celebrates Welsh culture, especially poetry and music.

Making History

In 2001, Mererid made history at the Eisteddfod. She became the first woman ever to win the Chair award. This is a huge honour for a poet. Two years later, in 2003, she won the Crown award at the Eisteddfod. In 2008, she won the Prose Medal for her book O Ran.

A Special Role

In 2023, Mererid Hopwood was chosen to be the Archdruid of the National Eisteddfod. This is the leader of the Gorsedd of Bards, a group of poets and musicians. She will hold this important position from 2024 to 2027. She is only the second woman to become Archdruid.

Other Contributions

Mererid is also a presenter for S4C, a Welsh television channel. In 2012, she received the Glyndwr Award. This award celebrates people who have made a big difference to the arts in Wales. She lives in Carmarthen with her husband and three children.

Her Published Works

Mererid Hopwood has written many books and poems. Here are some of her works:

• Sarah Kirsch (1997)
• Singing in Chains: Listening to Welsh Verse (2004)
• Seren Lowri (2005)
• Plentyn (2005)
• Ar Bwys (2007)
• O Ran (2008)
• Nes Draw (2015)
• Cantata Memoria (libretto) (2016)
• Wythnos yng Nghymru Fydd (libretto) (2017)