Seisyll Bryffwrch facts for kids

Seisyll Bryffwrch was a Welsh poet who lived a long time ago. He was active between about 1155 and 1175. This means we know he was writing poems during those years. He wrote his poems in the Welsh language.

Who Was Seisyll Bryffwrch?

Seisyll Bryffwrch was a talented poet from Wales. Poets like Seisyll were very important in Welsh society during the 12th century. They would write poems about brave leaders, important events, and sometimes even sad moments.

A Poet's Life in Wales

In Seisyll's time, poets often worked for powerful rulers, like princes. These poets were called "court poets." Their job was to create poems that praised the prince and his family. They also wrote about battles and important victories.

Competing for the Prince

Seisyll once took part in a big poetry contest. He was trying to become the main court poet for Madog ap Maredudd. Madog was a powerful prince who ruled a part of Wales called Powys. Seisyll competed against another famous poet named Cynddelw. In the end, Cynddelw won the contest, and Seisyll did not get the job.

Poems of Praise and Sadness

Even though he didn't become the chief court poet, Seisyll still wrote many important poems. Some of his poems were "elegies." These are special poems written to show sadness for someone who has died. Seisyll wrote elegies for:

• Owain Gwynedd, who was a very important prince.
• Iorwerth Drwyndwn, who was the father of another famous Welsh leader, Llywelyn ab Iorwerth.

Seisyll also wrote poems that praised the actions of Lord Rhys. Lord Rhys was a strong leader in South Wales. Seisyll's poems celebrated Lord Rhys's military campaigns and successes.