Legends from the Lost Kingdoms | The Black Book of Carmarthen, XVI. “The Birch Trees”

The Black Book of Carmarthen contains Poem XVI, “The Birch Trees” (Gwin y Bid hi y Bedwen) (Blessed is the Birch). Many consider it one of Myrddin’s prophetic poems, written during his madness in the Caledonian Forrest. Throughout the poem, the birch tree witnesses all that happens around it.

The first stanza speaks of Deganwy Castle, a wooden structure in the 6th century, and the fortified stronghold of the King of Gwynedd. King Aethelfrith of Bernicia exiled Edwin, the eldest son of King Aelle, after seizing his kingdom.

The second stanza describes times of conquest and suffering. Pumlumon is the highest point of the Cambrian Mountains of Wales. Mona is Latin for the Isle of Anglesey, which was attacked by Vikings in 853 CE. That time of conflict forced monks to abandon their seclusion and struggle for survival.

The third stanza describes the battles that will affect Wales, but when Cadwaladyr comes, there will be a new era free from past struggles. (King of Gwynedd c. 655-682 CE).

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Blessed is the birch in the valley of Gwy,

Whose branches will fall off one by one, two by two.

It will remain when there will be a battle in Ardudwy,

And the lowing together of the cattle about the ford of Mochnwy

And spears and shouting at Dyganwy

And Edwin bearing sway in Mona

And youths pale and light

In ruddy clothes commanding them.

Blessed is the birch in Pumlumon

Which will see when the front of the stage shall be exalted

and which will see Franks clad in mail

About the hearth food for whelps

And monks frequently riding on steeds.

Blessed is the birch in the heights of Dinwythy

Which will know when there shall be a battle in Ardudwy

And spears uplifted around Edrywy

And a bridge in the Taw, and another on the Tawy

And another, on account of a misfortune, on the banks of the Gwy

And the artificer that will make it, let his name by Garwy;

and the principle of Mona have dominion over it.

Women will be under the Gynt, and men in affliction

Happier than I is he who will welcome

The time of Cadwaladyr: a song he may sing!