Hedd Wyn: Powerful symbol of soldiers who died on the killing fields of Europe

HIS powerful war poetry posthumously won the Eisteddfod’s most prestigious honour.

And the story of Hedd Wyn, pictured, was brought back to life in an Oscar-nominated film in 1992.

A century after farmer Ellis Humphrey Evans – whose bardic name was Hedd Wyn – was killed in one of the most violent battles of World War I, his death is being marked in a week of drama, music and documentary.

Hedd Wyn, from the Yr Ysgwrn farm near Trawsfynydd, was killed on the first day of the Battle of Passchendaele in Belgium on July 31, 1917.

Weeks later his poem Yr Arwr (The Hero) won the chair prize at the Welsh National Eisteddfod held in Birkenhead, Wirral.

Hedd Wyn became a powerful and lasting symbol of the many Welsh and British soldiers who died on the killing fields of Europe.

S4C’s creative content commissioner Amanda Rees said: “We feel honoured to be at the heart of this national commemoration for one of Wales’ most iconic soldiers and poets. Our week of creative and inspiring programmes, which will end with another chance to see a live, musical première,mière, is a means of paying tributeribute to a lost generation.”n.”

The week of prorogrammes begins ns with a special an- niversary edition of the music and praise series Dechrau Canu Dechrau Canmol today, from the poet’s home village Trawsfynydd.d. Presented by Nia Roberts, it featuress the Ysgol Bro Hedd Wyn yn primary school choir, hoir, Côr Meibion Prysor, powerfulf l archivehi footage and excerpts from his great poem.

Dechrau Canu Dechrau Canmol is followed by the first Welshlanguage film ever to be nominated for an Oscar. The film Hedd Wyn, directed by Paul Turner and starring Huw Garmon in the title role, was critically acclaimed for its lyrical, emotional depiction of the farmer whowh went to war to save his younger brother from going. Tw Twenty-five years sin since the film was fir first released, the e experience of playing the leadinmm ing role still remains with Garmon. He said: “There w was a feeling at the tim time that there was som something special about the film. It was such a powerful story and the p production team was d determinedi d to tackle age-old themes relating to the tragic death of the poet. It was such a privilege to be part of such a project, portraying an iconic character in the history of the War.”

The 1967 documentary Cofio: Hedd Wyn, also airing today, was first shown to coincide with the 50th anniversary of his death. In it his girlfriend and friends recall their friendship with the poet and explain the difficulties Hedd Wyn encountered as he strove to become a Chaired Bard.

Also as part of the week’s celebration, the National Eisteddfod anniversary concert at the festival Pavilion in Anglesey will be shown on Friday, August 4. This original musical work takes Hedd Wyn’s life as its inspiration.

A raft of other programmes will be shown, including Cyngerdd Hedd Wyn: A Oes Heddwch? – a memorable musical and literary experience featuring The Eisteddfod Choir and the BBC National Orchestra of Wales.

Following this a new documentary about Hedd Wyn by national poet Ifor ap Glyn will be broadcast in the autumn.

For programme details, see the S4C schedule at s4c.cymru.