The Gododdin: Owain

Aneirin, translated by Gillian Clarke

This week’s poem comes from a new translation of what is sometimes called “Scotland’s Oldest Poem”. The Gododdin, Lament for the Fallen, is the latest translation of the poetic work from the first millennium. The translator Gillian Clarke, former National Poet for Wales, says by way of introduction: “Aneirin was the poet of the tribe, the Gododdin, based in what is now Edinburgh. One of the two earliest poets of Britain whose names we know, he laments a hundred men who fought and died in the battle of Catraeth (Catterick). The language was early Welsh.” Also, look out for the Fringe show Scotland’s Oldest Poem – The Gododdin, at Paradise in the Vault (Venue 29) until 28 August.

Owain

A boy with a man’s heart, on fire for the front, restless for war, lush-maned, fleet-hoofed stallion between young thighs, shield laid on the horse’s flank, his sword a blue-bright blade, his armour burnished gold.

As the singer of this song I lay no blame but only praise for him sooner gone to the battlefield than to his marriage-bed; sooner carrion for the crow, sooner flesh to feed the raven I mourn him, laid in his grave. Dear friend, Owain. Marro’s Only son. Slain.

The Scottish Poetry Library at 5 Crichton’s Close, Edinburgh is open 10am-3pm weekdays and 24/7 online at Scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk It also operates free postal borrowing. For poetry enquiries, e-mail reception@spl.org.uk