COMMENTARY
A great pilgrimage accompanied the bards of Wales to Aberdare Park, set in the lovely Glamorgan countryside, for the initial stage of the colourful Gorsedd Ceremony, held here for the first time for seventy years.
Following the trumpet fanfare, the octogenarian Archdruid, the Reverend Dyfnallt Owen, formerly opened the Gorsedd session.
The Archdruid, with a grand sword, issues the challenge, “Is it peace?”, and the response, “Peace”.
The Archdruid: “Y Gwir yn erbyn y Byd, a oes Heddwch?”
Audience: “Heddwch.”
The Archdruid: “Llef uwch Adlef, a oes Heddwch?”
Audience: “Heddwch.”
Then came the offering of the Horn of Plenty, a token of welcome given by Aberdare to the Eisteddfod.
The Floral Dance followed, symbolising the desire of the children of Wales to present the flower of their talent to the national festival.
The presentation of the sheaf of corn, symbol of the fruits of the earth in due season, to the Archdruid.
The Maiden: “Hybarch Archdderwydd. Yn enw morwynion Aberdâr, a holl blant y fro, atolwg i ti dderbyn yr aberthged hon o ŷd a blodau’r maes.”
The Archdruid: “Ti, Arglwydd, sydd yn ymweled â’r ddaear ac yn ei dyfrhau hi.”
So, to the climax of this impressive ritual, the proclamation of the Royal National Eisteddfod of Wales.
“Gwir yn erbyn y Byd, Duw a phob daioni.” [Trumpets are played].