This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Marnanel (talk | contribs) at 01:58, 7 April 2004. The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.
Revision as of 01:58, 7 April 2004 by Marnanel (talk | contribs)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)A gorsedd (SAMPA /gO:rsED/), occasionally spelled gorseth, plural gorseddau, is a community of bards.
When the term is used without qualification, it usually means the national gorsedd of Wales, Gorsedd Beirdd Ynys Prydain (Welsh: "the Gorsedd of Bards of the Island of Britain"). However, other gorseddau exist, such as the Cornish Byrth Gorseth Kernow.
Gorseddau exist to promote literary scholarship and the creation of poetry and music. As part of this, their most visible activity is often the organising of eisteddfodau.
Gorsedd Beirdd Ynys Prydain was founded by Edward Williams, often known as Iolo Morgannwg. Its first meeting was held in 1792, in Primose Hill in London.
There are three ranks of membership in the Welsh gorsedd. In ascending order of honour, they are:
- ovates, who wear green robes,
- bards, who wear blue robes, and
- druids, who wear white robes.
The head of a gorsedd is known as an archdruid, and often wears a purple robe. The ranks within the Cornish gorsedd are the same, although the robes are made slightly differently.
In the Welsh gorsedd, a person may become an ovate or a bard by passing an examination in the Welsh language. Druids may only be nominated by existing druids. People are occasionally made ovates or druids as an honour to reward their contributions to Welsh culture. In recent years, Ron Davies and Rowan Williams have been honoured in this way.