Cantrev Gwrly is a County in the Principality of Clwyd.
Overview[]
Gwrly's realm encompasses the eastern lands of Clwyd, the larger and more populous of the principality's cantrevs, but her valley is the craggier of the two. The Berwyn Mountains mark the southern borders and the River Dee the eastern boundary with England. The Countess' pride and joy is the town of Llangollen, site of the International Eisteddfod. Each spring, in anticipation of the summer event, Countess Gwrly sends engraved invitations to all nobles and notables of Cymru to join her under the cantrev's pavilion and watch the festivities in splendor. Needless to say, Gwrly invites no one of Angharad's household, though for purposes of the eisteddfod, she permits them to enter Llangollen and attend the festivities, as long as they stay at least ten paces away from her pavilion.
The Keep of the Birds[]
Caer Adern is Countess Gwrly's Freehold
Llangollen[]
Site of the largest eisteddfod (bardic gathering) in Wales, Llangollen is a small town resting in the Dee valley. Each year in summer, Llangollen hosts entertainers from around the world at the International Eisteddfod. The town itself is a charming blend of traditional Victorian architecture and style with a dash of continental Europe. Open-air restaurants decorate the hanks of the Dee along with craft shops, bed and breakfasts, and pubs. While crowded to capacity in July, Llangollen still maintains a warm and cozy atmosphere.
Eisteddfod & the Gorsedd of Bards[]
The eisteddfod (eye-steth'-vuhd, pl. eisteddfodau), literally meaning "a gathering," is an annual bardic competition held in the summer months. Springing from a tradition over 900 years old, today's eisteddfod is a modern-day representation of medieval competitions among bards for places in noble entourages. Then as now, contests include poetry, drama, and music of all kinds. Modern eisteddfodau are elaborate celebrations with costumed rituals and large choirs of singers, including traditional bardic arts as well as writing and painting. The first eisteddfod took place at the behest of King Hywel Dda, who wished to have the finest poet in the land serve his household. His actions led to other nobles also acting as patrons to performers. A desire to regulate the system of patronage resulted in the development of a strict hierarchy of rank and status among bards by the 16th century... and ultimately the decline of noble patronage, especially in light of changing political and cultural scenes in early-modern Britain.
In 1792, however, a Welsh scholar named Iolo Morgannwg created a formal bardic and druidic society, complete with rituals, degrees, and regalia. This group became the Gorsedd of Bards, and today, they officially proclaim the gathering of an eisteddfod at least a year and a day in advance. The Gorsedd of Bards' ceremonies include the call of the Corn Gwald, a trumpet which brings the people together, the drawing of the Grand Sword from its sheath three times as an affirmation of peace, and the presentation to the archdruid of the Hirlas Horn of Plenty along with samples of native flowers and soils by dancing Welsh maidens.
The Royal National Eisteddfod alternates locations from the north and the south. The International Eisteddfod is a global festival that takes place in Llangollen. Crafts, art exhibitions, and sports all contribute to the flavor of these celebrations. A recent addition to the exhibits is a showcase of Welsh science and technology.
Wales has a long history of poets and bards, from Aneurin and Taliesin in the 6th century, to Owain Cyferliog and Dafydd ap Gwilym in the Middle Ages, to John Hughes, John Jones, Richard Llewellyn, Dylan Thomas, and Emlyn Williams in modem times.
Gwersyll Afon Gwyrdd (Camp Green River)[]
Gwersyll Afon Gwyrdd is a medium sized campground just south of Llangollen. It's a favorite spot for tourists on budget holiday and inevitably turns guests away during the eisteddfod. Iaian Hughes, a handsome man in his late 30s, is the proprietor; moreover, he is a kinain who takes great pleasure in catering to the special needs of the Kithain. During eisteddfod, he sets up all manner of tents, pavilions, and banners, creating spectacular venues for tournaments and entertainment. One reason the camp is so crowded during the festival is that the Kithain take up virtually all available space; few bother to stop after seeing the "no Vacancy" sign. Most mortals who do see the medieval set-up assume it's the work of a re-enactment society.
In the past few years, Iaian has installed some special amenities. These include a colorful fantasy putt-putt course, with jousting knights, windmills and dragons, as well as an enormous Jacuzzi that seats about 25 people. The jacuzzi is a favorite with the satyrs who try to see just how many people they can pack in and still fool around.
Although the camp is technically within Gwrly's territory, she grudgingly allows her enemy Angharad access during eisteddfod and the seasonal festivals. The countesses have agreed that neither will go within 10 paces of the other, though their retainers may mingle as long as no hostilities occur on this neutral ground.
References[]
- CTD: Isle of the Mighty, p. 152-155
