Welsh-language literature

<p>Welsh-language literature   has been produced continuously since the emergence of Welsh from Brythonic as a distinct language in around the 5th century AD. The earliest Welsh literature was <a href="/facts/Poetry/ylGarm6p">poetry</a>, which was extremely intricate in form from its earliest known examples, a tradition sustained today. Poetry was followed by the first British prose literature in the 11th century (such as that contained in the <a href="/facts/Mabinogion/WRTaNn0h">Mabinogion</a>). Welsh-language literature has repeatedly played a major part in the self-assertion of <a href="/facts/Wales/xa3W6PHH">Wales</a> and its people. It continues to be held in the highest regard, as evidenced by the size and enthusiasm of the audiences attending the annual <a href="/facts/National_Eisteddfod_of_Wales/KUVJmVXF">National Eisteddfod of Wales</a> (<i>Eisteddfod Genedlaethol Cymru</i>), probably the largest amateur <a href="/facts/Arts_festival/9b9RsjbE">arts festival</a> in Europe, which crowns the literary prize winners in a dignified ceremony.
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Welsh-language literature open-in-new

Welsh-language literature