THE BLACK BOOK
OF CARMARTHEN ©
by Carolanne Kennedy
The Black Book of Carmarthen is so called because of the colour of its binding and the name of the abbey where it is believed to have been written. However, the writings contained within illuminate the mind and shed light on times and peoples long past. The manuscript presently rests at the National Library of Wales. This is one of the earliest surviving books written in the Welsh language. The bardic poetry recorded within the manuscript dates back to the 6th or 7th century AD. The poems themselves were transcribed into manuscript form in the 13th or 14th centuries. (pg.1 Stevenson) It is believed the book is the work of one scribe from the Priory of St. John in Carmarthen.
The Carmarthen manuscript is one of the Four Ancient Books of Wales (pg. 1 Stevenson) William Forbes Skene deemed the Black Book of Carmarthen, the Red Book of Hergest, the Book of Tailiesin and the Book of Aneurin; the Four Ancient Manuscripts of Wales. The four books contain all the Welsh bardic poetry known to be in existence at this time.
The poems of the Carmarthen manuscript share stories of Myrddin, Tailiesin and Arthur. There are also a few poems by Cynddelw, the bard of Madog ap Maredudd (ca. 1160). (pg 1 NLW) Two poems from the Book of Carmarthen particularly caught my attention. They are The Ode of Cyridwen (pg 1 NLW) The poet names himself as Cuhelyn and he sings the praises of a chief named Cyridwen. I use the word 'sings' because to me the poetry flows like a song.
"Splendid are his horses,
hundreds respect him,
the skilful seek the chieftain.
The circle of deliverance,
The nation’s refuge
And a treasury of mutual reproach."
(Skene, Black Book)
The poet honors the Chief for delivering his people and providing refuge and safety for their nation. Obviously a battle or possibly battles have been fought and won. The Bard Cuhelyn duly praised the Chief.
It is amazing that we have these stories in manuscript form and they have been translated into English over a thousand years since they were first recorded. I loved reading these poems because they flowed through my mind like melting honey in a good cup of tea. The second poem I dearly enjoy reading is called, Soul Since I Was Made. (Skene, Black Book)
"...I was gleaming fire when I was caused to exist;
I was dust of the earth and grief could not reach me;
I was a high wind being less evil than good;
I was blossoms of trees on the face of the earth..." (Skene, Black Book)
Oh, how beautiful is that! To conclude, I am inspired to pen a few words to show how the Bards of old have touched my soul.
To the bards who lit these words to life,
To the scribes who fused paper and ink,
To the ears who heard the stories long, long ago,
To the scholars who take the ancient and make it new,
To the common eyes such as mine read on and blessed faith find.
Yes, I would encourage every soul to seek out and read these ancient manuscripts. Never has there been a more important time than now for all humans to find their link to their ancestors. Celts awaken! The words of these manuscripts will light the fire of your soul and remind you of whom you come from and who you are. Ancient wisdom can be an anchor to help ground us all at this important time on our earth walk.
Bibliography
The Celtic Reader, Complied and edited by John Matthews, Thorsons Publishers, 77-85 Fulham Palace Road, Hammersmith, London, W68JB
Llyfr Du Caerfyrddin, The Black Book of Carmarthen
The Ode to Cyridwen, Black Book of Carmarthen IV
National Library of Wales (NLW)
Celtic Twilight, Jim Donaldson Gordd Cymru
The Four Ancient Books of Wales
William F. Skene, Web page by John Bruno Hare
Carolanne Kennedy was born eldest of seven children in a fishing village on the Avalon Peninsula off the Island of Newfoundland. From a young age she experienced a deep connection to the land and sea. She first learned of the Faery Folk from her Grandmother. When she was a teenager her family moved to Ontario.
She completed a diploma in Business in June 2000 and earns her living working in accounting. She received her certificate as a Faery Shaman from Society of Celtic Shamans in July 2000 and has walked with the Ancients ever since. She is also a Certified N.L.P. Practitioner. She is enrolled in studies with the University of Celtic Wisdom.
Throughout the year she holds Celtic Shaman workshops and on occasion does individual counseling sessions. She loves all things Celtic.
Anyone wishing to contact Carolanne can do so at her email address lorracc42@yahoo.com
The Black Book of Carmarthen copyright © 2005 by Carolanne Kennedy, all
rights reserved. Used with permission. Top of Page
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