The digital home of Welsh culture.

The digital home of Welsh culture.

Menu

Theme: Literature

Folding Rock Summer Party

Black and white image of the sea to promote the Folding Rock Summer Party

Celebrate summer at the seaside with Folding Rock and friends at Tramshed Tech in Barry Goodsheds. We’ll be announcing more soon, but you can expect good conversation, a reading or two, drinks, music, and the opportunity to read some of the best new writing Wales has to offer – plus access to some amazing food […]

Yr Hen Iaith (Lefel A) – Branwen ferch Llŷr

Branwen daughter of Llŷr We have a great time in this episode while discussing ‘The Second Branch of the Mabinogi’, namely the tale of ‘Branwen daughter of Llŷr’. We consider a number of things about this exciting story, asking interesting questions about its relationship with the medieval society to which it belonged. We note that […]

Yr Hen Iaith (Lefel A) – Llyfr Gwyn Rhydderch

The next episode focusses on the tale ‘Branwen daughter of Llŷr’ (or ‘The Second Branch of the Mabinogi’). We prepare for that discussion in this episode by looking at the earliest manuscript which contains a complete copy of the tale, namely the White Book of Rhydderch. This manuscript was created about the year 1350 by […]

This Writing Life: Carys Davies

Picture of a desk with a computer on it, surrounded by a bookshelf

Welcome to This Writing Life, Folding Rock’s new interview series where we take a peek into the lives and habits of our favourite writers – and ask them some questions submitted by you!   What was the first thing you did this morning? Cycled down to the beach at Portobello with my son. It’s one […]

Review: A Room Above a Shop (Granta, 2025) by Anthony Shapland

Photo of multiple copies of the book 'A Room Above a Shop' by Anthony Shapland

by A. R Darland   It’s a tale as simple as its title. Two men meet somewhere in the region of Merthyr Tydfil, they work in an independent DIY shop together, and share a single room upstairs. They love each other for a bit, they fall out for a bit, they patch stuff up. As […]

The Centre of Things

Two images of Ynys Enlli at dusk on a white background

Mari Huws Jones This piece originally appeared in Folding Rock Issue 001: Roots.   SOIL | 2019 Early in December 2019 I found myself doubled over and pulling wildly at the roots of nettles – shovelling soil in the shade of an elder tree, leafless in midwinter; levelling a small piece of shrubby, neglected land. […]

Issue 001 Editorial

Front cover of Folding Rock issue 1

By Robert Harries and Kathryn Tann   ‘Just like the cow jumped over the moon’ When Fitzcarraldo Editions founder Jacques Testard was buttonholed about the meaning of his press’s name, he reasoned it was a reference to ‌the 1982 Werner Herzog movie chronicling the attempt by Klaus Kinski’s unhinged rubber baron to haul a gargantuan steamship up […]

Yr Hen Iaith (Lefel A) – Mis Mai a Mis Tachwedd

‘May and November’ In this episode we discuss one of Dafydd ap Gwilym’s nature poems, namely the famous cywydd which contrasts the month of May with the ‘dark angry’ month. While considering two connected themes which are central to Dafydd’s work, love and nature, we note that the poem welcomes May as it signifies the […]

Yr Hen Iaith (Lefel A) – Yr Wylan

‘The Seagull’ In this episode we look at one of Dafydd ap Gwilym’s cywyddau llatai and explain the meaning of that word – ‘llatai’ – and discuss the usual pattern followed by these kinds of cywyddau. This is a kind of poem which combines two of Dafydd’s favourite themes, love and nature, giving the poet’s […]

Gwaith Argoed Llwyfain

This episode discusses one of the poems attributed to the bard Taliesin. The word ‘gwaith’ means ‘battle’, and although we don’t know where exactly Argoed Llwyfain was, it’s certain that the location was in the Old North and that this battle took place sometime towards the end of the sixth century. It was a victory […]

Marwnad Owain ab Urien

In this episode we look at another of Taliesin’s poems. The praise tradition including paying tribute to dead leaders, and that’s what we have in this powerful poem. We note that this elegy for Owain refers to the victory celebrated in another of Taliesin’s poems, ‘The Battle of Argoed Llwyfain’; there is a sense that […]

Canu Aneirin, Awdl 1

We discuss the first of the Gododdin’s awdlau in this episode, namely an elegy for Ywain, a warrior described as ‘Marro’s only son’. We note that the style is very sparse yet also extremely powerful; here is a poet who does a lot with a few words. We learn a number of things about Ywain: […]

Llyfr Aneirin

This episode prefaces the episodes which discuss two of Canu Aneirin’s awdlau. Here we are in the National Library of Wales, looking at the Book of Aneirin itself! This manuscript was written between about 1250 and 1300. As it’s likely that it was written during the final years of ‘the independent Wales, we wonder if […]

Canu Aneirin, Awdl 24

Here we discuss an elegy to another of the Gododdin’s dead warriors, Buddfan fab Bleiddfan. We note that ‘arwr’ (‘hero’) is the first word, summarizing effectively the picture we get in the following lines. We also note that the last word, ‘dihafarch’ (‘brave’) encapsulates this elegy’s main message. Like the first awdl, death in battle […]

Yr Hen Iaith (Lefel A) – Aneirin gan Iwan Llwyd

In this episode we look at the poem ‘Aneirin’ by Iwan Llwyd, scrutinizing the way in which he compares – or assimilates – the poet’s job with the journalist’s. We also discuss the way in which the poem assimilates wars from different historical periods and note that Iwan Llwyd has very definite ideas about the […]

Yr Hen Iaith (Lefel A) – Gwenllian gan Myrddin ap Dafydd

Ystyriwn y cywydd ‘Gwenllian’ gan Myrddin ap Dafydd yn y bennod hon, gan egluro’r ddau gyd-destun hanesyddol perthnasol – diwedd llinach tywysogion Cymru yn 1282 a hanes ymgyrch yn y 1990au i greu cofeb i ferch Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, Gwenllian. Awgrymwn fod y gerdd hon yn gofeb hynod drawiadol yn ei hawl ei hun. Wrth […]

Yr Hen Iaith (Lefel A): Y Gŵr sydd ar y Gorwel gan Gerallt Lloyd Owen

This episode focusses on Gerallt Lloyd Owen’s poem, ‘Y Gŵr sydd ar y Gorwel’. As well as scrutinising the poet’s craft, we explain the political context and consider why Gerallt Lloyd Owen approached Saunders Lewis in this way. We note the significance of the word ‘horizon’ itself and suggest that this modern poem highlights some […]

Yr Hen Iaith (Lefel A): Sul y Mamau yn Greenham, 1984 gan Menna Elfyn

We discuss Menna Elfen’s ‘Mother’s Day at Greenham, 1984’ in this episode. Jerry Hunter scrutinizes the structure and style of the poem, noting how the poet takes advantage of the flexibility of free measure. She also discusses the images that are central to her. Richard Wyn Jones explains the historical and political context, explaining the […]

Yr Hen Iaith (Lefel A): Our series for Welsh A Level Students

This is a special series of Yr Hen Iaith – one that has been created specifically for people studying Welsh A Level. Each episode in the series relates to an aspect of the syllabus. You can listen to two old friends discussing Welsh literature, one an expert in the field and the other eager to […]

Yr Hen Iaith (Lefel A): Un Nos Ola Leuad

We discuss Un Nos Ola Leuad in this episode while filming at the National Library of Wales, with Caradog Prichard’s own notebook with one of his original plans for the novel and a draft of a chapter in front of us. We consider the style of this remarkable work and the way it moves between […]

Yr Hen Iaith (Lefel A) – Martha, Jac, a Sianco

We discuss Martha, Jac a Sianco in this episode, scrutinizing how the novel depicts the dark side of rural life.   We find that even the most shocking aspects of the novel reflect reality and that this courageous work goes against a stream of Welsh literature that elevates, romanticises and idealises the life of the […]

Hynt Yr Hen Iaith: neges ar gyfer ein dilynwyr

As you know if you have been following Yr Hen Iaith, the last episode was the final episode of Series 2. There will be a little break before we start Series 3, but the Yr Hen Iaith team will not be idle! In fact, we have started recording a special series for A-level pupils. This […]

Pennod 62 – Hanesyddiaeth a Hunaniaeth: Drych y Prif Oesoedd

Historiography and Identity: Drych y Prif Oesoedd With this episode we bring the second series of Yr Hen Iaith to an end, and we do that by discussing an incredibly influential book which Theophilus Evans published in 1740. Drych y Prif Oesoedd [The Mirror of the Earliest Centuries] was first published in 1716, but the […]

Cerdd Tafod Arall | Music of Another Tongue

Cerdd Tafod Arall | Music of Another Tongue is a project led by Hanan Issa, National Poet of Wales, where she challenged herself and six poets known for their experimental use of language to learn about and use Cynghanedd in their work. Following an online crash course on cynghanedd and Welsh verse delivered by Mererid […]

Wales Book of the Year 2025 Judges Announcement

Although summer may seem distant, preparations for the Wales Book of the Year Award 2025 have been in full swing for months. Our talented panels of judges have been appointed and are diligently reading through the entries, ready to announce their shortlists in May. Today, we are excited to reveal their names as well as […]

Homes that Float – Hanan Issa

Hanan Issa, National Poet of Wales has shared a new video poem which paints a poignant picture of Wales’ future in the wake of the climate crisis. Hanan was so moved by stories about the impact of flooding in Pontypridd after storms Dennis and Bert, she wanted to convey the situation in the area through […]

Gift Guide: Books for music lovers

Looking for Christmas gifts? Here are 5 books that would make perfect gifts for music lovers. Wales: 100 Records – Huw Stephens (Y Lolfa) Welsh music obsessive and BBC 6 Music DJ Huw Stephens has sifted through the archives and his own record collection to bring his selection of 100 records – both notable and […]

Resilience IWD25

Expect nothing but the best from our selection of women’s poetry, storytelling, song writing and rabble rousing. You’ll be amazed, surprised, astonished and quite possibly flabbergasted. But definitely entertained. IWD 25 (+2 days) Join us on 10/03/25 at 5pm on Zoom. Sign up here. Artists: TBA BSL: Cathryn McShane

The Tree Men of Wales and Bengal – Soma Ghosh

Inclusive Journalism Cymru: Understanding Our Past to Know Our Present In partnership with the Wales Broadcast Archive, Inclusive Journalism Cymru commissioned three members to explore historical broadcasts and create original work reflecting on contemporary Wales. Writer, performer, and podcaster Soma Ghosh responded to a 1960 interview by Welsh broadcaster Vincent Kane on Merlin’s Oak in […]

Kaja Brown

Our Artist of the Month is Kaja Brown, an award winning writer, journalist and intersectional activist living in South Wales. Kaja explores themes of social justice, disability, mental health, LGBT+ life and environmentalism in her writing. They have been published in Atmos, Refinery 29, Shado Mag, Diva Magazine, The Welsh Agenda, Inclusive Journalism Cymru, and […]

Archif presents… Lowri Hedd Vaughan

Poet and writer Lowri Hedd Vaughan contemplates her creative practice and her connection to nature. She shares gentle reflections on her writing, intertwining her deep appreciation for the natural world in Welsh. Archif is a living record of contemporary artists in North Wales, documenting their work, personal stories, and creative journeys by Gwenno Llwyd Till, […]

Pennod 59 – Mae’r Ysgrifbin yn Rymusach na’r Cleddyf

The Pen is Mightier than the Sword: Writing and Ideology after the Wars In this episode we look at Welsh literature on both sides of the ideological divide after the wars between Parliament and King came to an end. You’ll hear Rowland Vaughan admitting that he didn’t succeed in killing radical threats to order with […]

Folding Rock: The Launch Party

We’re celebrating the very first issue of Folding Rock, and you’re invited! Book your place here Join us at Tramshed Tech Grangetown for an evening of readings from some of our brilliant contributors, live music, exclusive goodies, a chance to meet other literature lovers, and a bookstall by our friends at Book Space Cardiff. When: […]

Folding Rock 1: Roots

Front and back cover of Folding Rock Issue 1

Folding Rock 1: Roots will be published on 6 March 2025. Pre-order here and subscribe to Folding Rock here. Featuring new work from writers including Sophie Mackintosh, Jay Griffiths, Joe Dunthorne and Rachel Dawson.   Roots can take hold in myriad ways: in the places we are born, the ones we come from, and those we […]

Sut i Ddarllen

Sut i Ddarllen, sgyrsiau onest a dadlennol am ddarllen. Mewn podlediad newydd, fe fydd Francesca Sciarrillo yn trafod pob math o agweddau ar ddarllen – o’i ddylanwad i’w effaith ar ein bywydau bob dydd. Yn rhannu atgofion ac argymhellion, rhinweddau a rhwystredigaethau a hynny gyda gwesteion difyr. Felly ymunwch â ni.

Lucent Dreaming

Lucent Dreaming is an independent magazine for new and emerging writers, based in Cardiff.