Land of My Fathers: Understanding the Welsh National Anthem

National anthems, played before sporting events or during medal ceremonies, represent a cherished tradition that ignites passion and competitive spirit. These powerful songs often evoke deep emotion, sometimes bringing tears to the eyes of those who sing them, with lyrics that connect people from a specific region or country.

For Wales, the anthem `Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau` (`Land of My Fathers`) holds a unique place in the national heart, serving as a powerful symbol of Welsh identity and pride. Let`s delve into this passionate tune.

Key Details of the Welsh Anthem

When competing under the Great Britain banner, such as at the Olympic Games, Welsh athletes use `God Save The Queen` (now `God Save The King`), the anthem representing the entire United Kingdom. However, when Wales fields its own teams – in sports like football, rugby, and at the Commonwealth Games – `Land of My Fathers` is proudly sung at every opportunity.

The lyrics, penned by Evan James, and the accompanying music, composed by his son James, beautifully capture a profound affection for Wales, its extensive history, and vibrant culture. While the song`s precise origins are somewhat debated, it stands as a potent tribute to the land, its inhabitants, and the enduring Welsh language.

Legend has it that James, the son, composed the melody while walking by the River Rhondda. He then asked his father, Evan, to write suitable lyrics. By the next morning, Evan had reportedly completed three verses that perfectly fit the tune. Some speculate that these emotionally resonant words were a heartfelt reply to his brother, who had recently emigrated to America and hoped Evan would join him.

Initially, the song was known as `Glan Rhondda` (Banks of the Rhondda), and its popularity steadily grew from 1858 onwards. A notable recent moment for the anthem came in 2022 when it was played for the first time ever at the FIFA World Cup, introducing its stirring melody to a global audience.

Land of My Fathers: Full Lyrics

(In Welsh)

Mae hen wlad fy nhadau yn annwyl i mi,
Gwlad beirdd a chantorion, enwogion o fri;
Ei gwrol ryfelwyr, gwladgarwyr tra mad,
Dros ryddid collasant eu gwaed.

(Chorus)
Gwlad, gwlad, pleidiol wyf i’m gwlad.
Tra môr yn fur i’r bur hoff bau,
O bydded i’r hen iaith barhau.

(Second stanza)
Hen Gymru fynyddig, paradwys y bardd,
Pob dyffryn, pob clogwyn, i’m golwg sydd hardd;
Trwy deimlad gwladgarol, mor swynol yw si
Ei nentydd, afonydd, i fi.

(Chorus)
Gwlad, gwlad, pleidiol wyf i’m gwlad.
Tra môr yn fur i’r bur hoff bau,
O bydded i’r hen iaith barhau.

(Third stanza)
Os treisiodd y gelyn fy ngwlad tan ei droed,
Mae hen iaith y Cymry mor fyw ag erioed,
Ni luddiwyd yr awen gan erchyll law brad,
Na thelyn berseiniol fy ngwlad.

(Chorus)
Gwlad, gwlad, pleidiol wyf i’m gwlad.
Tra môr yn fur i’r bur hoff bau,
O bydded i’r hen iaith barhau.

(Translated into English)

This land of my fathers is dear to me,
Land of poets and singers, and people of stature,
Her brave warriors, fine patriots,
Shed their blood for freedom.

(Chorus)
Land! Land! I am true to my land!
As long as the sea serves as a wall for this pure, dear land,
May the language endure for ever.

Old land of the mountains, paradise of the poets,
Every valley, every cliff a beauty guards;
Through love of my country, enchanting voices will be
Her streams and rivers to me.

(Chorus)
Land! Land! I am true to my land!
As long as the sea serves as a wall for this pure, dear land,
May the language endure for ever.

Though the enemy have trampled my country underfoot,
The old language of the Welsh knows no retreat,
The spirit is not hindered by the treacherous hand,
Nor silenced the sweet harp of my land.

(Chorus)
Land! Land! I am true to my land!
As long as the sea serves as a wall for this pure, dear land,
May the language endure for ever.

Introduction of `Land of My Fathers` to Welsh Sport

The first recorded instance of `Land of My Fathers` being used as a national anthem for a Welsh sporting event was in 1905, before a rugby match against a touring New Zealand team. Fans continued to sing it regularly from the stands thereafter.

However, the Welsh football team initially continued to use anthems like `God Save The Prince of Wales` or `God Save The Queen` until Welsh sporting bodies jointly decided in 1975 that `Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau` should be exclusively sung. Although there have been numerous petitions over the years to make the song the official national anthem of Wales, none have yet been formally passed.