The Welsh National Anthem – A Celebration of Land, Language and Pride

"Mae Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau", or "Land of My Fathers" in English, is one of the most stirring and beautiful national anthems in the world. Sung with passion and pride at rugby matches, Eisteddfodau, school assemblies and national events, it embodies the spirit, history, and soul of the Welsh people.

The anthem is sung in Welsh, and the words speak of a deep love for the land, its poets, its singers, and its heroes who fought bravely for freedom. It also reflects the strength and resilience of the Welsh language and culture.

Here are the lyrics in Welsh:

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

Chorus:
Gwlad, Gwlad, pleidiol wyf i'm gwlad,
Tra môr yn fur i'r bur hoff bau,
O bydded i'r heniaith barhau.

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

Os treisiodd y gelyn fy ngwlad dan 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

And its beautiful English translation:

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

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

The Story Behind the Anthem

The anthem was created in January 1856 by a father and son from Pontypridd. Although the precise origins remain a little uncertain, it is widely accepted that Evan James wrote the words, while his son, James James, composed the melody. James James was a harpist who played at local events and Welsh festivals — fitting, as the harp is the national instrument of Wales.

"Mae Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau" quickly grew in popularity across South Wales and, by the late 19th century, it was recognised as the de facto national anthem. It continues to hold a cherished place in the hearts of Welsh people everywhere.

A Personal Memory

Growing up in North Wales, the Welsh national anthem was part of my everyday life. We sang it in school assemblies and choirs almost weekly, and we often performed at Eisteddfodau, including the famous Eisteddfod in Llangollen.

Yet, despite singing it countless times, it wasn’t until a family holiday to Barry Island that I truly felt the overwhelming power of the anthem. During a day trip to Cardiff Arms Park to watch a Military Tattoo show, the event opened with the national anthem. The stadium was packed with thousands of voices raised in song.

I was just ten years old, but the sheer force of thousands of proud Welsh voices singing together moved me to tears. I clenched my hands tightly and sang with all my heart, tears streaming down my cheeks, filled with an immense and emotional pride in my Welsh identity. It’s a moment I will never forget.

Cymru am byth, my friends. Wales for ever.