gorsedd Old Welsh: high mound
Modern Welsh: throne

Originally meaning a high mound, possibly artificial, usually of sacred importance,where tribes would meet. It has a similar function of the Irish oenach--assembly. One famous example is the Gorsedd Arberth in the Mabinogi, which prefigures the Seige Perilous in the Grail legend.

Current meaning is a gathering of Bards in Wales. The Gorsedd was started by Iolo Morgannwg in competition with the older Eisteddfod (session); they later merged.

Back to "G" | Back to JCE
Home