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The story of Hedd Wyn

Hedd Wyn (born Ellis Evans) was a shepherd and poet from Trawsfynydd who won the chair in the 1917 National Eisteddfod, which that year was held in the English town of Birkenhead. Hedd Wyn, a reluctant soldier who had waited until 1917 before going to war, was killed in the First World War battle of Passchendaele just days before his win was announced. His winning poem was β€˜Yr Arwr’ (The Hero). In a unique and moving chairing ceremony that year, his chair was covered in a black cloth. His story was told in an Oscar nominated film made in 1992. Here Eddie Butler tells his story.

Release date:

Duration:

4 minutes