A Celtic bard in a royal castle

More about A Celtic bard in a royal castle

The 12th-century Celtic bards were the most important spiritual, historical and musical guardians of Celtic culture (especially in modern-day Wales and Ireland) during the Middle Ages. During this period, the role of the bards changed significantly: instead of the earlier tribal and pagan rites, they became official chroniclers and glorifiers of court culture, royal and noble houses. Their main duties and social role were the preservation of history. In the absence of written records, they traced the family trees of clans and the deeds of kings and heroes. Their task was to enhance the reputation of their patron and sing his praises in songs of praise. As free-roaming singers, they were free to move between territories, thus carrying important political news. The 12th century (the Welsh Golden Age) was particularly important for Welsh bards, as they became the main voices of national identity and resistance during the Norman Conquest.