The Welsh National Anthem Translated and Explained(ish)

Even in the UK, there are many people who are blissfully unaware that the small(ish) country to the left of England has its own language, culture, identity and – of course – national anthem.  If you have ever been to a rugby match to see Wales compete, then you will have heard the song belted out by (what appears to be) a thousand choirs all singing in unison.  Yet what does the  National Anthem - Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau ((Old) Land of My Fathers) mean when translated?

Step forward Ellis Lloyd Jones (above, in Pontypridd), TikTok star, drag queen and now anthem-explainer.  Lloyd Jones says a little Welsh, translates it into English, says a little Welsh – you get the idea.  Although you might not be much the wiser by the end of this short video, you will probably have enjoyed the experience!  What I found quite amusing is the way that he doesn’t quite remember some of the translations of the words into English.  Even though most Welsh speakers are fluent in English, there are many moments like this when the English word just doesn’t quite arrive on time!

The video was created by S4C's service for Welsh learners (S4C is the Welsh Language TV channel).

As a by the by, did you know that none of the national anthems of the UK are official? Although God Save the King is treated as the national anthem by convention, it has never been established in law, and the same is true for the anthems used by the individual nations. Instead, each has evolved through custom and long-standing public use, becoming “official” only in the sense that people, institutions and events have collectively agreed to use them. This uniquely British reliance on tradition over legislation means the UK’s anthems occupy a curious space: universally recognised, yet never formally declared.  Funny old world, innit!

Ready? Dyma ni!