Taliesin is generally accepted to be one of the earliest known Welsh poets or bards, along with Aneurin and Talhaearn Tad Awen.
Some medieval literature refers to Taliesin as “Chief of the Bards”. He certainly imbues the liminal nature of Welsh history and legend.
Originally known as Gwion, Taliesin was a servant of the witch Cerridwen – that is until he accidently drank a few drops of a magic potion of inspiration she had conjured. It imbued him with the power of prophecy.
In the ancient tale of Culhwch ac Olwen, Taliesin is described as a bard of King Arthur and he is said to have hung out with Bran the Blessed, the giant king who appears in the Second Branch of the Mabinogi.
Return to My Trees 