Lord Rhys 1132-1197
Lord Rhys 1132-1197
The declaration ‘Est La Paix? Paix? Is very familiar when translated into the welsh language. ‘A oes heddwch? Heddwch’ (Is there Peace? Peace). This suggests Eisteddfod to us but why are the words in French? The roots of the Eisteddfod originate from the Puy region in France, during the reign of one welsh prince who had the title Lord Rhys bestowed on him by the English king.
Lord Rhys lost both his mother and father when he was young. And at the age of fourteen, he embarked on his fighting career which began by claming his territory, Lord Rhys and brothers attacked Llansteffan castle by Carmarthen. His career came to end at the age of 65 when he attacked Paen Castle.
After family feuding, Rhys took the position of Prince of Deheubarth. He was a man who understood when to fight against the Marcher Lords who were trying to capture his lands by taking key castles.
Rhys also understood that there was a need for cooperation throughout Wales. An example of this is the first Eisteddfod at Aberteifi Castle, which was organised by Rhys in 1176. A man from North Wales won one prize and a man from the South won the other. Was this arranged to show that he was a man that wished for a united country?
Lord Rhys is buried in St David’s Cathedral. An astute and intelligent man that did a lot for his principality and the whole of Wales. Unfortunately, his sons lacked his conviction to save the Deheubarth Principality from the Gwynedd Principality and the English Throne.