Welsh National Anthem Lyrics (Hen Wlad fy Nhadau) – Welsh & English + Meaning
“Hen Wlad fy Nhadau” is the national anthem of Wales, meaning “Land of My Fathers” in English. Written in 1856, it is one of the most powerful symbols of Welsh identity, celebrating heritage, language, and national pride.
Below you’ll find the full Welsh national anthem lyrics in Welsh and English, along with meaning, pronunciation, history, and key facts.
Quick Facts About the Welsh National Anthem
- Title: Hen Wlad fy Nhadau
- English meaning: Land of My Fathers
- Written: 1856
- Lyricist: Evan James
- Composer: James James
- Original tune name: Glan Rhondda
- Language: Welsh - Almost never sung in English
What Is the Welsh National Anthem?
The Welsh national anthem is “Hen Wlad fy Nhadau”, which means “Land of My Fathers” in English.
It was written in 1856 by Evan James (lyrics) and James James (music), and is widely sung at all national events, especially rugby matches, football matches and all sporting events.
What Does Hen Wlad fy Nhadau Mean?
“Hen Wlad fy Nhadau” translates to “Land of My Fathers”.
The anthem expresses love for Wales, pride in its history, and the importance of preserving the Welsh language and culture.
What is the Legal Status of the Welsh National Anthem?
Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau is sung at national events and sporting occasions in Wales and worldwide and is universally recognised as Wales’ national anthem. However, it has no legal status!! Despite this, any other anthem sung for Wales (eg God Save the King) would be met with derision!
Who Composed the Welsh National Anthem?
James James (also known by the bardic name Iago ap Ieuan) (1832–1902) was a harpist and musician from Hollybush, Blackwood, Wales. He composed the tune of the Welsh national anthem, Hen Wlad fy Nhadau.
History of Hen Wlad fy Nhadau
“Hen Wlad fy Nhadau” was first performed in 1856 and quickly became popular across Wales. It gained national significance during the late 19th century and is now widely recognised as the national anthem.
It was one of the first national anthems to be sung before a sporting event, helping to establish a tradition now followed worldwide.
Where was the First Performance of the Welsh National Anthem?
Madge Breeze and the Welsh National Anthem
- The Welsh National Anthem - It was first performed (as Glan Rhondda) at Tabor Chapel in Maesteg in January 1856, the soloist being a 16-year-old Elizabeth John of Pontypridd.
- On 11th March 1899 in London, it became one of the first Welsh language songs to be recorded on vinyl when a singer by the name of Madge Breese included it in a collection of songs she was recording. It was recorded for the Gramophone Company. The recording, pressed on a 7-inch single-sided disc, lasts for 1 minute and 17 seconds.
Where is the Memorial To Evan and James James?
James James died on 11 January 1902 in his 69th year. He was buried in the churchyard at Aberdare along with his wife Cecilia and daughter Louise.
In 1930 a memorial was erected to commenorate the father and son with sculptures by John Goscombe. The memorial is in Ynysangharad Park, Pontypridd, in the Rhondda Valley.
Welsh National Anthem Lyrics in Welsh and English
On almost every occasion, only the first verse of Hen Wlad fy Nhadau is sung but all three verses are listed below. The English version is hardly ever sung.
Below is a full line-by-line translation of the Welsh national anthem, explaining the meaning of each verse in clear English.
Verse 1
Mae hen wlad fy nhadau yn annwyl i mi
→ The old land of my fathers is dear to me
Gwlad beirdd a chantorion, enwogion o fri
→ A land of poets and singers, famous and renowned
Ei gwrol ryfelwyr, gwladgarwyr tra mad
→ Its brave warriors, true patriots
Dros ryddid collasant eu gwaed
→ Shed their blood for freedom
Chorus
Gwlad, Gwlad, pleidiol wyf i’m gwlad
→ Country, country, I am devoted to my country
Tra môr yn fur i’r bur hoff bau
→ While the sea is a wall around this pure, beloved land
O bydded i’r hen iaith barhau
→ Oh, may the old language endure
Verse 2
Hen Gymru fynyddig, paradwys y bardd
→ Old mountainous Wales, a paradise for poets
Pob dyffryn, pob clogwyn, i'm golwg sydd hardd
→ Every valley, every cliff is beautiful to me
Trwy deimlad gwladgarol, mor swynol yw sŵn
→ Through patriotic feeling, how charming is the sound
Ei nentydd, afonydd, i mi
→ Of its streams and rivers to me
Verse 3
Os treisiodd y gelyn fy ngwlad dan ei droed
→ If the enemy has oppressed my land underfoot
Mae hen iaith y Cymry mor fyw ag erioed
→ The old language of the Welsh is as alive as ever
Ni luddiwyd yr awen gan erchyll law brad
→ The muse has not been silenced by the treacherous hand
Na thelyn berseiniol fy ngwlad
→ Nor the resonant harp of my land
How to Pronounce Hen Wlad fy Nhadau
Approximate pronunciation:
Hen Wlad fy Nhadau → Hen Wlad vuh NHA-dai
Tips:
- “ll” in Welsh is a soft breathy sound
- “dd” sounds like “th” in “this”
Meaning of the Welsh National Anthem
The meaning of “Hen Wlad fy Nhadau” centres on patriotism, heritage, and the Welsh language.
The anthem honours the sacrifices made for freedom and celebrates Wales as a land of music, poetry, and national pride.
Meaning of the Welsh National Anthem
The meaning of “Hen Wlad fy Nhadau” centres on patriotism, heritage, and the Welsh language.
The anthem honours the sacrifices made for freedom and celebrates Wales as a land of music, poetry, and national pride.
When Is Hen Wlad fy Nhadau Sung?
Almost anywhere!!! “Hen Wlad fy Nhadau” is sung at many important events in Wales, including:
- International rugby and football matches
- National celebrations and ceremonies
- Cultural festivals such as Eisteddfodau
It is especially powerful when sung by crowds, reflecting unity and national identity.
Listen to Hen Wlad fy Nhadau
Welsh National Anthem, "Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau" - Video courtesy of S4C
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What is the Welsh national anthem?
The Welsh national anthem is “Hen Wlad fy Nhadau”, written in 1856 and meaning “Land of My Fathers”. -
What does Hen Wlad fy Nhadau mean in English?
It means “Land of My Fathers”. -
Who wrote the Welsh national anthem?
It was written by Evan James (lyrics) and James James (music). -
When was Hen Wlad fy Nhadau written?
It was written in 1856. -
Is Hen Wlad fy Nhadau officially the national anthem of Wales?
Although not established by law, it is widely recognised and used as the national anthem of Wales. Any other anthem sung for Wales (eg God Save the King) would be met with derision!
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