National anthems are a time-honored tradition played before events or during medal ceremonies, serving to inspire and unite. These powerful songs, with their carefully crafted lyrics, can move individuals deeply, connecting everyone from a particular corner of the world through shared identity.
For Wales, there`s a unique connection to bonding over ‘Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau’ (Land of My Fathers), a truly passionate tune in the world of sport.
About the Welsh National Anthem
| Name: | “Land of My Fathers” (Welsh: “Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau”) |
| Lyrics: | Evan James |
| Music: | James James |
| Year: | 1856 |
When competing as part of Great Britain, such as at the Olympic Games, Welsh athletes share `God Save The Queen` (now `God Save The King`) as their anthem, representing the unity of the United Kingdom.
However, when representing Wales independently – in sports like football, rugby, and at the Commonwealth Games – Welsh international representatives proudly sing ‘Land of My Fathers’ with great enthusiasm whenever the opportunity arises.
The lyrics, written by Evan James, and the music, composed by his son James, beautifully convey a deep love for Wales, its rich history, and vibrant culture. Although its exact origins are somewhat uncertain, the song is a powerful tribute to the land, its people, and the enduring Welsh language.
It is believed that James, the son, composed the melody while walking along the River Rhondda. He then asked his father, Evan, to write lyrics to accompany the tune. By the following morning, Evan had created three verses that seamlessly fit the music. Some speculate these emotional lyrics were a heartfelt response to his brother, who had recently moved to America and was encouraging Evan to join him there.
The song was initially known as ‘Glan Rhondda’ (Banks of the Rhondda), and its popularity gradually grew starting from 1858.
A significant moment for the anthem occurred in 2022 when it was played for the first time at the FIFA World Cup, allowing a global audience to experience its stirring beauty.Full Lyrics of Land of My Fathers
Mae hen wlad fy nhadau yn annwyl i mi,
Gwlad beirdd a chantorion, enwogion o fri;
Ei gwrol ryfelwyr, gwladgarwyr tra mad,
Dros ryddid collasant eu gwaed.
(Chorus)
Gwlad, gwlad, pleidiol wyf i’m gwlad.
Tra môr yn fur i’r bur hoff bau,
O bydded i’r hen iaith barhau.
(Second stanza)
Hen Gymru fynyddig, paradwys y bardd,
Pob dyffryn, pob clogwyn, i’m golwg sydd hardd;
Trwy deimlad gwladgarol, mor swynol yw si
Ei nentydd, afonydd, i fi.
(Chorus)
(Third stanza)
Os treisiodd y gelyn fy ngwlad tan ei droed,
Mae hen iaith y Cymry mor fyw ag erioed,
Ni luddiwyd yr awen gan erchyll law brad,
Na thelyn berseiniol fy ngwlad.
(Chorus)
This land of my fathers is dear to me
Land of poets and singers, and people of stature
Her brave warriors, fine patriots
Shed their blood for freedom
(Chorus)
Land! Land! I am true to my land!
As long as the sea serves as a wall for this pure, dear land
May the language endure for ever.
(Second stanza)
Old land of the mountains, paradise of the poets,
Every valley, every cliff a beauty guards;
Through love of my country, enchanting voices will be
Her streams and rivers to me.
(Chorus)
(Third stanza)
Though the enemy have trampled my country underfoot,
The old language of the Welsh knows no retreat,
The spirit is not hindered by the treacherous hand
Nor silenced the sweet harp of my land.
(Chorus)
Introduction to Welsh Sport
The first documented use of ‘Land of My Fathers’ as a national anthem for a Welsh sporting event was in 1905, preceding a rugby match against a touring side from New Zealand.
Following this, fans regularly sang it from the stands. However, the Welsh football team continued to use ‘God Save The Prince of Wales’ or ‘God Save The Queen’ until Welsh sporting bodies decided in 1975 that ‘Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau’ should be the exclusive anthem.
Many petitions advocating for the song to be designated the official national anthem of Wales have been submitted over the years, but none have yet been successful.
