Gorsedd

Society of Welsh bards founded 1792 by the Glamorgan bard Iolo Morganwg (1747–1826). It was devised to replace a long‐defunct medieval order of the same name. Iolo merged the Gorsedd ceremonial with the eisteddfod in Carmarthen 1819.

The present‐day Gorsedd forms an integral and influential part of the organization of the National Eisteddfod of Wales, in that most of the National Eisteddfod Court or governing body are members of the Gorsedd. The Gorsedd is responsible for administering and conducting the rich and colourful bardic ceremonial of the Eisteddfod, which has developed into a picturesque and very popular national pageant.

Ceremonies
No National Eisteddfod of Wales may be held without ceremonial proclamation by the Gorsedd at least a year and a day in advance and a formal presentation of the first copy of the List of Subjects to the archdruid. This, with the other Gorsedd ceremonies, normally takes place in the open air within a circle of stones specially erected for the purpose; but it is within the Eisteddfod Pavilion that the Gorsedd conducts its two principal bardic ceremonies, the crowning and the chairing of the victors in the poetry contests.

Following the chanting of the traditional prayer invoking divine protection and peace, the archdruid opens each Gorsedd session by partially withdrawing the Grand Sword from its sheath three times with the challenge ‘Is it peace?’, to which the bards respond each time with the cry ‘Peace’. Among other rites are the offering to the Archdruid of the Hirlas Horn, representing the wine of welcome, and the Aberthged, or sheaf of corn entwined with wild flowers. The former is carried by a matron and the latter by a maiden accompanied by a troupe of little girls who perform a floral dance within the circle of stones.

Organization
The archdruid of Wales, elected for a term of three years, is vice‐president of the National Eisteddfod Court and supreme head of the Gorsedd of Wales and the branch Gorseddau of Brittany and Cornwall. The Gorsedd comprises three orders: the Ovate Order (green robe); the Order of Bards and Musicians (blue robe); and the Druidic Order (white robe).