The phrase “Wales Volkslied” translates from German as “Wales national anthem”, signifying the patriotic song that embodies Welsh identity and pride. In Welsh, the anthem is called Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau—literally “Land of My Fathers”. It serves as the de facto national anthem of Wales, even though it’s not legally codified as such. Over time, however, public usage and tradition have solidified its status as the anthem of the Welsh people.
Origins of the Anthem: A Father-Son Collaboration
The creation of this anthem was a deeply personal and poignant collaboration. In January 1856, James James, a local harpist from Pontypridd, composed a melody—originally titled Glan Rhondda (meaning “Banks of the Rhondda”)—inspired by a walk along the Rhondda River. Upon returning home, he asked his father, Evan James, to write lyrics to the melody. By the following morning Evan had crafted three stirring verses, weaving together themes of heritage, language, and resilience. The song’s first public performance occurred shortly after that, sung by sixteen-year-old Elizabeth John in the vestry of Capel Tabor, Maesteg.
Rise to Prominence: From Local Tune to National Symbol
What began as a humble musical piece quickly ascended to national prominence. In 1858, at the Llangollen Eisteddfod, Thomas Llewelyn included the song in a competition collection; it was then that the tune acquired its now-famous title Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau, and the publication Gems of Welsh Melody helped to catapult it across Wales. Performances by notable soloists such as Robert Rees at the Bangor Eisteddfod in 1874 further cemented its standing as a patriotic anthem. By the turn of the twentieth century, the anthem had become widely embraced, even though it never received legal recognition as the official anthem of Wales.
Sporting Tradition and Public Sentiment
Wales holds the distinction of being the first country where a national anthem was regularly sung before sporting events. The tradition took root in 1905, when the Welsh rugby team faced the All Blacks in Cardiff. After the Haka, Teddy Morgan led the Welsh crowd in rousing renditions of the anthem—a moment that resonated deeply and established a lasting custom. Though less common in football at first, by 1975 sporting bodies decided the anthem should be sung solo, dropping other anthems like “God Save the Queen” from official ceremonies. In recent years, the anthem has taken on new international meaning, moving hearts when sung during Wales’ return to the FIFA World Cup in 2022.
Lyrics That Echo Welsh Pride and Persistence
The lyrics of Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau, penned by Evan James, evoke a deep reverence for Wales—its bards, warriors, language, and landscape. The chorus—“Gwlad, Gwlad, pleidiol wyf i’m gwlad” (“Land! Land! I am true to my land!”)—powerfully affirms unwavering loyalty. The song references the selfless sacrifices of patriots and celebrates the endurance of the Welsh language and spirit even amid adversity. Reddit readers highlight how the song’s second and third verses remind listeners of centuries-old threats—from Romans to modern political pressures—and how the language and culture have refused to fade.
Enduring Influence and Cultural Legacy
Although never legally decreed as Wales’s anthem, Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau enjoys de facto official status and is central to national ceremonies, including the opening of the Welsh Parliament (Senedd Cymru) and royal receptions since the 1970s. Its melody has transcended Wales, inspiring related anthems in Cornwall (Bro Goth agan Tasow) and Brittany (Bro Gozh ma Zadoù), highlighting a shared Celtic heritage. The anthem’s first recording was made in 1899 by Madge Breese, marking a milestone for Welsh-language media.
Conclusion
“Wales Volkslied” refers to Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau, a song born of father-son collaboration in 1856 that quickly became the heart-song of a nation. Though not legally adopted as the official anthem, it lives on as a symbol of Welsh identity, language, courage, and culture, resonating at sporting events, public gatherings, and moments of national reflection. Its stirring lyrics, sentimental melody, and historical roots make it more than just a song—it’s the living spirit of Wales.
