OWAIN CYFEILIOG

born c. 1130 died c. 1197 Welsh warrior-prince of Powys and poet of distinct originality among the gogynfeirdd (court poets). After ruling over the people of Powys from 1149 to 1195, Owain retired to the Cistercian monastery of Strata Marcella (Ystrad Marchell), which he had established in 1170. He died and was buried there, despite his previous excommunication (1188) for failing to support the Third Crusade. As prince of Powys he was known for his sympathetic attitude toward the English. Hirlas Owain (The Drinking Horn of Owain), the only poem that remains of Owain's compositions, is noteworthy for its dramatic presentation. It is set at court, where his warriors, weary from battle, are gathered at the banquet table. Each stanza begins with instructions to the cupbearer to pour a drink for a hero; he then bestows praise on the man as the drink is poured.