Arthur and Welsh Mythology
There is in Wales a long and rich tradition of storytelling. The Mabinogion, folk legends and local myths and tales have formed a part of Wales’ cultural inheritance from very early times to the present day. This exhibition; ‘Arthur and Welsh Mythology', which runs from 22nd July until 16th December, explores some of the most colourful characters from the collective Welsh mythology, and presents their stories on the pages of manuscripts, on the canvases of artworks and through the Library’s vast screen and sound archive.
Chris Grooms
On Thursday 27th July Chris Grooms, a Welsh speaking, classical guitar playing Texan, shares his illustrated journey arranging unpublished music from the manuscripts of Iolo Morganwg, Ifor Ceri, and Nicholas Bennett housed at The National Library Wales and his research into the Beethoven arrangements of Welsh melodies published by George Thomson in the 19th century.
Film: Hedd Wyn, Certificate 12
Monday 31st July, come along and watch this film that celebrates almost a century since the death of Hedd Wyn, the nom de plume of Ellis Evans from Trawsfynydd. This is a film that depicts life in rural Wales at the start of the 20th century before World War I set friends, relatives and acquaintances at war with each other. We see Ellis working, laughing and loving like any other young man, before the call to war interferes with his dream of winning the Chair at the National Eisteddfod. Could the strength of his muse outwit the battlefield? This film won the Spirit of the Festival award at the Celtic Film Awards in 1994, and was nominated for an Oscar. Free admission by ticket.
Story-maps, Welsh Folk Tales, and Children’s Book illustration
Join Valériane Leblond, artist and illustrator of the book The Four Branches of Y Mabinogi, and Peter Stevenson, storyteller and author of Welsh Folk Tales, for an afternoon workshop Wednesday 23rd August where attendees can create and illustrate a children’s book based on Valériane’s new illustrated map of Welsh Folk Tales specially created for the National Library. Event suitable for families and children aged 7 and above. From 2-4pm.
Treasures of Legends
Children aged 3-12 years will love hearing the legends behind our treasures at this story-telling session on Tuesday 29th August from 2.00pm. If they prove themselves worthy, they might even become a legend themselves by being painted as a Celtic warrior, dragon or fairy. Come and join in the fun with some friends from Castell Henllys, the Iron Age village in Pembrokeshire.
www.llgc.org.uk
