( Sign the petition HERE )
Studying the roll of honor on the Alabama Welsh Associations petition site one notices the names of concerned individuals and representatives of Welsh Communities and ex-pat Societies from all around the world. One also notes a distinct lack of support from the Welsh academic community and in particular Welsh historians.
Yes I know that Gwyn Williams debunked the theory that Gutyn Owen referenced the Madoc saga before John Dee. I share the general view that the whole tale is so fantastical as to be at the very least highly improbable. But then I dont believe in Pryderi's pigs either!
The very same Gwyn Williams who may have given the Madoc legend the kiss of death was fond of referring to the 'Mabinoggion' as a 'foundation text'. In that sense he likened it to the Old Testament. I dont think any sane person would deny the historical significance of either work.
The 'Mabinoggion' is a book of fairy tales but none the less significant for that. If the Madoc legend is also a fairy tale, as it very well maybe, why is it singled out for special treatment? Why is it not considered significant? It has motivated writers, explorers and statesmen. Its role as a subsidiary factor in the motivations of many of those who explored the American West is a matter of established fact! It inspired Robert Southey and many other authors.
The history of Wales is littered with fantastical episodes and fanciful figures. Arthur, Merlin and Iolo Morgannwg spring readily to mind. Is it the business of historians to despise them or study them?
Please humour those of us who are not professional academic historians. It would be greatly appreciated.
Previous post (HERE)
Yes I know that Gwyn Williams debunked the theory that Gutyn Owen referenced the Madoc saga before John Dee. I share the general view that the whole tale is so fantastical as to be at the very least highly improbable. But then I dont believe in Pryderi's pigs either!
The very same Gwyn Williams who may have given the Madoc legend the kiss of death was fond of referring to the 'Mabinoggion' as a 'foundation text'. In that sense he likened it to the Old Testament. I dont think any sane person would deny the historical significance of either work.
The 'Mabinoggion' is a book of fairy tales but none the less significant for that. If the Madoc legend is also a fairy tale, as it very well maybe, why is it singled out for special treatment? Why is it not considered significant? It has motivated writers, explorers and statesmen. Its role as a subsidiary factor in the motivations of many of those who explored the American West is a matter of established fact! It inspired Robert Southey and many other authors.
The history of Wales is littered with fantastical episodes and fanciful figures. Arthur, Merlin and Iolo Morgannwg spring readily to mind. Is it the business of historians to despise them or study them?
Please humour those of us who are not professional academic historians. It would be greatly appreciated.
Previous post (HERE)
Very well written. It leaves the question of the myth/legend/fact open while asking for a hearing. It is what the plaque says, the wording of it as though it were proven fact, that bothers me. We have heard so many "facts" from so many sources that we really do not know what to believe.
ReplyDeleteNevermind. That isn't your point here at all and I do understand. Good luck.
Agreed...the wording gives some cause for concern. I am in communication with true "beleivers" and one of them pointed out to me the other day that it is a question of perspective. I take the view that there is no concrete evidence to support this story therefore I do not "believe" it despite the fact that I would like it to be true. She takes the view that it needs to be proven and of course it is difficult to set out to prove something unless you have the conviction that belief provides.
ReplyDeleteI remain convinced that it is the job of academic historians to say "Wait a minute, wait a minute...wishing don't make it so.". On the other hand it is the business of people with strong convictions to pursue their dreams and who knows....maybe prove us all wrong in the eend. Either way, that plaque must go back since the whole story/legend IS now a part of history, both American and Welsh.
Thankyou for your commenting.
Diolch
CS