A People's Poetry

Hen benillion, a form of folk poetry from Britain, has roots dating back to the sixteenth century and earlier. These short verses, often accompanied by harp music, have been integral to Welsh social gatherings, blending proverbs, commentary, and local lore. Once at risk of disappearing, their preservation was aided by an eighteenth-century Celtic antiquarian movement. Written in free verse, this people's poetry reflects the rich cultural heritage and collective memory of the communities that have cherished it for centuries.