Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Prydydd Bychan, y

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763739Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900, Volume 46 — Prydydd Bychan, y1896John Edward Lloyd

PRYDYDD BYCHAN, Y (i.e. 'The Little Poet') (1200–1270?), Welsh bard, was of Deheubarth, i.e. South Wales. The title under which his poems have been handed down is a bardic nickname, and his real name and parentage are unknown. Twenty one of his compositions are printed in the 'Myvyrian Archaiology' (2nd edit. pp. 259-266), among them being verses to Rhys Ieuanc ap Gruffydd (d. 1220), to Rhys Gryg (d. 1234), to Morgan ap Rhys (d. 1251), and to Maredudd ab Owain (d. 1205), all members of the princely family of South Wales. He also sang to Owain Goch, brother of Llywelyn ab Iorwerth and prince of part of North Wales from 1246 to 1255. The most marked characteristic of the 'Little Poet's' verse is his fondness for assonance.

[Myvyrian Archaiology; Stephens's Literature of the Kymry.]

J. E. L.