Exploring The White Book of Rhydderch and The Red Book of Hergest: Medieval Welsh Manuscripts
Two of the most prized and rare Welsh manuscripts are the The White Book of Rhydderch (Llyfr Gwyn Rhydderch) and The Red Book of Hergest. These manuscripts are not only rich in history but also in the preservation of Welsh language and culture from the medieval period. Let's delve into the details of these legendary texts and their significance.
The White Book of Rhydderch
The White Book of Rhydderch, also known as Llyfr Gwyn Rhydderch, is a significant manuscript dating back to the mid-14th century. It is one of the oldest surviving Welsh manuscripts, containing a valuable collection of Welsh prose and early poetry. Most of the manuscript was written in southwest Wales between 1350 and 1360, making it a national treasure of Wales.
Origins and Preservation of the White Book
The White Book of Rhydderch is held at the National Library of Wales. It belonged to the 17th-century antiquary Robert Vaughan, who inherited it from the calligrapher John Jones. Vaughan then passed it on to his descendants, who eventually donated it to the National Library of Wales. The collection consists of various manuscripts that were combined into one volume, known as the Peniarth or Hengwrt-Peniarth Manuscripts.
Significance of the White Book
The White Book is crucial for its early Welsh literature, with both prose and poetry. One of the most significant texts contained within is the oldest collection of Welsh prose, spanning from the 13th to the 14th centuries. This makes it a valuable resource for scholars and language enthusiasts alike.
The Red Book of Hergest
The Red Book of Hergest is another remarkable medieval Welsh manuscript. It was written around 1382 and is a significant source of Welsh prose and poetry. The book is renowned for preserving early Welsh literature, including the tales of the Mabinogion and Gogynfeirdd poetry. The name Red Book comes from the leather binding, red in color, and its late medieval association with Hergest Court.
Content and Association
The Red Book of Hergest shares a similar content with the White Book, leading some scholars to believe that it might be a copy or descendant of the same original manuscript. However, recent research suggests that both books may have descended from a lost common ancestor. The manuscript was given to Jesus College in Oxford by Reverend Thomas Wilkins in 1701, and it is currently kept at the Bodleian Library in Oxford.
Connection to Tolkien
The White Book of Rhydderch and The Red Book of Hergest were of great interest to J. R. R. Tolkien, who incorporated elements from both in his creation of The Lord of the Rings. Tolkien's fascination with these manuscripts highlights their importance in understanding medieval Welsh language and literature.
Current Status and Preservation
While these manuscripts hold immense historical value, several sections of both books have been lost over time due to the manuscripts being disassembled. This has made the preservation of these documents even more crucial. Efforts are ongoing to ensure that as much of the content as possible is available for study and enjoyment.
For those interested in viewing these precious documents, both the White Book of Rhydderch and The Red Book of Hergest are housed in reputable institutions. Visitors can arrange to view them at the National Library of Wales and the Bodleian Library, respectively.
Conclusion
The White Book of Rhydderch and The Red Book of Hergest are invaluable resources for the study of medieval Welsh literature. Their historical significance and rich content make them must-sees for anyone interested in Welsh culture and language. If you're planning a visit to these institutions or simply curious about these rare manuscripts, you are in for an incredible experience.