Three notes on Canu Urien

Abstract

This paper discusses three terms in the run of englynion known as Canu Urien which have given rise to discussion and debate: the meaning of llad ‘strike’ or ‘kill’; the precise sense of two related phrases ry’m gallat and ry’m gallas; and what is meant by the geographical term Erechwyd or Yr Echwyd. In doing do, it draws on a wide range of evidence from other medieval Welsh prose and verse, and in one case also contributes to the understanding of a Middle Cornish verb.