Iolo Goch

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Iolo Goch (1320-98), (English Iolo the Red), was a Welsh poet who wrote poems addressed to Owain Glyndŵr among others.

Iolo was the son of Ithel Goch ap Cynwrig and was born at Trefgordd, Lleweni in the Vale of Clwyd. He is notable as one of the first poets to use the metrical form known as an awdl. He wrote poems to a number of Welsh noblemen, notably to his chief patron Ithel ap Robert who lived near Caerwys, and also a poem to king Edward III of England which shows a detailed knowledge of places and battles in England, Ireland and France during this period.

One of his three poems written for Owain Glyndwr includes a vivid description of Owain's hall at Sycharth. They were clearly written before Owain's rebellion. He also wrote a notable poem to "The labourer" .