Trecheng
Those already familiar with the various national expressions of classical Bardism will no doubt recognize echoes here of the Triadic traditions preserved and adapted by Iolo Morgannwg. While his work has long been the subject of controversy, it nevertheless remains one of the few substantial attempts to preserve and reconstruct a functioning Bardic and Druidic framework for the modern age, and thus serves as an important point of departure rather than a final authority. The following Canadian adaptations draw not only from Iolo’s material, but also from older Gaelic and Irish sources such as the Trecheng Breth Féne, the Brehon law tracts, medieval Irish wisdom literature, bardic poetry, and broader Celtic customary traditions. They are presented as part of an ongoing effort to reconstruct and renew a living Gaelic-Celtic spiritual and philosophical tradition within a Canadian context.
Tab links to the triads below
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“Hast thou heard what Dremhidydd sung,
An ancient watchman on the castle walls?
A refusal is better than a promise unperformed.”
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“Hast thou heard what Llenleawg sung,
The noble chief wearing the golden torques?
The grave is better than a life of want.”
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“Hast thou heard what Garselit sung,
The Irishman whom it is safe to follow?
Sin is bad, if long pursued.”
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“Hast thou heard what Avaon sung,
The son of Taliesin, of the recording verse?
The cheek will not conceal the anguish of the heart.”
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“Didst thou hear what Llywarch sung,
The intrepid and brave old man?
Greet kindly, though there be no acquaintance.”
Sources: The following triads are drawn from multiple traditions and presented in six sections. Each section's origin is indicated below.
Triads of Bardism (§1–46): Adapted from the Barddas of Iolo Morganwg (Edward Williams, 1747–1826), as compiled and edited by J. ab Ithel (John Williams), published by the Welsh Manuscript Society, 1862. Iolo Morganwg presented this material as ancient Druidic doctrine; its historical authenticity as pre-Christian tradition is disputed, though it has been received and developed as a living tradition by the Welsh Eisteddfod and successor Druidic orders. It is included here in that spirit, as living reconstructed tradition, not as verified antiquity.
Theological Triads §1–6: Adapted from the same Barddas corpus, organised thematically.
Adaptation: All divine names have been rendered into Gaelic equivalents (see the Draoicht page glossary). Gendered language has been removed throughout. The text has been edited for use by the Bards of the Dominion of Canada.
This is a living working text, subject to revision by the Cathairachd/Gorsedd of ArdNemeton na Tuatha.