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Madog Center for Welsh Studies
The
Madog Center for Welsh
Studies is named after Prince Madog ab Owain.
Prince Madog was a younger son of Owain Gwynedd, King of North
Wales, and Queen Brenda, daughter of the Lord of Camo. Little is known about Madog’s life; however, it is likely
that he was born at Dolwyddelan castle in the twelfth century.
Legend claims that he was hidden by his mother and raised by
Pendaran, an old druid. When
Queen Brenda lay dying, she told Owain about his son. Madog was sixteen
years old at the time. According to some accounts, King
Owain had seventeen sons. Upon
his death in 1169, his many sons began quarreling over his legacy.
Rather than become involved in the ensuing civil war with his
brothers, Prince Madog, a handsome and mild-mannered man, sailed from
Wales in the Gwennan Gorn to
seek his fortune. Upon his
return to Gwynedd, he was able to convince a number of people that
he had discovered a new land where people lived in peace.
Many believed this new land was America.
The reality of his discovery has been studied, discounted and
believed. However, this legend convinced many Welsh that they had a
legitimate claim to America. Plaques
have been erected at the ancient port of Aber-Kerrik at Rhos-on-Sea in
North Wales where Prince Madog was to have departed on his expedition,
and at Mobile Bay, Alabama where many believed he first landed. The plaques spell his name Madoc, the modern Welsh spelling. Therefore, the name “Madog Center” seems fitting for a center which promotes cultural, linguistic and other links between Wales and America.
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Madog Center for Welsh Studies Phone number: (740) 245-7186 |
