Gone Medieval – “Owain Glyndwr, Welsh Rebel”

Podcast: Gone Medieval (History Hit)
Date: October 28, 2025
Host: Dr. Eleanor Janega
Guest: Dr. Hrun Emlen (Aberystwyth University, specialist in Welsh Medieval history)

Main Theme and Purpose

This episode dives deep into the life, legend, and legacy of Owain Glyndwr, the last native Welshman to hold the title Prince of Wales and leader of a major early 15th-century revolt against English rule. Glyndwr’s place in both history and myth is explored, covering his upbringing, the social and political forces in medieval Wales, the scale and ambitions of his rebellion, and his enduring significance to Welsh identity.
The discussion unpacks both the facts and the folklore, offering listeners context for Glyndwr’s impact and why he remains a pivotal figure in the Welsh imagination today.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Owain Glyndwr: From Fact to Legend

• Opening Context: Shakespeare’s Henry IV Part 1 paints Glyndwr (as “Owen Glendower”) as a wild, magical figure.
• Dr. Eleanor Janega: “He did manage various political feats that were no less astounding, including uniting a fractious Wales to his cause, laying out a vision for Wales as a cultural superpower, and keeping a rebellion against the powerful English alive for years on end.” (03:28)
• Glyndwr is shrouded in legend, which can obscure the man himself, but the truth is almost as impressive as the myth.

2. Early Life & Welsh Political Climate

• Post-Edward I’s conquest, Wales of the 14th century was marked by:
  • Subjection to new English laws and rulers
  • Distinct legal status for the Welsh
  • Social and psychological effects of the Black Death and periodic famine
• Dr. Hrun Emlen: “It is a complicated but also a very turbulent time, a time that’s ripe for rebellion.” (07:33)
• Glyndwr was born into noble families descended from pre-conquest Welsh rulers; this heritage comes with both privilege and lingering frustration over diminished status.

3. Glyndwr’s Ambivalent Loyalties and Opportunities

• His early career included military service for the English against the Scots and French.
• Emlen: “Many of his followers were people who were pillars of the establishment before the rebellion.” (11:01)
  • Even those who benefitted under English rule joined him, driven by deeper grievances.

4. Home Life, Poetry, and Prophecy

• Glyndwr lived comfortably, presided over poetry (hugely important in Wales), and cultivated both poets and prophets.
• Prophecy was a critical part of Welsh culture post-conquest, fueling hopes for deliverance and hero-figures.
• “We know that Glyndwr probably paid more attention to these prophecies than most because we know he had a personal prophet as well." (12:50)

5. Trigger for Rebellion

• Personal and collective injustices, especially around disputes with rival Lord Grey of Ruthin (land, legal injustices, possible setup for disloyalty).
• “And in a sense, that was the trigger, probably for him personally, but he represented a lot of injustice that people across Wales were facing.” (16:10)

Memorable Moment:

• The rebellion begins in 1400 when Glyndwr and 15 companions proclaim him Prince of Wales at his home, Glyndyfrdwy.
• Dr. Emlen: “You go right to the top. You don’t say, ‘Oh, well, we’re going to complain and see what happens’—you know, yeah, we’ve got to change the world and that’s what they try to do.” (17:24)

6. Uniting Divided Wales

• Historically, Welsh dynasties often fought among themselves; conquest ironically made unification easier by simplifying rival claims.
• Glyndwr’s own lineage meant he had the “best claim” to leadership after the old dynasties' extinction post-conquest.
• Intermarriage and family networks helped the rebellion’s message and alliances spread rapidly.

7. International Alliances and Ambitious Plans

• Early in the revolt, Glyndwr reached out to Scotland, Ireland, and France; all had historical ties as antagonists to England, and previous Welsh princely bids had also sought French support.
• Janega: “He doesn’t just keep this as a local Welsh affair—he immediately starts reaching out to other major personalities, right?” (20:54)
• French military aid arrived in 1405; together they campaigned in South Wales and briefly invaded England.

8. The Tripartite Indenture: Breaking Up England

• Glyndwr allied with the Mortimers (a family with a rival claim to the English throne) and the powerful Percy family from northern England.
• Emlen: “Basically it’s an agreement between Owen Glyndwr, the Mortimers, and the Percies to divide England between them.” (34:50)
  • Glyndwr’s projected rule would have included large tracts of western England.
• The scale of ambition was remarkable, showing how open power dynamics were at the time.

9. Vision for Wales: Universities, Parliament, and Reform

• Glyndwr aspired to a Welsh parliament and two universities—radical for the time, especially locally (none existed in Scotland yet).
• He surrounded himself with capable, educated advisors (bishops, diplomats, lawyers).
• Notably collaborative, not autocratic: Glyndwr consulted with assemblies and drew on a broad coalition.

10. Longevity and Impact of the Rebellion

• The revolt persisted much longer than most medieval uprisings: the organized rebellion lasted from 1400 to 1409, but residual activity and claims to power continued into the 1420s.
• Emlen: “One of the things we think of the rebellion—we know it failed and therefore we think…it’s like one of the other rebellions that might have happened. But…to think that it was successful for a while and that it lasted so long…I think it’s something that people might probably find surprising.” (45:14)

11. Cultural Output and Legacies

• The court produced little poetry compared to expectations (possibly due to upheaval), but Glyndwr's letters are “angry,” vivid, and articulate his vision.
• English chronicles show both dread and grudging admiration; English border communities sometimes paid Glyndwr “protection money.”
• He was quickly mythologized as a wizard—possibly as a way to rationalize his mysterious elusiveness and the weather frustrating English armies.

12. Glyndwr in Folklore and Modern Memory

• Myths—e.g., Glyndwr sleeping under a hill like King Arthur, waiting to return—persist and have meaning beyond mere historical facts.
• Throughout the 19th century Welsh cultural revival and up to modern independence movements, Glyndwr has been reimagined to suit each era’s needs.
• Emlen: “What he represents is more famous than what he actually did, I suppose.” (57:29)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Welsh Divisions and Unity:
  “The Welsh as often as not fighting one another more than anyone else, to be honest.” (17:57) — Dr. Hrun Emlen
• On Personal Injustice Triggering Rebellion:
  “There are various stories, but something happened which secured sort of injustice for Glyndwr…that was the trigger, probably for him personally, but in a sense, he represented a lot of injustice that people across Wales were facing.” (16:10) — Dr. Hrun Emlen
• On Ambition:
  “You go right to the top. You don’t say, ‘Oh, well, we’re going to complain and see what happens’…we’ve got to change the world and that’s what they try to do.” (17:24) — Dr. Hrun Emlen
• On Dealing with Myths about Glyndwr:
  “I’m not quite sure how many people actually believe that he’s a wizard…there’s so much of interest concerning him anyway.” (50:54) — Dr. Hrun Emlen
• On Glyndwr’s Place in Welsh Identity:
  “He’s another representative of Welsh identity, of Welsh sense of nationhood. Absolutely.” (57:11) — Dr. Hrun Emlen

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Welsh historical context & Glyndwr's upbringing:
  05:35 – 10:26
• His early career and Welsh social dynamics:
  10:26 – 12:04
• Prophecy and court culture:
  12:19 – 15:26
• The spark of rebellion:
  15:26 – 17:24
• Uniting Wales & his family’s role:
  17:30 – 20:54
• International diplomacy and alliances:
  20:54 – 26:40
• The Tripartite Indenture:
  32:26 – 36:02
• Ambitious reforms: universities, parliament:
  36:02 – 42:11
• Duration and afterlife of the rebellion:
  43:45 – 46:04
• Cultural output & English perceptions:
  46:04 – 50:34
• Legends, myths, and modern memory:
  51:35 – 57:29
• Glyndwr’s meaning for modern Wales:
  56:15 – 58:32

Tone and Style

The tone is lively, accessible, and often playful—especially as Dr. Janega marvels at the ambition and “audacity” of Glyndwr's moves. Dr. Emlen brings scholarly insight with a deep respect for both the factual and mythical sides of Glyndwr, emphasizing his continued relevance for Welsh culture and identity. Both participants blend rigorous historical analysis with an enthusiasm that makes the medieval world vivid and contemporary.

Useful For

Listeners seeking a comprehensive, engaging introduction to Owain Glyndwr—his real achievements, the roots of his legend, and his continuing cultural echo in Wales and beyond. No prior specialist knowledge needed; the conversation combines scholarly depth with approachability and humor.